Chapter 19

Chance watched Ana sleep through lidded eyes. She’d remained still for hours. Lifen had taken the previous shift monitoring Ana’s energy levels, which gave him a short four-hour rest. He turned off his laptop and set it on the floor, frustrated that he hadn’t found anything resembling the pendant he’d seen in Daemon’s memory.

A soft glow had begun to fill the room from the narrow window at the highest point of the wall. His watch finally told him it was late enough to begin to move around. She’d asked him to wake her at six so she could help out with the day’s festivities. From the sound of soft movement elsewhere in the house, he guessed Gabby was likely getting started.

He leaned in and kissed Ana’s neck. She took a deep breath, then gave a soft groan.

Chance whispered, “Morning, my love.”

Her eyes fluttered open, revealing the green, sparkling gems he treasured. She lifted up on her elbows and said in a gravelly voice, “Time to get up?”

“Yeah,” he laughed, smoothing out her rumpled hair.

“There’s a lot to do—at least that’s what Gabby told me when I went to bed last night. I’m not sure why, since it’s only us today and no real guests.”

Chance got up and stretched. “I’ve got a list of things to get done too. First of all is taking a shower. I’m going to get out of here—I’ve been told to make myself scarce, not supposed to see you until tonight.”

When Ana sat up, the sheets tumbled around her waist. She leaned forward. “Hold on. If I don’t get to see you today, then I want a kiss before you go.”

He wished he could freeze that moment forever: Ana, bleary eyed, beautiful and alive. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her. He had to save her.

Chance walked around the bed and sat beside her. Ana’s delicate fingers combed through his hair. There was a time that would have sent chills down his spine, but not today. Not when he was so close to saving her. Nothing could sway him from his purpose. He needed to know she’d be by his side for decades, that her fingers would rake through his gray hair when he was old.

Ana traced her finger over his forehead. “You’re frowning again.”

Don’t ruin this day for her, he scolded himself.

“Sorry.” Chance leaned in to give her the kiss she’d asked for. “I’m going to take off, but I’ll see you later.” He went to the door.

Her voice chased him from the room. “I love you—don’t let Gabby catch you fishing for memories.”

He had to laugh. Ana always sensed when he was up to something. No one knew him like her.

Instead of heading to the shower first, he went in search of Mac. Gabby was in the living room giving detailed instructions to Derek, who looked like he’d rather be somewhere else as he held an armload of cream-colored fabric. Chance zoomed past, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire.

Before he reached the kitchen, he heard noises pouring into the hallway: pots and pans sliding across burners and the sink running. Jordan was at the stove, flipping vegetables in a sauté pan with a quick jerk of the wrist. Mac was setting a large baking pan on the counter. A sweet, sugary aroma, as well as steam, rose from the golden brown surface.

Mac’s voice bellowed, “It’s the groom!”

“What are you making?” Chance asked, standing next to him and breathing in deeply.

“Oh, just my favorite cake for the big day,” Mac answered. “I need to let it cool before I start on the frosting. Nothing like eating sweet things on a happy day like this. I suggested we eat only desserts, but the others were against it—party poopers.”

Chance turned around to grab a banana from the fruit bowl. “If you’re done for now, could I talk to you?”

Mac smiled at him as if he knew what he was thinking. “Sure. Want to go to the animal sanctuary, so we stay out of everyone’s way?”

Chance sighed in relief. The last thing he needed was Gabby catching him doing something he’d promised he wouldn’t.

“Great,” he said.

Before they left the kitchen, Jordan announced, “It’s supposed to be really nice today. Cool, but sunny. I have some things to do, but if you need me for anything, just shout.”

Chance rested his hand on the doorframe and shot him a mischievous look. “Are you offering what I think you are? I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble.”

Jordan sneered, which was a first. “I don’t care. I’m in—whatever it is. Whatever it takes to help Ana.”

“I like this side of you, Jordan,” Chance responded and trailed after Mac.

They slipped from the house as quietly as they could, going unnoticed by Gabby, although Derek gave them a forlorn look before the door shut. When they got to the top of the driveway, Chance glanced over his shoulder to see Lifen perched on the roof of her house on lookout duty. It was a solemn reminder on a day that held promises of happiness.

In the sanctuary, Batukhan was cleaning a horse’s stall. His large, stocky body flexed as he dragged a rake over the ground, clearing away dirty hay. When he saw them, he straightened up. “Just getting some chores done before the big night. Anything I can help you with?”

Mac answered, “I just needed a quiet place to guide Chance through some memories.”

Batukhan rubbed his chin. “The sun room would work. I assume the ladies don’t know what you’re doing?”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” Chance winked.

They walked away to leave Batukhan to his work and let themselves out of the back door. Sunlight poured into the enclosed room. Chance blinked as his eyes adjusted.

“Did you bring the candle and lighter?” Chance asked while he sat on the chaise.

Mac clapped his hands together. “I did.”

From his pocket, he pulled out a lighter and candle and handed them to Chance.

“I think you know what to do from here. Don’t let any of your worries or concerns distract you. Feel your muscles release and let go.”

Chance flicked his finger over the lighter and touched the flame to the candle’s wick. He stared at it long enough that his vision blurred. Mac’s voice sounded distant and seemed to come to him from a faraway place. “Picture the pendant in your mind—call it back to your thoughts. Try to visualize where you last saw it—”

Like playing pin the tail on the donkey, he grappled with the direction he was being led. White noise filled his ears and the land was bathed in light. White snow from outside the windows fell away from view; instead, orange earth lay ahead of him in swirls and ripples.

Wings spread out, he climbed air currents, trying to avoid being tossed around. From the size of his wingspan and feathers, Chance knew wasn’t a sparrow, but something grander, larger. He felt the tug of a weight in his talons. He was carrying something.

In the distance, ribbons of blue water reflected the sunlight. He descended closer to the sandstone and the twisting, smoothed rock. An enormous arched opening loomed before him, a bridge of natural stone cast a shadow on the ground. He flew under it and followed the path cut into the earth. Rings of yellow, orange and tan colored the canyon walls rising above him. After a short distance, the stony floor became obscured by water. He flew above the river causeway, followed the curve and twist of its form until it led into a much larger body of water. Dipping to his right, he flew over the snaky river, turning multiple times, following some unknown path carved from stone.

The vision faltered and then he was at an opening in the sandstone: a crack in the mantle of the rock large enough for him to fly through, which gave passage to a water-filled cavern. Light poured through the opening above and illuminated the green water. He flew up to a smooth ledge, twenty feet above the shiny surface, and rested. The wrapped item in his talons dropped onto the rock. His pores tickled as his form changed from a feathery bird to an enormous, hairy humanoid.

He leaned down, picked up what he’d dropped and turned around. A circular passage led deeper into the earth and he followed it. The further he went, the darker it got. He reached a dead end, his hands felt along the ridges of stone and he pushed with a grunt along the right side. It gave way, rotating inward. Not a lot, but a good six inches. The leather wrapped satchel remained in his hand as he shifted once again. This time into a much smaller mammal. A furry tail flipped over his shoulder as he walked sideways through the opening.

Again, the vision faltered and now he was walking through a dark passage. His short furry body moved through an opening that dipped down into a wide grotto. His long feet splashed into the water and he waded across the waist-deep section to some rocks which rose out of the pool at the far end of the space. Small beams of light came through tiny cracks in the wall, illuminating shiny objects piled on top of each other. Glints of gold, jewels and valuables were mounded in piles all around.

Safe on the dry stone, his narrow fingers opened up the leather bindings to reveal a large ruby ring, encrusted with sparkling diamonds. He set it in a small wooden chest that contained many other rings and necklaces.

Among an overwhelming amount of golden coins, stamped with various designs from different cultures, a box caught Chance’s attention. He recognized the designs etched into its surface. It was the very golden box Daemon had found in Nikator’s room. His monkey fingers lifted the lid. No longer were there cedar blooms, but the phoenix pendant shined dully from within.

The memory faded away from his thoughts, leaving only the hope of finding the lost relic. Chance blinked. Mac was leaning against one of the glass windows in the sunroom and was staring at him.

“Well?” Mac asked. “Did you find it, or did Daemon reveal his secret soft spot for puppies?”

Chance took a moment to digest what he’d just witnessed. Did he recognize any of the landmarks? He wasn’t sure.

“Well, it looks like Daemon‘s kept up with his thieving roots. He has a stockpile of treasure hidden away, including the phoenix necklace. I saw it for sure in a golden box, but I don’t know where on Earth it is.”

Mac walked to the door and called into the animal sanctuary, “Hey, Batukhan. Have a minute?”

Within moments, Batukhan joined them in the sunroom. Mac said, “Chance just had another memory from Daemon. He saw his hiding spot, but isn’t sure where it is. I’ve traveled throughout the world and I know you have too. Two minds are better than one. Try to describe everything you saw.”

Mac turned his attention to Chance, who rubbed his hands together and sighed. He closed his eyes, replayed what he’d seen and described it for them.

Mac and Batukhan exchanged a glance. Batukhan spoke first. “Was this river very long? Did it look like it kept going or could you see its end?”

Chance thought about it. “It seemed to keep going, no matter which way you went. There were lots of tributaries that led away from the main body though.”

“You said sandstone?” Mac asked. “And a large arch?”

Chance nodded.

Batukhan folded his arms. “Zion? Powell?”

Mac nodded. “Very possibly either, although it doesn’t sound like Zion if the river goes as far as the eye can see. Grand Canyon went through my mind, but that doesn’t sound right either. The Orange River is quite long, but wouldn’t be described like that.”

“What about Lake Nasser and the Nile?” Batukhan interrupted.

Mac answered, “That’s a possibility. It truly is a long river, but the only area with so many tributaries is around the lake and it just doesn’t sound quite right. Chance, was the river or lake very wide from your viewpoint?”

“It had so many different sections. It didn’t look like a wide lake though. It had quite a few lake-like areas, but the amount of rivers and canyons that twisted around were never ending.”

“I have a suspicion,” Mac said. “I think Jordan will come in handy today. He did offer to help you. I think it would be good if you looked at some images. The Internet does have its uses. If we pinpoint the location, then it sounds like we’re going on a trip.”

As pleased as he was about seeing the prospective resting place for the mysterious pendant, Chance was worried. If they actually went to the trouble to find Daemon’s hideaway, would the pendant even help Ana? Could there really be some kind of remnant of a phoenix in the mineral glass? Leaving Ana’s side wasn’t something he was willing to do unless it held the promise of saving her.

“I’ll go too. I’m pretty good at keeping an eye on you,” Batukhan said. “Chance, you look concerned.”

“I just know how wicked Daemon is. I’m afraid to leave Ana, but I’m afraid of doing nothing too.”

Mac wore one of his brightest grins. “Yes, both choices are dangerous, although only one of them guarantees Ana’s death. She will be protected with Lifen, Derek, Jordan and Gabby. Beyond that, life is worth fighting for I think. This is why I like you and why I’ve sacrificed my own lifetime to protect the innocent.”

“I still don’t get why you’re so happy about death,” Chance muttered.

Mac laughed to himself. “It’s not death I’m happy about, but its gift of appreciation. Without it, life would have no value.”

“Enough of this, let’s get him inside before people, like your soon-to-be wife, send out a search party.” Batukhan clapped his hand on Chance’s shoulder.

On his way back to the house, Chance waved to Lifen, who was still perched on her roof. He passed Derek, who was carrying the armload of fabric he’d seen him with earlier.

“You would not believe the list of things Gabby’s got for me. If you get a minute today, I’d love the help and company.”

Chance forced a smile. “Sorry man, I’ve got some things cooking. Not sure if I’ll have the time.”

“You don’t cook—must mean you’re up to something. Just don’t leave me out of the action. Shout if you need anything. Oh, and Gabby wanted me to remind you to have your vows written and ready by go-time.” Derek pressed him before continuing up the pathway.

Inside, Chance hurried to the kitchen in search of Jordan. On to a new dish, Jordan was busy hovering over a cookbook. He straightened up with a wooden spoon in hand. “You’re back. New news?”

Chance peered down the hallway and across into the dining room, checking for Gabby or Ana. Neither were in sight, so he rejoined Jordan and quietly informed him of his most recent memory. He tried to be as detailed as he could, not leaving anything out.

“Sounds like the Utah and Arizona regions they mentioned, but I can look it up and we’ll see what looks familiar to you. I just have to set the timer on the oven and then I’m free for a couple hours.”

Chance breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

“One question,” Jordan asked. “If we find the location, are you prepared to leave?”

He’d been thinking about it since Mac and Batukhan had offered to join him. Time wasn’t on Ana’s side. The only cure to her ailment and the only way for him to track down the curious pendant was if he went in search of it. If he stayed, like Mac had stated so casually, Ana would most certainly die.

Chance looked over his shoulder again. “As soon as we’re married and I believe beyond a reasonable doubt I know where the location is, I’m leaving immediately. Mac and Batukhan will join me. I have to try to save her as much as it kills me leaving her again.”

“I wouldn’t let anything happen to her—I’ll help keep her safe,” Jordan said. His brown eyes twinkled with innocence and Chance was struck by his sincerity.

“Thanks, man. Don’t say anything to her though. I don’t want her hearing it from anyone but me.”

Jordan set the wooden spoon on the counter. “I wouldn’t do that. I’ll come find you when I’ve got something for you to look at.”

Chance left the kitchen, resolved. With support, he hoped they would be able to change Ana’s fate. He went to write his vows and prepare for his day.

After showering, Ana got dressed and went to get breakfast. When she passed by the living room, Gabby saw her and squealed, “The bride! How did you sleep? You look rested, no bags.”

“Fine, I slept fine,” Ana said with a shrug.

Derek was on the floor with a notebook, looking overwhelmed. His eyes were wide as he watched Gabriella scurry over to Ana with her arms open. He cringed, scratched his head and asked, “When did you want me to go get the flowers? You know it’s a good forty-five minute drive in to Banff, right?”

Gabby gave Ana a hug and she noticed that her friend’s makeup, clothes and hair were perfect, as usual. With a roll of her eyes, Gabby said over her shoulder, “Remember sugar, I got them to deliver. I need you here to set up the wedding site. You cannot get out of it that easy.”

Derek jumped up so fast, it surprised Ana. He came up behind Gabriella and dipped her backward. Her eyes flashed with shock and a little scream escaped her lips. Derek kissed her mouth, silencing her.

After setting her upright again, he said, “Woman, I’d do anything for your sugar. What are your orders?”

Ana couldn’t help but laugh. The sight of Derek and Gabby together, two strong personalities at play, made her happy. She was glad he’d found someone who wasn’t frightened of his animal side.

A slight blush was visible on Gabriella’s cheeks when she responded with attitude, “Hush, this is not your day—it is Ana’s. Ana, you look like you could use breakfast. Go relax and have some tea. I will help you in a minute. You just be you and I will get these boys in order.”

There was no way Ana was about to question her marching orders, so she left the two in the living room to find something to eat. Sweet and savory smells filled the hallway. She followed her nose into the kitchen.

“Morning, Ana,” Jordan greeted her.

He was busy at the stove preparing something she couldn’t identify. Everyone seemed hard at work, which only made her sad that she couldn’t pitch in and help. It had been at her insistence that she’d wanted to get married. At the very least, it seemed nobody minded. They appeared happy to pitch in and focus on something else. Everyone, that is, but Chance.

“Hey, Jordan. Smells great—makes me even hungrier for breakfast,” she said as she opened the fridge.

Ana made herself a sandwich and a cup of tea. Enough to keep her happy until she got hungry again, which was likely in another hour or two.

“Hey, I’ve got something for you.”

She turned around just as something was placed in her free hand. An apple rind, curled into the shape of a rose sat in the center of her palm.

Jordan beamed with pride. “You can eat it if you want.”

Ana kissed his cheek. “Of course I will! You really are amazing.” She wandered to the doorway and paused to say, “I can see you’ve got a lot going on here, so I’m gonna get out of your way. Thank you for everything. You are all making this day special.”

She knew he wasn’t one for heartfelt sentiment, but he stopped to look at her. His cheeks lifted into a smile. “I’d do anything for my friends.”

In the living room, she pulled a chair away from the table so she could face the windows and the beautiful view outside. The sparkling turquoise lake that she’d dreamt about over the summer was now only a white plane at the base of the jagged mountains. It seemed a long time since she’d been able to look at the landscape through shifter healer eyes. The beauty of the energy moats curling up from the earth was breathtaking, but not breathtaking enough for her to risk her life.

She lifted the mug to her lips. The tea burned a trail all the way down her throat to her stomach, warming her from within. While she ate her sandwich, she thought about Chance and the worrisome trace of stress which was obvious to her. Would he be able to enjoy the day? Probably not, she thought. If the tables were turned she would be just as anxious. Ana hated that she couldn’t use her powers to help him, to soothe him. At least Lifen was there to take care of them all. It was a great opportunity for teaching Gabby many new techniques.

Before she knew it, she was done with her food. It was already a bright day, but it had grown even brighter. It was then she noticed the light wasn’t coming from outside, but from within. Her hands and arms were illuminated.

This wasn’t all that shocking at this point, since it happened at least once a day when she went too long from the last energy puncturing. Lifen would often do it in the middle of the night while she slept and a few more times through the day and evening. It appeared she’d gone too long once again.

She heard the front door open and shut. Moments later, Lifen’s soft voice echoed through the room. “I felt your energy from outside. It seems like you could use my help.”

Before Ana could answer, she felt the familiar sensation of energy flowing out of her. She’d experienced heartburn only a few times in her life, and although this was very different, it was the only thing she could compare the rush of energy to. When Lifen tapped her power, it was soothing and a relief after the burning tingle throughout her body.

“Thank you,” Ana whispered.

She felt Lifen’s fingers rest on her shoulder. Her mentor said, “I looked at the stars last night. This is an auspicious day for a wedding. All will be well. But for now, I must return to my lookout. Later, I would like to do your hair, if you would allow me, and I have a special gift for you and Chance.”

Ana turned around in her seat to look at her mentor. With a tear in her eye, she answered, “I would love that.”

Lifen’s eyes creased when her cheeks lifted into a gentle smile. In a blink, she moved across the room to the doorway and left.

For the rest of the day, she tried to find amusements in reading, but it was hard; she was too excited for the evening to come. Whenever she offered to help with something, she was shooed to her place on the couch, and whenever Chance threatened to come near, he was escorted elsewhere by Gabby, who stayed close at all times.

Weeks before, she’d written her vows to Chance. It was really a poem, a simple article to communicate her love. That was the only assignment she’d been given and it was done before the wedding had been agreed upon.

Finally, the time came when Gabby helped lift her off the couch and lead her to her room to get ready. Everything was waiting for her. The dress was laid on the bed like the first time she’d seen it. The Rainbow Moonstone necklace Chance gave her for senior prom sat on her pillow, along with the golden hairpiece from Balam. Earlier in the day, Gabriella had collected both rings. Soon, the silver band would rest on her finger again, but this time in the bond of marriage.

Lifen was wearing a colorful dress and waited in the room with her hands clasped around a flowing bouquet of white and blue orchids. Her eyes crinkled when they entered and she said, “We would like to help you get ready.”

Ana was struck silent. The moment had come that she’d daydreamed about. This was what she’d been holding on to, needing it to happen before her end came near. The care and attention everyone gave her, like they were family, humbled her. All she could do was nod her head as she wiped away tears.

She stood at the foot of her bed while they helped her from her clothes. The dress was lowered over her head, its fabric tickling her ankles and hugging her abdomen. Her arms were bare, but she wasn’t cold; heat radiated from her chest and flowed throughout her body. They had her sit down and their hands moved around her with precision, Gabby focusing on makeup and Lifen working on her hair.

Gabby mumbled, “Your eyes are puffy now. Ah well, nothing a little foundation can’t handle.”

Ana managed to answer, “I don’t usually wear heavy makeup—”

“I know,” Gabriella said with a note of disappointment. “Keep your eyes shut for now—Miss Gabby will make it all better.”

Figuring it was easier to simply give in, Ana closed her eyes and put her trust in them. She quickly relaxed when Lifen began brushing her hair out. She lost track of time, sitting so still on the bed, but she knew they were done when they both stopped and Gabby hummed in approval.

“Beautiful,” Lifen said.

Ana looked at both of them while they appraised her with pride.

“Can I go look?” Ana asked.

“Si,” answered Gabby.

“Wait,” Lifen said and handed her the delicate orchid bouquet.

Ana eased off the bed, flowers in hand, and walked to her bathroom in her slippers. She stood in the dark until the light switch was flipped. What met her eyes threatened to bring another round of tears.

She hardly recognized herself. Her hair was lifted away from her face to the back of her head. Balam’s gift, the golden hair piece, held it back. Her locks curled down her back and a few blue orchids were pinned to the twisted waves. Initially concerned that Gabby would overdo her makeup, she was relieved to see her natural approach. Ana’s emerald eyes glimmered in her reflection.

“One more thing,” Gabby said while she lowered the Rainbow Moonstone necklace around Ana’s neck and fastened it.

Ana exhaled slowly, not wanting to get caught up in emotion after all of their hard work. Her skin prickled and grew paler until it glowed with a soft light like a paper lantern.

“Lifen—” Gabby said from the doorway.

Heat radiated through Ana, her cheeks flushed and her pores burned. She felt like climbing into a cold shower to cool down, but luckily didn’t have to. Moments after it had begun, Lifen defused the buildup. The pressure that escalated tapered off after a few minutes and she was left panting with her hands braced against the bathroom counter.

“Are you okay, Ana?” Lifen’s voice reached her from what seemed like a distant place, but when she lifted her head, she saw that her mentor was standing beside her. The trace of worry was written on her face.

Ana exhaled a shaky breath. “Yes, I’m fine now.”

She didn’t want to admit that each time she began to overload with energy it hurt more and more, that each successive time it burned hotter. She didn’t want to distress anyone. After all, there wasn’t anything they could do for her but worry and she didn’t want them suffering with her.

None of it mattered. The only thing she wanted now was to marry Chance. When she met her end, she would be satisfied knowing they would be joined forever in spirit.

“I’m ready,” she said, forcing a grin.

The two women exchanged a glance, then led her from the room. Lifen stayed by her side when Gabby ran off to see if everything was ready for them. The house was empty, except for Batukhan who was dressed in a button-up shirt and waiting by the front door. He walked over to her. “Star maiden—your beauty shines bright tonight. Do you mind if Lifen and I represent your family? May we present you to your groom?”

“I would be honored,” Ana responded.

Batukhan stood to her left and Lifen to her right as they walked out to the front entry. Ana stepped out of her slippers, eager to feel the cool ice against her flesh.

Gabby came running down the walkway and called down, “It’s time. We’re ready.”

She ran back the way she came and disappeared at the top of the stairs, presumably to join the guys.

Ana really wasn’t sure what to expect, especially since there had only been one week to plan everything. Gabby certainly wasn’t the type to pin up a couple streamers and call it done.

They walked up the pathway in silence. The sun was sinking in the west, which cast a warm glow over the mountains. Other than a few cloud streaks, the sky was clear and the air still. Gentle chirping from snow buntings in nearby trees played nature’s own “Wedding March.”

Batukhan led Ana across the driveway. When they reached the large outbuilding, a series of white lights glowed on the snow, creating a starlit path. At the end of the building, pale cloth stretched between the lights, leading up to the center of a clearing. Torches encircled the area with flowers secured to their metal bases. Gabby, Derek and Jordan stood to the side of the clearing. And beside Mac, stood her sun and moon, Chance.

Every time she looked at him, she found him handsome, but tonight something was different. It could have been his hazel eyes, his familiar spicy scent, or the way his black hair brushed away from his face. Maybe it was the way he looked at her, although he always stared at her with devotion. Tonight he seemed dumbstruck. A trace of emotion pulled at his cheek and jaw. His fists relaxed as she drew near and then her hand was in his. That was it. She didn’t want to leave his side and wasn’t sure if she could even if she tried.

Mac began speaking, but she couldn’t discern anything he was saying. His voice faded away with the birdsong and the only thing she could hear was Chance beside her. The rasp and catch of his breath held her attention and made her heart skip a beat. His eyes locked on to hers and it was only the two of them standing among the snow-covered pines of the pristine mountainside.

The moment was being etched into her memory, every detail of it. Subtle fragrances, like smoke from Lifen’s fireplace, damp earth and the smell of soap on Chance’s skin, would forever be connected to that second. She swallowed hard while she felt herself get momentarily lost in thought.

Mac’s voice grew louder and his words became clear in her ears. “I have lived so many hundreds of years. I must have seen every emotion capable of the human psyche, but out of all of them, I believe love is the only one that can fulfill a soul for an eternity—although I’m not there yet.” He paused a moment and a mischievous expression crept onto his face. Mac continued, “Love is also the only emotion that can make you feel so many others, like passion or fear. Once you have found an everlasting love, you don’t want to lose it, you want to protect it. And as tumultuous as the experience can be, love makes it all worthwhile. Both of you are taking the journey we are required to make along the path of life, yet you represent the strength and joy that is earned through sharing it with the one you love. I cannot tell you how to pledge yourselves to each other, or how to honor each other’s spirit—only you can. Only you know. Ana, if you’re ready, you may begin.”

Before she knew it, Mac stopped talking and was looking at her with an amused expression. Her mind went blank. She’d written her vows and now, it had vanished from her memory. Panic began to set in as she felt many sets of eyes on her. Ana looked up and caught Chance’s gaze.

The things she wanted to say to him crystalized in her mind. Staring at him and only him, she said, “I found purpose and hope when I met you and you made my heart whole. You were interested in me—who I really am—and that gave me the confidence to have pride in myself in the face of my mortality. I’m happy knowing you’re my best friend and that you will always be here for me. You are my North Star, my constant. Your love is a gift that I treasure and I will appreciate you every day, offer you support when you need it and challenge you when you’re being stubborn. I thank you for your devotion and only hope I can give to you what you have given me.”

She breathed a sigh of relief when she finished. For having forgotten everything she was going to say, she’d said what was in her heart. Mac handed her Chance’s ring and she fumbled with slipping it onto his finger. When it settled safely in its place, she glanced up. Ana was surprised to see the clear trace of emotion in his eyes. It caught her up short. The strongest person she knew was also secretly the most passionate. All she wanted was to be with him forever. She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed the silver band. With his other hand, he caressed her cheek.

“Ah, there’s nothing quite like young love,” Mac said, beaming. “Chance, would you like to share your feelings for Ana?”

For a moment, she wasn’t sure if he would share her performance anxiety, but he stood tall and took both of her hands in his before he began. Steady like the mountains they stood upon, his hazel eyes pierced through her and so did his words. “My heart led me to you. When I told myself I couldn’t be bothered with girls, my heart didn’t listen. I just couldn’t ignore you. I may be an impatient person, but I’d wait a lifetime if it meant I could be with you. Even though everything has always been so complicated, the one constant for me has always been you. I’d do anything to be by your side forever and to keep you happy. I’ll never stop fighting for you, ever. I love you.”

Ana tried to hold back the tears that threatened to come out. The familiar look of desperation she’d seen in his eyes before broke her heart. She leaned forward and touched her forehead to his. It was her instinct to send healing energy to him, but she stopped herself. He’d sense it and wouldn’t thank her for it.

Mac gave Chance her ring. He reached for her hand and without hesitation, slipped it on. Without waiting for permission, he cupped her face in his hands and pressed his lips to hers.

Ana’s heart sang with happiness. She tried to freeze the moment in her thoughts, to hold it for posterity. For nearly the entire time she’d known him, it felt like they were moving together on their own individual journeys, or maybe a shared journey of discovering themselves and finding their place in the world. Standing out beneath the heavens sharing their feelings for each other at this point of their odyssey, Ana was fulfilled.

“I don’t think they needed me at all.” Mac laughed. “On this magical night, the two of you come together, united in partnership. The joining of your energies is a gift to the universe.”

Ana gave Mac a gentle kiss on the cheek. “Thank you.”

Mac turned to the others, who Ana noticed again since arriving. Lifen leaned into Batukhan and they both stared at Chance and Ana with softened expressions. Gabby clapped and cheered with the boys, who began to throw rice in the air.

Ana shrugged off the tiny grenades. Chance held his arms around her, protectively. He couldn’t seem to hold back a laugh when he said, “Hey! Not cool—who decided on throwing dinner at us?”

“Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do when people get married?” Jordan asked, appearing slightly confused.

Derek boomed, “It’s old school for the old married man! And I ain’t stopping till you carry your woman over the threshold.”

Chance hooked his arm around Ana’s waist and began moving down the aisle. Ana giggled all the way past the animal sanctuary across the driveway. White pellets of rice followed them, just as Derek had promised.

Before she knew what happened, Chance grabbed her up in his arms and hurried down the zigzagging walkway, slipping a few times. Ana covered her eyes, afraid to watch. She heard his feet thunder onto the porch and his heavy breathing. Then he stopped. She peeked out from between her fingers only to find Chance staring at her.

“Are you ready, Mrs. Morgan?”

Her lips parted to place a gentle kiss on his awaiting mouth. “Yes,” she whispered back.

Chance leaned down to open the door. It swung open and they stepped inside. As soon as they were in, a spattering of what sounded like hail rained down on the wood deck behind them.

Lifen’s voice called out, “Derek, if you get rice in my house you’ll be on cleaning duty for a week!”

When everyone was inside, Chance and Ana were led into the dining room where a buffet of food was laid out on the table. Beautiful flower arrangements of blue orchids and white roses rose above the food along the center. The delicate smell of the roses mixed with the various foods.

“Wow!” Ana said. “Jordan, I can’t believe you did all of this. You remind me of my sister.” She gave him a sideways hug. He frowned and she added, “I mean, she likes to cook too.”

“It’s nothing—you deserve a perfect day,” he answered with an embarrassed grin.

They ate and ate and the only reason everybody stopped was to leave room for dessert. Chance remained close to her all night, slipping kisses onto her neck or ear. When it came to feeding her cake, he only smeared a bit on her cheek, but then licked it off. She couldn’t help but do the same to him.

While she was busy getting a fresh slice, she noticed Jordan bring his laptop up to Chance, who stopped what he was doing to stare open-mouthed at the screen.

“That’s it—you found it.”