hand over her middle. “We’ll both be waiting for you when you return.”
Reno pulled her to him. “How will I survive without you?”
“The same way I’ll survive without you. One day at a time. Besides, if all goes well, it will only be a month. Ela can help you return on the next full moon.”
Reno remembered Kota and Lou’s warnings of how uncertain this all would be. “If there’s a way in this world to come home to you, I’ll do it. I promise.” He just hoped that was a promise he could keep.
* * *
“What a beautiful day for a wedding.” Aunt Myra put the finishing touches on Journey’s bridal bouquet. “We could’ve got you one from the florist, you know.”
“I wanted to use your roses. They’re much more beautiful than hothouse orange blossoms and baby’s breath.”
Myra’s eyes twinkled. “I think so too.”
“Here’s your dress.” Lou came in with the garment lying over her arm. “How about shoes?”
“There’s some strappy sandals in my closet. I thought I’d wear those.”
“Good. I’ll get them.” Lou laid the dress gently on the bed, then ran to the closet to find the shoes.
Journey sat at the mirror, staring at her reflection. She was about to marry the man who’d lived in her heart for half her life. Despite knowing she’d only have him for two days before he left for the past, Journey felt no regrets. She felt an incredible sense of loss, but no regrets. To make this bearable, she compared herself to a war bride, marrying her soldier just before he shipped off to war. With a shaking hand, she applied a little mascara and lip gloss. She could see the bed they shared reflected in the mirror. The bed where they’d made love last night with desperate passion. After the tender loving, they’d whispered in the dark for hours. Both knew time was slipping through their fingers.
Today, her wedding day would be bittersweet. A day of joy and a day of anticipated sorrow. Still, she wouldn’t trade the opportunity to become his wife for all the riches in the world. She stared down at her bare ring finger. Journey relinquished the band to him last night. The next time she wore it, she would be Mrs. Reno Black.
“Journey, it’s almost time.”
Lou’s voice brought her out of her daze.
“Yes. I don’t want to be late.” By the time she finished dressing, Journey could hear the sound of the music playing in the garden. “I guess I’m ready.”
“You look beautiful. Believe me.” Lou had her camera ready. “I’m going to record the moment for posterity.”
“Thank you. I’ll cherish the remembrance.”
Myra ran on ahead while Lou walked just in front of her. This wasn’t exactly the wedding she’d always wanted, but it was definitely the one she’d always dreamed of. The lack of frills and finery meant nothing to her. What meant the world to her was the groom who waited at the end of the garden path.
“Are you okay, my son?”
“I’m chewing at the bit, Kota. My hands and feet are like ice.”
The old man chuckled. “You’d better pull yourself together, here comes your bride.”
Reno stood straight. His heart felt like it was about to beat out of his chest. For a moment, the evening rays of the sun blinded him. When he could see, he almost went to his knees. “Oh, sweet…” She looked like an angel. Even before she reached him, he held out his arms to welcome her home.
“Tradition dictates the kiss to be at the end of the ceremony,” Kota drawled, then threw up one hand. “But what the hey?”
Neither Reno nor Journey cared a bit about decorum.
After Kota cleared his throat the second time, they allowed him to proceed.
Myra and Lou looked on with pride and joy as Journey became Reno’s bride.
“My blessing today will be taken from three traditions – the Apache, the Cherokee, and…” He looked over at Myra. “What are you? Episcopalian?”
“Lutheran.”
“Ah.” Kota nodded. “And the Lutherans.”
He took both of their hands and joined them together.
“No longer will you feel the brunt of the storm, for you will be a shelter one for the other. The wind will no longer make you cold, for you will be warmth one for the other. Neither of you will ever be alone again, for you will be a helpmeet to one another. You arrived as two, you will leave as one. Your journey will be one of beauty and joy will be your companion. Your days on