28. Peter

28

PETER

P eter faced Marina and took both of her hands. "Marina, my love. Today, in front of the Clan Mother and all of our community, I choose you. I promise to love you completely and without reservation, to support your dreams and share your burdens, and to face whatever challenges life presents, standing firmly by your side." His voice was steady despite the emotion threatening to overwhelm him.

He'd rehearsed this speech so many times in front of the bathroom mirror that he was sure it was embedded forever in its walls. If Mey ever came to their house and entered their bathroom, she would for sure hear the echoes of his declaration of love to Marina without even having to concentrate or put any effort into it.

He squeezed Marina's hands gently. "You make me stronger and better, and I feel more alive with you than I've ever been before. I promise to cherish every moment we have together, to fill our life with laughter and joy, to be your partner, your protector, your best friend, and your most devoted admirer."

He let go of one of her hands to pull out the ring he had in his pocket. It was a simple gold band with an inscription engraved on its inner side, and Marina had an identical one for him.

"With this ring, I thee wed," he said simply as he slid it over her finger.

He'd written so many alternatives to this traditional declaration, but they had all spoken of forever and eternity, and he knew that would only upset Marina, so he'd decided to stick to these simple words that did the job just as well, albeit with less fanfare.

Marina's answering smile was radiant as she put her hand back in his. "Peter, my love, you showed me what real love feels like. I promise to love you wholly and completely, to stand beside you through whatever life brings, to be your safe harbor and your greatest champion." Her voice grew stronger with every word, as if she was gaining momentum. "I promise to face our future together with courage and hope and to fill our days with wonder and joy. You are my heart's choice, my soul's match, and I will love you with everything I am for as long as I live."

She reached down and plucked the ring from where it had been cleverly attached to the fabric of her dress.

He'd wondered where she could have possibly hidden it, hoping she would pull it out from between her breasts, but his guess had been totally off.

She took his hand. "With this ring, I thee wed." She slid the ring on his finger.

As the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, the Clan Mother waited patiently and then lifted her hand, and the crowd fell silent all at once.

"Before the gathered witnesses and the Fates themselves, I seal your union with my blessings and that of our entire community. From this moment forward, your lives are intertwined—two hearts beating as one, two souls joined in perfect harmony. May your love grow stronger with each passing day and your bond deepen with every shared moment." Annani raised both her hands. "I declare you joined in love and bound together in body and spirit. From this day forward, you are partners in all things. Let your first kiss as a mated pair seal your bond."

As their guests once again cheered and clapped and Peter's fellow Guardians hooted and whistled, he pulled Marina close, pouring all his love and joy into their first wedded kiss.

When they finally separated, both breathless and grinning, a commotion started below that drew their attention .

At least ten Guardians had formed lines on either side of the wooden dance floor, and to Peter's amazement, they'd produced ceremonial swords.

"Oh no," he laughed, recognizing the set-up for the Scottish sword dance. "You can't do that without kilts."

Jay grinned at him. "Oh yes we can."

As the music started playing through the loudspeakers, his friends began the intricate footwork of the dance, stepping carefully between and over the crossed swords while maintaining perfect formation.

Marina squeezed his hand. "Go on," she urged, eyes sparkling. "I know you want to join them."

Peter didn't need to be told twice. Jumping off the stage, he crossed over to the dance floor and joined his fellow Guardians, falling easily into the familiar steps, though it had been years since he'd performed the dance.

Marina's delighted laughter rang out over the music, spurring him on to add an extra flourish to his steps. The other guests had gathered around the dance floor, clapping in time with the music. Even his mother looked impressed, clapping along and grinning.

When the dance ended, Peter returned to Marina's side, slightly out of breath but full of joy. "Did you enjoy the show?"

"Very much." She stretched up to kiss his cheek. " You were the best one there. I just regret that you weren't wearing a kilt." She winked.

"Next time," he promised in a low voice.

As Jasmine stepped onto the small stage with Jackson and Vlad and the opening notes of 'Can't Help Falling in Love' filled the air, Peter led Marina to the center of the dance floor for their first dance as a wedded couple.

The setting sun painted the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks while thousands of tiny lights twinkled in the surrounding trees, transforming the village green into an enchanted garden.

Peter drew Marina into his arms, one hand settling on her waist while the other clasped hers. "You look absolutely stunning," he murmured as they began to move together. "It was smart of you to hide this dress from me until now. If I'd seen you in it before, it wouldn't have made it to the wedding in one piece."

She laughed. "You look very handsome yourself, but I would very much like to keep this dress in pristine condition. Who knows, maybe one day our daughter will get married wearing it."

Peter swallowed, overwhelmed with emotion. "I'll do my best to preserve it as I peel it off your exquisite body later tonight."

Marina rested her head on his shoulder, and the rest of the world seemed to fade away until there was nothing but this—the music, the lights, and his mate in his arms.