]
The clearing is found among a densely forested area. The only areas not thick with snow-kissed pines are those for the wedding, whereupon a light dusting of snow has covered the grounds and refuses to be cleared. It does not melt into hems of skirts, dresses, or pant legs; it is magical, after all. The seating along the aisle appears to have grown of ice, though upon sitting one would find a pleasant surprise in that they were neither cold, nor melty. Crystal seats. In fact, every surface in the clearing not of nature herself was constructed of it, bearing that cloudy surface one sees on ice in nature. At the end of the aisle held a gazebo that was built by the hands of the groom. Now lights and flowers decorated it. Snow falls gently across the entire scene, though the comfort of those present was ensured. Temperatures were kept tolerable by unseen hands in the night air, working to keep this affair as grandiose as expected.
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The time was roughly an hour before the wedding was scheduled to begin. Kota was inside the massive tent which had been set up for him and his groomsmen to get themselves ready. Kota was just about there already. He had on everything but his hat and tie. In the meantime, he had to take a few minutes to step out from the madness of three other guys BSing with him about what was about to happen today. Just guys being guys..that kind of thing. The snow had been falling nonstop for hours now, and the field was an absolute blanket of white. A few spectators had started to show up, wanting to ensure a good seat for this. Kota and Jade were expecting a good number of their friends to show up tonight. There wasn't much family to speak of for either of them, besides Kota's parents. Other than that, everyone who would be here tonight was here because of their friendships with Dakota and Jade. For now, he stood outside the flap of the tent, hands in his coat pockets and a cigarette between his lips. After all these months, the night had finally arrived.
Nervous was putting it lightly for our little bride. Jade was jittery as she and her other girls dressed inside their own tent. Rhy consoled her, Jen rubbed her shoulders, Cas offered her a drink... which was surprisingly passed down. Two hundred years of waiting could do that to a girl. Cole had found himself a place to dress himself away from the girls, bless his heart being a male bride's maid. With little Claira's help, Jade dressed and Rhy did her make up. What were besties for. The minutes ticked away, and she paced. Jade even found herself peaking into the crowd. A full smile found itself on her crimson lips as she looked over everyone, but oh the butterflies.
He had a good view of the girls' tent from where he was standing as he stood there with his arms crossed, watching the snow fall. He was watching the tent, and he saw the flap open just slightly. Hmm....oh, curiousity was getting the best of him, and without really thinking about it, he slowly made his way in that direction. It didn't take him long before he saw Jade's unmistakable features. Yeah yeah yeah, so he wasn't supposed to see the bride before the wedding, so says tradition. Anyone who knows Dakota and Jade knows they've never been much for "tradition". Besides, he couldn't see anything but her face! Well, he got a little closer, flicked his cigarette aside, and smiled ever so softly as he came within a few inches of her. Quietly, he whispered. "We're fixin' to get married, baby.."
She didn't realize he was there until he spoke. She was lost in her own mind, but when the words seeped in she blinked a few times. "Dakota Steele! You can't see me!" Jade's voice rose but she looked back at the girls to see how they were holding up. More importantly if they were looking her way. Claira was entertaining them, slowing them how she would throw the flowers. Coast was clear. She turned back and poked her head out more, "I'm so nervous, Kota." Jade made a face then smiled and lowered her voice, "How many more minutes? Seems like ferever..." She held the tent edges tightly at her neck. She wouldn't let him see the dress!
"Probably 'bout 45 minutes or so....ain't nothin' to be nervous about, darlin'...s'just me, you, an' a few of our friends out there. That's all it is. If you can't be comfortable 'round our friends, who CAN you be comfortable with?" Ol' Kota was just saying anything he could to help put Jade's mind at ease. And leaning in, he gave her a quick peck on the lips. "Baby, I'm fixin'a get back to my tent. Don't leave town now, aight?" Big grin at that.
"Ya call that a few of our friends?!" Her jade hues widened and her head poked out some more to tilt towards the ever growing group. But in the end the kiss won her over. He was right. She needed to chill. She gave a few returning kisses and nodded, "Ya think I'd go through all this trouble jus' ta leave now?" She fought off a laugh, "Tryin' ta tell me somethin' with that?" Jade sent off a wink as she mouthed 'shoo'. Then, she slipped back into the tent to face eyes staring at her. Blink, "What?" A chorus of "Who was out there" and "Was it him?"s were yelled towards her. But you couldn't get anything passed her silly grin.
Yeah, he probably oughta wipe that bit of telltale lipstick off before he returns to his tent, and that's exactly what he did. Quickly, he made his way back, as he was starting to attract WAY too much attention from the congregation. He stepped inside to the sight of Dean, Brian, and Joseph, his dad, all grinning at him.
Joseph was the one to speak up. "Now, son...you know you're already getting things off on the wrong foot by goin' to see her."
To that, Dakota simply smiled. "Dad...I don't see how I could've gotten things started more right. I just saw who I'm fixin' to marry, and my God, she's beautiful."
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The appointed time had finally arrived, and there wasn't an empty seat to be found tonight. Dakota and his party had already made their way down the aisle, and were patiently awaiting the arrival of the bridal party, followed by the bride herself. Dakota would be standing underneath the gazebo that he had built with his own two hands, while the rest of the party stood just beyond the gazebo.
Aiyana, an honorary "groomsman" for the night, looked particularly stunning in her dress. As strange as it may have seemed to be standing up there as a "groomsman", she couldn't have been prouder to have the opportunity to stand up there with her twin brother. Dean was someone that Dakota shared quite a bit of history with, but they had only recently become good friends. Considering that Dean's wife and Dakota's soon-to-be wife were practically sisters, it seems that Dean and Dakota's friendship was bound to last for quite a while. Then there was Brian. He was one of the first people who Dakota became acquainted with when he arrived into RhyDin. He soon became his best friend. They've been through quite a lot, and although they had fallen out of touch recently, Dakota knew he HAD to have his old friend up there with him. And finally, there was Joseph, the proud father, and the best man. He was simply watching his son with the proud eyes that only a father could have.
Also, already standing underneath the gazebo with Dakota was none other than Des herself, who gladly volunteered her time to marry Jade and Dakota tonight. Dakota's eyes were fixated on that aisle that his bride would be walking down in just a matter of moments, and his heart was about to beat out of his chest.
Soon, the bride's maids filed up the aisle - all wearing their beautiful blue dresses. The snow fell lightly, on all of them. Everyone. First, the Maid of honor came up - Rhy. Rhy had become Jade's best friend in such a short time, but they were like sisters now. The Dynamic Duo. Second came Casidy, basically Jade's real sister from Bon Temps. After over thirty years of knowing each other, it should be that way. Following her came Cole, the only male on her side. Skull Brother and snuggle buddy, Jade couldn't leave him out. Lastly, the blazing red head Jen, Brian's love, came up. They, like Dakota and Brian, lost touch but had been friends for years. As the girls found themselves on the other side of the gazebo in a line like the boys and settled, the bridal march began to play.
Everyone's eyes turned to see Jade. Crimson lips beaming like none other, she started up the aisle slowly. She relished the gasps of delight as she clasped onto her bouquet of flowers. In front of her, Claira threw flower petals every which way with her mother's smile on her face. Daniel was beside her in his tiny tux, holding up the small pillow with the rings on it.
Jade beamed up at Mark on her arm, her brother from home who she thought handsom in his tux. Like the rest of her family, he was more adopted than anything. Little Katra, Casidy's daughter, followed behind Jade. She was clutching onto the train like no one else could do the job. As the gap between Dakota and Jade closed, Claira, Katra, and little Daniel found their places alongside everyone else. With a kiss to Jade's cheek and a humble nod to Dakota, Mark gave her off and found his seat.
All eyes were on Jade, and every bit of the attention was absolutely deserved. She.......was.....breathtaking. Dakota's eyes were completely fixated on her. Nothing else mattered. NOTHING in the world mattered right now, except that woman who was walking down the aisle to marry him. Dakota took a step down, to take Jade's hand into his, and then stepped back up, leading her inside the gazebo.
Des, with that ever patient smile upon her face, waited for everyone to be seated before she finally spoke. "Dear friends, we're gathered here today in the presence of friends and family, together under God, to give social recognition to their decision to commit their lives and accept each other completely, to learn how to help, and understand each other, to build a family, and together, to travel through life."
"If any of you has anything to say that might change their minds....they....don't want to hear it." And that drew a laugh from those in attendance. Dakota simply grinned at Jade over that one. "However, they do want to hear from you that you are their village, that you will always be their friends, and will always support and encourage them as they discover the commitment and decidation needed to make marriage work. And that is why you are here today, and they thank you for your friendship and love."
"Jade, do you take Dakota to be your wedded husband to share your life openly, standing with him, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and to love, so long as you both shall live?"
While Des had been going through all of this, Kota's mind was over these past eight months that he had spent with Jade. She was finally the one who had been able to complete him. She was a woman who never backed down from him, and she was a woman who loved him for HIM. His eyes NEVER left hers as he held her hand while listening to Des. And finally, Des had asked the big question. He awaited Jade's (hopefully) positive response.
Her jade hues glistened brightly into the chocolatey pools of his eyes. They melted her over and over as she listened intently to Des. At different words or phrases, his features changed slightly in only a way she could tell. But they all held love in them, which made her smile brighter and brighter. There could have no one else around them, for all she heard was Des' voice and Dakota's pulsing heart. And all she saw was him. She was nearly too caught up to answer. Jade took a hard swallow and looked up at Des, nodding, "I do." Her smile returned again with blinding force.
Dakota breathed a sigh of relief upon her giving her "I do", which brought some giggles from two or three of those who noticed it.
Des then looked to Dakota, and proceeded to ask him the same question. "Dakota, do you take Jade to be your wedded wife, to share your life openly, standing with her, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and to love, so long as you both shall live?"
Now Dakota had given thought to saying something cute or funny right here, but he had enough good sense to know not to ruin this moment. There were only two words he could say that would mean more to Jade than anything else, and he spoke those two words with all the love he had in his heart. "I do."
Des, still smiling, nodded her approval. "Jade, would you please say your vows?"
A few astonished red tears had formed hearing Dakota. As easy as pie. But now she had to regain herself and resite vows she plowed into her brain so hard you wouldn't believe, just so she didn't have to look stupid and pull out a peice of paper.
With a deep and unneeded breath from the vampiress, she nodded to Des, "Aye." Another not needed gulp of air was taken as she looked towards Dakota, hands holding tightly to his, "Dakota, I can't begin to tell you how happy you've made me. You've completed me, an' I didn't know I could ever feel like that. I've been livin' a long time." She paused purposefully and give a glance to the crowd. She earned a few laughs. Jade looked back to Dakota, growing back serious, "I Jade, take you Dakota to be my husband through the good times and bad. I couldn't imagine spendin' all my life with anyone else. I promise to stand beside you, at all times. Hand in hand. I promise to be your faithful wife, to stray nevermore because my heart and soul is with you an' you alone. I promise to respect you, even if we bicker like kids."
By then, even in her light laugh red tears had started to fall. Good thing she had a tissue handy. "Dakota, you are my one and only. I will love you until this world crumbles beneath our feet." She gulped and nodded, and looked up to Des to give her another nod that she was finished. Jade couldn't speak without her voice cracking anymore.
He was a man who prided himself on not letting ANYONE see him cry. He had promised himself that no matter what she said to him during her vows, he WOULD NOT break down. He would keep it together. He would keep himself composed. But as she stood there and poured her heart out to him, and as her crimson tears fell before him, he was drawing in quick breaths, trying to literally hold back the tears he knew were welling up inside. His bottom lip trembled uncontrollably, and the sight of this man's man on the verge of losing it was undoubtedly causing a ripple effect of tears throughout the crowd.
He had to look away, and in a classic case of him blurting out something before his brain filter stopped him from saying it, choked out a classic Dakota profanity.. "Ah, ****...." Those who heard it laughed heartily, and he gave a quick apologetic look to Des. Hey, that lighthearted moment at least helped him get his composure back!
Des tried to keep from laughing, and took a second to recompose herself before speaking up once again. "Dakota, would you please say your vows?"
"Baby...I ain't got no vows memorized...I couldn't remember 'em if I tried. But what I do got...is the best way I know to tell you how much I love you..." And stepping back a couple feet, he reached for the small wooden stool and his black acoustic guitar that had both been placed in the right back corner of the gazebo. He carefully placed the stool a few inches in front of her and sat himself down. His guitar was rested upon his lap, and he took a few seconds to get it tuned perfectly. Within moments, he began to play the intro to a song that he'd been working on learning for quite a while now. As he began to sang, his eyes once again locked in on hers, and he prayed that if she cried, he wouldn't lose it himself.
"I've seen the storm clouds in your past.
But rest assured 'cause you are safe at home at last.
I rescued you, you rescued me.
And we're right where we should be
when we're together."
"I know the questions in your mind.
But go ahead and ask me one more time.
You'll find the answer's still the same.
It won't change from day to day
for worse or better."
"Will I promise to be your best friend?
And am I here until the end?
Can I be sure I have been waiting for you?
And did I say my love is true?
Baby, I will, I am, I can, I have.....I do.."
"I know the time will disappear.
But this love we're building on will always be here.
No way that this is sinking sand.
On the solid rock we'll stand forever."
"Will I promise to be your best friend?
And am I here until the end?
Can I be sure I have been waiting for you?
And did I say my love is true?
Baby, I will, I am, I can, I have.....I do.."
And he took a few seconds to play through the instrumental break. He was so lost in the song now, he may not have noticed if she was crying.
"Baby, I will, I am, I can, I have...
Oh, I will, I am, I can, I have....
Baby, I will, I am, I can, I have....."
And he stopped playing to open his eyes, and sing those last two lyrics to her..
"I do...."
As the song went through it's course, the whole field was a wave of emotions. But Jade's face was straight. Her eyes followed each string, her ears picking up each note, each lyric. It was the best way to take in everything. To remember everything. For the rest of her life. On the outside, she must have looked stunned more than anything. The song was near ending as she let herself go, her emotions go. Lower lip quivering, sniffling up a storm. At the last two words, you could have swore the red sea fell from her eyes. All of the bride's maids were clinging together, crying. Jade couldn't say a word, just wipe the tears away.
Add Aiyana to that list, as she was practically sobbing her eyes out. Meanwhile, Dakota quietly stood up, picked up the stool and placed it, along with the guitar, back in the corner of the gazebo. Returning to his spot next to his bride, he waited for Des to continue, who was having a hard time controlling her emotions as well. "Do we have rings?"
And God bless little Daniel. He had been standing there for what seemed like forever to him. His dad was keeping an eye on him, as he proceeded to raise the small pillow up to Joseph, who lifted the ring from the pillow, and handed it to his son.
Dakota took the ring, then took his bride's left hand, and veeeery carefully placed the ring on her third finger. "I, Dakota, give you, Jade, this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you."
And with that, Des shifted her attention to Jade, waiting for her to do the same.
Her slim brows rose as she cleared her throat, tears tamed. She smiled down to Daniel and took the other ring from the pillow. Her jade hues found her favorite pools of warm chocolate and locked on as she took her groom's left hand.
The ring slipped onto his third finger and she spoke, "I, Jade, give you, Dakota, this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you." Oh that smile she had on her face! You could have sworn her jaw was about to fall clean off.
Des laughed one of those laughs as if someone had been holding it in until the coast was clear, in relief. "Well, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man an' wife! Mister and Misses Steele!" More light laughter came from her as she looked at the two, "By God, kiss already!"
And that's what they did as everyone stood and cheered. Though, the children all looked away with a series of 'ew's and 'gross's, lead by Claira as a joke. Dakota pulled Jade close and set his lips to her's. The passion grew, as in any kiss to do justice to a good wedding should, and Dakota dipped her back. The cheers grew louder, but when he let her up a moment later he released her from the kiss. And like the true cowboy he was, Dakota grabbed the brim of his black hat and whirled it into the cheering crowd.
Without looking, Jade threw her bouquet without much of a warning, nearly causing at least two catfights among the single women in the audience! Seconds later, Dakota's arm linked with his new bride's, and they made their way up the aisle, while being greeted with repeated blasts of rice from those who chose to continue with that age old tradition.
Joseph then stepped towards Rhyannon, both of them with proud grins upon their faces, and he escorted her up the aisle. Then Dean and Cas proceeded to do the same, followed by Cole and Aiyana, and finally, Brian had the honor of escorting his wife Jenai.
Within minutes, Jade and Dakota both appeared in the sunroof of the limo, looking at everyone as they respectively went to their cars and the likes, and Dakota hollered loud enough to be heard by everyone.
"Meet y'all at the reception! We fixin' to have us a HELLUVA party!!!"
The clearing is found among a densely forested area. The only areas not thick with snow-kissed pines are those for the wedding, whereupon a light dusting of snow has covered the grounds and refuses to be cleared. It does not melt into hems of skirts, dresses, or pant legs; it is magical, after all. The seating along the aisle appears to have grown of ice, though upon sitting one would find a pleasant surprise in that they were neither cold, nor melty. Crystal seats. In fact, every surface in the clearing not of nature herself was constructed of it, bearing that cloudy surface one sees on ice in nature. At the end of the aisle held a gazebo that was built by the hands of the groom. Now lights and flowers decorated it. Snow falls gently across the entire scene, though the comfort of those present was ensured. Temperatures were kept tolerable by unseen hands in the night air, working to keep this affair as grandiose as expected.
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The time was roughly an hour before the wedding was scheduled to begin. Kota was inside the massive tent which had been set up for him and his groomsmen to get themselves ready. Kota was just about there already. He had on everything but his hat and tie. In the meantime, he had to take a few minutes to step out from the madness of three other guys BSing with him about what was about to happen today. Just guys being guys..that kind of thing. The snow had been falling nonstop for hours now, and the field was an absolute blanket of white. A few spectators had started to show up, wanting to ensure a good seat for this. Kota and Jade were expecting a good number of their friends to show up tonight. There wasn't much family to speak of for either of them, besides Kota's parents. Other than that, everyone who would be here tonight was here because of their friendships with Dakota and Jade. For now, he stood outside the flap of the tent, hands in his coat pockets and a cigarette between his lips. After all these months, the night had finally arrived.
Nervous was putting it lightly for our little bride. Jade was jittery as she and her other girls dressed inside their own tent. Rhy consoled her, Jen rubbed her shoulders, Cas offered her a drink... which was surprisingly passed down. Two hundred years of waiting could do that to a girl. Cole had found himself a place to dress himself away from the girls, bless his heart being a male bride's maid. With little Claira's help, Jade dressed and Rhy did her make up. What were besties for. The minutes ticked away, and she paced. Jade even found herself peaking into the crowd. A full smile found itself on her crimson lips as she looked over everyone, but oh the butterflies.
He had a good view of the girls' tent from where he was standing as he stood there with his arms crossed, watching the snow fall. He was watching the tent, and he saw the flap open just slightly. Hmm....oh, curiousity was getting the best of him, and without really thinking about it, he slowly made his way in that direction. It didn't take him long before he saw Jade's unmistakable features. Yeah yeah yeah, so he wasn't supposed to see the bride before the wedding, so says tradition. Anyone who knows Dakota and Jade knows they've never been much for "tradition". Besides, he couldn't see anything but her face! Well, he got a little closer, flicked his cigarette aside, and smiled ever so softly as he came within a few inches of her. Quietly, he whispered. "We're fixin' to get married, baby.."
She didn't realize he was there until he spoke. She was lost in her own mind, but when the words seeped in she blinked a few times. "Dakota Steele! You can't see me!" Jade's voice rose but she looked back at the girls to see how they were holding up. More importantly if they were looking her way. Claira was entertaining them, slowing them how she would throw the flowers. Coast was clear. She turned back and poked her head out more, "I'm so nervous, Kota." Jade made a face then smiled and lowered her voice, "How many more minutes? Seems like ferever..." She held the tent edges tightly at her neck. She wouldn't let him see the dress!
"Probably 'bout 45 minutes or so....ain't nothin' to be nervous about, darlin'...s'just me, you, an' a few of our friends out there. That's all it is. If you can't be comfortable 'round our friends, who CAN you be comfortable with?" Ol' Kota was just saying anything he could to help put Jade's mind at ease. And leaning in, he gave her a quick peck on the lips. "Baby, I'm fixin'a get back to my tent. Don't leave town now, aight?" Big grin at that.
"Ya call that a few of our friends?!" Her jade hues widened and her head poked out some more to tilt towards the ever growing group. But in the end the kiss won her over. He was right. She needed to chill. She gave a few returning kisses and nodded, "Ya think I'd go through all this trouble jus' ta leave now?" She fought off a laugh, "Tryin' ta tell me somethin' with that?" Jade sent off a wink as she mouthed 'shoo'. Then, she slipped back into the tent to face eyes staring at her. Blink, "What?" A chorus of "Who was out there" and "Was it him?"s were yelled towards her. But you couldn't get anything passed her silly grin.
Yeah, he probably oughta wipe that bit of telltale lipstick off before he returns to his tent, and that's exactly what he did. Quickly, he made his way back, as he was starting to attract WAY too much attention from the congregation. He stepped inside to the sight of Dean, Brian, and Joseph, his dad, all grinning at him.
Joseph was the one to speak up. "Now, son...you know you're already getting things off on the wrong foot by goin' to see her."
To that, Dakota simply smiled. "Dad...I don't see how I could've gotten things started more right. I just saw who I'm fixin' to marry, and my God, she's beautiful."
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The appointed time had finally arrived, and there wasn't an empty seat to be found tonight. Dakota and his party had already made their way down the aisle, and were patiently awaiting the arrival of the bridal party, followed by the bride herself. Dakota would be standing underneath the gazebo that he had built with his own two hands, while the rest of the party stood just beyond the gazebo.
Aiyana, an honorary "groomsman" for the night, looked particularly stunning in her dress. As strange as it may have seemed to be standing up there as a "groomsman", she couldn't have been prouder to have the opportunity to stand up there with her twin brother. Dean was someone that Dakota shared quite a bit of history with, but they had only recently become good friends. Considering that Dean's wife and Dakota's soon-to-be wife were practically sisters, it seems that Dean and Dakota's friendship was bound to last for quite a while. Then there was Brian. He was one of the first people who Dakota became acquainted with when he arrived into RhyDin. He soon became his best friend. They've been through quite a lot, and although they had fallen out of touch recently, Dakota knew he HAD to have his old friend up there with him. And finally, there was Joseph, the proud father, and the best man. He was simply watching his son with the proud eyes that only a father could have.
Also, already standing underneath the gazebo with Dakota was none other than Des herself, who gladly volunteered her time to marry Jade and Dakota tonight. Dakota's eyes were fixated on that aisle that his bride would be walking down in just a matter of moments, and his heart was about to beat out of his chest.
Soon, the bride's maids filed up the aisle - all wearing their beautiful blue dresses. The snow fell lightly, on all of them. Everyone. First, the Maid of honor came up - Rhy. Rhy had become Jade's best friend in such a short time, but they were like sisters now. The Dynamic Duo. Second came Casidy, basically Jade's real sister from Bon Temps. After over thirty years of knowing each other, it should be that way. Following her came Cole, the only male on her side. Skull Brother and snuggle buddy, Jade couldn't leave him out. Lastly, the blazing red head Jen, Brian's love, came up. They, like Dakota and Brian, lost touch but had been friends for years. As the girls found themselves on the other side of the gazebo in a line like the boys and settled, the bridal march began to play.
Everyone's eyes turned to see Jade. Crimson lips beaming like none other, she started up the aisle slowly. She relished the gasps of delight as she clasped onto her bouquet of flowers. In front of her, Claira threw flower petals every which way with her mother's smile on her face. Daniel was beside her in his tiny tux, holding up the small pillow with the rings on it.
Jade beamed up at Mark on her arm, her brother from home who she thought handsom in his tux. Like the rest of her family, he was more adopted than anything. Little Katra, Casidy's daughter, followed behind Jade. She was clutching onto the train like no one else could do the job. As the gap between Dakota and Jade closed, Claira, Katra, and little Daniel found their places alongside everyone else. With a kiss to Jade's cheek and a humble nod to Dakota, Mark gave her off and found his seat.
All eyes were on Jade, and every bit of the attention was absolutely deserved. She.......was.....breathtaking. Dakota's eyes were completely fixated on her. Nothing else mattered. NOTHING in the world mattered right now, except that woman who was walking down the aisle to marry him. Dakota took a step down, to take Jade's hand into his, and then stepped back up, leading her inside the gazebo.
Des, with that ever patient smile upon her face, waited for everyone to be seated before she finally spoke. "Dear friends, we're gathered here today in the presence of friends and family, together under God, to give social recognition to their decision to commit their lives and accept each other completely, to learn how to help, and understand each other, to build a family, and together, to travel through life."
"If any of you has anything to say that might change their minds....they....don't want to hear it." And that drew a laugh from those in attendance. Dakota simply grinned at Jade over that one. "However, they do want to hear from you that you are their village, that you will always be their friends, and will always support and encourage them as they discover the commitment and decidation needed to make marriage work. And that is why you are here today, and they thank you for your friendship and love."
"Jade, do you take Dakota to be your wedded husband to share your life openly, standing with him, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and to love, so long as you both shall live?"
While Des had been going through all of this, Kota's mind was over these past eight months that he had spent with Jade. She was finally the one who had been able to complete him. She was a woman who never backed down from him, and she was a woman who loved him for HIM. His eyes NEVER left hers as he held her hand while listening to Des. And finally, Des had asked the big question. He awaited Jade's (hopefully) positive response.
Her jade hues glistened brightly into the chocolatey pools of his eyes. They melted her over and over as she listened intently to Des. At different words or phrases, his features changed slightly in only a way she could tell. But they all held love in them, which made her smile brighter and brighter. There could have no one else around them, for all she heard was Des' voice and Dakota's pulsing heart. And all she saw was him. She was nearly too caught up to answer. Jade took a hard swallow and looked up at Des, nodding, "I do." Her smile returned again with blinding force.
Dakota breathed a sigh of relief upon her giving her "I do", which brought some giggles from two or three of those who noticed it.
Des then looked to Dakota, and proceeded to ask him the same question. "Dakota, do you take Jade to be your wedded wife, to share your life openly, standing with her, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and to love, so long as you both shall live?"
Now Dakota had given thought to saying something cute or funny right here, but he had enough good sense to know not to ruin this moment. There were only two words he could say that would mean more to Jade than anything else, and he spoke those two words with all the love he had in his heart. "I do."
Des, still smiling, nodded her approval. "Jade, would you please say your vows?"
A few astonished red tears had formed hearing Dakota. As easy as pie. But now she had to regain herself and resite vows she plowed into her brain so hard you wouldn't believe, just so she didn't have to look stupid and pull out a peice of paper.
With a deep and unneeded breath from the vampiress, she nodded to Des, "Aye." Another not needed gulp of air was taken as she looked towards Dakota, hands holding tightly to his, "Dakota, I can't begin to tell you how happy you've made me. You've completed me, an' I didn't know I could ever feel like that. I've been livin' a long time." She paused purposefully and give a glance to the crowd. She earned a few laughs. Jade looked back to Dakota, growing back serious, "I Jade, take you Dakota to be my husband through the good times and bad. I couldn't imagine spendin' all my life with anyone else. I promise to stand beside you, at all times. Hand in hand. I promise to be your faithful wife, to stray nevermore because my heart and soul is with you an' you alone. I promise to respect you, even if we bicker like kids."
By then, even in her light laugh red tears had started to fall. Good thing she had a tissue handy. "Dakota, you are my one and only. I will love you until this world crumbles beneath our feet." She gulped and nodded, and looked up to Des to give her another nod that she was finished. Jade couldn't speak without her voice cracking anymore.
He was a man who prided himself on not letting ANYONE see him cry. He had promised himself that no matter what she said to him during her vows, he WOULD NOT break down. He would keep it together. He would keep himself composed. But as she stood there and poured her heart out to him, and as her crimson tears fell before him, he was drawing in quick breaths, trying to literally hold back the tears he knew were welling up inside. His bottom lip trembled uncontrollably, and the sight of this man's man on the verge of losing it was undoubtedly causing a ripple effect of tears throughout the crowd.
He had to look away, and in a classic case of him blurting out something before his brain filter stopped him from saying it, choked out a classic Dakota profanity.. "Ah, ****...." Those who heard it laughed heartily, and he gave a quick apologetic look to Des. Hey, that lighthearted moment at least helped him get his composure back!
Des tried to keep from laughing, and took a second to recompose herself before speaking up once again. "Dakota, would you please say your vows?"
"Baby...I ain't got no vows memorized...I couldn't remember 'em if I tried. But what I do got...is the best way I know to tell you how much I love you..." And stepping back a couple feet, he reached for the small wooden stool and his black acoustic guitar that had both been placed in the right back corner of the gazebo. He carefully placed the stool a few inches in front of her and sat himself down. His guitar was rested upon his lap, and he took a few seconds to get it tuned perfectly. Within moments, he began to play the intro to a song that he'd been working on learning for quite a while now. As he began to sang, his eyes once again locked in on hers, and he prayed that if she cried, he wouldn't lose it himself.
"I've seen the storm clouds in your past.
But rest assured 'cause you are safe at home at last.
I rescued you, you rescued me.
And we're right where we should be
when we're together."
"I know the questions in your mind.
But go ahead and ask me one more time.
You'll find the answer's still the same.
It won't change from day to day
for worse or better."
"Will I promise to be your best friend?
And am I here until the end?
Can I be sure I have been waiting for you?
And did I say my love is true?
Baby, I will, I am, I can, I have.....I do.."
"I know the time will disappear.
But this love we're building on will always be here.
No way that this is sinking sand.
On the solid rock we'll stand forever."
"Will I promise to be your best friend?
And am I here until the end?
Can I be sure I have been waiting for you?
And did I say my love is true?
Baby, I will, I am, I can, I have.....I do.."
And he took a few seconds to play through the instrumental break. He was so lost in the song now, he may not have noticed if she was crying.
"Baby, I will, I am, I can, I have...
Oh, I will, I am, I can, I have....
Baby, I will, I am, I can, I have....."
And he stopped playing to open his eyes, and sing those last two lyrics to her..
"I do...."
As the song went through it's course, the whole field was a wave of emotions. But Jade's face was straight. Her eyes followed each string, her ears picking up each note, each lyric. It was the best way to take in everything. To remember everything. For the rest of her life. On the outside, she must have looked stunned more than anything. The song was near ending as she let herself go, her emotions go. Lower lip quivering, sniffling up a storm. At the last two words, you could have swore the red sea fell from her eyes. All of the bride's maids were clinging together, crying. Jade couldn't say a word, just wipe the tears away.
Add Aiyana to that list, as she was practically sobbing her eyes out. Meanwhile, Dakota quietly stood up, picked up the stool and placed it, along with the guitar, back in the corner of the gazebo. Returning to his spot next to his bride, he waited for Des to continue, who was having a hard time controlling her emotions as well. "Do we have rings?"
And God bless little Daniel. He had been standing there for what seemed like forever to him. His dad was keeping an eye on him, as he proceeded to raise the small pillow up to Joseph, who lifted the ring from the pillow, and handed it to his son.
Dakota took the ring, then took his bride's left hand, and veeeery carefully placed the ring on her third finger. "I, Dakota, give you, Jade, this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you."
And with that, Des shifted her attention to Jade, waiting for her to do the same.
Her slim brows rose as she cleared her throat, tears tamed. She smiled down to Daniel and took the other ring from the pillow. Her jade hues found her favorite pools of warm chocolate and locked on as she took her groom's left hand.
The ring slipped onto his third finger and she spoke, "I, Jade, give you, Dakota, this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you." Oh that smile she had on her face! You could have sworn her jaw was about to fall clean off.
Des laughed one of those laughs as if someone had been holding it in until the coast was clear, in relief. "Well, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man an' wife! Mister and Misses Steele!" More light laughter came from her as she looked at the two, "By God, kiss already!"
And that's what they did as everyone stood and cheered. Though, the children all looked away with a series of 'ew's and 'gross's, lead by Claira as a joke. Dakota pulled Jade close and set his lips to her's. The passion grew, as in any kiss to do justice to a good wedding should, and Dakota dipped her back. The cheers grew louder, but when he let her up a moment later he released her from the kiss. And like the true cowboy he was, Dakota grabbed the brim of his black hat and whirled it into the cheering crowd.
Without looking, Jade threw her bouquet without much of a warning, nearly causing at least two catfights among the single women in the audience! Seconds later, Dakota's arm linked with his new bride's, and they made their way up the aisle, while being greeted with repeated blasts of rice from those who chose to continue with that age old tradition.
Joseph then stepped towards Rhyannon, both of them with proud grins upon their faces, and he escorted her up the aisle. Then Dean and Cas proceeded to do the same, followed by Cole and Aiyana, and finally, Brian had the honor of escorting his wife Jenai.
Within minutes, Jade and Dakota both appeared in the sunroof of the limo, looking at everyone as they respectively went to their cars and the likes, and Dakota hollered loud enough to be heard by everyone.
"Meet y'all at the reception! We fixin' to have us a HELLUVA party!!!"