I wanted to run away with him.
I wanted to dance in his arms.
I wanted him to be mine forever.
I floated, this time with purpose. I wanted that man, and there was such a short distance I’d have to travel to have him.
With each step, I could better see his face. His love, fierce and bright, shone from him like a second light. His eyes glittered, tears unshed, and that, somehow, was all I needed in the world.
And then I was there, at the altar, in front of him, facing him. He winked, and I caught laughter in my mouth.
The music stopped. Everyone sat.
“Beloveds, welcome,” a very deep and very familiar voice said.
It took me a second, maybe three, to fit that voice with what was happening.
In practice, Hera had been our officiant. I’d been honored to have the goddess of marriage marrying us. It made sense.
But this was Ordinary.
And Ordinary was anything but.
I turned to our officiant.
Than wore a very bespoke black suit with a bright red Hawaiian shirt, black tie, and a black top hat. He looked like a tall, thin mortician on vacation, with a twinkle in his eyes.
Death. Death was going to marry us. When had that happened?
I glanced at Ryder to see if he was in on this. He gave me a smile.
I couldn’t help it, I smiled back.
“Please, return to your repose,” Than intoned.
Myra cleared her throat.
“Ah. Be seated,” Than corrected. From the sounds behind me, everyone did as they were told.
“This, then, is a grand and rare event,” Than began, “a moment when two hearts will be exchanged, and two lives will be joined. Those gathered are honored witnesses of this ending of one life and beginning of another.
“I am told this part of the ceremony is mine, to give wisdom or advice or guidance to all of us, and importantly to the two souls standing before me. I am also told to be brief.”
There was a light flutter of laughter.
“Here then, is my wisdom: Savor.
“Savor the starlight, the moon, the rise of seasons, and fall of light. Savor the kindness of breath, the stretch of muscle, the spark of curiosity. Savor the laughter of friends, of songs sung off-key, the shout and giggle of children. Life is made of fleeting moments.
“Savor those moments. And in them, in the moments of life, every one, may you always find love.”
He paused, and I blinked to keep the tears from falling.
“Good,” he said, clapping his hands and rubbing them together. “That went well. Now, it will be vows. I believe it is traditional for the groom to begin? Ryder. Do you have your vows?”
Ryder nodded and patted his pockets, sticking his fingers in at his hips and coming up empty.
Crow tapped his elbow and passed him a crumpled piece of graph paper.
