Page 95 of Magic Touch
"I was thinking about my mother's reaction to joining the coven. I want to marry you more than anything." Leaning forward, I kiss him soundly on the lips.
He relaxes. "Did she forbid it?"
I let loose the sigh that's been building. "Mother never forbid anything. She told me not to be bullied or do another's bidding for their sake. She disliked the coven because they wronged her."
His gaze softens. "Do you think that perhaps she would see my acceptance as a sign that the coven has changed and made amends? Perhaps she would be appeased. Or perhaps you believe your mother would not approve of me as your husband?"
"I think she would love you. I can't imagine anyone not loving you. You are all that is good in the world." I ease off my bench and into his lap, wrapping my arms around him. "I hope Mother is happy with my decision, as it was mine."
He squeezes me and kisses my cheek. "It was. If you'd been opposed, I would have declined."
"I know." It's perfect to know without trepidation that this man would never go against my wishes and needs. When our minds first connected, I thought it would be an invasion of my privacy to have another in my thoughts and feelings. I couldn't have been more wrong. Knowing him as I do is the greatest blessing.
"William?"
"Hmm?" he hums against my neck.
"Will you marry me now?"
As he pulls back, the brightest smile lights his already too handsome face. He slips out from under me, and backs out of the carriage, still holding my hand as I join him on the street.
Alight with candles and magic, the coven house is open for all to see. They've not closed the blinds as they did when the tribunal and trial were going on. People outside are welcome to see the marriage take place, even if they don’t understand the ceremony.
Magically placed lights dance above like tiny fairies skittering across the walls and ceiling. The hearth crackles with a good fire to keep out the chill of fall. Candles light the tables as well as form an aisle on the floor to guide William and me to where we’ll be joined.
As soon as we enter, Theodora rushes over with wide eyes. "Oh, Esme, you're quite beautiful."
Looking down at my pale-green gown, I thank her. "This is the finest dress I've ever worn. You are too kind to let me wear it."
"It is yours, dear. I'm sure your husband will buy you all the fine dresses you will need for a life I can only imagine will be very interesting." She gives William a stern look.
"I shall lavish her with everything I have. You needn't worry, Mother." He squeezes my hand where it rests on his arm.
"Isn't the hall lovely?" Theodora asks. "William, did you know, you and Esme will be joined for all your lifetimes? Minerva told me that witches believe we live many lives."
The look he gives me sends flutters to my stomach. His warm eyes and joyful smile are full of love for me. "I think Esme and I have been joined many times in past lives. No one shall ever convince me otherwise. It's not possible to love someone so utterly with only one life to guide the heart. We are meant through time and time again."
My sigh mixes with Theodora's, and then we both giggle like young girls.
"I suppose we should get started, if you're ready," Sara Beth says from the far side of the lighted aisle.
William looks at me. "Esme?"
"I'm ready."
The witches, along with most of William's staff, gather outside the rows of candles.
We start at the near end and walk together toward Prudence.
Henry stands at the front as the best man, while Minerva has honored me by standing as my maid of honor. The butterflies in my belly have turned to bats. I can't imagine why I'm nervous. This is everything I want but never knew I did. Joy flushes my cheeks with heat, and I know I'm grinning like some town idiot.
Prudence smiles and lifts a silk ribbon.
William and I face each other, and he takes my left hand in his.
Speaking a spell, Prudence magically lifts the ribbon. "Bound through time, these two souls renew their vows to have unto each other only and forever. Neither man nor god may separate them through time, magic, or battle. For each time they are from the earth, they will seek their togetherness with Goddess and again in every lifetime."
The ribbon slips around our hands and wrists, joining us as one.
