Gilded Wings (25 page)

Butterflies began to stir in my stomach as Alaine headed toward me carrying my gown in her arms. She carefully zipped the garment bag open, and I found myself shaking, taking in deep breaths and exhaling slowly.

“Oh my goodness, Emma. It’s gorgeous,” Lia gasped, holding her hands to her mouth.

“Wow! It’s so lovely,” Courtney added.

Alaine helped me slip into it, and as soon as she zipped it up, I could feel the weight of the fabric. It was strapless, and the back dipped down a little lower than usual, for one very specific reason…
just in case
.

The bodice was fitted down my waist, and was adorned with the most exquisite beading. The bottom was silk, flowing around me in layers. Alaine insisted on a train, but I didn’t want anything too long, so we agreed on one which extended about seven feet behind the dress. I was glad she talked me into it because it really was beautiful. Along the border of the train was a very lightweight lace with intricate embroidery, intertwined with delicate designs of feathers, combined with some beading.

The top part of my hair was pulled back into some kind of fancy updo, so the hairdresser could attached a jewel-studded crown and a veil which hung behind me. The rest of my hair hung down in big silky curls.

Alaine stood in front of me after she spread out my train. Courtney and Lia came and stood next to her with unreadable expressions on their faces.

“What?” I asked.

Alaine’s eyes began to water. “You are beyond gorgeous,” she breathed.

“I agree,” Courtney said. “You look like you should be on the cover of a magazine.”

“They’re right, Emma. You look like royalty,” Lia exhaled, her eyes starting to tear.

“Don’t do it,” I said, fighting back tears while laughing. “If you guys start crying, I’ll start crying, and then all this painted stuff on our faces will start running. It will ruin all of our pictures.”

“Okay. Okay,” Alaine said, fanning her eyes. “We all have a little something for you.”

They each held a small box in their hands.

“Here’s mine,” Alaine said, handing me her box. I opened it and inside was a necklace. It was a very elegant, dainty golden heart filled with diamonds, hanging on a delicate gold chain.

“Go ahead, open it,” she whispered.

“Oh my,” I breathed.

Inside of the locket were the markings of Samuel and Alaine engraved in each side. Alaine’s, the same as Michael’s. “I don’t know what to say. This is the best gift I’ve ever been given. Thank you so much,” I said, hugging her tightly.

She took it and fastened it around my neck.

“The chain is from your grandmother, so it’s very old, but the locket is new.”

“Mine is next,” Lia said, handing me her box.

When I opened it, it was an elegant golden bracelet.

“Oh wow,” I exhaled. “It’s beautiful.”

“It’s actually Alaine’s. It’s something borrowed, so you’ll have to discuss giving it back to her later,” she added.

I giggled putting on my wrist. “Okay, I will. Thanks, Lia,” I said, hugging her.

Courtney was next and handed me her box. When I opened it there was a tiny blue pin, in the shape of angel’s wings. “Thank you so much, Courtney,” I said. “I love this.”

“I actually found it in a little store in Washington. It reminded me of you, so I bought it. I guess it was for this moment.”

“It couldn’t be more perfect,” I said, pulling back the top of my gown and pinning it inside. “There,” I said patting it. “Hidden wings.” I winked and Courtney smiled.

“Now you’re set,” Lia said. “Something old, new, borrowed, and blue.”

“Thanks to all of you. I cannot tell you how lucky I am to have you here. This day would not have been the same without you. I love you guys,” I said.

They all leaned in carefully for the most awkward group hug, all not wanting to mess up the masterpieces just done by the hairdresser.

Alaine peeked out the window. “Alright ladies, it’s just about time. Lia, you should go get ready, and Courtney, you can go down and take your seat.”

“I’m already gone,” Lia said, slipping out of the door.

“Me too,” Courtney said. “I’ll see you soon, Emma.”

“See you,” I said, my voice trembling with excitement.

“Okay, Emma,” Alaine said standing in front of me, doing another quick look-over to make sure everything was in perfect shape. When she was done tucking and fussing, she placed her hands on my shoulders and gazed lovingly into my eyes. “All you have to do is wait here for Samuel. He’ll come escort you down. I’m going to go down now and make sure the guys are ready. Alright?”

“Okay,” I replied. “Thank you so much.”

When she left, I took in a deep breath and walked over to my closet. On the inside of the door was a floor length mirror. Glancing down, I opened the door, and then backed away. Slowly looking up, I saw myself for the first time.

“Oh my God.”

I couldn’t believe the transformation. I hardly recognized myself. I felt like I was in a fairytale, and I
was
Cinderella getting ready to marry Prince Charming. I slowly turned to each side trying to soak in all the intricate details of the dress. It was perfectly fit for a princess.

THERE WAS A SOFT TAPPING at the door.

“Come in,” I called.

When the door swung open and his eyes landed on me, Samuel paused. His face softened and his eyes began to tear.

“Emma,” he exhaled, shaking his head. “You’re enchanting.”

He was wearing an all-black tuxedo, with a matching black bow-tie and cummerbund. His hair was slicked back and he was clean shaven. He looked so handsome, and definitely not old enough to be my dad.

I smiled. “And, you look very dashing… dad.”

His face beamed with happiness.

“I can’t believe how fast this is all happening. It seemed like only a moment ago I was holding you in my arms. We thought we’d lost you, but look at you now. You’ve grown up into a beautiful young woman,” he said softly, stepping in.

“I just got both of you back into my life, and I will make sure our relationship continues to grow. You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

His smile grew even brighter. “That really means a lot. You were the missing part of our lives for so long.”

“And little did I know, so were both of you.”

“I would hug you, but I don’t want to ruin any of
that
,” he said gesturing to my wedding ensemble.

“Dads get hugs no matter what,” I said, wrapping my arms around him. He carefully hugged me back and then held out his arm to me.

“Are you ready?” he exhaled loudly.

“I am,” I said, linking my arm around his.

He carefully led me down the stairs, and as he did, a few of the male helpers stopped and stared.

“Isn’t my daughter exquisite?” Samuel proclaimed.

“Very beautiful,” they replied, and then headed back toward the ballroom, carrying large boxes in their arms.

“For a second, I thought they were gawking at me,” he laughed.

“Who knows? You do look very handsome in all black. Imagine if you flashed your magical, matching wings. Instant bromance,” I giggled.

“Bromance?” he asked, his eyes narrowed.

“It’s a bro – romance. You know… guy – guy,” I explained.

“Oh no,” he said. “No bromance for this immortal. I’m bonded,” he said. “And here she comes now.”

Alaine came around the corner in an elegant white and golden gown. Her chocolate hair fell in ringlets around her shoulders, and her face had an ethereal glow to it. She looked like an angel.

In her hand she held the perfect bouquet of white roses, wrapped with a silk ribbon.

“Here you go, Emma,” she said, handing it to me.

“Oh my goodness,” I said placing them up to my nose and smelling their sweet floral scent. “They are gorgeous. Better than I could have ever imagined.”

“You look stunning, Alaine,” Samuel said, leaning forward to kiss her.

“And you look as handsome as the first day I laid eyes on you,” she said, adjusting his bow-tie.

“Still keeping me straight and tidy, I see,” he smiled warmly.

Alaine blushed.

“I am going to go out first, and you guys will follow. Lia and Dominic are already in place, and ready to walk once the music starts. Samuel, you and Emma will start walking as soon as you hear the violin play, okay?”

“We’ve got this,” Samuel said, holding her hand.

She quickly glanced at me. “Kade looks… we’ll you’ll see. He’s anxiously waiting.”

Those words immediately brought a thrill of excitement. All I could think about was seeing him.

“How many people are here?”

“Everyone I invited is already here. There are about twenty total,” she replied.

I felt a little sad Michael and Kade’s parents didn’t make it, but they were Archangels, and must have had missions. I was still surrounded by everyone I loved.

Alaine walked out of the front door, and continued until she disappeared around the corner. As soon as Samuel took his first step my nerves kicked in, making me feel lightheaded, and dizzy.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” I said, pulling myself together and smiling, because in front of us stood a photographer, snapping away with her large camera.

“We’ll take it one step at a time. Together,” he said quietly.

“Together.” I repeated.

In the air I could hear the music start to play, and it soothed me. As we rounded the corner of the house, I froze. I was literally walking into a fairy tale.

The labyrinth did not look the same. It was trimmed down, and at the entrance, adorning each side, stood two glorious trees, filled with white blossoms in full bloom. It was illuminated by thousands of tiny white lights strung intricately around its limbs.

As we stepped closer to the entrance, the sweetest floral smell wafted in the air. I took in a deep breath and smiled. Then, as I was about to take another step forward, Samuel held me back.

“Not yet,” he whispered.

I nodded and exhaled. “I’m so glad you’re here with me.”

“So am I,” he said, kissing me on the forehead. “I can see how mortal fathers cherish this moment.”

The music stopped and a glorious melody of strings swelled in the air. The sound of the violin filled me with such emotion I could hardly contain it. As the musician’s bow glided across the strings, it created the most beautiful ballad of love.

My heart began to patter as we took our first steps down the pathway leading to Kade. The ground was covered in a blanket of white rose petals, and above us hung tall arches, filled with every kind of white flower imaginable.

As we drew near, I could feel him; the bond pulling us together. When we exited the pathway, the dimming sky became our canopy. Beautiful pastel colors painted across it created a picturesque backdrop.

The pathway of petals continued all the way to the altar, ending where Kade stood.

His presence stole all breath from my lips. He looked unbelievably handsome in his all-white tuxedo. His face was ethereal, and his hair was perfectly disheveled.

I wanted to run to him, to hold him and never let go.

As Samuel continued to walk me down the aisle, everyone stood, and I began to recognize most of their faces.

Thomas, Courtney, Caleb, Jeremy, Miss Lily, Henry, and then Alaine. But in between, there were more than a few I hadn’t met yet. Next to Alaine I saw a familiar face, and when she smiled, I had a flashback. She was the woman who visited me in the hospital. Miss Reed. Abigail Reed. I remembered her name because she was the one who worked with Alaine to send me here. She must have been an angel.

I had a feeling all those faces glowing and smiling at me, had some part to play in our lives. Or they were somehow connected.

As we neared the front I couldn’t help but notice Lia’s bright shining face, and it made me smile. She was wearing a golden gown, and clasped tightly in her hands was a white bouquet of roses, similar to mine.

Dominic was standing on the other side of Kade. He looked handsome with his light brown hair and gleaming green eyes. His smile was wide, revealing his perfect white teeth. He was wearing a white tuxedo with a gold bow-tie and gold cummerbund, to match Lia.

But as beautiful as they were, there was only one who took my breath away. As our eyes focused onto each other, I couldn’t help but get emotional.

When we reached the front, Samuel held out his hand and turned to me. Leaning over, he kissed me gently on my cheek, and then placed my hand in Kade’s. The bond, as strong as ever, surged through us, filling me with a great want and desire. As if this moment wasn’t already magical enough.

Kade didn’t speak, but the affection in his eyes spoke louder than any word.

When the minister began the ceremony, I looked up and recognized him. He was the same person who led my parent’s funeral.

I held tight to Kade’s hands, knowing if I let go, I wouldn’t have been able to stand. He was my strength, as he had always been from the very beginning. If I could have, I would have rather been wrapped tightly in his arms.

When it was time for our vows and the exchange of rings, our voices wavered with emotion, the words simple, but true

For Kade’s ring, I’d chosen a simple white gold band, engraved on the inside with my markings. He was thankful, and his eyes pooled as I placed the ring on his finger.

The ring he gave me was also of white gold, but had three rows of diamonds which merged into a very large heart shaped diamond in the center, and on the inside, his symbol was engraved. I sobbed as he placed it on my finger.

For the remainder of the ceremony, I kept my eyes on him.

Then, the minister finally announced…“I now pronounce you man and wife. Kade,” he said with a grin, “you may kiss your bride.”

Gently holding the back of my neck he pressed his lips to mine and the guests cheered. Rose petals were thrown in the air as we finished our kiss and turned to them.

As we proceeded down the aisle we were stopped when someone stepped in our path, and I gasped as soon as I realized who it was.

“Michael!” I said, throwing my arms around him. “You came.”

“Of course I came,” he said, hugging me back. “I can’t stay for long, but since you invited me at least a dozen times, I couldn’t say no.” He gently caressed my face in his hands. “You’re a vision.”

“Thank you,” I blushed.

“Kade,” Michael said, extending his hand to him.

“Michael,” Kade nodded, shaking his hand in appreciation.

“Your parents couldn’t make it. Your father was called on a mission. I’m sorry.”

“I understand. But I am glad you came,” he answered.

Alaine came and stood next to me, her eyes fixed on a man she had never met before.

“Hi, Alaine,” his beautiful voice sang.

“Do I know you?” she asked, then glanced at me, and back at him.

“I’ve been with you your entire life, but have never had the pleasure of meeting you.”

Alaine shook her head, completely baffled, and then she turned back toward me.

“Mom, I’d like you to meet your father, my grandfather,” I slowly introduced.

She turned back toward Michael, her eyes perplexed. “My father?”

“Yes, Alaine.” His smile radiated like a beam of sunshine.

“My father?” she repeated, her eyes welled with tears.

“Yes. Michael the Archangel is your father,” I said softly.

Samuel placed his hand on her shoulder, and when she looked back at him, he nodded.

Michael held his arms open to her. “Come, Alaine,” he spoke, and she fell into his arms weeping like a child.

After a while she straightened up, wiped her tears, and faced him.

“I’m sorry. I just never thought this day would ever come,” she sniffled, looking at him in complete wonderment.

“It’s been long overdue,” he agreed.

“How did you meet Emma?”

“She called out for help before her transformation and I could not deny her.”

“He did,” I affirmed. “I had to keep it secret because I didn’t think you would believe me, or understand.”

“You’re right. I wouldn’t have,” she admitted. She then turned back to Michael with a pained look in her eyes. “Why didn’t you ever come to me? I called out many times.”

“I know you did, my dear child, and it made my heart ache. But I could not answer because there is an order to things that even I cannot break,” he confessed.

Alaine sadly nodded. “Did you send Emma the dagger?”

“I did.”

“And you sent me the amulet and suit?” she questioned.

He nodded.

“Thank you,” she said appreciatively. “Those gifts saved her life. She probably wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them.”

“I only did what any father, or grandfather, would do to protect those he loves. I wish I could have done more, but like I said, my hands were tied.”

“I understand,” Alaine said.

Michael’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “I’m so proud of you. You rose above all of the darkness in your life, and still became a beacon of light for all those around you – touching so many souls.”