Excitement rippled through me. We were almost there.
“Do you take this man to be your husband?” Cassandra asked me.
I stared into Diego’s blue eyes, blinking through emotional tears. “I do. I absolutely do!”
Gianna cheered, and the guys laughed. Cassandra wrapped a cord with both red and white as part of the handfasting and continued. I was relieved that I kept this small. We didn’t need any more drama after what we’d experienced.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” she declared. “You may kiss the bride.”
Diego pulled me into his arms and kissed me. Our first kiss being married. Tingles of heat warmed my veins as I anticipated our life to come, starting with tonight.
When we pulled apart, he picked me up and spun me around. “We did it!”
I shrieked in delighted surprise. “We did.”
Once he put me on my feet, Gianna, Sebastian, Zoe, and Lucas surrounded and congratulated us. One big happy family.
After we separated, Diego joked, “That was great and all, but you’re not coming on the honeymoon with us.”
I turned to him and smiled. “Where are we going?” He’d been keeping it a surprise these last few weeks.
“You’ll see soon.” He nodded with smug satisfaction. “The countdown is on.” He raised his index finger. “But I have another surprise for you first tonight.”
I leaned close into his ear and whispered, “Ooh, I can’t wait.”
He chuckled. “Yes, when I get you home, don’t expect to sleep much, but I meant a different surprise first.”
We spent the next twenty minutes or so greeting the guests before Diego drove us from Salem, taking the leisurely route along the shore.
“Are we going someplace in particular?”
He grinned. “You’ll see when we get there.”
“So many surprises, Diego. I’m going to die of curiosity.”
“We can’t have that, can we? Don’t worry, you’ll know the answer to one soon.”
When we pulled into the parking lot of Gianna’s club, I faced him. “Why are we going to the Danger Zone?”
He shook his head and teased, “So many questions.” After he parked the car, he said, “Come on in, my bride.”
We entered the club. Our wedding guests were inside. They cheered, “Surprise!”
The club was decorated for the fall equinox with grapevines, apples, and pumpkins spread about, incorporating with the elements of a traditional wedding with white rose centerpieces.
“Wow, this is amazing!” A long white curtain spread in front of one wall. A long banquet table was covered in trays of food, including many apples and pumpkins, and the scents of both perfumed the air. White fairy lights entwined around bouquets of baby’s breath on rafters and columns. White roses and tea lights were on each table. I gaped at the wondrous transformation.
“I had help as I’m sure you could guess.” Diego beamed at the venue.
I turned in a semi-circle. Gianna had most definitely helped with the décor and Sebastian with the food. My closest friends putting so much effort into making this an unforgettable night for us brought tears to my eyes. “Thank you all.” I dabbed at my eyes.
“No need for tears,” Gianna said. “Not even happy ones. You look too beautiful to ruin your eye makeup.” She winked.
I laughed and attempted to blink them away.
Zoe pulled a curtain aside to reveal Sebastian at the bass, Lucas on guitar, Gianna at the microphone. Diego sat behind his drum set.
“What are you guys doing back there?”
Gianna leaned into the mic. “Getting this celebration going.” She welcomed everyone, encouraging them to eat, drink, and be merry. Then she added, “You all know the words to this song. But I never get lyrics correct, so I’ll need you to sing my version with me for Nova and Diego’s special night.”
The guys played, and I recognized the opening of Billy Idol’s “White Wedding.” When Gianna sang the chorus, she sang it as “Night Wedding.”
I laughed. It was a fantastic twist. After all, I was marrying a vampire.
“Come on over here, Nova, and sing with me.” She gestured for me to join her.
I exchanged a sly grin with Diego. Damn he was hot, especially in this mode, looking like a rock star. How did I luck out with someone as marvelous as him? Life was good. Tonight was fun, and later would be even more incredible.
I joined Gianna and sang her version. “It’s a nice day for a Night Wedding.” Catching Diego’s gaze, I smiled. It was the perfect night to start again.
