Page 69 of Smoke's Flame
When I open the box, I see a stunning tiara. My hands fly to my mouth. It has golden twigs woven into a crown and is studded with semi-precious gemstones.
“It’s so beautiful,” I gush.
I lift it onto my head and Marge helps me pin it to my hair.
I grab her hands and exclaim, “Thank you so much, Marge. I’ll see you get it back in perfect shape.”
“No worries. I’m far too old to wear it these days.”
Smoke drapes his arm around her shoulders. “Don’t be silly. You don’t look a day over thirty.”
Marge chuckles, “Always the flatterer.”
My mother comments wistfully. “I’ve always loved a low hanging necklace with the big teardrop pendant. That’s my favorite look. You look almost regal, dear.”
“I think Smoke went a little overboard. Where did you even find something this unusual?”
Before he can answer, the bakery van comes flying down the bumpy road.
“If they mess up our cake, I’m not going to be pleased,” Smoke growls. We watch as they start manhandling large cake boxes out of the van. Our wedding coordinator runs over to meet them, showing them into the marquee so they can set the cake up.
Marge looks at her watch and says, “Time to start lining up for the ceremony.”
We could hear dozens of chimes going off everywhere. I realize it’s the brothers’ group text. They are using it to keep everyone on schedule. What a clever idea.
I watch as our guests take their seats under the canopy. Smoke makes his way to the front of the covered space to stand in line. He’s chosen Tank and Evan to be his groomsmen. My maid of honor is Mel, she looks radiant in her long flame orange gown. I wanted my niece, Lousia to be my flower girl but she’s much too shy. I’d rather have her be happy than anxious on my wedding day, so decided to forgo that tradition altogether.
We’ve excluded the part about obeying and a bunch more stuff from the traditional vows. Smoke and I want something short and sweet that gets the job done so everyone can get on with enjoying the evening.
When the bridal march starts, Siege steps to my side. Mel walks down the aisle first, and Siege and I follow, slowly walking to where Rigs is waiting to perform the ceremony. I hand over my bouquet to Mel.
In this moment, standing in front of Rigs, with Smoke by my side, surrounded by all the Savage Legion brothers and their loved ones, I feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
Rigs begins the ceremony. “Welcome everyone. We’ve gathered here today to join Smoke and Serena in the bonds of holy matrimony.”
I sneak a look at my husband-to-be, and he smiles at me, happiness radiating from his eyes.
“Do you, Marcus Drake, take Serena Sommers, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold until death do you part?” Rigs continues.
Smoke turns to me, “I do. I promise to cherish and protect you for all the days of my life.”
Rigs clear this throat. “Now, do you Serena Sommers, take Marcus Drake to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold until death do you part?”
I gaze up into Smoke’s green eyes and say, “Yes. Of course, I do. He’s the best brother in the club.”
Several people burst out laughing, including Smoke, because he clearly wasn’t expecting me to go off script.
I lift my hand and he slides the ring onto my finger.
Rigs’ amused voice says, “By the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Everyone claps and the recessional music plays. Smoke and I head to the marquee that’s been set up for the reception. I take my place at the bridal table and wait for the other guests to be seated. Smoke and I got our wedding portraits out of the way earlier in the day, so we don’t need to worry about taking time out for that.
The toasts turn out to be my sweetest memory.
Since Siege is standing in for the father of the bride, his toast comes first. “As you all know, my father was taken from us too soon. He would have loved to be with us here today, celebrating the marriage of my sister to a member of the Savage Legion MC. My father loved two things in this world, his family and his club. Both live on in this union. Join me in congratulating them today.” He lifts his glass as do others and everyone drinks.
Smoke comes to his feet. I’m excited to hear what he has to say because he’s been secretive about his speech. “Welcome to this isolated location we chose for its beauty and closeness to our community. When I first met Serena, she was my friend’s kid sister and she probably thought of me as an annoying older brother. Needless to say, we didn’t become fast friends.”