Chapter 21

 

“Shall we collect you in the morning?” Alex asked Sabina.

They stood at the base of the grand staircase with Ahadi, Tomoko, Isha, and Lady Juliana. Alex knew Sabina was ready to be in her room with Rohan, because she was ready to rest with Gaius by her side. She reached out and lovingly tucked Sabina’s hair behind her ear, as Sabina smiled at them all.

“Yes, but we won’t have to rise as early as we did for your wedding, because Rohan and I thankfully will not have a flight to take,” Sabina said, knowing Rohan would appreciate not rising with dawn’s first light.

“I’ll call to your mind when it’s time, then. Get a good night’s rest,” said Alex, grinning like a Cheshire cat as she often did when she was feeling mischievous.

“You too,” smirked Sabina.

She moved forward to hug each lady standing near her, and then slowly made her way upstairs to their bedroom. She could feel Rohan’s aura still outside with the other men, and she knew he would feel her return and be with her shortly. Sabina went about brushing her teeth and readying herself for bed while she waited for him.

When she slid under the covers she turned the fireplace on and snuggled down, already missing his warmth, which she had grown accustomed to over the last week. Sabina was not kept waiting long, and she smiled as she felt Rohan’s aura drawing nearer with each step he took up the stairs. When at last he opened the door, his eyes scanned the room and immediately found her.

“Already in bed?” he grinned, closing the door behind him.

“It has been a long day. Come join me,” she said, watching his eyebrows rise playfully at her words. She so loved the unguarded Rohan that was before her.

“Give me just a few minutes,” he said, and headed in the direction of the bathroom.

Sabina closed her eyes while she waited, but in fewer than ten minutes she felt the comforter and sheet lift and he was by her side. Rohan draped an arm over her waist and pulled her forward into his chest, and she smiled as she snuggled into his body. She hummed over the immediate warmth he provided and felt his chest rumble as he laughed from her sound.

“Did you have fun with the men tonight?” she asked, lightly kissing the skin in front of her face.

“I think so,” he said, trying to speak through the sensation of her lips and aura traveling across his chest.

“You think so?” Sabina chuckled, leaning back to look into his eyes.

“I just mainly listened along with Gaius, while the others shared tales they thought might embarrass me. I think a good many of them are still in shock that we’re actually getting married in the morning,” he smirked, leaning in to kiss her neck just a bit.

“You smell so good,” he whispered, inhaling deeply against her skin as his lips moved up to her ear.

“Rohan,” she breathed, trying to calm her aura’s pull towards him.

“I know,” he said, settling his lips on hers.

But he did not immediately pull away; instead he drew her in closer. Sabina could feel his need building through his power, along with hers, and she tried to find the strength to move a small distance away from him. When she was sure they were not going to be able to deny one another any longer, Rohan’s lips left hers and settled on her forehead.

He gently turned her in his arms and cradled her back to his chest, laying his head alongside hers. She could hear his labored breathing and hers as well, but still he nuzzled her slightly with his cheek next to hers.

“I love you,” he whispered, pulling her a little closer with the arm he had draped over her waist.

“I love you too, Rohan,” she said, closing her eyes.

“I am going to try to behave, this one last night,” he confessed, causing them both to chuckle against one another. “Just stay here, liebling, in my arms. Don’t move, just let me hold you, okay?”

“Rohan,” Sabina breathed, greatly moved by his words. The words he really only shared when he was with her, she knew.

“Shhh, don’t cry,” he smiled, and kissed her cheek. “Go to sleep, while I stand guard for a while.”

Sabina nodded and said no more. She listened to the sound of his breathing near her ear, and soon felt her inhalations move in time with his. Slowly, she let go and drifted off in his hold.

Rohan felt her finally succumb to sleep and he nuzzled her again before he moved his face off of hers and placed it on the pillow behind her. He took in the miracle in his arms again, still slightly in awe that he had been granted such a gift. Rohan lay for quite a while thinking over the change the Lord had worked in their lives, and the new path they were treading together.

He allowed his thoughts to return briefly to Adela. For the first time since her death, Rohan considered the lesson Adela’s love had clearly demonstrated, which he had obstinately ignored. She had opened her heart to him after losing her mortal husband, believing that love could and should blossom again. Yet, Rohan had never really opened his after her death, choosing instead to remain alone.

Rohan knew that if she were able to speak to him again, Adela would be proud to see him opening his heart to another and letting the old pain finally lay at rest. He prayed for her spirit and said good-bye for the last time.

For he knew when he woke, the old days and the old pain would truly be behind him. Only Sabina and their new life together would fill his heart and his future. His wife, he told himself, she would be his wife. And with that final thought, Rohan smiled and drifted off to sleep.

 

Rohan felt his arm being caressed by Sabina’s hand and aura, and he burrowed his nose a little further into her hair before he opened his eyes. He breathed in her scent, then placed his head next to hers as he had when she was drifting off to sleep. He felt her stretch slightly, but she continued to glide her palm along his arm.

“Good morning,” Sabina whispered, turning over to face him.

“Hello,” he smiled, kissing her forehead. “Is it the official time to rise, or just your time to wake?”

“No, it is the official time. We didn’t wake at all during the night, Rohan. No bad dreams, no nightmares, we just slept,” she said happily.

“Perhaps your father was guarding over your dreams last night,” he said, beginning to play with her hair again.

“Sabina, I want you to know, before we’re standing in front of the others, that this is all I want. I want you, and nothing else. To have your love, and your acceptance of me in all things and in all ways, means everything. Thank you, for agreeing to share your life with me,” Rohan said, with all the sincerity he could will into his voice and words.

He watched her eyes cloud over with tears and he smiled as he leaned forward to lightly kiss her lips. “Can you still see me?” he teased.

“Yes,” she breathed, kissing him in return. “Rohan, I cannot wait to call you my husband. To know that neither of us has to experience loneliness again is a blessing, but to know that my days and nights are to be spent with you, means everything. There is no other who my heart and aura are crying out for, and there is no other whom I want to give myself to. You are mine now, and in just a little while I can tell all of our brethren that officially. I do love you so,” she said, trying to still the quiver in her lower lip.

Rohan cupped her face and used his thumb to trace her lips. His aura gentled the slight spasms there until she calmed under his touch. He watched the contact with fascination, amazed at the uniqueness their love was creating in their power towards one another.

“Are you ready to get dressed?” he asked, kissing her again.

“Yes,” she smiled through her emotion. “I think you will like my gown.”

“I have no doubt I will. I hear Gaius calling to me, so I know I have to go,” he sighed, still touching her face and staring into her eyes.

“We won’t be apart for long, and then we won’t have to part one from another for many, many days.” She nodded against her pillow.

“And that’s the motivation I needed to be able to leave you now. I’ll see you soon, Sabina,” he said a bit more seriously, and gathered her in his arms to kiss her one last time before he rolled away.

Sabina lay watching as he paused at the door to look back at her, then he was gone in the direction of his former room to shower, shave, and dress. She rolled on to her back and focused on the ceiling for a few minutes, thinking of the day and night to come. A slow smile spread across her face, until she was chuckling aloud from her happiness.

Finally, she left the warmth of their cocoon, and changed the linens on the bed. She tidied it and readied it for their wedding night, then went into the bathroom to bathe. Sabina heard Alex call to her mind while she was in the shower, and she told Alex she could come in whenever she was ready. As she was stepping out of the stall, Sabina felt the auras of many entering her bedroom and their presence made her smile all the more.

She slipped a robe on and opened the bathroom door to greet her sisters. Lady Juliana was with Alexandria, Ahadi, Tomoko, and Isha, and all were dressed and ready for the day. Sabina welcomed them, then went back to drying her hair and brushing her teeth. As soon as she was finished with the tasks, Ahadi and Isha came in to style her hair for her.

She closed her eyes and enjoyed the care they bestowed on her, until Ahadi asked her to look at the work they had accomplished thus far, wanting Sabina’s opinion. They had already agreed on a style similar to what Alex wore for her wedding. Isha had swept the length of Sabina’s hair up, but not pulled it back too tightly. It was still full and thick around her head, and secured in gentle curls that rolled under at the base of her neck. It softened her facial features while keeping the long locks from covering her shoulders or back.

“It’s perfect,” Sabina whispered, nodding her head slightly while Ahadi slid the last few pins into place.

“I’m glad you like it,” smiled Ahadi. “Now, for your dress,” she said, and held Sabina’s hand as she stood from the chair by the vanity.

Alex stepped into the bathroom and handed Sabina all of the undergarments she needed for her gown, and then they all walked out to give her privacy to dress in the bottom layer. She came into the bedroom soon after, and the ladies helped Sabina place her gown designed by So Sassi, named Carmen, on her body.

Its strapless, fitted ivory lace bodice hugged Sabina’s figure perfectly, and the rose tulle skirt gently floated around her legs like a whisper. A matching wide, rose sash wrapped around the bodice and accentuated her tiny waist. Sabina’s fingers lightly traced the rows of lace flowers and leaves that trailed away from the bodice down the rose skirt, while Ahadi secured the back of the gown.

Isha and Alex held her hands as she stepped into her three-inch ivory heels, and then they moved back a space to take in the sight before them.

“Sabina, you are absolutely breathtaking,” sighed Alex. “Rohan won’t be able to form a coherent word when he sees you.”

“Let us hope he can. He has vows to recite,” Sabina smiled and laughed lightly.

“He will find a way to utter them,” Ahadi said, gently touching Sabina’s cheek.

“Sabina, we have something we want you to wear, dear,” said Lady Juliana, stepping forward. She handed Sabina a small, hinged box, and smiled as she transferred it into her upturned palm.

“What is this?” she asked, as she slowly opened the case. Sabina gasped softly and looked back at Lady Juliana.

“This is your something borrowed, old, and blue. This is a sapphire and diamond ring that has been in my family for many generations, Sabina. It was first worn by my great-grandmother when she received it on her first wedding anniversary. Someday, I will pass it on to Alexandria, but today, I would be greatly honored if you would wear it while you pledge yourself to Rohan,” Lady Juliana said tenderly.

“Of course, I will wear it,” Sabina gushed, smiling though her eyes were clouding.

“And this is also for you,” said Tomoko, handing a second small box to Sabina.

When she saw Sabina’s hesitation, she smiled and encouraged her to open it. Inside the last box, Sabina found a perfectly matched pair of pearl earrings. The pearls were suspended below petite platinum and diamond hoops, small and very appropriate. They complimented the ivory lace bodice of Sabina’s gown flawlessly, and the simplicity of the earrings did not detract from the intricate design of her dress.

“Thank you, all,” Sabina said, sniffling a little. “This means so much to me, that you are here to support our decision and our new life together.”

Alex handed her a tissue, and had to take one for herself as well.

“And a beautiful new life it will be, Sabina. We’re so very happy for you both,” Alex said, cleaning her face now, too.

“My goodness, look at the two of you,” said Lady Juliana, shaking her head. “You cannot go out and walk the aisle like this. Okay, let’s get you both cleaned up and to the sides of those two handsome gentlemen waiting for you.”

“Okay,” chuckled Sabina and Alex.

Isha stepped back into the bathroom and returned with a clean, damp cloth, then tenderly wiped their faces free of all tears. When Isha was finished tending to her sisters, Lady Juliana asked them to join hands, and she led a prayer for Sabina, just as she had for Alex on her wedding day. At the close of her remarks, Sabina placed her new earrings in her ears and slid the antique sapphire ring on. Finally, Tomoko handed her a bouquet of pale pink and white lisianthus with baby’s breath interspersed throughout the arrangement.

“Now, we’re ready,” said Ahadi, nodding approvingly.

“Shall we make our way downstairs, Sabina?” asked Lady Juliana, smiling and taking her free hand.

“Yes. I am more than ready,” Sabina said, nodding her head and smiling in return.

Alex walked ahead in her pale, rose satin dress. It had one simple swath of cloth over her right shoulder and fell to her ankles in a sleek, straight silhouette. Her bouquet of lisianthus and baby’s breath was half the diameter of Sabina’s, but still feminine and delicate. She had only placed her diamond studs in her ears, choosing to wear no other pieces of jewelry save her wedding set.

When the ladies walked into the kitchen, Selaphiel and Ganymede were both there to greet them. Selaphiel stepped forward first and smiled broadly as he gathered Sabina’s hand in his.

“Ah, my daughter,” he beamed. “You are so beautiful this day.”

“Thank you, Father,” Sabina said, leaning up to kiss his cheek.

“Are you ready to become Rohan’s wife?” Selaphiel asked, his eyes alight with merriment and happiness.

“Very much so,” she breathed, nodding her head gently.

“Well then, let us make this official,” he smiled, and placed Sabina’s left hand in the bend of his elbow.

“Alexandria,” beckoned Ganymede, and she did the same.

“We will see you all shortly,” said Ganymede to the other ladies, then the two angels briefly disappeared from view, taking their daughters with them.

Lady Juliana had known they were going to take Alex and Sabina into the vineyard to enter from that direction, but seeing her daughter completely disappear before her eyes was a startling sight. She drew in a deep breath and looked to the Nephilim ladies next to her.

“It’s alright. I feel their auras within the vineyard already,” said Ahadi, smoothing a hand over Lady Juliana’s arm. “Come, we’ll take our seats now, too.”

Isha led them outside to their chairs, and Lady Juliana was soon between Lord Errol and Wallace. She took her son’s hand in hers and gently squeezed his fingers. He chuckled and looked down at his mother, watching her eyes for a moment before he released her hand. He glanced over at Emily and Helen chatting with one another, then on to Conner.

Both brothers had talked the night before about the changes taking place in their lives, and Wallace knew that what they were currently witnessing and surrounded by would pass from their lives in such a short time. When the deadline came about, they would see very little of Alex, Gaius, and the Nephilim seated all around them. But they had agreed to savor each and every moment up until then, hoping that it would be enough to see them through.

A harp began to play, and they turned their attention to see Archimedes, Gaius, and then Rohan walk to the large arch, heavily laden with greenery and a variety of pink flowers at the garden’s entrance. Rohan moved a few steps ahead of Gaius to take his place, and Gaius rested a hand on his shoulder briefly. He lightly squeezed Rohan, before he patted his brother and let his hand fall away.

 

“I hear the music beginning,” said Alex, turning to hug Sabina gently. “Enjoy every second of this day, Sabina, just as you told me to. It will go by so quickly, but hold on to each precious moment.”

“I will, Alexandria. Thank you, for everything,” Sabina said, kissing her cheek.

They smiled at one another, then Alex kissed Ganymede’s cheek and began her slow, measured walk out of the vineyard’s entrance along the pink and white petal pathway they had laid out for Sabina.

“Sabina, Selaphiel, I will talk with you both after the ceremony. Sabina, you are such a lovely bride. My heartfelt best wishes and prayers are with you and Rohan this day, and all days to come,” Ganymede said, and leaned down to kiss her forehead. He nodded at his brother, then took a step back and was gone.

Sabina moved to her father’s right and placed her hand in the bend of his elbow. She had decided she liked Alex’s plan quite a lot, and wanted to stand between the two men she loved most, rather than be separated from Rohan. Selaphiel smoothed his hand over hers as he began to lead Sabina in the direction of her fiancée.

Guests rose on either side of the aisle, as the gentle strains of music emanating from the harp changed to the wedding march, signaling Sabina’s approach. She felt auras all around touching her, but her power was already seeking out only one other aura among the near six hundred souls present. Sabina tried to take in the variety of pink and white flowers and topiaries that lined her path, and acknowledge her loved ones as she passed by, yet knew she was failing to see it all.

The closer they moved to the arch, the easier breathing became again. Still, Selaphiel’s hand gently caressed hers, and his aura worked towards soothing her as they drew close enough that she could finally see Rohan. Sabina pressed her lips together to hold in her emotion as she took in the sight before her.

He was dressed in a black tuxedo, with a matching black vest and long black tie. The jacket featured tails, and his crisp white shirt stood out against his tanned skin and neck. She watched him glide his hand through his hair as both he and Gaius so often did, and she felt her smile spread as she approached him.

Rohan drew in a deep breath just as Sabina came to a stop by his side. He shook his head slightly in wonder, and smiled as he watched her look up into his eyes, forgetting about the crowd watching their every move. It was just the two of them, until he heard Archimedes speak to the assembly.

Everyone took to their seats, and Archimedes then led the gathering in a prayer of thanksgiving and praise. When he finished his remarks he looked to Selaphiel, smiling and inclining his head in deference.

“Selaphiel, we are honored by your presence and your blessings for this most magical of days. As we bear witness to your daughter, Sabina, marrying Rohan, another of our kind, we ask for your permission for this service to continue. Is it your wish that your daughter take this man as her husband, for the remainder of their days?” Archimedes asked, slightly rocking back and forth on his feet.

Selaphiel smiled as he looked to Sabina and then on to Rohan. “It is my wish, to see my daughter wedded to Rohan this day and for all their days to come. Rohan, you take the hand of my only child today, and it is with my blessing and your father’s that we shall see this union come to pass. Always be true to one another, love each other above all others, and cultivate your friendship, which shall serve as the foundation of your marriage. With my heart and with my soul, I do give my daughter to you,” he said solemnly.

“Selaphiel,” said Rohan quietly, bowing his head at the angel in respect and humility.

Her father kissed each of Sabina’s cheeks, then placed her hand in Rohan’s and stepped away to take a seat next to Eremiel, Ganymede, and Haniel along the front row. She handed Alex her bouquet and turned to face Rohan. He took both of her hands in his, gently pulling her a tiny step closer. Sabina chuckled despite herself, feeling his possessive nature assert itself, even there on their wedding day.

Their auras intertwined as they listened to Archimedes’ words and his remarks about the union they were entering into. When it came time to recite the traditional vows they had agreed to, Rohan quietly repeated the words, never once taking his eyes off of Sabina’s. Her tears were gathering steadily, but she was trying to hold them at bay.

But when Archimedes asked Sabina to give Rohan her personal pledge, her tears began to slowly slide down her cheeks. Rohan smiled tenderly and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, then began gently wiping the moisture from her face. They heard light laughter around them, but they never looked away from one another.

She swallowed, trying to clear the emotion clogging her throat. It took several attempts, but finally Sabina nodded at Rohan that she was ready to speak. He took her hands back in his, and slipped the cloth in his pocket, knowing he would need it again in just a moment.

“Rohan Eremiel Traugott, I stand with you today, ready to take my place beside you as your wife and companion for all the days the Lord shall bless us with. I have known you all of your life, and I have always admired the strength within you. Not your physical strength, but the moral core and heart which lie within, and make you the loving, kind, and mighty soul you are.”

“My love, you are one of the greatest defenders of the faith, and all that is good and right, which this world has ever known. And together, you and I will see great works come to be in His name. But also, we will comfort, shelter, and nurture one another. There will never be another day or night spent alone for us now, and there will never be a moment that your heart will know loneliness. For I will be with you always, Rohan, as your wife and best friend, in all things and in all ways. I love you, and from this day forward, I am yours and no others,” Sabina pledged, trying to see Rohan through her tears.

She did notice that his eyes looked misty as well, as he took his handkerchief out to lovingly wipe her newest tears away. The right corner of his mouth pulled up while he tried to help steady her. When at last Rohan placed the cloth back in his pocket, he took her hands in his again and began to speak.

“Sabina Valeria Lucianus, you say that I am a strong soul, but the truth is, you are the strong one. I struggled for months trying to come to terms with what I felt, and wondering if I could ever be what you deserved and what you needed in a husband. But it was you who helped me finally voice my heart’s desire, my love. And when you asked me through your aura not to walk away, I finally started to feel like there might be a home for me after all.”

“I’m not talking about this villa and estate around us; I am speaking about you, Sabina. You are my home now, and in you I have found acceptance, friendship, and a love like I have never felt before. It is my honor and privilege to stand with you as your husband and protector for the rest of our days. And I will safeguard you in body, mind, and spirit, always. From this moment forward, I am yours and you are mine,” Rohan said, slightly biting his lower lip to stop his emotion from showing.

Sabina’s aura swirled around him, comforting Rohan as he tried to maintain his composure in front of so many. He smiled as her power touched his very heart, and lifted a hand to cup her face. Archimedes redirected them to the exchange of rings, and Rohan slid her diamond band on in front of her engagement ring, then looked on as Sabina placed his wide band on his finger.

As the remainder of the service was spoken by their dear friend, Rohan tried to hear what was being said. But all he could truly focus on was his beautiful bride standing before him, as she smiled up into his eyes. When Archimedes asked everyone to bow their heads for one final prayer, Rohan found it hard to close his eyes and look away from Sabina.

“And now, my friends and family, I would like to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Rohan Traugott. May your union be as blessed and filled with happiness as we know it will be. Rohan, you may kiss your wife,” Archimedes said at the close of his prayer.

A slow smile spread across Rohan’s face and his eyes took on a playful glint as he cupped Sabina’s cheeks in his large, warm palms. She chuckled as he turned her face up to meet his, and stepped closer as he lightly settled his lips on hers. Sabina stayed in his embrace a little longer than she thought she should have, but she did not want to pull away.

As the cheers of their brethren sounded, Rohan finally lifted his head and quickly kissed Sabina’s forehead as he straightened to his full height. He gently put his arm around her shoulders and drew her into his side as they faced their loved ones. Alex stepped forward and returned Sabina’s bouquet to her hand, and she smiled through her own tears of happiness.

When Gaius nodded at Rohan, he took the signal and began to lead Sabina back through the throng. She was embraced by her father and his as they passed by, and she returned her hand to Rohan’s arm to walk the rest of the distance by his side. They entered the vineyard before Gaius and Alexandria, and as soon as they were out of sight of the others, Rohan quickly turned and settled his lips on hers.

“Rohan,” she whispered, between kisses.

“Yes?” he breathed back, moving over to her cheek. “Ah, you look so beautiful today, liebling.”

Sabina chuckled and lightly nuzzled him before she leaned back in his arms. “We have a full day ahead of us, darling.”

“I know,” he grinned. “I just wanted a moment of your time, wife.”

Sabina smiled and gently patted his cheek, glorying in the delight playing in his eyes.

“You may have all my moments, husband,” she quietly replied, leaning in for another kiss as he growled slightly and held her closely.

They heard Alex’s light laughter and forced themselves to pull away, but only a small distance. Sabina stepped to Rohan’s side, feeling his arm settle around her waist. He glanced away from her to look at their friends, seeing the happiness billowing away from their auras.

“Rohan, I did not remember that your last name is Traugott. How appropriate that your name means ‘Trust in God’, for it’s the perfect name for you, brother,” Alex said, stepping forward to hug him.

He chuckled and kissed Alex’s hair, then released her to have Gaius step forward and hug him with a sound slap to his back. Gaius turned and gently gathered Sabina in his arms, smiling at the joy trailing through her aura.

“Sabina, you are such a lovely bride. Rohan is truly a blessed man,” he grinned.

“Thank you, Gaius,” she said sincerely.

“If you’re both ready, we have photos to take and then a bit of celebrating before we all clear out of here,” said Alex with a smile. “Shall we?”

“Are you ready, wife?” Rohan asked, looking down into Sabina’s eyes.

“You really like that word a great deal already, don’t you?” she played, starting to walk forward with him.

“More than you may ever know,” Rohan said softly, tucking her hand back into the bend of his elbow.