"Join hands, my children," Mother Liana says.
We do, and then the girls join us on either side, and we hold their hands as well. Estela produces stone silk ribbons dripping with gems on both ends and wraps them around our wrists.
I watch, mesmerized. I like seeing us tied together by magic.
Then the singing starts again. The red stones around us pulse in time to the melody, twinkling like stars in a cloudless night.
"Our gods bless your union!" Liana cries. "From this day forward, you are a family blessed by the earth and the stars."
A smile spreads across my face, wide enough to hurt my cheeks. I glance at the girls and find them beaming, too.
But the ceremony isn't over.
No, it isn’t my love.
Ra'Sa takes a deep breath, drawing my gaze to him.
"My beautiful, brilliant Melisa. I give myself to you in life and death. As I have in the past, I will continue to defend and protect you against all that seeks to hurt you. I will help you build and heal this family, bit by bit, until the end of my days. I love you. I promise you will never regret binding yourself to me."
His words pierce straight to my heart.
“Ra’Sa,” I begin. “I love you. When I was weak, you taught me to fight. When I was afraid, you calmed my heart. I will spend the rest of my days at your side. I will give you everything I can because you are the person I choose. You are mine, and… I am yours.”
Tears well up, and then the singing starts.
The crystals reverberate around us, singing of joy, life, and celebration of love. I let it all cascade around me.
I kiss my mate once again, and then, the ceremony is complete, and we stand. Coco nudges my knee and Estela helps us unwrap our hands before hugging the girls.
Somewhere along the way, Ra’Sa’s parents join us on both sides. I see Mer’Leuel looking at me, weeping.
I smile at her tender heart. My mother’s heart was never so soft.
She wraps an arm around my shoulder.
“Welcome to my family,” she says loudly, over the singing. “You know I lost my daughters long ago.”
My throat tightens.
“I am just glad to have gained another.”
I grin and pull her close.
“I am honored,” I say, loud as I can through the emotion clogging my throat.
She squeezes my shoulder and then pulls away, joining her mate.
The moment swells and shifts, and then, I find myself back in Ra’Sa’s arms. Thea and Wren have gone with Arlet, while Coco stands at Estela’s brother Mikal’s side.
My eyes turn back to my mate just as cheers echo from the outside.
I don't know if I've ever believed in omens, but this one seems like a good one.
Ra’Sa picks me up and spins me around.
"You are my husband!" I say, letting the laughter bubble up. Words that I never thought could be true.
"I am your mate," Ra'Sa says. "And you, my sweet love, have given me everything I've ever wanted."