to hear.
He presses his lips lightly to mine. I take a deep breath as happiness and reassurance wash into me.
Luca shouts and cheers as the crowd around us erupts in applause, making me blush even more as I smile against his lips.
Nineteen
The Bonding
The following day is spent in a whirlwind of energy. Not from me. The most I accomplish is a few yawns, exhausted from just watching Luca scramble around with unity items—Wedding items.
In my camp, a unity is completed in document form. Signing, agreeing and moving on with your new lives together.
Apparently, that is not what this is. A unity and a marriage are clearly not the same thing. I’m starting to wonder if a marriage is sleep deprivation, tears and anxiety.
The most beautiful day of my life another mystic told me, as she fought the layers of white material in her hands. She’s made me nervous with all the tearing and sewing and ripping I’ve watched her do for the last few hours.
I take another gulp of my drink, letting it burn the back of my throat as Luca twists and pulls every hair on my head. My head tilts painfully back and forth beneath her strong hands.
“Are you sure all this stuff is needed? Asher already knows what I look like. Changing my hair and clothes for one day isn’t going to make him love me any more than he already does.”
“It’s needed, now sit up straighter or we’re going to be here all day,” she snaps at me.
My back goes ramrod straight at her sharp words.
Okay. Someone is a little more invested in this event than I am.
“Why white? And why a dress?”
I don’t think I’ve ever worn an elaborate dress like this in my life. The flowing material covers the table in front of us in a heap of tulle and crisp white fabric.
The dirt and dry air are going to destroy that pretty thing.
“Well, miss negativity, years ago, white was a symbol of innocence and virginity.”
I spew my drink into my cup and down my chin and neck. I cough as the liquid burns my throat and lungs.
“And why, might I ask, is my innocence and virginity anyone’s business?” I ask still trying to breathe properly.
She snorts loudly, tugging harshly at my thick long hair.
“It’s definitely not anyone’s business. But it used to be. It used to be an incredibly important foundation for a marriage.”
A pause fills the silence as my mind wanders.
“Do you think it’s important to Asher? That I’m not,” I pause keeping my eyes down, inspecting the bottom of my empty cup, “that I’m not experienced?” My voice is shaky and quiet. There isn’t an ounce of confidence in me at the moment.
“Of course not, Fallon.” She stops working for a moment, her hands resting comfortably on my shoulders. “Asher loves you. I promise everyone is just as unsure of themselves at some point in their lives as you are right now. But not everyone has someone who loves them like Asher loves you.” Her words are gentle and fill my heavy heart. “You guys have each other. You guys will discover everything together.”
“Thanks, Luca,” I say in a whisper, tilting my head up to meet her eyes, my lungs breathe easier just thinking about her words.
Luca’s an amazing person. Someone I never expected to meet after what I went through. And I don’t know if I could have made it through this last year without her.
“Besides, with a body like his, I doubt you’ll be able to think about anything once he’s naked.”
A smirk fills my lips, my eyes slipping closed as heat flames my face.
“You’re such a romantic,” I say with an eye roll as we burst into laughter.
Music strums gently into the cool breeze, a noise soft and familiar. The salt of the ocean fills the air around me. A long white curtain separates me from everyone else. I can see the shadows of the people seated beyond the curtain. A figure stands alone at the edge of the cliff.
My fingers push nervously at the white fabric of my dress. The thin material flows intricately, sliver-like pieces caress my legs, exposing tan skin against the stark white color. The bodice is tight against my chest making my unsure breaths harder to take. My hair hangs around me in elaborate twists and a few thick braids at the top before cascading down one shoulder in a tangle of thick curls.
Luca applied a black gel to my lashes making them