Page 904 of Coal Hearts

She’d quickly shaken her head.

Neither of us had lost our aversion for any type of jewel.

That was why I’d struggled to find a wedding ring.

And why I’d had to have one made.

It burned a hole in my pocket as Ily stepped to face me and Priti reached for her mother.

Kissing our daughter’s outstretched hand, she grinned. “I didn’t know I was marrying you too, little fireheart.”

Fuck, my own heart turned into a furnace.

I burned.

I flamed.

I didn’t think I would ever find this level of joy and yet...I had.

I stood in fucking utopia surrounded by my favourite people and the monster in me agreed. In that moment, it didn’t crave blood or pain. It basked in total happiness and love. The two pieces of me forged together. Forever hers. Forever free.

“If you will all be seated.” The celebrant cleared his throat and smiled at the crowd.

The rustle of clothing and creak of chairs sounded in the hot summer afternoon. Not a cloud in the sky. The sun as golden as Ily’s eyes.

I needed to touch her. Hold her.

Glancing at Peter, I raised an eyebrow.

“You’re nuts.” He chuckled under his breath and held out his arms. “Come on then. Give me my goddaughter.”

I passed her over.

Priti chortled and grabbed Peter’s ear.

With my hands free, I palmed Ily’s ring and waited.

Everything around me faded.

The words of the celebrant.

The sighs from the crowd.

All I saw was Ily.

All I heard was her heart.

I love you. She smiled.

I love you more. I touched my chest. Forever.

When it was time for us to exchange vows, I went first.

Clearing my throat, I raised my voice so everyone could hear. “You once made me recite Rainer Maria Rilke poems to keep me conscious in the dark. I’ve read quite a few of his editions now but it was your father who gave me my favourite one.” I glanced at Manish Sharma.

He nodded and smiled.

“He quoted ‘Our deepest fears are like dragons guarding our deepest treasure.’”