Page 49 of An Anomaly of Sunlight

Thirty-Four

Skyler

The closer we get to the house the sweatier my palms become. I want tonight to be perfect for Amethyst. Growing up under the guise of being human, Amethyst had daydreamed about marriage. She always wanted an intimate wedding, just her friends and family in attendance.

I’ve been planning on proposing since her first mention of it. Plotting with Emerald on a date and plan for the evening. Typically, mated wolves forego marriage. To us a mate bond is the equivalent — arguably more sacred.

However, marrying Amethyst means I get to claim her again in a different way. Our mating ceremony was spontaneous. Despite having an entire moon cycle, we solidified our bond the very same night we received our marks.

I hope Amethyst can still appreciate a little spontaneity. Emerald ordained herself to be able to marry us on the spot tonight. Provided that my beautiful Sunlight says yes. I run my hand over the little box in my pocket and mill over the checklist in my mind for the thousandth time.

She places a hand on my shoulder. “Are you okay? You’ve been acting weird today.” I feign a hurt expression. “I’m not weird every day?” I pout. She smirks at me, narrowing her eyes.

I love it when she looks at me like that.

“Fine,” she shrugs, “more weird than usual.” With a chuckle I assure her, “I’m perfectly fine, Sunlight.” Pulling into the driveway, I’m happy the others decided to park in the yard. Just as Emerald promised, I can’t see a fucking thing. She spelled hers, August’s, and Sage’s cars invisible. A feat that could only be accomplished on objects, she clarified.

A witch could be blessed with the affinity of invisibility. But that will only turn the blessed witch invisible, no one else. I can only assume that was Nitasha’s. The strawberry scent, the voice Amethyst heard outside her window. The million dollar offer from that vampire bastard. It all adds up.

I clench my fist around the ring in my pocket. Nitasha is smart, I’ll give her that. She knows not to show her face here again. I shift my focus back to the present. Nitasha has ruined enough. She will not taint the memory of this night too.

With the cars spelled but Emerald having no affinity, the three of them would have to go old-fashioned, hiding in the trees. It’s wonderful to see Emerald tap freely into her witchy nature. All these years she had hidden it, not wanting Amethyst to feel left out.

The family’s affinity may have passed Emerald, but she still possesses an impressive amount of spellcasting magic. All of my clothes are now safe from rips thanks to her.

Amethyst reaches to open the passenger door. By the time she steps out of the car, I’ve made my way around to her side and pull her into my arms. I push the door closed, easing her back against the car. “You know better than that, Sunlight.” She huffs, leaning up and nipping at my bottom lip. “You took too long to open it, Angel.” Her voice in my mind is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

My fingers tangle in her hair as I press a kiss to her lips. Turning toward the house, I pray everything and everyone is in place. I guide her inside with a hand on the small of her back. My heart finally stops beating erratically as I see the trail of rose petals leading through the living room and outside.

Her breath hitches, eyes alight and giddy with excitement. “What’s this?” She turns my way. “Follow the trail, love.” With a grin, she takes my hand, pulling me along behind her. Sliding open the glass door and stepping outside, she gasps, her hands covering her mouth.

Perfect, indeed.

Dozens of tiny orb lights hang from tree branches, lighting the way to the lake. “Skyler, this is beautiful!” Awe fills her voice as she leads us down the petal coated trail. At the end are bouquets of roses and sunflowers arranged in the shape of a heart. Her hands clutch at her chest, her love warming the mark on my left hand.

As Amethyst kneels, running her fingers along the flower petals, I risk a glance beside us. Locking eyes with Emerald, she nods. No one knows much about cameras besides my talented mate, but Emerald assured me that over the years of seeing Amethyst practice she had learned a trick or two.

Returning her nod, I take a deep breath and straighten my shoulders. Moving beside Amethyst, I cup her face in my palm. Her eyes peer into mine, and I have to remember how to breathe.

Goddess above, she is divine. I’ll thank the stars for eternity that I get to call her mine.

“Amethyst, my beautiful, brilliant mate. I knew from the moment you stepped foot in Burrow’s you’d alter my world. This new reality I get to live with you is better than anything I could’ve dreamed of. You came into my life and made everything brighter. More joyful and full of color.” I take both of her hands in mine, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“The past few months with you have truly been the best of my life. I can’t wait to spend every day the Goddess grants me with you. I love you, infinitely.” Slowly kneeling before her, I reach for the box in my pocket. “You have done me the extraordinary honor of accepting me as your mate.” I pause as tears prick my eyes. “Now, I’m wondering if you’ll allow me the honor of calling you my wife.”

She wipes back her own tears as I present the ring set. An engagement ring and matching wedding band of gold accented with diamonds. I hope I made the right decision going with a moss agate as the main stone.

“Will you marry me, Amethyst?” Vigorously nodding, she drops down, wrapping her arms around my neck. Cheers erupt around us as the others pop out of their hiding places. Amethyst squeezes me tighter.

“I love you more than I could ever describe, Skyler. I’d marry you every day for the rest of my life if that was possible. Yes, you can absolutely call me your wife!”

Sage claps me on the back. August and Emerald wrap their arms around Amethyst as she stands. Before talking to anyone, I take Amethyst’s left hand, sliding her rings into place and sealing it with a kiss.

“How are you here?” She asks her mom, “I didn’t see any of your cars.” She says matter-of-factly to my sister. Augs chuckles, pointing a thumb at Emerald, “Mom magic.”

I turn to Sage, is she crying? “Not a fucking word, Ashford.” Dabbing her sleeve against her eyes, she pulls me into a side hug. “Congratulations, Skyler, I’m so fucking happy for you, brother.” She murmurs sincerely with another pat to my back.

Emerald’s voice draws my attention. “If you two will just say I do, with the power vested in me by the internet, you will be married before the Creators.” Amethyst covers her mouth with her hand but fails to hold in her laughter. The three women stand back, Amethyst and I gravitating toward each other.