253 A Quiet Ceremony
“Caleb?” Ashleigh called to him
He continued to stare at her blankly.
“Caleb?!” she shouted.
“Sorry…” he said softly. Shaking his head. “Did you just say…”
Caleb chuckled.
“No,” he said, shaking his head. “You didn’t say that. So that’s not possible.”
“What?” Ashleigh asked, smiling. “That I want to get married tonight?”
Caleb looked at her for a sign that she was joking or an indication that there was more to what she was saying.
“Are you serious?” he asked.
Ashleigh stepped close to him, she looked up into his grey eyes filled with hope and fear. She smiled.
“I have never wanted anything more,” she replied gently.
Caleb felt the quickness of his heart, the excitement in him was almost overwhelming. But the fear was there too.
“Ash,” he said, putting his hands on her shoulders. “I can understand that today is a very emotional day for you. But, maybe you should think about this a little more. I don’t want you to make a decision you aren’t ready for.”
Ashleigh knew he was trying to think of her, to make sure that her decision had nothing to do with fear or regret. That it wasn’t Granger that was the driving force behind her sudden desire to move the wedding forward.
Taking his hand, she led him to sit down on the bed beside her.
“If you asked me two weeks ago about moving our wedding forward… I wouldn’t have agreed,” she said honestly, Caleb nodded, knowing it was true.
“There has been so much that has happened in the past year. So much has changed in my life, your life, and our life together. We have lost people, learned terrible truths, and fought in unexpected battles,” she continued. “We’re preparing for war between the packs for crying out loud!”
Ashleigh chuckled. Caleb touched her hand comfortingly, and she smiled at him.
“And through all of the change, the heartbreak. The pain and confusion of the last year, there is one thing that has been even more certain and true than the inevitability of war.”
Caleb looked at her, holding her gaze. He swallowed and asked.
“What is that?”
“You,” she said. Then, tilting her head to smile at him, tears glistened in her eyes. “My mate, my love, the only person in this world I have ever truly wanted to be with and the one I can’t bear to be without.”
The tears fell and she sniffled. Caleb moved his hands up to hold her cheeks, wiping her tears with his thumbs.
“You never will,” he whispered. “Never.”
***
[One Hour Before the Execution]
As the moon’s light shone down on Lily’s Rest, a small group of people gathered for a quiet ceremony.
“Would this be considered an elopement?” Galen asked standing beside Caleb.
“I don’t know…” Caleb replied honestly considering it. “I mean, we are getting married with family and friends still, but, at the same time, I also left home and got married without telling anyone… so… maybe?”
“Clara is going to be so mad when she finds out,” Galen chuckled.
“She is definitely going to throw a fit,” Caleb laughed.
“It’s ok,” Galen said, “She has Nessa to comfort her now.”
Caleb smiled.
“I’m glad that worked out that way. I had a feeling they would get along.” ρꪖꪕᦔꪖꪕꪫꪣꫀꪶ
“Don’t you two look happy,” Fiona smiled as she approached.
“I am,” Caleb smiled
“Wow…” Galen said, staring at Caleb, he turned quickly to Fiona. “Did I look that goofy at my wedding?”
Fiona laughed.
“I’m not even embarrassed,” Caleb replied. “Nothing can bring me down right now.”
“As it should be,” Fiona said. She took hold of a hand from each of them. “I am so happy, for both of you. You have found amazing women.”
“I agree,” Bell chimed in coming up behind Galen.
He moved his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.
“Aren’t you supposed to be with Ashleigh?” Caleb asked, looking over Fiona toward the entrance. “Is it starting?”
Bell giggled.
“You are so adorable,” she said. “Ash decided she wanted to just walk in with Axel and Wyatt. It’s a simple ceremony and she said she wanted me to be able to enjoy it with my husband.”
Bell smiled up at Galen, who returned her smile with glee.
“Yep,” Fiona said. “Just as goofy.”
Caleb laughed. Galen gave Fiona eyes of mock irritation.
By the entrance, Corrine cleared her throat. Fiona looked back and nodded.
“Come, my lovelies, it’s time to take a seat and let the groom await his bride,” she said, taking Bell’s arm and leading her away from Galen.
“Guess I’m going that way,” Galen said. “Good luck, don’t puke.”
“Why would I?” Caleb laughed as Galen hurried over to sit beside Bell.
Caleb looked around Lily’s Rest as he waited for Ashleigh to arrive. It was a beautiful location, the water, the flowers. The way the moon reflected and lit up the space without the need for excess light.
But he couldn’t help but think of the golden lanterns, the fairy lights, the cherry blossoms that had decorated this space for Galen and Bell.
Today, there were no decorations beyond those offered by nature. No lanterns, no cherry blossoms, not even a runner to create an aisle for Ashleigh to walk down.
He looked down at the clothing he wore. Usually, a man who dressed for the occasion he felt a bit underwhelming in his grey slacks and button up white shirt.
It couldn’t be helped; their wedding was a spur of the moment event during a hectic day. They were lucky that anyone could take the time to be there.
Glancing at his mother, brother, and sister-in-law, he felt grateful. Then, looking across the way at Saul and Peter chatting together, he smiled. How long had it been since he had made friends outside of Summer?
Looking back at Corrine who watched with anticipation at the entrance, he chuckled. A woman feared as a warrior and known as a fair Luna. She was as excited for this as he was.
For him, this was all that was needed. The people they cared about surrounding them and sharing the moment they pledged themselves to each other. The rest was just decoration.
Corrine let out a slight squeal, and he knew that Ashleigh was coming. She quickly moved away from the arch.
He straightened up and adjusted his shirt free of wrinkles. Then, licking his lips and swallowing the sudden nerves that crept over him, he turned his eyes to the archway.
Caleb took a breath. Letting it out slowly.
Axel and Wyatt stepped through the arch, reaching their hands back for her. Her small hands grabbed hold and they all stepped forward together.
Caleb’s breath caught in his throat.
A few loose curls framed her face while the rest of her hair was pinned up in a braided crown, with gathered twists at the back and adorned with tiny white flowers.
She wore a white A-line tea-length dress with a plunging neckline and quarter sleeves. A modest pair of white flats finished the look.
It was a simple style, modest and classy. It was less extravagant than the gown she had worn to Axel’s ceremony and yet, Caleb had never seen a more beautiful bride or woman.