Page 54 of Rekindled Prophecy

Strands of soft piano music drifted into the room, indicating it was time for a wedding. A full explanation would have to wait. She needed him on board … now.

“Fine. He was not happy about it but agreed it was best if he left under the circumstances. If I had not needed him elsewhere, I’m sure things would’ve gotten nasty around here.”

Too late, she realized she had said too much. Kael did not miss a beat.

“What circumstances? Where did he go?”

Glancing out the window, she saw everyone in their places under the gazebo. All except for the ordained minister performing the ceremony and the photographer. In exasperation, she begged more with her eyes than with words. “Please, we can discuss all this later when we have the luxury of time. Right now, there’s a wedding ceremony on hold until we get out there.” She jerked her chin towards the window.

With a look of resignation, a deep sigh, and a slight roll of her eyes, she added, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I need your … help.”

He was still steamed from seeing Jasper and eager to enact some form of violence on his nemesis, that was evident, but she also saw the turmoil reflected in his cognac eyes. Then a slight twinkle slowly returned. Finally, as she held her breath, he silently nodded.

“You need me. I like the sound of that.” He raised his hand to caress her cheek. “It’s just the idea of that bastard touching you …” his voice trailed off without finishing the sentence.

Something important remained unspoken between them. If they emerged from this adventure unscathed, she needed to seriously contemplate what all this meant.

Their bodies were so close she could feel the heat emanating from him. She tried to move away but found her back against the door to her suite. He leaned in close, pulling back a strand of hair that had fallen over her eyes. His lips turned up, showcasing his dimples, and mouthed “You. Need. Me.”

A rapping on the outer door startled them both, but Kael refused to move away.

Matthew’s voice rang out. “Hey, guys, we have a wedding going on here. We kinda need you two in place before my blushing bride can make her entrance. Do you think you two can control yourselves long enough to get me hitched?”

They both laughed, but just before Kael opened the door he leaned in close to her ear. “You. Need. Me.” His lips brushed against her hairline.

What have I gotten myself into?

Chapter 22

The Wedding

Gazebo

The unfaltering rain continued, but the couple decided they still wanted the ceremony outside in the gazebo, overlooking the quaint koi pond with the majestic Shenandoah Mountains in the background. Greylyn did not blame them. Even with the rain, the view was spectacular! The gray color surrounding the gazebo and landscape contrasted sharply with the colorful attire of the guests. At first glance, the gazebo appeared to be an oasis from the dreariness brought by the early summer shower.

All that was needed was for the bride to make her appearance. The processional was to start with a song special to Matthew and Kelly in lieu of “The Bridal March.” The groom impatiently waited with frequent expectant glances to the back door of the inn for that particular song from a specially made playlist to start.

Piano notes twinkled as “At the Beginning” by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis began to play. Everyone turned toward the main house, waiting for Kelly and her father to emerge. But the door did not open. About midway into the song, the door still had not opened. Matthew shifted from one foot to the other, eyes glued to the back door. Even the mother of the bride looked disconcerted, with worry lines creasing her forehead, as the second verse of the song began.

Finally, Tony, the tall, robust best man with lots of salt and pepper hair (unusual for someone in their twenties), paused the song and bolted into the house like a firefighter seeking someone to rescue.

No one spoke, except for the future sister-in-law, Andrea. In a barely concealed whisper to her boyfriend, she stated, “Guess that means I win the bet.”

A nasty look from everyone else, especially her brothers, shut her up quickly enough.

Good thing too, because Greylyn was not inclined to put up with such callous negativity regarding such a sacred event, especially when it involved Kelly.

The groom’s face was etched with worry, and a tinge of fear. Greylyn softly touched Matthew’s arm, hoping to convey reassurance. Just a simple touch from a guardian angel could assuage anyone’s anxiety. Besides, she knew there was no way Kelly was not coming out that door to marry her soulmate.

Momentarily, she allowed the question to float through her mind. What was keeping Kelly? Tiny hairs on the back of her neck raised as she imagined the worst. Had a demon infiltrated the manor while she was acting ridiculous with Kael or playing peacekeeper between the good and the bad guardians? But there were no alarms going off inside her head. No faint tingling behind her eyes. Could she be wrong?

No sooner had she convinced herself that Kelly was again in danger, Tony raced back out the door. Laughing, he explained, “It’s thenextsong!” With a shrug, he said, “She is very insistent that ithas to bethat particular song.”

Everyone laughed at the misunderstanding, except Matthew. Both future sisters-in-law rolled their eyes, irritating Greylyn further. Instead of letting the song finish, the flustered groom reached over to the stereo and pushed the button to skip to the next song and increased the volume. Apparently, he had waited long enough.

A Jim Brickman piano melody filled the air: “Angel Eyes.” Almost instantly, the back door to the inn opened, and the radiant bride and her somewhat nervous father emerged with a giant gold and white golf umbrella to keep the bride dry for the short walk to the gazebo.

Greylyn glanced over at Matthew. His expression was priceless, a gigantic smile and eyes glistening with happy tears. Looking back to Kelly, she saw the most glowing, joyous bride with her eyes locked onto her groom and the sweetest, shy smile. Neither could tear their eyes away from each other. It was as if there was no one else there. Just the two of them.

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