In my dreams, I'm exactly where I need to be. Doing exactly what I need to do. Being exactly who I need to be.
Universe, please make dreams come true.
30
SHARON
It’s the morning of the wedding and the weather is perfect with clear skies, and mild temperature considering it is Christmas Eve, I would say that it is fantastic weather. I'm standing at Riverside Ranch at five in the morning with my phone in one hand and my third coffee in the other, doing a final walkthrough before anyone else arrives.
The venue is transformed. White and blush roses mixed with eucalyptus are arranged in stunning displays throughout the space. The arch where Tangle Peak and the Brownbox pack will exchange vows is absolutely breathtaking, with flowers cascading down the sides like nature itself is blessing their union. String lights are hung between posts, ready to twinkle once the sun sets. The tables are set with simple but elegant decorations that let the natural beauty of the venue shine through.
Jessica arrives at six with two coffees and approximately seventeen different clipboards. She looks like she's been awake for approximately three days, but her energy is incredible. She's running on the kind of adrenaline that only comes from knowing that something important is about to happen.
"Everything looks perfect," she says, doing her own walkthrough and making notes on her clipboard. "I'm honestly impressed with myself. We actually pulled this off."
"We absolutely did," I agree, walking through the ceremony space one more time. "The orchestra is arriving at nine. The photographer is here at ten. The caterers will be here by eleven. Everything is locked in and ready to go."
The orchestra. That's the part I'm most excited about. Tangle Peak specifically requested a live orchestra instead of a traditional band, and I managed to coordinate with a group from Denver that specializes in weddings. They're going to play a combination of classical pieces and modern interpretations of Tangle Peak's own songs, which is going to be absolutely incredible.
By eight o'clock, vendors are starting to arrive. The florist does a final check on the arrangements. The photographer sets up his equipment. The caterers begin their final preparations in the kitchen. The venue is buzzing with energy and anticipation.
At nine o'clock exactly, the orchestra arrives. I watch as they set up their instruments on the small stage that's been prepared for them. There's a violinist, a cellist, a pianist, a harpist, and a conductor who has the kind of serious expression that suggests she takes her job incredibly seriously.
The conductor introduces herself to me, and her name is Margot. She's a woman in her fifties with silver hair and the kind of bearing that comes from someone who's been making music her entire life.
"This is going to be beautiful," Margot says, looking out at the ceremony space with an artist's eye. "The mountains. The flowers. The light. It's the perfect setting for what we're about to create."
By ten o'clock, guests are starting to arrive. They're seated in chairs arranged in rows facing the arch. The Brownbox pack isin the groom's room, getting ready and apparently losing their collective minds because their omega is about to marry all of them at once. Tangle Peak is in the bridal suite, and based on the one text I got from her, she's nervous and excited and absolutely ready to do this.
The photographer captures everything. The small details. The way guests are greeting each other. The way the late morning sun hits the arch exactly right to create the most beautiful lighting.
At noon, guests are settled. The orchestra has done a sound check. Everything is in place. I stand at the back of the ceremony space with Jessica, and we watch as the first notes of the prelude music begin to play.
The orchestra plays a hauntingly beautiful piece that sounds like hope mixed with anticipation. The string instruments carry the melody while the harp provides delicate accompaniment. The piano grounds everything in something solid and real.
Then the Brownbox pack emerges from the groom's room. They're all dressed in matching suits that are tailored to their specific builds, and they look absolutely stunning.
Rogue leads them forward. He's the pack alpha, and it shows in every step. His pack follows him like they're part of his body, moving together as one unit even though they're separate people walking down the aisle.
The guests lean forward, and I can see the phones coming out as people try to capture the moment. This is going to be all over social media before the ceremony is even over, but I don't care. This is a moment worth capturing.
The orchestra transitions into a new piece, and then Tangle Peak emerges.
She's wearing a dress that's modern and elegant, a flowing white gown with a neckline that dips low and a back that's completely open. It's not a traditional wedding dress in any way,but it's absolutely perfect for her. Her dark hair is pulled back in a sleek style that shows off her face. She's wearing minimal makeup, just enough to highlight her features without detracting from her natural beauty.
She walks down the aisle alone because she doesn't need anyone to give her away. She's choosing her pack completely of her own volition, walking toward them with the kind of confidence that only comes from knowing exactly who you are and exactly what you want.
When she reaches the arch, all four alphas turn to look at her, and the expression on their faces is absolutely breathtaking. It's love and devotion and pride all mixed together. It's the expression of people who've found their person and are about to spend the rest of their lives with her.
Margot conducts the orchestra through the vows. Tangle Peak and the Brownbox pack exchange rings and promises while the orchestra plays. The music swells and rises, matching the emotional intensity of the moment. There's not a dry eye in the audience. Even Jessica has tears streaming down her face.
"With the power vested in me by the state of Colorado," the officiant says, his voice carrying across the ceremony space, "I now pronounce you bonded for life. You may kiss."
The orchestra launches into an absolutely incredible arrangement as all four alphas kiss their omega. It's a tangle of bodies and mouths, and it's passionate and beautiful and absolutely perfect. The guests stand up and applaud, and I can hear phones clicking as people capture the moment.
The orchestra plays as the newly bonded pack walks back down the aisle together, their hands intertwined. They're laughing and crying and absolutely radiating happiness.
The ceremony is over. The bonding is complete. What was two separate entities is now one cohesive unit.
