Page 83

Scarlett

Standing under the weeping willow, Scarlett peered into the branches, trying to imagine what the fairy lights would look like twinkling under the night sky.

She twirled slowly, making sure they had enough before looking over at Mateo, who was coming down from the ladder, awaiting her approval.

They’d placed two rows of benches beneath the old tree, framing the aisle with candles and flowers.

It would only be a small ceremony, but she had grown to like the idea much more.

With three mates, she would be rather overwhelmed joining their minds, so keeping everything else small seemed more perfect with each passing minute.

“I think we’re good,” she told Mateo.

“I can always add more if I see it’s not light enough once the sun goes down.”

She stretched to her tiptoes and gave him a smooch on the cheek. “Perfect.”

“Now, let’s get you inside and fed because once you get that white dress on, you aren’t allowed anything other than water.”

She walked by his side as he carried the ladder back to the house. Ezra seemed to be finishing up the large table on the porch, while Vince was inside making sure the catering was delivered correctly.

“I like the black roses,” Mateo said, setting the ladder aside and taking in the centrepieces for the first time. “They make the rhinestones twinkle more.”

“Those were Ezra’s idea, so I’m not taking credit for them.” She pulled Ezra into a hug and admired his work. “It looks beautiful.”

“I’ll need help hanging the fairy lights so we aren’t left out in the dark later.”

“Ah, I can do that,” Mateo offered. “I had some practice today.”

“Just a little,” Scarlett laughed, remembering his struggle with the first few strands.

Mateo ushered her inside, where Vince was already making her a plate. He’d been in charge of the food and seemed pleased with his order.

“Where is the cake?”

He indicated the office. “I thought we should keep it out of sight. Now, sit and eat before Margaret and Karena arrive to start getting you ready.”

“Have you met Salina yet?” Ezra had allowed his second sister to be part of the ceremony, though she hadn’t been able to make a trip to meet them beforehand. When Vince shook his head, Scarlett let out a nervous breath. “She seemed nice on the phone.”

“Nothing will ruin this day,” Vince assured her. “And Ezra will be far too focused on you to have his mind anywhere else.”

Punctually—even a few minutes early—Mateo’s family arrived, with Ezra’s sisters showing up a few minutes later.

There were hugs and introductions, but Scarlett was far too nervous to form a coherent sentence.

She was glad that her three men seemed more put together, though that was probably just for show too.

Maximilian and Kurt arrived next. She teared up upon seeing their SUVs but when… her mother stepped out of the passenger seat, she nearly fainted. Scarlett scrambled off the porch, throwing herself into her mother’s arms. “Mom!”

“I’m here, sweetheart,” she softly reassured. “I couldn’t miss your special day.”

Scarlett took a moment to collect herself, then turned to introduce her three mates, who’d all appeared behind her. They each shook the hand she offered them. “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am,” Mateo said, his eyes glistening with tears.

“Call me Diane.”

“Fucking pussy,” Ezra mumbled under his breath.

“Ezra!” she scolded, gently cupping Mateo’s cheek. “Not yet, we still haven’t even gotten to the ceremony.”

“You’re crying too,” he chuckled, brushing her tears away.

Inside, Vince took over the introductions while Mateo offered Scarlett one last chance to eat. “You should go up now. We’ll soon get ready too.”

She gave each of her men one last kiss before going up with her mom, Karena, and Margaret by her side. Her mother seemed rather timid, but quickly warmed up to Margaret, who chatted her ear off while Karena braided Scarlett’s hair and applied some light make-up.

At some point, there was a knock at the door. Margaret opened it, softly speaking to her son before she stepped into the bathroom with a gift bag. “They would like for you to have this.”

“Oh no, I just had my make up done.”

Karena laughed and squeezed her shoulder. “Don't worry; you’d be surprised at what a little waterproof mascara can do.”

With the bag in her lap, Scarlett pulled out a sheet of paper and a small jewellery box. The moment she saw the handwriting, her vision blurred.

Scarlett,

You have been waiting all your life for this day, and I can’t put into words how much it means to me to be by your side after I thought I’d lost you forever.

Here is something blue because humans are weird, but I don’t have to understand it to support you.

I love you,

Kurt

She dabbed her tears away trying not to have them ruin Karena’s work and opened the box, only to smile. Inside was a blue satin handkerchief with her name stitched neatly into one corner.

“That is really sweet of him,” Karena said, listening while Margaret explained the tradition.

There were still things in the bag, so Scarlett reached in and pulled out the next item. It was a dagger in a leather sheath, and she immediately recognised it right away as the one her pack used for mating ceremonies.

Sweet Scarlett,

Though you are no longer part of my pack, you are still my family.

Here is something borrowed for your ceremony.

I’m very proud of the woman you have flourished into.

I love you,

Max

She had no idea how to stop the tears, but she dabbed them away with a tissue, because Kurt’s gift was far too valuable.

Once her vision cleared again, she pulled out the largest of the boxes.

Inside, she unearthed the most stunning gold necklace with a black pendant, along with a matching set of earrings.

Princess,

There are no words in this world to describe our love and dedication to you. There is nothing we wouldn’t do to keep you safe and sound. No distance too far to keep us from you. Mountains will be moved, and oceans divided to bring us back to you.

Your love for us keeps us breathing.

Mateo , Ezra and Vince

Both mothers in the room gasped as they peered over her shoulder. “Those are beautiful,” Margaret complimented. The last gift was wrapped in a satin bag. When she opened it, a heart-shaped wooden hair pin fell into her palm.

Scarlett,

I made this out of a fallen branch from our weeping willow. It is over one hundred years old and has been guarding the lake for many generations.

Love,

Vince

“Would you like me to add it into the braid?” Karena offered.

Scarlett sniffed and nodded, handing her the pin and quickly dabbing more tears away. “I don’t think I can stop crying now.”

Her mother took her hand and gently rubbed her thumb over her skin. “It is alright. You are allowed to cry.”

She turned into her mom’s chest, still unable to believe that she was actually here.

There was so much she wanted to talk to her about, but it all had to wait.

After all, she had some mates to claim. Once she’d calmed, she was offered one last chance to eat but her stomach churned, feeling far too nervous.

When it was time to get into her dress, Karena and Margaret left the room to give her a private moment with her mother.

“You look beautiful,” her mother told her when the door closed.

“Thank you, Mom.” Scarlett turned, letting her mom fasten the buttons lining the back of her dress.

“You have become such a strong woman.” Her voice broke and tears welled up again. “I’m so sorry.”

Scarlett wrapped her in a tight hug, not ever wanting to feel her loss again. “You’re here now.”

“I’m so proud of all you have accomplished. Maximilian told me everything and I only wish I could’ve seen you grow.”

“You still can. I have a long way to go.”

Her mom softly laughed. “You do.”

They only separated when a knock on the door broke through the silence and Maximilian’s voice echoed through the wood. “It’s time.”

Her mom gave her another kiss to the cheek before wiping her tears and stepping out, leaving her with Maximilian.

He paused in the doorway, leaning against the frame with watery eyes. “I loved that dress the most.”

Scarlett twirled and faced the mirror, flattening the white lace over her hips. She’d chosen a fitted dress with long sleeves and an open neckline to give the ceremonial cut enough room. “Thank you.”

Maximilian appeared next to her and smiled at their reflection. “How are you feeling?”

“Excited… nervous.”

“It’s a big step for all four of you.” He laid his arm around her shoulder and carefully kissed her braided hair. “They have been impatiently waiting all afternoon. Mateo had to physically restrain Ezra from coming in here.”

“Sounds very much like him.”

“Are you ready?”

“Yes, I just need the dagger.”

She had decided against a traditional bouquet like most brides would’ve carried. Instead, she held the dagger in one hand and tightly gripped Maximilian’s arm with the other. Her legs shook all the way down the stairs, and it only got worse the second she stepped out into the cool, night air.

The moon seemed just as nervous as she was, hiding behind the clouds, and Scarlett was grateful for the lights Ezra and Mateo had hung above the porch. The weeping willow seemed to glow from within, the wind making it seem as if the lights were dozens of little fireflies.

“Hold me and don’t let me fall, please,” she whispered to her brother.

“I’ve got you,” he promised, slowly leading her towards the small entrance they had created by tying the branches together with large black bows.

Scarlett tried to focus on her steps, but it felt as if she had weights on her feet, making each step difficult.

She’d walked this path just hours ago, a hundred times, and never had it felt this arduous.

After what felt like hours, they reached the entrance and stepped beneath the twinkling fairy lights.