27. Beth

"Are you ready, Mama?" Taryn asked.

"I've been ready for this for almost twelve years," Beth said.

Bella, Conner's mother, Olivia, Lucy, Savvy, and Anna were crowded in the room where Beth was getting ready for the mating ceremony.

"He asked me if I preferred a regular wedding ceremony, but I said that I wanted to be a part of his pack and be a part of his culture," Beth said as Lucy and Olivia helped her into the wedding tunic that was just like the ones they had worn.

"We're honored that you want to be a part of our pack," Bella said, hugging her. "Taryn, too."

"Actually, we need to talk about you and Taryn," Beth said.

"Oh?" Bella asked, sounding a little worried.

"You guys have got to stop spoiling her," Beth said. "She is a sweet, young woman right now, but if you keep this up, she's going to be an entitled, rotten turkey."

"You've been talking to Zac and Olivia," Bella protested.

"Why would you say that?"

"Because they tell us that all the time. It is our duty to make sure that our grandchildren are happy and well taken care of, and we have a lot of time to make up for."

"Not all at once," Beth said, and everyone laughed.

Olivia put the last touches on her hair, and Savvy did her makeup, which was just a bit of eyeliner, eyeshadow, and some lip gloss.

"I'm so lucky to be getting a daughter like you," Bella said. "You and Olivia make us so happy."

Beth smiled. She had never experienced genuine motherly love before she met Bella. Beth didn't feel sorry for herself because of what she missed out on with her own mother. She simply celebrated what she had.

It was time for the ceremony and Conner's father, John, knocked on the door. He had asked for the honor of walking her down the aisle.

Taryn stepped outside and took Micah's arm.

Savvy hooked her arm through Zac's arm and smiled at Olivia. "I promise to return him in the same condition I found him in."

Anna grinned as she took Gideon's arm.

"The mating ceremony is a lot like a traditional wedding ceremony," Beth noted.

"It is," Olivia said.

They walked outside where everyone was waiting. Beth's heart was racing a million miles an hour, and she almost forgot to breathe. The sun's warm rays shined down on her. The warm air danced around her.

She laughed when she looked at the makeshift altar. Conner was standing in front of one of the elders of the pack. Next to him was Zephyr.

Bella had protested, but Conner said he couldn't get married without all of his best friends there. Pegasus, not to be left out, was standing on the other side so he could be close to Taryn.

John leaned down and whispered in Beth's ear, "The only thing missing is the bull that tried to kill him."

"Don't give him any ideas," Beth said. "He'd put the ceremony on hold until he could track the darn thing down."

Laughing, John said, "You're probably right. Are you ready?"

"Yes."

As everyone stood, Beth approached the man waiting for her. When she reached Conner and John put her hands in Conner's, the rest of the world faded away. She only had eyes for the man she had given her heart to so many years ago.

Elder Ivan took a deep breath and began to speak. "Brothers and sisters of the pack, we gather here today under the heavenly sky to celebrate the sacred rite of mating. Conner and Beth have found their destined mates in each other, their souls forever intertwined like the roots of ancient trees."

He paused for a brief second and then continued. "The mating bond is not to be taken lightly. It is a lifelong commitment that will bind them together through all of life's journey – through times of plenty and scarcity, joy and sorrow, until their spirits depart this earthly realm."

Beth trembled at the power in his words, knowing that she would finally be one with the man who had stolen her heart.

"I understand that you have vows you wrote," the elder said. "Conner."

Conner took a deep breath and stared deep into Beth's emerald eyes. "You saved my life and you stole my heart. I fell so deeply in love with you. That love was erased in my mind, but never in my soul, and unconsciously, I spent the next eleven years searching for you. As soon as we met again, my heart and soul recognized the part of me that had been missing all that time. I fell in love with you all over again. Not only did you make my life complete, but you also gave me a daughter who makes the sun rise for me each morning. You are an incredible woman to make me fall in love with you, not once but twice. I promise to love and honor our union for all eternity."

Beth swallowed hard, trying to find her voice as she was so overcome with the love she felt for the man standing in front of her.

"When we first fell in love, everything in the world was right. I almost died inside when I lost you. Our daughter, Taryn, who looks and acts just like you, reminded me that I would always carry my love for you in my heart and soul. It was that love that kept me going. Every night, I would dream that you came back to me. One night, that dream came true. There is a saying that if you love someone, set them free. If it was meant to be, then they will return. You came back to me. You made me whole again. I promise to love and honor our union for all eternity."

Elder Ivan smiled. "Conner, do you pledge your eternal loyalty and undying love to Beth? To provide and protect, to respect the ways of the pack and honor the old traditions?"

"Yes, Elder," he said, bowing his head.

"Beth, do you pledge your eternal loyalty and undying love to Conner? To provide and protect, to respect the ways of the pack and honor the old traditions?"

"Yes, Elder," she replied, bowing her head.

"Let your hearts beat as one. May your union be blessed with many strong pups to carry on your line. And may your powerful, combined soul live long after the moon has burned its last light. You may seal the bond."

Conner touched her face and then bit Beth's neck, forever marking her as his fated mate. They exchanged rings, and then Conner pulled her into his arms, pressing his lips against hers in a passionate kiss.

"Um, Mom? Dad?" Taryn said when the kiss didn't end.

Laughing, Conner pulled away from Beth, knelt down, and picked up Taryn.

"I'm too big for you to pick me up," she said.

"Who says?" Conner laughed.

They had a separate area set up for the reception. Everyone walked over to the tables.

After the dinner was served, the DJ played their first song, which was a romantic song they agreed on. Then, Beth whispered something to the DJ.

Everyone laughed when he played, Back in Baby's Arms Again, sung by Patsy Cline.

Conner was dancing with Taryn, and Beth walked away from the crowd for a minute. The golden-orange orb was slowly disappearing behind the mountains. The sky was streaked with incredible shades of blue, pink, orange, purple, and red. Leaves on the trees rustled with promises of love, and the warm breeze caressed her face.

Beth's heart was full. Savvy joined her.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. Better than okay. I still can't believe it's real," Beth said.

Just then the baby kicked hard. "Oof," Beth said.

"It's real, alright," Savvy said. "That baby is due any day now. You can't get any realer that than. Actually, weren't you cutting it a little close?"

"Taryn says I still have a week."

"That little witch is never wrong, is she?" Savvy laughed.

"Not yet."

"I was thinking that with you and Taryn gone, there's not a lot left for me in Cheyenne. I was wondering what you would think about me moving to Angel's Creek to be near you guys."

"That would be so incredible," Beth said. "Perfect."

They rejoined the group and spent the rest of the evening partying and enjoying life.

Beth was relieved, though, when the party was over. Taryn was in bed and it was just her and Conner.

She wrapped her hands around his neck and stared into his chocolatey brown eyes that showed deep love for her.

"I love you so much," she said.

"And I love you," he replied.

They slowly undressed each other, taking time to enjoy each other's touch. Their bodies melted together and they fell into the bed, making slow, passionate love.

When they were both satiated, Beth snuggled into Conner's arms. Everything was right in the world.

***