Chapter 60-Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Today was my wedding day.  In a few short hours I would no longer be Amari Vinson but instead Mrs. Amari Smith.  I lay awake most of last night tossing and turning.  Marcus and the boys had stayed with Aric and Nina.  He couldn't see the bride before the wedding he said.  I should be happy, excited, nervous but I'm not.  I'm scared, and guilty, and ashamed.
"Mom hurry up." Ceula yelled knocking on the door.  The girls and I had appointments at the salon. 
"Sorry.  I'm ready."

"This is going to be so much fun mom.  We have arranged a complete make over for you.  You are not going to recognize yourself when you're done."
"I'm looking forward to it.  Have you talked to your brother?  How are the boys?"
Bynni rolled her eyes.  "I'm sure they're fine mom.  Besides Nina will fill you in on everything when we see her."

Spending some carefree time with my girls was fun.  We didn't mention Ceula's pregnancy or any of the horrendous events that had taken place over the last few months.  We talked about hair and make up and fun girly things.  Three hours later we were leaving the salon headed back to the house to get dressed.  In two hours I was going be be marrying a wonderful loving man, yet my thoughts were on another.

We arrived at the location and the setting couldn't have been more perfect.  It was a beautiful day.  The arrangements looked like something from a magazine.  Aric walked up behind me.
"Are you ready for this mom?"
"Yes of course."
"Well lets get going.  They are playing your song."  I placed my arm through his and we walked down the aisle together.  Marcus look so happy and at peace standing there waiting for me.  Bynni and Ceula looked gorgeous in their dresses.  Dax and Dunham were very handsome in their tuxes.  This should be the best day of my life.

"You look amazing" Marcus whispered when I reached him.  Aric took his place, there was no turning back now.

Marcus was first to say his vows.
My beloved Amari,
romance may fade, but true love endures.
I choose to truly love you
with kindness, faithfulness, and respect,
through every circumstance that life may bring.
Many people may not believe this but I do believe in soul mates.  
From the moment I first saw you I knew you were the one for me.
Today I will marry you, my friend, my lover, my soul mate.
You are the love of my life and with each breath I take I love you more.
With this ring I promise my love for you will have no end.  

I was moved my his vows to me.  In return loving words should have flowed as easily from my lips.  I was overcome with emotion but not for the reasons I'm sure the believed.  I looked into his loving eyes and there I saw such tenderness and devotion.  I sighed deeply, closed my eyes and began to speak.


My dearest Marcus,
I like you believe in soul mates.  That there is one person
in the world that will love you for all eternity.  A person
that no matter what obstacles you face, you know that 
your love will always bring you back together in the end.
From this day forward I will live as your wife.  With each passing
day I will work to make myself worthy of your undying love
and devotion.  With you by my side all things in life seem 
possible.  With this ring I vow to love, honor and 
cherish our life as husband and wife.

The tears slip down my cheeks as I slipped the ring on his finger.  He had such happiness on his face before we shared our first kiss as husband and wife.  

The guests erupted in applause.  Both mom and Lilian were crying as well as the girls.  Things past as a blur after that.  Pictures were taken, guests kept coming to congratulate us.  

"You are so beautiful Mrs. Smith." 
"Why thank you Mr. Smith."  
We stood there watching the party around us.  I found myself staring off at the ocean when I felt Marcus's arms tighten around me.

"May I have a dance with the bride?"

My breath caught in my chest as I turned to see him standing there.  A slow smile crept onto his face.  I could only imagine what Marcus was thinking.  I gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"It's ok.  It's only a dance." Marcus reluctantly released me as Mulo put his hand out for me and led me onto the dance floor.  As soon as I made contact with him my whole body tingled.  I tried in vain to keep space between us but as the music started he circled his arms around my waist pulling me close to him.

Don't you Remember (song Amari and Mulo dance to)
I didn't speak.  Being in his arms took me back to the first day we met.  Everything and everyone faded away and I settled closer to him.
"You make a beautiful bride."
"Thank you."
"I've done as you asked.  I put an ocean between us but I couldn't not see you today.  I needed to see you today."

I needed to see him and I was happy he was there, he was the missing piece. We danced in silence.  There was so much I wanted to say to him, but I couldn't let myself but then again I didn't need to speak the words.  He knew.  As the song came to an end, he spoke again.
"Those were very touching vows you spoke.  You are right, I will love you for all eternity as only a vampire can."  he leaned in to kiss me, I wanted the kiss but I knew it would be dangerous to let him.  He was so close, his lips practically touching mine yet he was so far away.  He smiled.

"This is where I say good night Mrs. Smith.  Your husband is thinking not so nice thoughts about me right now."  
I stepped back to compose myself as Marcus walked over.
"Congratulations Marcus you have yourself a truly magnificent woman.  Treat her better than I have." I glanced up to see the pain in his eyes.  We held the gaze for only seconds but it felt like hours.  He turned and walked away.  

Later as I prepared myself for my wedding night my thoughts drifted back to Mulo. 

"Are you ok?" 
"Yes I just want to make sure I'm perfect for you." I replied snapping back to present.  
"I am a lucky man and you couldn't be any more perfect for me." 

I tugged at the skimpy nighty Bynni had bought for me.  It wasn't something I would normally wear but she insisted I try something different.

"Stop fidgeting, you look stunning.  Besides it won't be on for long anyway." he said giving me a devilish grin.  Marcus scooped me up into his arms and carried me over to the bed. 

We spent an amazing night together.  It had been a while since it was just the two of us and we took full advantage.