23
The fourth of July dawned hazy and warm. It had rained the night before, but the clouds had cleared leaving a bright morning. The guests began arriving at nine that morning. They were encouraged to park in a clearing and walk the easy quarter-mile to the site of the wedding.
The wedding planner that Glen had reluctantly given up control to had been busy overnight. There were streamers and ribbons adorning the path into the woods. The clearing was now home to several wooden benches that nearly disappeared in the knee high wildflowers. Instead of mowing down an aisle, they had simply laid out a green runner that led to the archway where the nuptials would take place. When it was picked up, the flowers and grass beneath would be bent but would recover after another rain.
There were three tents, one for the groom and his groomsmen, one for the bride and her attendants, and the last was full of food. After debating, and worrying over the weather, they decided that snacks and finger foods, along with the cake, would be eaten on the benches in the sunlight. The butterflies were an added bonus. They were at their busiest, and there was a rainbow brigade of them flitting from flower to flower.
Jamie stood at the entrance to their tent, feeling the breeze lift her hair from her temples. She was as dressed as she was going to get. Abby danced behind her, holding onto her small basket of mixed flower petals, her white-blonde hair bouncing around her shoulders. The seats were filling up, and it looked like everything was going to start right on time. Jamie was glad. Ever since the onset of the shadows, she had been leery of going out of the house, and now was no exception. The shadows were everywhere. They filled the spaces between the trees, a few venturing into the meadow itself. She figured they would move closer and closer as the ceremony happened. From what she had been told it was a blessing, having the spirits attend. In that case, Kayla and Glen were off to a great start.
She spotted Mark, ducking out of the groom's tent to help one of Kayla's relatives – a great aunt maybe – navigate the uneven ground and find a bench. He was dressed in a pair of loose fitting pants and a long sleeved button down shirt in a brushed green color. The shirt was untucked. Glen, from what she had seen, was dressed in a similar fashion, wearing a white shirt instead of the color that Mark was sporting. Randy too, as a matter of fact, his shirt was a light blue. Randy was officially an usher but he was currently in a heated debate with…and Jamie had to do a double take…David. The guy who had first brought her here.
"Stop ogling the guests." Lucy spoke from behind her. Jamie grinned at her, raising an eyebrow.
"Just because you're on a diet doesn't mean you can't look at a menu."
"You don't have to diet. It's all about portion control." Lucy wiggled her eyebrows and looked around. Her hair was up in a loose twist, with strands falling down onto her shoulders. She did not look like herself at all in a dress. Jamie smirked to herself and thought the same was true of all of them. Lucy was wearing a shade of purple that was a hint lighter than Jamie's. That was the only difference in their dresses.
"I think my plate is full." Jamie said, spying Mark again. He glanced over, as if he sensed her looking, and tipped a wink in her direction. She sighed happily, ignoring the gagging noise that came from her friend. "Be jealous. I don't care."
"Yes! I'm jealous! Gah!" Lucy dramatically clawed at her cheeks before huffing and brushing her loose hair back off her shoulders.
Abby skipped to Jamie's side and followed the direction of her gaze. "Uncle Mark is hot for an old guy. Can I get a drink? I want to try one of those little sandwiches too."
Lucy cracked up at that, putting a hand to her mouth to muffle it. Kayla was nervous enough without hearing them giggling like mad. "You have already tainted the poor kid's mind. And come on, Abs. Let me escort ya to the food table, and we can both steal some samples." She had dropped her voice into a lower tone. Abby snickered and took Lucy's hand and allowed herself to be led over to the food tent. Jamie watched and shook her head.
In half an hour they were all ready. Jamie took one last peek from the curtain and turned to make sure that Abby had no crumbs or smears on her dress or face. Keeping her fingers crossed Jamie sent the little girl through the entrance to walk down the aisle. From the murmur that went through the people gathered, it was apparent the little girl had won the crowd over.
Lucy made a show of adjusting the top of her strapless dress, rolled her eyes and ducked through the doorway four beats behind Abby. Jamie grinned and shared a look with Kayla.
The new dress really did look fantastic. With her dark honey hair swept back from her temples, Kayla looked the part of the Greek Goddess. And when Jamie added in the belly, which seemed to have grown overnight, she amended that to Fertility Goddess. Jamie grinned at her and ducked through the exit, pausing to adjust to the sunlight.
The men were already lined up by the arch. Glen was shifting nervously from foot to foot. Jamie had to bite back a grin when she saw Mark slap him on the shoulder to get him to calm down. Randy had a know-it-all smirk on his face. Mark stopped messing with Glen when he saw Jamie coming, and a slow smile spread over his face.
And Jamie felt butterflies in her stomach that matched the insects currently sucking nectar out of the field flowers. She managed to keep a straight face, raised an eyebrow, and took up her place in front of Lucy and Abby.
Kayla made her entrance on the arm of her cousin. Jamie had met him briefly before the ceremony. Kayla's father had not been around since she was little, so she did not even bother hunting him down to pass on an invitation. She looked much more serene now that it was actually happening than she had fifteen minutes ago in the tent.
The official smiled and began the ceremony, keeping his voice at a volume that would carry. Jamie had been through the practice four times, so she was on autopilot as she held Kayla's bouquet, and handed her the ring she would be putting on Glen's finger.
Every now and then Mark would catch her eye and it was no long jump to think of what was on his mind. Jamie felt a warm flush spread across her cheeks. She had to remind herself that it would be rude for the best man and the maid of honor to run off into the trees for a quickie. She smirked and focused on the ceremony.
Jamie applauded with the others as Kayla and Glen were pronounced man and wife, and shared their first kiss. She smiled and stepped forward as they walked past the guests, taking Mark's arm.
"How rude would it be…" Mark ducked low and kept his voice soft. It sent a shiver down her back anyway. "If we kinda disappeared for about an hour or so?"
Jamie laughed, wondering if he had read her mind. She squeezed his arm. "Very. Unfortunately. It must be all the fresh air." They had reached the end of their short walk. Mark let her go reluctantly.
Glen and Kayla were definitely going non-traditional with the after nuptials activities. Since Mark refused to give a speech, there was no toast. The wedding broke up into groups of people talking, laughing, and attempting to dance as soft music was played from speakers hidden in the tents. It was very informal, and very relaxed. Perfect for Kayla and Glen, who spent most of that late morning, early afternoon being goofy with each other.
It was hours later when Lexi found Jamie, who was talking to a friend of Glen's, a guy named Paul, and his wife Rachel.
"Sorry to interrupt. But I think little bit has worn herself out." Lexi pointed out Phil, who was holding Abby and dancing with her in slow circles. The little girl had her head on his shoulder and she was looking rather glassy eyed at all the activity.
"Do you need help back to the house?" Jamie asked, excusing herself from the conversation with a bit of relief. Some of these people were a bit intense about their work.
"No, no. It's right through the trees there, and all we have to do is follow the ribbon. I'll come back in a bit and help clean up though." Lexi grinned.
"You don't have to do that, but thank you." Jamie laughed and turned to see if she could spot Mark in the crowd. He was standing near the food tent, a cup in his hand. In deference to the warmth of the day he had rolled up his sleeves and unbuttoned at least the top three buttons of his shirt. She would have sworn he was trying to kill her. Smirking, she started to pick her way through the crowd to him.
She got sidetracked though. David stepped in front of her and she almost ran into him but managed to catch herself in time. He grinned down at her, his dark eyes warming up as he realized who she was. "Hey!" He laughed, deep in his throat. "Remember when I dropped you off and you didn't wanna stay? I was right, huh?"
"You definitely were." Jamie grinned and accepted a hug from the big man.
"I was just about to hit the road and get home." David gave her a pat on the back and released her, looking at her critically. "I almost didn't recognize you. Wow."
"Yeah. I'm a different person when I'm not buried in a snowdrift or wandering around looking like a drowned rat."
David watched the way she kept an eye on Mark as he walked toward them and grinned impishly. "You have done him a world of good." He said before Mark was in earshot.
Jamie grinned up at Mark as he wrapped an arm around her. "Don't listen to a word he says." Mark warned her, smirking at David. "He's full of shit on a good day."
"Ha. Right!" David offered a hand and Mark shook it. "I'm gonna go tell the bride and that lucky bastard brother of yours congratulations, then I have to get going. I expect to be back for a longer visit pretty soon." He winked and smacked Mark on the shoulder before moving through the party to where Glen and Kayla were sharing a bench and a plate of snacks.
Mark turned his attention to Jamie, a smile on his face. "Tired yet?"
"Nope." Jamie grinned and turned so that he was holding her close. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him close. "But we can duck into the woods any time. I'm pretty sure the rude factor is past."
Mark chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "Then I'm gonna tell them we're ducking out for a few minutes." He nodded toward the newlyweds.
"Good. I'm getting a head start." Jamie extracted herself from his arms and turned before he could grab her back. She did not wait to see if he was watching her or telling Glen and Kayla goodbye.
Jamie felt the temperature drop as soon as she stepped into the trees. She sighed in relief and laughed as her foot slipped on some pine needles on the ground. Jamie used a tree for balance and took her low heels off, sighing in relief. She actually liked the dress, but was no fan of the pointy-toed shoes.
She turned to see if Mark was coming when her eyes fell on a group of shadows nearby. Jamie had been seeing them all day, and she knew they were spirits, here to enjoy the good emotion that came from such a joyous occasion. But this time the shadows did not fade, flicker, or move off. Solid shapes began forming, an arm, a shoulder, a hand…
Jamie blinked and in that instant the shadows dissipated. Now there were ghosts. So many people Jamie could not count them. They were everywhere. She looked around slowly, but her eyes came to a halt and her breath caught in her throat as the shadows she had been looking at became some very familiar people.
"Hi, Jamie." Steve was the first to break the silence, smiling as she struggled to find the words to speak.
Her eyes fell on the woman with Steve. That black-blue hair was even more shockingly vibrant in the tree dimmed sunlight, and her eyes were still that new nickel silver. Celia was smiling, apparently pleased that they had managed to surprise her.
"What…are you…doing here?" Jamie finally asked, smiling in spite of her shock.
"We try to go to all the weddings we can." Celia said, putting her arm through Steve's. "There is a great power here, a deep well of happiness. Some of the spirits need it, to move on. We are here to observe."
"But I don't understand. I thought…"
Steve looked at Celia, and they both smiled. "A lot has happened."
"No shit." Jamie laughed. She stepped forward and reached out, attempting to touch Steve's arm. It was reflex. But her hand passed through him as if there were nothing there. He looked remorseful at that.
"We're just here to observe." Celia said with a grin. "None of the spirits in attendance can be touched right now. Not even by a powerful hunter or empath."
"I just…what the hell?" Jamie finally laughed. She glanced through the trees to see that Mark had been stopped by one of the guests. He was trying to edge away but they kept talking. "I understand the whole 'good vibes' bringing the spirits out but…" She motioned at Steve.
Celia rubbed Steve's arm. "I have taken Steve as a partner." She met his eyes again. "And it has been quite interesting."
"I have heard that he's hard to live with." Jamie said with a laugh.
"Hm. That might be true. But they obviously did not know me." Celia turned a bit more serious, but there was still amusement dancing in her eyes. "He wished to see his little one, for the last time. I'm afraid I won't be able to bring him back here again until she has a big event in her own life. Her wedding, perhaps." Steve was nodding, catching Jamie's eyes with his.
"She's gonna be all right." He said softly. "She's got you guys to keep an eye on her. Just promise me it stays that way."
"Oh, it definitely will." Jamie said, smiling. "I love that kid. Mark loves that kid. Hell, we all love her. She's got quite the extended family here."
Steve nodded again. Celia squeezed his arm reassuringly. "I'm afraid we can only stay for a minute. It was hard enough getting Sterling off our backs without him realizing that we wanted a word with you."
"Oh. Him again."
"It is all right. He steers away from things like this. And according to our…council…you are to be bothered no more." Celia shifted her eyes for a moment, and Jamie caught it.
"Wait…are you sure? Because…"
"Of course I am sure." Celia smiled again. "I am sorry. We are the council, but we do answer to our own advisers – our own council. I was merely wondering if I should reference them. Few know that there are levels higher."
"Ok. You could have just said."
"My mistake." Celia laughed. "Tell your friends congratulations from the spirit world. We see that they will have a long and prosperous life, full of children."
"I'm sure Kayla would be happy to hear that." Jamie smiled.
"Take care of yourself." Steve said, interrupting the women. Jamie noticed the he had faded out a bit. Celia smiled and watched as he completely disappeared.
"He is still too weak to hold his form here for long. But he definitely has potential." Celia spoke softly, almost to herself. Jamie laughed, which brought her back to the present. "Before I go…you have questions?"
"Thousands." Jamie admitted. "Why can I see you guys? Why can I see all of them?" She gestured to the spirits who watched the festivities.
"I ran headfirst into a power that was greater than mine." Celia came forward a step and took Jamie's hands, surprising her into gasping. Jamie thought she could not touch them. Then she remembered – Celia was definitely different. "Do not fear it. Use it."
"Use what? I don't know what you're talking about." Jamie said, keeping her voice low. Mark was heading their way again, and she realized that from his viewpoint, he could not see Celia.
"Your son. He is the one who won't let you give up your gift." Celia rubbed a hand over Jamie's stomach. "So strong already. Sterling fears you because of him." She met Jamie's eyes. "Do you want to know your future now? I asked before. This will be your last chance."
"I…" It was on the tip of her tongue to say no. But Jamie realized that her future was about more than herself. And she hated being surprised. "Yes. Tell me. Is he going to be all right?" Her hand went to her stomach, where Celia had rubbed.
"Healthy, handsome, and powerful." Celia was smiling again. "Your marriage to Mark will dim your powers, and his, but only because the little one will draw on them. He needs them. Because someday, our council will be destroyed by him."
Jamie's eyes widened. "But…why?"
"Because things have a way of changing. And your son will bring that change."
"But what about you? What about Eldon?" Jamie did not ask about Sterling, because she honestly did not give a damn about him.
"Eldon's time is ending. I will willingly step down, when the right leader appears. When the right time occurs." Celia smiled and touched Jamie's face. "Sterling will fight, but he will lose. The future can be changed of course, but this is the course I have seen since the day you were born, Jamie."
"I just…"
"Hey, who are you talking to?" Mark spoke, making her jump. Jamie turned to see him stepping between some trees. She looked back to Celia, not surprised at all that the woman was no longer standing there.
"Just willing you to hurry up." Jamie looked around, at all the spirits. Celia was nowhere to be seen. When Mark took her hand and started leading her through the woods, Jamie did not protest. She went willingly enough, her shoes dangling from one hand, her head spinning from the information Celia had left with her.
