Page 38 of Fire Bear

Reed nodded. “Flowers, chairs, dais, arch. The orchard is, in Talia’s words, perfect. She is fussing over the reception and photographers right now. Dad is out chatting with some of the orchard staff and making sure the guests know where to sit. You can relax, big brother. All you have to do is show up and say your vows.”

Ash felt warmth in his chest at the mention of his father. Corey had become close with Eliana over the past months, supporting her after the fire. He looked at Reed. “Thanks for being here. Not just for wedding planning, but for all of it.”

Reed clapped him on the shoulder, sharing a genuine smile. “That is what brothers are for.”

Kyle busied himself checking Ash’s collar and fussing with the boutonniere, which had a small sprig of apple blossoms pinned in place. A light rap on the doorframe signaled another arrival. Jake peeked in with a grin.

“Hate to interrupt,” he said, “but the orchard is filling up and the minister said we should gather soon. You ready, Chief?”

Ash exhaled a laugh. “I think so. Let’s do it.” Ash followed his brother and friends down the hallway. As they walked, soft music drifted from outside, and the light through the windows grew brighter, hinting at a perfect spring day.

He and Eliana had hoped for clear skies, though the orchard’s blossoms alone would have made it magical in any weather. This, however, was the best scenario: sunshine, a gentle breeze, and thousands of blooms swaying on the branches.

They exited the farmhouse and stepped onto the porch. The sight was breathtaking. Rows of apple trees in full bloom stretched in all directions. Petals fluttered across the grass like pastel confetti.

Billowy lengths of ribbon draped from one apple tree to the next, appearing almost like pastel clouds caught in the branches. Floral garlands of pink and white blossoms brought the orchard’s natural beauty to life.

Overhead, strands of twinkle lights crisscrossed, forming a fairy-tale canopy that would glow brighter as twilight advanced. Rows of tables were arranged around a makeshift dance floor. Each table was topped with delicate vases with fresh flowers, and the tablecloths matched the wedding’s pink and white color scheme. The orchard had never looked so magical.

A narrow path of chairs led to a central arch near the orchard’s prettiest clearing, where the dais stood adorned with flowers. Family and friends were already taking their seats, some snapping photos, others chatting with old friends.

Ash swallowed, touched by the sense of community that had formed around him and Eliana. He made his way down the path, Reed at his side, with a few other groomsmen trailing behind.

The spring air carried the heady perfume of apple blossoms, so intense he could practically taste it. As he approached the front, the minister gave him a warm nod. She looked poised and cheerful under the arch.

Ash took his place to her left, facing the aisle where Eliana would soon appear. He tried to slow his racing heart, but the knowledge that in mere moments he would see her in her wedding dress made his breath catch.

Reed stood by his side, and Talia stood on the bride’s side. Ash’s family sat in the front row. On the other side were Mateo and his mother. From his vantage on the dais, he could see rows of smiling faces. The wedding march began to play. Ash’s excitement spiked. He flexed his hands by his sides, forcing himself not to fidget. The melody swelled, and Eliana appeared.

Her gown was shimmering ivory satin with a fitted lacy bodice. A flowing tulle skirt fell in layers to the floor, each movement revealing tiny pearls stitched along the hem. Soft floral embroidery ran down her sleeves, and pink petals were woven into the short train. Gerald walked with her, arm in arm. He wore a crisp gray suit with a pink bow tie, looking proud and emotional all at once.

Eliana met Ash’s gaze, her eyes misting with unspoken emotion. Ash’s chest constricted with the knowledge that this incredible woman was his mate. Pink and white petals floated on the spring breeze, drifting across the aisle. When Eliana reached the dais, she took Ash’s hand and stepped up to stand beside him.

They faced each other beneath the flower-laden arch. The minister began the ceremony. “Dearest family and friends, we are here today to celebrate the joining of Ash Bright and Eliana Hampton in their sacred bond. You may now exchange vows.”

“Ash,” Eliana said, “from the moment I met you, I knew you would change my life for the better. You have shown me courage and warmth, and a gentle strength that I can always trust. My vow is to nurture the love that binds us, and to cherish the bond we share as mates.”

His throat constricted with emotion. When the minister turned to him, he drew a steady breath. “Eliana,” he began, “you awakened a part of me I never knew was missing. Your kindness and love have become my guide. I promise to protect you with all that I am, to honor this supernatural bond we share, and to be the anchor that keeps our love steady through any storm.”

Tears brimmed in Eliana’s eyes, but her smile glowed as the minister handed them the rings. A hush fell over the gathering as Ash gently slid the slim band onto her finger, every movement echoing the promise they were making. She did the same for him, sealing their devotion before the family and friends who had gathered to witness them.

“I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Applause and congratulations erupted from the guests. Ash cupped Eliana’s face in his hands. Then he leaned in and kissed her. The world stood still for that miraculous instant.

Chapter

Twenty-Eight

Music flowedaround them as they stepped off the dais. Eliana squeezed Ash’s hand, emotions overflowing. They strolled back down the aisle, and family and friends lined up to greet them at the end. Corey appeared first. He pulled his son into a fatherly embrace and then turned to take Eliana’s hand.

“You are more beautiful than an apple blossom, Eliana,” he said, smiling. “Willow would have loved this wedding. She always said Fate Mountain brought everyone a happy ending.”

Next Holly and Elias approached. “Look at you both,” Holly teased, “finally tying the knot under all these blooms. I’m glad I could help coordinate the floral arch.” Holly’s eyes danced with pride. She glanced around at the ribbons overhead. “You have no idea how many blossoms we wired together.”

Eliana thanked her, eyes stinging with emotion. She still remembered how Holly had shown up one morning, arms laden with flowers, insisting they decorate the orchard to its fullest potential.

Reed followed with a wide grin and a quick handshake for Ash, then he pulled Eliana into a hug. “I never believed my big brother would leave that bachelor cave of his. But if anyone could do it, it’s you.” His voice rang with laughter that made Eliana chuckle.

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