Chapter 33: Chapter 33

ANNA

It is a spring wedding. The outdoor location is out of a fairytale, facing a breathtaking view of a waterfall cascading down a mountain.

At the end of each row of seats, jasmine-scented candles hang on the end of naked tree branches. Spread down the grass aisle are white rose petals. Fairy lights hang from the trees close by.

At the end of the aisle stands the wedding arch, beautifully decorated with red and white roses. It’s stunning, and fortunately the weather is perfect for an outdoor wedding.

Ray and Jordan decided to write their own vows. Ray freaked out about it—she’s not good with words—but she got it done.

We are getting dressed. Ray is a nervous wreck. She looks like she’s going to crack.

“Ray, just breathe. You look incredibly beautiful. You’re going to take his breath away.”

She smiles weakly at me. “You think so?”

She really does look wonderful. Her wedding gown is off-white, with an open back, and small flowers bordering the corset of the dress. It has layers of material, including some short ones, and it fits her perfectly.

She’s pulled her hair up and lets a few strands hang loose. Her makeup is light and looks natural. Her only jewelry is a necklace Jordan gave her, with their initials in a charm.

“I think I’m going to throw up.”

I start to giggle.

She paces the room, waving her hands to cool herself down.

There’s a knock on the door. It’s her dad.

“Hey, honey. Are you ready to tie the knot?”

I smile at him. “I think she needs a sec.”

He frowns. “Everything okay?”

I smile brightly at him. “Yes.”

Ray turns to face me.

“You ready to go now?” I pull my one eyebrow up at her.

She lets out a breath of relief. “Yes, let’s go.” She smiles and stands tall.

“See you at the end.” I hug her and leave the room.

***

I walk down the aisle, smiling at all the guests who are anxiously waiting for the bride.

Jordan is sweating his pants off. He looks just as nervous as Ray. I cross my fingers, hoping he won’t faint.

The wedding march starts to play and everyone stands for the bride to enter. All eyes fall on my breathtaking friend.

I look over at Jordan and see his eyes start to twinkle. Their eyes meet, and it’s like she’s the only one he sees; no one else matters. They keep each other’s gazes.

My heart swells in awe of the love they share.

She glides down the aisle toward her man, her soulmate, the one we all search for. She finally found him.

He’s bewitched by her and can’t stop smiling. He’s proud to become her husband. He looks like the winner of the best prize ever.

Her father gives her a peck on the cheek and places her hand in Jordan’s. A tear runs down the poor man’s cheek as he gives away his baby girl. I’m swallowing hard to keep the tears from flowing.

They turn and face the priest, who starts the ceremony. Jordan is up first with his vows.

“My sweet Ray, where to start?” He takes both her hands in his and stares into her eyes. “You are my person, the one I waited so long for, my inspiration to be the best man I can be, my love, and my everything.

“I vow to express my love for you as often as I breathe each breath. I vow to cherish you, devote my life to you, and always be true. I offer you not only my heart but my soul as well.

“Although it is until death do us part, I know that we will never truly part, because our souls are entwined with each other. Nothing will divide us, because I know that with your love I will always have strength.

“My love, I give you this ring. Wear it with love and joy. I choose you to be mine. I choose you to be my wife to have and to hold. I pledge you my faithfulness and my love, for always and forever.”

He finishes with a smile bright enough to light the heavens.

Ray is sniffling. I know tears are close. My heart is pounding after that beautiful promise he just made.

Ray clears her throat.

“Jordan, before we met, I went through life without any purpose. I had a hole in my heart, an empty space—that is, until I saw you. You healed me, you gave me a purpose.

“I vow to love you with my whole being, to stand by your side no matter what life throws at us, to be your comfort, to give you strength, to make you proud.

“You are the part of me that’s been missing, and now we’ve found each other, never to part again. I promise to love you even if you drive me crazy. I promise to be faithful and true to you.

“With this ring, I vow to love you and respect you. I vow to stand by you through sickness and health, through riches and poverty, for I am yours and you are mine from now until forever.”

The priest ends the ceremony. My friends lock into a passionate kiss, not caring for the people staring at the newlywed couple.

They walk down the aisle hand in hand, as the crowd cheers them on. Xander and I stroll down behind them.

“What a lovely day,” he smiles at me and hands me his handkerchief.

“Thanks. Yes, it’s beautiful.” I flash him a bright smile.

We make it to where they want to take pictures. We take a few fun ones with Ray and Jordan, some with Ray and me, and then photos with the parents.

They will have happy memories of this day. Both look very happy and in love.

~I’m so glad Ray found someone to spend her life with.~

We make it to the reception. As we enter, “Marry You” by Bruno Mars starts playing. Ray and Jordan are glowing. I can’t help but smile at them.

At the head table, Ray smiles at me.

“Anna, everything is perfect. Thanks for all your help.” She pulls me in for a hug.

“Yeah, thanks, Anna.” Jordan gives me a bright smile, then turns to his wife. “Hey, babe, will you open the dance floor with me?”

Ray takes his hand and they step out to dance to “Love Me Now” by John Legend. They make a great couple, swaying across the floor.

Xander comes over to my side. “Wanna dance?” He offers me his hand.

I smile at him brightly and take it, and we go to join the dance.

Ray’s father takes the next dance with her and has her in tears, joyful tears.

Ray’s feet are killing her halfway through since everyone wants to dance with the bride. Jordan and I also danced to one song together.

They start to cut the cake and after that, the speeches follow. I talk about the love Ray and Jordan share and how happy I am for them, wishing them love and happiness.

Xander makes a few jokes about Jordan and tells a few stories, ending his speech with a wish for good fortune. We dance some more. Ray sneakily hands me all her alcoholic drinks.

“Wanna pee?” Ray grabs me by the arm and pulls me with her to the bathroom. “Anna, can I have your shoes, please? My feet are killing me in these heels.”

I start to giggle. “I told you not to wear them.” I hand her my shoes and take hers.

“Now I’m stuck wearing them.”

She smiles at me, “That’s what friends are for. I’m so happy we are the same size. So, what’s happening with you and Xander? Lip gloss?”

I hand her the lip gloss. “Nothing, we are just friends. Oh, yeah, and I’ve met someone.”

She frowns. “And you’re only telling me this now.”

“You were occupied with the wedding and everything.”

“True but still, you could have mentioned him at least. So who is he? How did you meet? Come on, I want deets!” She hops onto the counter.

I smile at her.

“You remember the hottie from the hospital?”

She stares into the distance, thinking hard. “Yes, the one with the blue eyes and dark hair, and that drop-dead gorgeous smile.”

I smile. “Yup, that’s the one. His name is Roland and we just kind of clicked. He took me out on a ‘not date.’ It was fun, and then we kissed.”

I shake my head at everything else that happens after that kiss. I can’t tell Ray about it, not now at least.

“Aww, Anna, you like him.” She pops her eyebrows at me.

“Yeah, I kinda do.” I flash her a sweet smile. “Now come, Mrs. Lambert, let’s get you back to your wedding.”

She hops off the counter.

“Ooh, I like the sound of that.”

We hook arms and stroll back to the party.

“Ah, there you are, my wife. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Ready to go?” Jordan pulls her to his chest. “I can’t wait to have you all to myself.”

Ray giggles. “Yes, my sweet husband, I’m almost ready to go, just need to throw the bouquet. Anna, you better catch this.” She swings the flowers around and smirks.

“Yes, ma’am, I will do my best.” I salute her like we are going into battle. She chuckles at me.

Jordan shakes his head. “It’s not World War Three, you know, it’s just flowers.”

Ray and I give him the death glare, and he puts his hands up in defeat. “Sorry.”

“It’s not just flowers, this is some girl’s dream—to be more precise, Anna’s dream of her big day, in the near future.” Ray smiles at me and winks. “Come, let’s go.”

The DJ calls all the single girls to the floor for the tossing of the bouquet.

Ray turns and throws it high in the air. Everyone jumps up to catch it, but unlucky me—Ray’s high heels are not made for this and the girl next to me catches it.

Ray pouts at me. I shrug my shoulders and give her a bright smile.

Ray and Jordan say their goodbyes. Her mom is in tears waving her off.

“I’m going to miss you!” Ray shouts over her shoulder as she slides into the car.

Xander stands next to me, holding tissues for me and Ray’s mom.

“Such a sweet boy.” She taps Xander’s shoulder and smiles at me. “He’s one of the good ones.”

“He is a great friend.”

She nods her head and smiles.

“I think she likes you,” I whisper in Xander’s ear.

“Ooh, sugar mommy. Is she single?”

I start to giggle. “Unfortunately not.”

He snaps his fingers. “Damn, I really thought I would get lucky tonight.”

I shake my head at him. “Come on. Up for one more dance, Casanova?”

He takes my hand and kisses it. “Always.”

~He is such a flirt.~

***

It’s getting late and the party is coming to an end. My feet are killing me and I swear I can hear my bed calling me.

I go outside. It’s a beautiful night and the wedding has been a success. Everyone enjoyed it. Ray and Jordan are madly in love and on a flight to Paris for their honeymoon. She texted me just before takeoff.

Xander comes strolling out.

“Hiding?”

I shake my head. “Stargazing. You?”

He sits on the steps. “Same. So, I wanted to ask you—what happened between you and Damitry?”

I tilt my head to the side

~He’s an evil demon who killed people I cared about.~

“We broke up. Is that why he’s not here?”

Xander shakes his head. “Nah, he had very urgent family business to take care of. I know if he could have made it, he would have been here.”

I clench my jaw, knowing exactly what business that is.

“Well, I should go to bed. Goodnight, Xander.”

“Night, Anna. Sweet dreams.” I stroll back in and head to my room, strip out of my clothes, and get ready for bed.

~A decent night’s sleep will do me good~. ~What a long and joyful day.~

I cuddle up on my bed and doze off.

***

The next day I decide to drive home early, back to my very empty apartment.

~It’s going to be so quiet without Ray.~

The trip is long and there’s nothing to distract me from my worried thoughts.

~Is Amethyst okay? What did Roland decide to do with Damitry? I just hope he’s safe.~

When I pull up to my apartment, I feel a chill run down my spine.

~I know I locked the front door. Why is it unlocked now?~

I walk in cautiously, and my whole body freezes.

Roland is sitting on my couch, blood dripping from his hands. He looks badly injured.

He looks up.

“I’m so sorry, flower. I tried.”