27. Savvy

27

Savvy

S avvy stood in front of the mirror wearing a cobalt blue tunic with gold and silver embroidery. The seamstress who made the traditional tunic that most Nightshade Wolf Shifter Pack women wore during their mating ceremony had done a splendid job and it fit Savvy perfectly. The tunic made her eyes stand out.

Hollie had braided Savvy’s hair and wound it around her head. She tucked in flowers, making it appear that Savvy was wearing a flowery crown.

“You look perfect,” Beth said.

“Absolutely gorgeous,” Taryn said.

Hollie grinned and said, “Rory’s one lucky pup to have you. Owen and I are so pleased that you are officially joining the family, although, in our eyes, you were a part of it a long time ago.”

“Thank you,” Savvy said.

“I wanted you to have this,” Hollie said, opening a box that held a sapphire pendant in the shape of a howling wolf. “I wore this when I married Owen. My mother gave it to me because she wore it when she married my father.”

“I’m honored,” Savvy said. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely,” Hollie said.

Savvy wondered why Hollie hadn’t given the necklace to Eva when she had gone through the mating ceremony with Rory.

The older woman must have read her mind, because she said, “Something in my gut told me that she wasn’t his fated mate and that their union wouldn’t last.” She clasped the necklace around Savvy’s neck.

“It’s gorgeous. I’ll cherish it always,” Savvy said. “Thank you so much.”

“I knew the first moment I saw you when the kids ran straight toward you and started talking to you like they’ve known you all their lives, that you were special. I had an idea then that you were going to be more than just a nanny,” Hollie said.

“Me, too,” Cassia said.

“Yeah, right, Dragonfly,” Savvy said.

There was a sharp rap on the door. “It’s time,” Owen said.

“I’m honored that you and Owen are taking the place of my parents,” Savvy said.

“We are happy to. You should have seen Owen this morning. He was making sure that his ceremonial robe was perfect and every hair was in place. I don’t think he took this much time and effort into his appearance when we went through the mating ceremony,” Hollie said.

“Here goes,” Savvy said.

Hollie went downstairs to find her seat. Taryn stepped out and took Sebastian’s arm. Then, Beth stepped out and took Conner’s arm. They went down the stairs and outside to where the ceremony would take place.

Savvy took Owen’s arm and carefully walked down the stairs and outside. Her heart fluttered at the sight of the handsome man waiting in front of the altar for her. He was also dressed in a cobalt blue ceremonial tunic. Drake and Cat were standing near him, similarly dressed.

As Savvy and Owen walked down the aisle, the rest of the world faded away. The stars danced merrily above, and the full moon shined down on them. Fairy lights in the trees twinkled. A soft, cool breeze caressed the back of Savvy’s neck.

When they reached the front, Owen kissed her cheek, placed her hands in Rory’s, and then stepped away.

Zac smiled at Savvy and then said, “We have gathered here today to bear witness to the eternal mating of Rory Garner and Savannah Winters. Their fated souls will be joined for all eternity in a union of love and honor.”

Savvy looked at Rory and smiled. The love she saw in his eyes made her knees weak. The feeling of something that surpassed the word love flowed through her and made her feel as though it was almost more than she could bear.

“Rory, you have vows that you prepared?” Zac asked.

“Savvy, the day you walked into my life, you opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibility. Your kindness, your strength, and your gentle spirit captivated me from the first moment. The love you showed to Cat and Drake captured my heart. I vow to spend every day for the rest of our lives loving you. I will cherish, protect, and support you as your partner. You are my fated mate, and I will love you for the rest of our lives in this world and all the worlds that come after.”

Her insides melted as Rory spoke the words of love to her in his deep voice. She heard Beth sniffle in line behind her.

“Savannah, you have vows?” Zack asked.

“As soon as we met, something inside of my soul recognized you as my soulmate. I tried so hard to resist, but I couldn’t. Your gentleness, your love for the kids, your courage, and your passion for life awoke something inside of me. I vow to walk by your side on whatever challenges we might face and successes we celebrate together as a couple and as a family. I promise to love you always and forever, as we journey through this lifetime together and the next.”

Zac smiled. “By the vows you’ve spoken tonight in front of friends and family, and by the power given to me by the alpha of the Nightshade Wolf Shifter Pack, I now decree you to be eternal mates. You may seal your union with a kiss.”

Rory smiled into Savvy’s eyes and said, “I love you.”

“And I love you,” she replied before his lips lowered to hers.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Rory pulled her close to him in a tight embrace. The kiss was interrupted when Drake said, “Ick.”

Cat added, “Get a room.”

They laughed and moved over to the tent where the food and gifts had been laid out. Everyone ate, laughed, and talked. The DJ started playing after the dinner was over. The first song was Amazed by Lonestar.

Savvy melted against Rory’s hard chest and reveled in the amazing feeling of having his arms wrapped around her.

“I can’t believe this is real. I’m so afraid that I’m going to wake up and have my heart broken when I realize it’s all been a dream.”

“Baby, I promise this is real. I will spend every day of the rest of our lives proving it to you.”

He lowered his head to kiss her. The world around them faded into nothingness.

The song ended and Drake tugged on Savvy’s dress. “My turn,” he said.

Laughing, Savvy danced with Drake and Cat. She danced with Sebastian, Owen, Conner, Beth, and Taryn. The night, filled with love and laughter, passed by so quickly.

The best part of the night, though, was when Hollie and Owen took the kids to their house for the night, and Savvy and Rory went upstairs to their room. Their tunics melted away and their bodies pressed together. They fell into the bed and made slow, sensual love, sealing their vows for all eternity.

***

Thank you for reading Nanny For Biker Wolf Daddy.