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EMMA

I t 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 my husband kisses 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.

And once again, I get that feeling again, like I’m being watched by some divine energy.

I feel my mother’s love all around me, comforting me in the way only a mother can.

I really wanted her to be here on my big day.

And as I look at the orange butterfly on my finger, I think she is.

The butterfly flaps its wings one more time before launching into the air. It flies around Klaus and me before disappearing into the night.

“Are you okay, babe?” Klaus asks.

He’s always been observant. Even when there are so many people present here, his attention is focused on me.

“I’m happier than ever,” I say, smiling up at him.