Immortals And Melodies (Blood And Guitars #2) (17 page)

“And now the couple will share in a special blending of the sands ceremony,” the minister added. Two of Ashlee’s helpers brought forward a small table and set it before Aurora and me, placing three vases on it. The center vase was empty while the vase in front of me held black sand and Aurora’s held white sand. The look of curiosity on Aurora’s face as she studied the vases on the table was priceless.

The minister smiled at us and said, “Let the sand from this beach serve as a foundation for the joining of your lives.” He reached down, scooping up a handful of the sand at our feet, and let it slide through his fingers into the bottom of the center vase. “Trey, your vase represents everything that you were before this day. Aurora, your vase represents everything that you were before this day. Like you, these vessels can stand alone with their own strength, character and beauty, but when combined, they create something entirely new and extraordinary.” Then the minister gestured to me, and I slowly poured some of my black sand into the middle vase. Aurora picked her vase up and looked at me, hesitating. I smiled and nodded for her to do the same. I added more black sand on top of her white layer, and she followed my lead.

“Together now,” the minister encouraged. We simultaneously emptied the rest of our colored sand into a blended layer at the top and set the empty vases down again. “Just as these grains of sand can never again be separated, your lives are forever joined together in union on this day.” Then he addressed the small crowd. “Friends, we have witnessed on this day the joining of this couple in marriage.” He looked at Aurora and me in turn and added, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

I caressed Aurora’s cheek softly with my hand, smiling as our lips met to the sound of applause and cheering. We’d come so far since the night I’d first kissed her at The Waking Moon. Now, here we were, kissing for the first time as husband and wife. When the kiss ended, we stared at each other in awe for a moment and then turned to face everyone else.

“I give you Mr. and Mrs. Trey Decker,” the minister said.

Chapter 21

Aurora

TREY LED ME STRAIGHT to the nearest little tent, and we snuck inside. He grinned at me, his blue eyes blazing. We both laughed for a second, and then he pulled me close, his lips brushing mine. There aren’t words to describe the feelings, his or mine, that rushed around inside of me. Trey and I were married now, and I was surprised by the realization of how much I wanted this now that I had it.

“We did it,” I said to him.

“Yeah,” he said. “We definitely did.” He brushed a strand of hair away from my face and said, “What are you thinking right now?”

I took his hands and said, “None of this would have happened if you hadn’t surprised me.”

He smiled and looked down at our fingers, intertwined, and his eyes settled on his wedding band. He studied the design for a second and grinned up at me, noticing the detail for the first time.

“Whenever you look at it, you’ll remember my favorite song,” I said.

He leaned forward and kissed me again, and pure joy rushed over me through the bond the kiss created. I stared at him when we pulled back.

“What is it?” he asked.

I shook my head, feeling the sting of tears in my eyes. “It’s just that I thought all my girlish fantasies of getting married one day had ended with my mortal life.” Trey grinned and wiped away the single tear that escaped and ran down my cheek.

“Hey, I just figure that if you’re going to be stuck with me forever, you might as well enjoy the tax write-offs,” he teased. I laughed, blinking back the rest of the tears. “And worst case scenario,” he continued. “If a vampire does rip my head off in the next few days, you’ll get my house and my fortune.” I smacked him on his good arm, incredulous, which only made him laugh. “Come on, that was funny,” he urged, giving me that irresistible half-smile of his. “The photographer is probably waiting for us now. You ready for our first photo shoot together?”

I nodded and we stepped out of the tent again. The photographer was waiting just as Trey had suggested, but everyone else had disappeared. I guessed they’d gone into the larger tent that I hadn’t seen inside of yet. Trey and I spent twenty minutes having the photographer take pictures of us together and individually. Then he called for the bridesmaids to come and I got pictures with them as well. When Catalyst came out to get some shots with Trey they all rolled up their pant legs and took off their jackets and stood in the water for several shots. Then they came back onto the sand and insisted on holding me as I lay across all of their arms. We laughed until I’m sure their sides all hurt as the photographer snapped some candid shots of Trey and I with the band.

Before I knew it, Trey was leading me to the large white mystery tent where everyone else was waiting for us. We ducked inside to the sound of cheering and applause again. The first thing I noticed was the twinkling lights strung all along the top of the tent. There was black carpet inside, and tables with emerald green table cloths and black place settings all along the edges of the tent. The black and green theme from the ceremony carried over into the reception tent. Trey led me forward to a far corner of the tent where a semicircle white sofa awaited us. It was sectioned off by a wall of long, black tassels that hung from the ceiling in the shape of a circle, encompassing the entire corner of the tent. We sat on the sofa and a waiter brought us each a glass of champagne. I took a sip, grinning at Trey and trying to take in everything.

From here I had a better view of the entire tent. People had gathered at several lounge areas that were set up around. One of them had long, black leather sofas with white and green pillows, while another was made up of a small group of round, white sofas. White rectangle shaped stands held black tree decorations with green candles hanging from their branches. A small stage was exactly opposite us and a band consisting of four guys I didn’t recognize was set up on it. A hard floor of some kind was laid out in front of the stage for dancing.

The singer of the band stepped up to the microphone and said, “It’s time for the happy couple to have their first dance.”

Trey grinned at me and took my hand, leading me onto the hard floor as the band began to play an unfamiliar song. A waiter stepped forward and took our champagne glasses before Trey pulled me close to him, his hand on my waist.

“Is your shoulder up to this?” I asked.

“You let me worry about my shoulder,” he said, giving me that lazy, half-smile I love so much.

Everyone stood along the edges of the tent and watched as Trey and I danced. I felt like I was floating as I looked into his deep, blue eyes and saw the unconditional love there. He held me close, and for the first time in a long time, I let myself feel completely girly and fragile. Trey would keep me safe, even if he was still human. It was such a weight off of my shoulders knowing that my heart was safe with him. For once, I could let someone protect me instead of the other way around. As Trey and I turned in a circle to the music, I saw Antonio watching me from across the tent. He smiled and winked, and I smiled back. I was completely at ease in every sense of the word. I could forget about the impending problems that could arise in the next few days and just enjoy tonight. The only thing on my mind was the incredible man who held me in his arms. That’s when things hit a whole new level of interesting.

Just as the song ended and everyone clapped, one of the waiters approached and whispered something to Trey. Thanks to my supernatural hearing, I didn’t miss a beat.

“There are two men outside who aren’t on the guest list.”

“What do they want?” Trey asked.

“They won’t say, but they’re wearing suits.”

“Probably just paparazzi,” Trey assured the waiter, although we both knew that wasn’t true. “Thank you for the heads up. I’ll take care of it.”

The waiter, looking satisfied, excused himself to go back to work. Trey and I smiled as if nothing had changed and took our seats at a special table reserved for us. It wasn’t until I was sitting that I realized the centerpieces were glass vases with black rocks in the bottom and a single green beta fish swimming around inside. Servers brought out dinner, and Trey and I talked as we ate.

“Who’s the band?” I asked him.

“Crosstalk,” he answered. “They’re a new band that just signed on with the label. We’re thinking of having them open up for us on tour.”

“I think they’d be a good fit,” I said. “About the
paparazzi
outside, I’ll let Antonio know they’re here as soon as I can.” Trey nodded.

O’Shea’s voice came through the speakers, and Trey and I looked up to see him standing, microphone in hand, to address the group.

“I’d like to say a few words about the bride and groom. Those of you who know Trey well, know that he can be a little indecisive at times,” he began. “Hence, the three best men here tonight,” he gestured at Jonas and Chase and everyone laughed. “I’ve known Trey the longest so the speech was delegated to me.”
 
O’Shea looked at Trey and I, and it was obvious he was nervous. “Trey’s the one who’s good with words, so forgive me if this isn’t lyric-worthy.” Trey smiled, and O’Shea took a deep breath and seemed to relax a bit. “Trey, you’ve been my best friend since junior high,” he said. “It was your insane idea to put this band together to begin with. If there’s one thing I’m sure about, it’s that you do whatever you put your mind to, and you do it well. This step you’re taking tonight won’t be any different.” Then O’Shea looked at me. “Aurora,” he said. “You’ve seen enough to know how crazy things can get with the band, but I think the guys would agree that having you around has been a breath of fresh air for all of us.” I smiled and he added, “No really. I’m sure it has something to do with the air freshener you insist on using at the studio, but whatever it is, keep it up.” This earned a roar of laughter, and I was grinning while I shook my head at him. “If anyone can handle putting up with us long-term, it’s you. I know sharing Trey with millions of adoring fans won’t be easy, but anyone can see that you’re made for each other. Welcome to the family. We wish you both the best.”

We raised our glasses with him, and Trey gave me a quick kiss. After dinner, it was time for the mother/son and father/daughter dances. Antonio and I danced while Trey and his mom danced nearby.

“My babysitters are here,” I whispered softly to Antonio as we turned in a circle to the music. As usual, he didn’t seem surprised.

“I sensed them arrive a few moments ago.”

“What do you suggest we do about them?”

“Nothing for now. They don’t seem to want to cause a scene any more than we do.”

“Yet,” I added. “Don’t put it past them.”

“I’ll keep track of them,” he said. “You just enjoy your wedding celebration.”

“You must think I’m crazy,” I said. “Getting married like this.”

He raised an eyebrow and smiled at me. “You forget I was married,” he said with an air of longing. “I still believe in marriage. Besides, our kind are fiercely loyal when we choose a mate. Just because we don’t normally officiate the relationship with rings and a cake doesn’t mean we aren’t committed. There’s nothing wrong with going the extra step.”

I smiled up at him, grateful that he understood. “I don’t give you enough credit,” I said to him. “It means a lot to me that you’re here today.”

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else. It’s not every day one of my children gets married.” I knew Antonio well enough to detect the hint of sadness in that statement. He had been married before he was changed. His wife and two sons still live in Chicago where they believe him to be dead. He’d been dying of cancer when his maker had offered to make him a vampire. He’d thought it best to let his family believe he died, since he could no longer be with them. He still made trips to Chicago often to check on his family, watching over them from a distance. Both of his sons were married now, and he hadn’t been able to attend either of their weddings for obvious reasons.