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“Don't make me laugh.” I groaned. “I might rip a seam.”
The bottom of the dress hung to the ground, the delicate fabric floating around me when I moved. A long train trailed behind me, making me look regal and elegant. A thin veil sat atop my head and cascaded down my back in delicate waves. Tiny pearl beads were sewn along its edges, adding a touch of sparkle to an already breathtakingly beautiful gown.
Cynthia poked her head in the tent. “It’s almost time.”
My heart leaped as Analise squealed. Abi came up and gave me a tight hug.
“I am so happy for you,” she said, tears shining in her eyes. “I couldn’t ask for a better daughter.”
I waved my hands in front of me. “You’re going to make me cry, Abi.”
“Well, we can’t have that.” She dabbed at her eyes, then moved to the flap of the tent where Cynthia waited, beaming. “We’ll see you soon.”
And then they were gone, leaving me with Analise.
“I can’t believe you’re getting married.” Her own eyes gleamed. “I mean, I can, but I’m just so thrilled for you, Mariah. It’s a dream come true.”
It really was. Then it was time.
Analise took my arm as we stepped out of the tent into the bright summer sun. An aisle had been created with a long, white runner stretching from the tent to where Evan waited for me at the end. On either side were our friends, family, and clan members, all beaming up at me as I made my way down the aisle.
The beauty of the setting was breathtaking, with pristine white chairs lined up in neat rows on either side, adorned with bouquets of lush pink roses that filled the air with their sweet scent.
We paused at an archway of greenery and twinkling fairy lights. A harpist played delicate notes in the background, but I only had eyes for my mate, who stood tall and proud, waiting for me to join him.
My breath caught at the sight of him standing there in his tuxedo, looking so handsome and strong, the look of love on his face causing my heart to nearly skip a beat.
The aisle itself was adorned with white petals and candles, giving it a magical quality that made every step forward feel like I'd stepped into a magical wonderland.
As I took my first step down the aisle to my mate, the music swelled, filling the air with a beautiful melody. Every person there watched me intently, with smiles on their faces as I made my way to Evan at the end of the aisle.
Our gazes locked, and I couldn't look away. The way he smiled at me, the tenderness there… I could have sworn tears shone in his eyes as he watched me approach.
When I finally reached Evan’s side, he beamed at me so brightly that all else faded away. Only he mattered now, as well as this moment between us.
He took my hands in his own and whispered, “You look incredible,” before kissing them both tenderly and squeezing them. “Are you ready?”
I looked into his dark eyes, seeing the fierce devotion that’d become such a constant presence in our lives. “I’ve been waiting for this my whole life.”
His eyes crinkled the corners, and I could feel the intensity of his love through our bond.
“Then, let's make you my bride.”
With a nod to the clan elder, the ceremony started. The elder spoke, but his words were a blur as we stood before our friends and family. I marveled at the journey that had led us here. From the moment I had walked into Evan's life, we'd encountered challenges: from overcoming my initial resistance, to falling in love with both him and Sofia, to traversing the long road of battling our enemies to get to this point. Then there was my transformation into a dragon shifter, my pregnancy, and creating a life of our own.
Through it all, Evan had been by my side, strong and unwavering in his love and support.
“Mariah Bailey,” the elder said, drawing my attention back to him. “Do you take Evan Guerrero as your mate, in love and devotion, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” I answered without hesitation, my heart swelling with emotion.
“Say it again, louder!” Ana shouted from where she sat in the first row with Sofia in her lap, earning a laugh from the crowd.
“And Evan Guerrero,” the elder continued. “Do you take Mariah Bailey as your mate, in love and devotion, for as long as you both shall live?”
“Without a doubt,” Evan responded, his voice firm and resolute. “I am hers, and she is mine for all eternity.”
Tears threatened to spill again as his love wrapped around me, our bond pulsing, strong and true.
