On the opposite side of the arbor stands Addi and my mother. Ali and Addi have become close over the last year, and since her own mother isn’t here, she asked mine to stand with her. I still see the sorrow in her eyes when she thinks of her and knew this morning would be difficult without her here to help her get ready.
As luck would have it, one of the items my parents packed for her before they returned was an antique pearl comb. Ali said her mother wore it on her wedding day and wanted her to wear it when she got married. She cried when she saw it. There were also a few photo albums, jewelry, and other items my parents thought she would like to have in the box. It’s too bad we weren’t able to go back and bring all of her things here. The key hasn’t been seen since when my father opened the door with my mother behind him. Fickle thing it is.
As I stand here waiting for her to arrive, I can’t help but think back to when I proposed to her. We went out for a ride on my horse. We decided to explore the woods. It had been raining on and off for days, however we saw the sun was out and decided to chance it. While out, the clouds opened up and we took shelter beneath the canopy of leaves, but were still getting wet.
Taking advantage of the moment, I started kissing her. I’m helpless to resist those plump lips of hers. She wanted to play, though, and took off running through the woods. No match for me, I quickly caught her, but in doing so slipped, and we both ended up on the muddy forest floor. I hovered over her and loved watching the heat build in her eyes. Her nipples puckered beneath her shirt. It took everything in me not to take her right then and there.
Leaning down, I moved to capture her mouth with mine, although I never got there. She took a hand full of mud and smacked the side of my face with it, then started laughing hysterically. There was no way she was getting away with that. I returned the favor, but instead of her face I smeared it all over her breasts. I wanted to touch her so badly, it gave me an excuse to do so.
She quickly bucked me off and tried to get away, but I wasn’t letting her. We ended up smearing mud all over one another, all the while laughing uncontrollably. It was the most fun I’d ever had.
By the time all was said and done, we were both covered from head to toe in mud. I had Ali beneath me again, and I knew it was the right moment to propose to her. I had no ring, no speech prepared, but I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.
I looked down and even covered in mud, she was the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. “Marry me, Alison Wescot,” I said with humor in my voice.
She was still laughing. “You’re not serious.”
“I’m very serious.” I steeled my features so she knew I meant it. “I want you forever by my side. I want to spend every day for the rest of our lives with you in my arms. I want to wake to your gorgeous smile and luscious body. I want you to be my wife.”
For a moment, I thought she was going to say no or tell me how ridiculous it was to ask someone to marry them while lying on the forest floor caked in dirt, but she didn’t. She beamed with the most radiant smile. “Yes, Lucas Azure. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
I kissed her hard for a moment before standing and bringing her up with me. Gripping her waist, I lifted her in the air and spun her. Her legs wrapped around my waist, and I ended up backing her against a tree to kiss her once more. I pulled away before we went further. The mud was fun, but I had no desire to get it in more delicate places.
We found the horse and rode back to the castle a mess. The sun had come back out by then and was drying the mud nicely. The looks on the two guards’ faces when we returned was that of worry. They thought we’d been attacked. I explained to them that I was indeed attacked, but it was by my dear fiancé, not someone who was out to do me harm. It took a moment for it to sink in that I referred to her as my bride to be. Once they caught on, they both cheered and helped us from the horse.
After saying their congratulations, they took the horse from me to return him to the stables while Ali and I walked through the courtyard back to our home. It was mid-day and with the sun back out, the vendors returned. They watched us pass with open curiosity. We stopped in the middle of everyone and I shouted, “She said yes! She’s going to marry me!” I was elated and couldn’t resist. I held her hand in mine as everyone around us clapped and cheered.
Now, here I am, waiting for her to make it official; to make her my wife. A few moments later, Storm touches down with my princess on his back. My father is with her and takes her hand once he’s on the ground to help her down. I’m able to see her dress and it sends a rush of heat through me. My dick is very appreciative of her appearance; however, this is not the time nor place.
Our weddings are similar to the ones Ali described that took place in her realm. She said her father would have walked her down the aisle, but since hers was dead, she asked mine if he’d do the honor. He proudly accepted. Do I regret killing Rafe? No, not in the least. It was a long time coming. Him holding a sword to my love’s throat was the final straw.
Her brother and Oliver are in attendance. Reid offered to walk her down the aisle, but she said she would rather my father do it. She’s become close to him and he, in turn, treats her like one of his own children.
Reid and Oliver are the only ones from the Pine Kingdom that came. Well, and guards for their king. Ali went back and forth about inviting Oliver, but I said inviting him is a sign of trust and alliance. We are two kingdoms united by blood now, and I may have wanted him here so he can, once and for all, stop pining for my princess. Although, I don’t know if even the wedding will keep him from desiring her.
All of the men in the wedding are dressed in formal wear. Black slacks, white shirt, black jacket. We also wear an azure sash over our chests, but beneath our jacket. My father has his crown on and a cape that matches the sash. On my and Elliott’s jackets are the crest that marks us as Elite, the lion head.
Ali spent weeks going back and forth with the tailor working on her dress. She wanted to combine her more modern style with an element that represented her life with me. I wasn’t allowed to see it before today. She said it was bad luck, but it was well worth the wait.