Page 53 of Reptile Dysfunction
I can feel the warmth of Charlotte’s body pressed against my back, and my chest fills with a rush of anticipation. I’m trying not to guess anything, trying not to ruin the surprise, but I can feel the rough touch of tulle against the backs of my hands, feel the press of her skirts against my legs.
“Are you ready?” I hear her ask behind me, and the excitement is clear in her voice.
“I’m so ready,” I reply, smiling.
My snakes are shivering with anticipation, and they become even more animated when I turn around for the first look.
I didn’t think it was possible to fall more in love with this woman, but as I gaze at Charlotte in her wedding dress, I feel new depths of adoration for her. She’s absolutely stunning, her long dark hair cascading down her shoulders and brushing the black lace bodice of her dress.
I let my eyes take it all in, following the delicate lace detailing which soon gives way to her tulle skirts. The top layer is black, but beneath that is a light gold ombre, darkening at the floor.
For a moment, I’m speechless, awed not just by Charlotte’s beauty but by the thoughtfulness of the dress. Until now, I thought she’d either be wearing the traditional black dress of a Curiosity wedding, or perhaps the more unusual white gown that humans favor. When Charlotte told me she wanted to keep the dress a surprise, I just assumed it was because of that.
But now I see she chose a dress in the exact colors of my snakes. It’s enough to make me beam with joy.
“Do you like it?” she finally asks when I still haven’t said anything.
“I love it,” I reply, my voice barely audible.
Now it’s Charlotte’s turn to gaze at me. I feel her eyes running over my torso, clad in a three-piece suit. It’s a blend of the modern and the traditional, and my gorgon heritage is well-represented.
The suit has been crafted by Curiosity’s most talented wizard tailor, and it shows. The black fabric shimmers with a subtle hint of gold and each button is etched with a serpentine motif that glows in the sunlight. The vest and tie, too, feature the subtle pattern of intertwined snakes. Standing beside Charlotte now, I know we must look like the perfect pair.
The photographer seems to think so, too, snapping away eagerly as Charlotte and I embrace each other, kissing through broad smiles.
By the time we make it to the ceremony, Charlotte and I are more in love than ever, and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is the life I want.
The Curiosity graveyard looks stunning, decked out in the most beautiful decorations. Rows of seating have been set up among the gravestones, and the place is overflowing with white lilies, black taffeta, and gold satin.
As I take my place at the altar, Chris leans in from where he stands as best man.
“You’ve done well, Mason,” he says, and I can hear he really means it.
He claps me on the back, and the chanting from the town’s disgraced monks starts up, signaling the beginning of the ceremony.
I watch in awe as Charlotte makes her way down the aisle between rows and rows of our family and friends. In fact, practically the entire town is here, and I beam with happiness, grateful that I finally have everything I ever dreamed of and more.
Charlotte somehow looks even more beautiful than she did during the first look, and as she joins me on the altar, I feel like the luckiest gorgon alive.
“Dearly beloved,” begins the officiant. As mayor, I often conduct marriage ceremonies around the town, so we had to hire someone from out of town for our own wedding. “We gather here today to witness the union of two souls, brought together by destiny and love, and to celebrate the marriage of Charlotte Lieberman and Mason Wendall, a union that transcends boundaries and unites two extraordinary hearts.”
I’m trying to pay attention to the words, but all I can think of is how beautiful Charlotte is and how much I love her. We’ve come so far together, grown so much, and now we’re about to take the next step on our journey.
“Mayor Wendall?” I suddenly hear, and I look to see that the officiant is expecting something from me.
A second later, I realize everyone is staring at me, and I slip my hand hurriedly into my jacket pocket to pull out my vows.
“Charlotte,” I begin, trying my best to recover. “You are so stunning that you knock the political savvy right out of me,” I say with a grin, and the audience laughs a little, as does Charlotte.
“I have seen you at your best and at your worst,” I continue with sincerity. “I have seen your highs and your lows. And I have seen that through all of those things, I have never stopped loving you. Your kindness, compassion, and courage have enchanted me. I vow to cherish you, protect you, and honor the strength of your spirit, always.”
I see that my words have truly struck Charlotte, and her eyes begin to well with tears. She manages to blink them away before reading her own vows.
“Mason,” she says, her voice heavy with emotion. “You have always seen the best in me, and when I look into your eyes, I see a world full of love and grace. Your strength, loyalty, and tenderness have captured my heart completely. I promise to love you unconditionally, to embrace every facet of your being, and to stand by your side, no matter what lies ahead.”
We gaze into each other’s eyes for a moment. Despite the hundreds of people surrounding us at this ceremony, it feels like we’re the only two people on Earth.
The rest of the ceremony is a blur – the officiant asking us her questions, each of us saying, ‘I do,’ the pronouncement of our marriage. It’s only when my lips meet Charlotte’s in our first kiss as a married couple that I arrive back on Earth.