My heart fluttered as Clarence and I took the first few steps down the aisle. My hands shook with anticipation. Clarence shifted the hand hooked through mine to grab ahold of the hand that was shaking. I glanced over at him and saw him turn his head in my direction.
"Breathe, Miss Sage. Breathe. We don't want you passing out before you get to Adrian." Clarence said kindly. I let out the breath I hadn't realised I'd been holding.
"I have a surprise for you." He said and winked, gesturing to the front just as a shadow stepped in front of us, stopping our path. I looked up and saw my father standing before us, a sad smile on his face.
"Dad?" I whispered in disbelief. He only nodded his head and held his arm out, I turned to look at Clarence who nodded his head and smiled. I removed my arm from the crook of his arm and placed it through my father's. My father was now smiling down proudly at me.
"You look beautiful, Sydney." He stated brushing a tendril of hair off of my face. I smiled up at him as tears pooled in my eyes. I blinked rapidly to keep them from escaping. It worked. My dad turned to Clarence, who had begun walking to his seat.
"Mr. Donahue?" Clarence stopped and turned to my father, a questioning look on his face. "Thank you." Clarence smiled and gave a small bow.
"You are most welcome Mr. Sage." He said before continuing on his retreat to his seat.
My father turned to me and we began walking.
"I've been given leave to attend," He said after a few moments of silence. "I wanted to see my beautiful daughter get married despite our...differences." I was silent. I hadn't realised how much I wanted my dad here, until he actually was here. I clung to his arm and slowed my pace.
"I am glad you're here dad." I said. He turned and shot me an alarmed look.
"But..." He pressed. I smiled and shook my head.
"There is no 'but', dad. I truly am glad you're here." He gave my hand a gentle squeeze and held his head up proudly, a smile on his facial features. By this time, we'd reached the altar. And Adrian. Our eyes connected as I reached him. Adrian reached a hand out and shook my dad's.
"Thank you Jared," Adrian said and my dad inclined his head politely. Adrian turned his gaze to me and winked. "Hey beautiful." I could feel a blush working its way up to my cheeks and I smiled despite the violent fluttered that was now in my stomach. My palms were slick with sweat as I took hold of the hand Adrian had held out.
"Who here, gives this woman, to this man?" Came a loud, booming voice from in front of us. I jumped and looked away from Adrian, to see a man in his mid-50's standing before us, hands clasped together in front of him. Beside me, I felt my father remove my hand from his arm and reached his free hand out and take Adrian's free hand and clasp ours together.
"I, Jared William Sage, give Sydney Sage to Adrian Ivashkov." My dad kissed me softly on the cheek and shook Adrian's hand.
"You look after her." He warned Adrian before smiling warmly.
"I give you my oath, I will never let anything," Adrian glanced at me. "Or anyone hurt her." My father nodded in agreement and with one last kiss on my cheek, took his seat beside my mother and sisters. I was surprised to see them too as they'd told me they wouldn't be able to make it. But, like my father, I was glad to see them here. Glad that my family was here. I looked at them for a while before feeling a soft, gentle hand on the side of my face and an even gentler voice telling me they're ready and waiting. I pulled my gaze away from my family and instead focused it on Adrian.
The celebrant began his speech; welcoming everyone and thanking them for coming to witness this day. Adrian and I stared at each other, his thumbs rubbing gentle circles onto my hands, as the celebrant spoke. We were really here. We were really getting married, becoming husband and wife. I'd gotten over the fact he was a vampire and potentially had the strength to kill me. Now, he was just Adrian and he was about to be mine. The celebrant had stopped speaking and the room had gone quiet. I blinked rapidly as I realised everyone was waiting for me.
"I'm sorry. I was deep in thought." I muttered sheepishly. Adrian snorted and I kicked him. That only made him laugh loudly. I raised an eyebrow and turned my attention to the celebrant; who was waiting patiently with a smile on his face.
"Are we ready to begin?" He asked kindly. I nodded my head and Adrian let out a loud and eager-sounding "Yes!"
The celebrant turned to Adrian first. There was some sort of silent exchange between the two and after a moment's silence, they both nodded and Adrian turned to me.
"Screw the traditional vows," He said and I bit back a smile. "The past three years I have waited patiently for this day. And now that it's here; I can't think of a single word to say."
"What a surprise!" Said Christian Ozera from behind Adrian. Everyone, including Adrian and myself, laughed. Still chuckling, Adrian released one of my hands and lifted it over his shoulder, flipping Christian off.
"But, the only words I can think of to say are; you are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth." His green eyes danced in the light as they held my brown ones. They were the exact words he'd said to me on numerous occasions; Halloween, telling me his feelings for me. His words to describe his love for me. And only me.
"I love you Sydney. And I want to continue loving you until the day I die. You are what keeps me sane, even on days where I'm not sane. My light, my past, present and future. My love." He reached into his pocket and pulled out my wedding ring. "Take this ring and stay with me. As my friend, my psychiatrist, as my wife. And eventually; the mother of my children." He pushed the thin gold band onto my finger and lifted it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss onto the band, his eyes on me the whole time.
"Your turn." He murmured and I nodded, taking a deep breath.
"Thank you. One of the many things I can say and truly mean. Thank you Adrian, for loving me, for being patient, for everything in general. There's no way I can see myself without you next to me. Encouraging me, pushing me to achieve all possible things. You are my past, my present and until the day I die; my future. There is no man I could love as much as I love you. Those three words are powerful and have so many meanings. But right now, they mean just that; I love you. Children are a highly possibility, but for the next couple of years, at minimum, I want you all to myself." Rose nudged me and I turned to her as she held out Adrian's ring with her left hand. Something glinted on her hand that made me frown. Rose noticed my frown and poked her tongue out at me. I took the ring and turned back to Adrian.
"Adrian, take this ring, and know that it means that my unconditional love for you is exactly that; unconditional. This ring also means that I accept you as my husband. I am also giving you my heart and my soul. They now belong to you completely." I pushed the ring onto his finger and twisted it around a couple of times. Adrian released one of my hands and reached out to cup my face.
"I will always love you." He mouthed and I smiled.
"Beautiful words. Absolutely beautiful words." Said the celebrant. "And now, by the power vested in me, I declare you Adrian and Sydney Ivashkov. Husband and wife." A loud roar as everyone stood clapping and cheering. Adrian took a couple of steps towards me, both hands cupping my face. The celebrant looked at Adrian.
"You may now kiss your bride!" Adrian closed the distance between us and I reached up to twine my arms around his neck.
"Finally." We whispered at the same time. Adrian lowered his lips to mine as I tipped my head back. It was official; we were married. Husband and wife. Each other's and no one else's.
An hour later, Adrian and I stood on the other side of the door that separated us from our guests, waiting to go in and celebrate with everyone we knew and loved. We were locked in a tight embrace, lips connected in a fierce kiss. I pulled away for some air as Adrian trailed his lips down my throat.
"They're going to let us in a minute!" I scolded playfully.
"Don't care...never get enough...kiss you..." Adrian jerked his head up and looked into my eyes. "Mrs. Ivashkov." I closed my eyes and tipped my head back.
"I like the sound of that." I said.
"Mmmm. Me too, Mrs. Ivashkov." Adrian tilted his head to one side. "Mrs. Ivashkov."
"Yes?"
"You have an unexpected visitor."
"Who?" Adrian pointed to somewhere over my shoulder and I turned.
"Hello Mrs. Ivashkov."
"Ms. Terwilliger!" I exclaimed in shock. "What a lovely surprise!"
"...Mr. and Mrs. Adrian and Sydney Ivashkov!" The doors opened and everyone stood, waiting for Adrian and I to walk in. I let go of Adrian and walked over to the woman and pulled her in for a hug.
"I thought you weren't coming?"
"I was in the area and thought I'd stop by and say hello. And to congratulate you both in person."
"Well, now that you're here. I'll have two lovely ladies to escort in." Adrian said coming up beside me and winking down at me. He held out both arms for us to take and we took an arm willingly. The three of us walked in and were greeted with a throng of people. Adrian and I led Ms. Terwilliger to an empty seat, before heading to our table. Adrian held my seat out for me. I sat down as he pushed it in. He took his seat and reclaimed my hand. I leaned into him and placed that arm around me. He scooted his chair closer so we were both more comfortable.
Soon after our arrival, the speeches began and then dinner was served; a choice of roast chicken or turkey, with homemade stuffing, chipolata sausage wrapped in bacon and bread sauce. And for the vegetarians: crisp cheese pastry case with sweet onion topped with goat's cheese and sage. And for the Moroi invited; champagne glasses of blood. We all ate and chatted amongst ourselves, Adrian and I even getting up through our meal to walk among the guests to see how their meals were, if they were enjoying themselves and to thank them all for coming. After another toast, this time from my father, it was time for Adrian and I's first dance. I was anxious to hear what song Adrian had chosen to be played while we danced, as I'd left it up to him. He took my hand and led me onto the dance floor that had been set up in the middle of the room. He spun me around just as the music started and pulled me into his arms. The song that was playing sounded familiar and I looked at Adrian in question.
"Warmness on the Soul." He said knowingly. Ah. No wonder it sounded familiar. The song was on Adrian's playlist on my iPod. It was one of the songs I'd played at full volume while I was on my way back to Utah. It was by his favourite band; Avenged Sevenfold. Despite the type of music they played, this song was a beautiful ballad. And it was fitting for Adrian and I's first dance. He spun and dipped me, before pulling me back up and into the warm circle of his embrace. My head tipped back as he lowered his head, our lips connecting in a gentle touch. It was just that; a touch. But it held so much in it. As the song came to an end, Adrian twirled me out, then back in, before dipping me slightly, his body following mine. He pulled us upright as our guests stood and clapped before joining us out on the floor as the next song began playing. Adrian and I just stood in each other's embrace, until began fiddling with my dress.
"What's wrong?" Adrian asked when I let out a quiet, frustrated growl.
"This dress is starting to annoy me!" I hissed as I jerked the top of my dress up, only for it to slip back down. "I think the lacing has come undone!" I clutched the top of my dress to my chest and spun around, searching for Jill or Rose. When I turned to Adrian, he was staring at me strangely.
"What is it?" I asked releasing one hand and taking one of his.
"Why don't you let me lace it back up?" He asked and shrugged. At this very moment, I didn't care who laced me back up as long as I was laced back up.
"Come on." I said pulling him in the direction of the change rooms. Along the way, we were getting knowing glances, to which Adrian had noticed and was fuelling their suspicions of where we were going.
Once we were inside the change rooms, I turned back on him and swept my hair off of my shoulder.
"How tight do you want it?" He asked as he took hold of the lace.
"Tight enough so it doesn't come undone and fall down again." I said impatiently. "Jill mustn't have laced it up tight enough."
"Speaking of Jill..." Adrian trailed off. I turned slightly to look at him.
"What?" I asked. Adrian finished lacing me back up and pressed a kiss to my lips.
"I saw her sneaking off with Eddie a while ago."
"But...Eddie's with Angeline! Why would he be sneaking o-" I spun around and ran out of the room, Adrian trailing behind me. I reached the reception area only to find a group had gathered around an argument. I pushed my way through to the front. Angeline was screaming at both Eddie and Jill.
"Why Jill?" She was screaming at Eddie. "Why my best friend? Why even cheat on me anyway?" Angeline dropped to her knees sobbing. Eddie moved towards her but I caught his attention and held out a hand to stop him.
"Let me." I whispered as I crouched down in front of Angeline. I put my arms around the dhampir and pulled her to her feet. "Come with me." And together, Angeline and I moved out of the circle and in the direction of a quiet space outside. Adrian hovered a little distance away keeping an eye on us. There was a park bench in front of us and I pulled ourselves down onto that.
"What happened?" I asked her gently. Angeline was sobbing hysterically. "Angeline, calm down. Take deep breaths and tell me what happened."
"Eddie had disappeared somewhere and I thought he was out checking the boundaries, so I went to go find him and help. Well...I found him alright. Jill as well. They were all over each other. Eddie turned his head and saw me. I took off running, but he caught up to me and we started arguing. He was trying to tell me he was sorry, I was screaming that I didn't believe him. Then you came in when I asked him why." I didn't know what to say, so I just held onto the girl and let her cry.
"Ange?" Came Eddie's voice from the dark. Angeline got up and ran off in the opposite direction, leaving me sitting there uncomfortably with Eddie behind me.
"I'm sorry Sydney." Adrian said. "I tried to stop him.
"It's okay Adrian." I turned to Eddie. "What you did was the worst thing you could have ever done! You not only got the girl you originally wanted, but also broke the girl you were dating's heart in the meantime!" I turned and stalked off to find Angeline.
I found her ten minutes later, sitting by the pond.
"I knew he had feelings for Jill, but I never thought he'd use me to try and get over her, but end up with her anyway." She sniffed. I sat down on the grass beside her. "Jill was also my best friend! How could she betray me like that?"
"I seriously thought he was over her. What Eddie did was wrong and out of line. He had absolutely no right to hurt you the way he did." I growled. And I was right; Eddie had no right to cheat on Angeline. He'd broken Angeline's trust and now her faith in the male species. And honestly, I didn't blame her. She'd done nothing wrong to deserve this. Someone sat down on the other side of Angeline. Adrian's tall form folding itself down onto the grass beside her.
"I know exactly what you're going through." He said. I knew what he was talking about. He'd had his heart shattered by Rose, when she cheated on him with Dimitri.
"What you went through with Rose and Dimitri?" Angeline asked.
"Yes. I felt hurt, used, betrayed and like I was never good enough. But you know what?" I saw Angeline move slightly and knew Adrian had nudged her.
"What?" I heard her ask quietly.
"Look to your right," Angeline turned her head to the right. I was sitting on her right. "See that beautiful woman sitting there?"
"Sydney?" Angeline asked confused.
"If it hadn't been for Rose and Dimitri meeting her and then Rose cheating on me. As well as all the stuff with the bond I had with Jill; I would have never met Sydney. And we wouldn't be here now, married." Adrian pulled Angeline in for a side hug. "If there's someone out there for me; crazy Adrian Ivashkov, then there's sure as hell someone out there for you. Don't waste your tears on someone like Eddie. He's not worth your time. The pain of what he's done will hurt for a while, but then you'll meet someone knew and it'll be like it almost never happened." I leaned forward and looked Angeline in the eyes.
"I think I might know someone who likes you."
Angeline tilted her head slightly, "Who?" She asked.
"Guess."
"I can't think of anyone." She said after a moment. "Unless..."
"Unless what?" Adrian asked looking at me, a question burning in those emerald eyes. Angeline turned her head fully in my direction.
"Trey?" I smiled and nodded my head. "No way! Are you serious?"
"Very serious." I nodded in mock seriousness, fighting a smile the whole time.
"How do you know?" She asked incredulously.
"He told me."
"Oh my God! This is...this is...oh my God!" All of a sudden, Angeline fell back on the grass laughing. Adrian and I shared a startled look.
"Uh...Angeline? Are you okay?" I asked. Angeline laughed for a little bit longer and then slowly made her way back up to a sitting position.
"Thank you. Both of you. For making me feel so much better. I can't believe Trey likes me!" just like when she started laughing, Angeline began crying again. "Can I please have some time alone?" i was about to protest, but Adrian caught my gaze and shook his head, reaching a hand out for me to take.
"Sure." I said hesitantly as Adrian pulled me to my feet. "Come find us soon, okay?"
Angeline nodded and Adrian pulled me back towards the reception.
"Oh hey! Congratulations guys!" Angeline called out to us.
"Thanks!" We both called out and turned back to the party.
The rest of the night went off without a problem after we told Eddie and Jill to stay away from Angeline. And everyone enjoyed themselves. Soon enough, it was time for everyone to go home and prepare for the next day. Rose pulled me into the change rooms and handed me my going away clothes. As I was pulling on my blouse, I remembered something I'd seen earlier in the day.
"Want to explain?" I asked Rose.
"Explain what?" She asked innocently as she put my wedding dress back into the garment bag, carefully zipping it up.
"Don't play coy with me Rose Hathaway." I caught Rose off guard by grabbing her left hand and gripping it in mine. Guardians, Rose especially, didn't get caught off guard very often. I examined her hand and held up her fingers in front of her eyes. "What's this?"
Rose couldn't hide the grin that appeared on her hand and let out a small squeal.
"Dimitri asked me to marry him! And of course, I said yes!" She squealed. I pulled her in for a hug.
"Oh I'm so happy for you Rose. Really, I am!" there was a knock on the door and Adrian poked his head in.
"You ready yet?" He asked.
"Impatient as ever, Mr. Ivashkov." I said pulling my hair out of the half up-do it was in.
"Of course Mrs. Ivashkov." He said and disappeared.
"There. All ready to go Mrs. Ivashkov." Rose said stepping back, garment bag in hand. I took a deep breath and gripped the doorknob, twisting it and pulling the door open. Adrian was on the other side and took me into his arms.
"Shall we?" He asked. He was sounding slightly nervous. I was feeling the same way. I nodded a bit too enthusiastically and Adrian and I made our way through the human arch our guests had made. We said goodbye to our loved ones and got into the car that was waiting for us, and headed off to spend the next three weeks on our honeymoon...to Australia, of all places.