12. Rune

RUNE

SEVERAL WEEKS LATER.

I shuffle my feet impatiently as I look out at the intimate gathering in our yard. A tent was erected because snowfall had been predicted to be heavy this morning, and the forecasters were right. Heaters are also spaced out to keep our wedding guests comfortable.

As music begins playing, CJ walks down the aisle as our flower girl, tossing purple Saxifrage petals as she goes, smiling and twirling like a tiny ballerina. Damien follows shortly after with the rings Chloe and I chose for each other.

When EmaLeigh and Sebastian start their way down the aisle, each holding a twin in their arms, I stand up straighter, knowing my bride is next.

Closing my eyes as the music changes, signalling Chloe’s arrival with my father, I slowly open them to take her in and lose my breath as well as any functioning brain cells.

I figured she would be gorgeous, but I had no idea she would take my breath away. Her dress was made by a seamstress in town who enjoys the intricacy of designing wedding gowns, and with a few adjustments to a dress she’d previously crafted, Chloe looks like a Viking queen.

She’s enveloped in ivory with black floral sequined lace creeping over a layer of rose gold tulle. The bodice extends into a soft A-line skirt and flowing train and is accentuated with black velvet ribbon, creating a six-pointed star at the sternum and soft tulle straps hand-tied at each shoulder.

My father beams down at her like the proud parent he’s become to my bride. Their relationship has grown since the first time they met, and I was unsurprised when she told me she wanted the man to give her away. Pops, however, had been shocked and moved to tears before accepting her request.

The ceremony continues on in a blur of heartfelt vows, promises of love and forever and the agreement to spend our lives intertwined for eternity. When I’m finally permitted to kiss my bride, I don’t hesitate and pull her into my arms with a possessive hold and a dire need to claim my woman.

Our lips gently touch, and I ignite with need. Lifting Chloe up in my arms and off her feet, she wraps her body around me, holding me just as close, just as tightly. She allows me to dominate the kiss because it’s what we both like, what we crave together. And when we finally separate, overheated and forgetful of our audience until applause erupts, a soft pink blush blossoms up her chest, neck, and cheeks, but her smile is warm and pleased.

Placing my new wife on her feet, we face our guests together, raising our twined hands as Ema and Sebastian drape our cloaks over our shoulders, then rush from the tent, followed by whistles and catcalls. Laughing our way into the house, I help Chloe put on a pair of warmer boots she bought for our outdoor reception, which our guests are now setting up.

“You’re my husband,” she whispers, her eyes filled with love as she stares down at me while I tie her boots.

Dropping her foot, I lean forward, grabbing the back of her neck and dragging her forward as my lips touch hers, saying, “And you’re my wife,” as I capture her lips in a far more intimate kiss than moments ago.

I fuck into her mouth the same way I’d like to be inside her willing pussy, but we both agreed to wait until tonight. To build the need and anticipation we constantly feel for one another.

“Christ, woman.” I pull back before I do what we both want and devour her until we forget the awaiting reception. “We should go.”

Neither of us makes a move to get up.

“They’re waiting,” Chloe pants, her eyes hooded with lust swirling in her hungry gaze. “We should go.” Her giggle at copying my words breaks the heated moment, and I help her to her feet.

Clasping our hands together, we walk out the back door to our celebration with smiles on our faces and love filling our hearts.

Pitching in to finish set-up as the only diner in town arrives with our catering order, the afternoon is spent talking, laughing, and making plans for the future with not only my wife but her family and mine.

Everyone is eager to tell stories about the Eriksson family from as far back as a hundred years ago. And while I’d like to hear more about Chloe from her sister, she’s eating the lore all up, and I’m delighted she’s intrigued, too.

Taking to the dance floor for our first dance, I feel the most settled I’ve ever been in my life. I never believed the woman meant to be mine would show up when she did, and my gratitude for Chloe’s inquisitive nature will forever be ingrained in my soul.

“Are you happy?” She leans back to stare at me, her petiteness ever-present, more so now than at any other time since our meeting.

“I’m beyond happy. Having you as mine forever is the only thing I’ll ever want or need.” She smiles when I kiss the tip of her nose.

“So, if I told you I’m late, you couldn’t be any happier?” There’s a twinkle of mischief in her eye, and I resist the urge to swat her ass.

“You know I’d be pleased, woman. Don’t fuck with me.” The growl in my tone rumbles my chest.

Before Chloe can say anything else, there’s a loud crash at the back of the tent, followed by startled screams as Bear and Waddles make their entrance and help themselves to the table of fish I had set up just for them.

“Good thing we warned everyone first.” Chloe nearly doubles over with laughter as the pair sits on the ground and chows down on their feast. The guests are unsure at first, but after a while, they settle down and enjoy the rest of their evening.

Waddles follows Ema’s kids around, and Bear slumbers with his head under a table, snoring loudly but is otherwise content with the festivities happening around him.

“It’s getting late,” Chloe whispers in my ear as she comes up behind me. “And I have a surprise for you.

I don’t hesitate to scoop her up and carry her home to applause behind us.