Free Everlasting Embrace (Embrace Series) by Charlotte Blackwell Page B

floor length , slip style gown I wear is accompanied with a soft white fur - style bolero jacket. It is a soft winter white, beautiful and simple, perfect for me. Matilda ’ s is a touch flashier than mine, with a ball gown skirt and Swarovski crystal encrusted in a two inch band at her waist , and a strai gh t cut neck line. Matilda likes being different, so she chose a long red coat , trimmed in white fur that clasps at the front , just beneath the breast line , with one single jeweled button. She looks like the daughter of Santa and Mrs. Claus , a nd she knows it too.
    With each step, I can ’ t take my eyes off the man standing before me, but from the corner of my eye , I can see Al exander beaming from ear - to - ear , and feel total happiness. As we meet the men of our dreams, Elijah places our hands , one at a time , in the hands of our prospective grooms. Nathanial and I lock eyes, and warmth fills me like the first time we met ; t he first day at Wenham High when I bumped into him and knew it could never be. Through his persistence , and the inevitable connection between us, we are standing here , ready to pledge eternity to one another. In the last year , we watched our friend become a wife, a mother, a vampire and a widow. We graduated high school, lost loved ones and became parental figures ourselves. Through our love and commitment , I Embraced Nathanial , and he promised me forever. T onight , we make forever eternity and pledge our love for all time , w ith onl y those who mean the most to us here. I could never ask for anything more.
    Matilda and Alexander share their vow s first. “ Alexander, I ’ ve wait ed more years for this day then any woman sh ould. You have given and taught me so much. I ’ m blessed to be your partner. From the day I met you, I knew my life would never be the same, and today I pledge my existence to you for all time. You are my love, my life and my forever. I love you Alexander. ” A smile breaks out across her face as she finishes her vow.
    “ Matilda, I have wanted to marry you since the first day we met. I ’ m so glad this day has finally come , and now we can become one for all time. I can ’ t begin to explain what you mean to me . W ithout you I ’ m lost , and nothing. I have been blessed to have you as my friend and lover. I never want you to forget that you are what makes me whole. I love you , now and forever. Thank you for making me the happiest being to walk the earth. I love you. ”
    The justice of the peace smiles as Alexander and Matilda place simple , platinum bands on one another ’ s hands . “ Now , Sophia and Nathanial, have you also prepared vows? ” We both smile and nod. “ Sophia , will you please share your vows with Nathanial? ”
    “ Yes, thank you. ” I take a deep breath , look around at my family and friends, then my eyes lock wi th Nathanial. A rush of emotion, and love , over comes me. I feel the intensity we felt when we first met, first kissed, and first made love. The same fireworks begin to explode within me. With a s light touch of his hand to mine I feel calm, knowing with every inch of my being that this is right. “ Nathanial, I never thought I deserved love, much less expect ed to find it in a small town high school. The day I bumped into you — ”
    “ You mean ran me over , ” h e whispers with sarcasm.
    Everyone chuckles a bit.
    “ Okay , when I ran you down. I knew there was somethin g different about you, about me when I was around you. This is a life I never wanted for you, bu t fate had different plans , and here you are, ready to spend eternity with me. Not only have you brought me love, but you have brought me a beautiful baby , for me to help you and your brother to raise. I thought you would be the only man I would ever love, but I know now that isn ’ t true. I also love your baby brother, Nik, who has b rought so much joy to my life , a kind of joy I never thought I would know. We have lost so many that we