Chapter 3: The wedding
Gallowglass met with Marcus, Fernando, and Chris in the following days. All 3 noticed his change.
Fernando, who had a special sensitivity toward his stepson, noticed that his gaze had changed.
As soon as they were alone he asked him what had changed him.
Gallowglass mumbled something, he felt strange, he did not know what was happening to him either. He had met a girl and his choices were being questioned.
Actually Fernando knew very well what was happening to him. He had felt the same before recognizing Hughes as his mate.
Who knows how long it would have taken Gallowglass to realize this and put his unrequited love for Diana behind him.
Phoebe and Marcus's wedding day arrived. All their guests gathered in France to celebrate them.
Eva and Baldwin arrived arm in arm, which surprised everyone. He as elegant as ever and she radiant in yellow.
Annika understood that her mother had left behind the hatred of the past and was ready to give herself another chance to love.
For her part, Annika did not like glamorous occasions, but she had agreed to go shopping with her mother to find a dress.
The choice had fallen on a light, billowing petrol green dress that left her long slender legs exposed at the front.
She had left her hair straightened naturally, although her mother had tried to persuade her to style it.
In heels she was very tall, and she could see that many guests were peering at her with interest.
This was not a new sensation; she knew men liked her, despite the fact that she was not curvy. The contrast between her fair skin and hair with her dark eyes was fascinating and engaging. However, the mix of vampires, demons, and witches peering at her made it a bit unnerving.
After half an hour she realized that her easygoingness and the fact that she had learned several languages as a child had helped her integrate and by now she was exchanging jokes with all the other guests.
She was looking for Gallowglass among the attendees, but did not see him.
She had to admit to herself that she was sorry he had not asked her to accompany him, but she had said nothing to encourage him to do so either.
She found herself talking to Jack and Fernando. The former was charmed by her, while the latter had no trouble understanding why his nephew found her interesting.
She was likeable, modern, and sarcastic-all qualities he appreciated.
The ceremony took place in the church, where Phoebe showed up in her haute couture French lace dress with a very long train accompanied by both her parents.
It was very touching and her parents cried the whole time. Sister Stella and Gallowglass were the witnesses. That's why she hadn't seen him before; he was supporting the groom before the big step.
Seeing him dressed up pleased her, but perhaps she preferred him casual with a T-shirt to catch a glimpse of his many tattoos.
During the wedding refreshments, Gallowglass had eyes only for Annika, but she tried not to be noticed. She looked beautiful as she fixed her bangs, and it made him a little jealous at the thought of all the boys competing to talk or dance with her.
Finally, her turn came, but it was Annika who took the lead. "Eric, are you coming to dance or shall we wait for the next wedding?"
Fernando who had seen the scene laughed smugly.
They had fun on the dance floor together with the newlyweds until Gallowglass asked her to go out for a walk in the surrounding countryside.
She willingly agreed because she was flushed. She liked the music and dancing even more because it could clear her mind, but a break would do her good.
They found themselves in the midst of nature, and Annika asked him why he had not invited her to attend the wedding together.
Gallowglass, who did not expect a direct question but liked to see her piqued, made nonsensical excuses that made her even more nervous.
"I didn't want to make all the women jealous of me," he said with a sly smile.
Annika didn't let him repeat it twice and retorted that she could find a thousand guys without effort.
Gallowglass always sarcastic invited her back to the room to choose the best party. She supported his game and turned to re-enter the room.
Except that he suddenly stood in front of her and kissed her.
It was a passionate kiss that they both longed for.
They did not return to the wedding reception again and ended the evening at Gallowglass' apartments in Sept tours, heartened by the new relationship they had created.