Lib Novel Page 73
I fought back tears to answer, “Yes. A thousand times over, yes.”
Harlow’s grip tightened in mine.
“Dea. Terra. Mater. Benedictiones,” Iris chanted, and the surrounding voices joined for three rounds.
Iris wrapped our joined hands in a white satin scarf then held her hand over the bundle. Energy, light, and air whirled around us in a gentle embrace. The candles flickered and sent light dancing on the walls, casting the shadows of the people who’d raised and protected me. A powerful feeling of unity overtook me, and the tears I’d been holding back finally broke free. My gaze passed from one face to another until I met one that I didn’t expect to see.
A translucent set of eyes held mine, and a joyful warmth flowed through my limbs. Lou’s proud face appeared for a brief moment, giving me an approving nod, before joining the balls of energy floating around us. I tried to keep track of her glowing orb but quickly lost her in the fray as tears clouded my vision.
“By the coven, I pronounce you wife and wife!” Iris’s voice rang out before the room erupted in celebration.
Harlow’s arms wrapped around me, and I pulled her in for a deep, savoring kiss. With our bonding ceremony complete, the spirits returned to their plane, leaving the room in dim candlelight.
“We did it,” I said between tears and kisses. “We’re married.”
“And I’d do it again, a thousand times over.”
I nodded, wiping away my wife’s tears with my thumb, then took her hand.
Wife. Sweet Goddess, the word felt so good.
Together, we walked toward the exit, the coven following us, and headed outside to where our closest friends were waiting for us by the bonfire. We partook in music, cake, and celebration until the early hours of the morning. And when the festivities finally came to an end, Harlow and I watched the sunrise from the gazebo, where we began the first day of the rest of our lives in our sleepy, magical town as wife and wife.
The End