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“No, I wasn’t,” she agrees. “But it’syourwedding. You should do it how you want to do it.”

“Everyone we love is here,” Emma whispers. “Maybe we should just go for it. I can invite my friends over as well.”

“I’m so excited for you guys,” Sera says, running over to us and hugging both Emma and me. The kids join in on the group hug. “They’re getting married today, kids.”

I look at Emma.

She gives me a soft smile.

Today will mark the beginning of our forever.

54

EMMA

It started as a heavy, bittersweet day.

But it turned into the happiest day of my life.

As a little girl, I didn’t let myself dream about my wedding. I had it in my head that love was something that destroyed lives. I always told myself that I would never be a fool for a man.

But Klaus is the only exception.

I look into his eyes now. Eyes that promise to adore me for the rest of his life. Eyes that vow to do everything he can to protect me and cherish me.

When he’s looking at me like this, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

It’s a little after sunset now.

The air is fragrant with the scent of frangipani and other exotic blooms. Alaric and Sera really outdid themselves with the decorations even though I insisted it wasn’t necessary. Space heaters keep everyone warm in the open area, and the only light source is the hundreds of candles burning around us. Even my friends are here, wearing matching lilac bridesmaid gowns.

I might have never let myself dream of a wedding, but this is everything I could have ever wanted.

The judge begins the ceremony. I can’t believe that Klaus and I are standing here, about to make the most important promise of our lives—to love each other, always.

“Do you, Klaus Sinclair, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” the judge asks.

There’s an intensity to Klaus’s eyes that I’ve never seen before.

“I do,” he says.

“And do you, Emma Turner, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

My breath catches in my throat. Emotion bursts from my heart, making my throat squeeze.

“I do,” I say, looking into my man’s eyes.

The judge pronounces us husband and wife. Our friends and family cheer. I gasp when I see the fireworks against the night sky. But it’s the look on Klaus’s face that truly takes my breath away.

He’s looking at me like I’m the answer to his every prayer.

He wraps his hand around the back of my neck and pulls me close. His mouth is firm and commanding against mine. My heart beats like a drum against my ribcage, racing out of control as myhusbandkisses me.

Desire swirls low in my belly.

When we pull apart, his eyes make dark promises of what’s to come tonight.

Out of my peripheral vision, I see a gorgeous Monarch butterfly fluttering toward me. It comes to land on my index finger. As I lift my hand, it beats its wings in slow motion.