CHAPTER 28

Three days after Christmas, Ashwin led Kasey outside to his new bike and helped her on. Kasey gave him a puzzled look and inquired, “Um, are we going somewhere?”

Ashwin laughed and teased, “Now whatever gave you that idea?”

Kasey shrugged. “Just a hunch?”

Ashwin laughed again and helped Kasey with her helmet, then mounted the bike and said, “Put your arms around my waist and hold on. It's imperative that you move with me—lean with me when I make a turn. OK?”

Kasey nodded and nervously inquired, “Have you ever ridden one of these things before?”

Ashwin laughed before he replied, “Yes, I have, although it's been a while. Don't worry, though, I promise I'll be extra careful.”

“So where are we going?” Kasey inquired as she watched Ashwin don his own helmet.

Ashwin turned to give her that mysterious smile as he said, “You'll see.” He raised the kickstand with his boot and curled his fingers around the handlebars, and after Kasey wrapped her arms around his waist, he took off along the dirt road that would lead them to their destination. Ten minutes later he pulled up in front of the large church where his elaborate, fake funeral had been held, and Kasey couldn't help the tears that welled in her eyes or the way her chest tightened as she remembered that awful day. When Ashwin removed her helmet, he frowned when he saw the bright sheen of tears in her eyes, as well as how pale she'd become. He helped her off the bike and pulled her against his chest before he murmured, “Kasey, sweetheart, what's wrong?”

Kasey shook her head as the dreadful memories from that day slammed into her mind with cruel force, and her voice was barely a whisper as she replied, “Oh God...I can't...please don't make me...”

Ashwin's concern deepened considerably at her broken words, and he tightened his arms around her as he repeated, “Kasey, sweetheart, what's wrong?”

Kasey's arms were tight around his waist as she moaned, “This church...oh God...this is where they had your funeral! I just...I can't go back in there...”

Ashwin gently set her away from him far enough so that he could force her to look at him as he soothed, “Kasey, sweetheart, that's all in the past. I'm here, I'm alive and well, and I am going to marry you in a few days. This is the church we're getting married in. I brought you here so we could practice.”

“P-p-practice?” Kasey stammered as she quickly swiped her damp cheeks with her fists.

Ashwin nodded and said, “Yes, sweetheart, practice. It's called a rehearsal.”

“I know that.”

“This is an informal rehearsal. The formal dinner rehearsal will be held on New Year's Eve, after Ed and Holly get here.”

Kasey pressed her palms against her eyes and said, “I'm sorry, Ashwin, I just--”

Ashwin sighed and pulled her against his chest as he murmured, “It's alright, sweetheart. I understand.”

Kasey said nothing else as she savored Ashwin's warm, comforting embrace, and a few minutes later she had regained enough control of herself to enter the church. The Chief was the only other person there, and his smile was genuine as he embraced Ashwin and inquired, “So how's that new bike?”

Ashwin grinned and replied, “It runs like a charm.”

The Chief laughed and turned his attention to Kasey, then said, “Good afternoon, young lady. How are you doing today?”

Kasey nodded and smiled. “I'm fine, thank you.”

“Did Ashwin tell you why he brought you here?”

Kasey nodded again. “Yes, sir.”

“Since this is going to be a traditional Cherokee wedding, Ashwin felt that you needed to practice before the big day.”

Kasey bit her lip as she glanced at Ashwin and said, “Must be pretty complicated if we need two rehearsals.”

Ashwin shook his head. “Not really. All you have to do is follow our instructions, and everything will go smoothly.”

Kasey nodded and allowed Ashwin to lead her outside, and she was surprised when he led her over to a large circle with a high stone wall. In the middle of the circle were several types of wood, neatly arranged and ready to be lit on fire. At the north and south ends of the circle were two smaller stacks of wood. Ashwin gently took Kasey's hand and explained, “This is for the Sacred Fire/Seven Steps Ceremony, which we'll participate in before the wedding ceremony.”

Kasey nodded, fascinated and honored that she was about to be a part of something that held great importance for the Cherokee people. She listened carefully as Ashwin said, “Before we approach the fire, we will each be covered in a blue blanket.”

“Really?”

Ashwin smiled. “Yes.”

Kasey bit her lip and frowned as she thought back to the few weddings she'd attended. “But I thought the groom wasn't supposed to see the bride until she walks down the aisle. That's tradition.”

Ashwin laughed softly and said, “That's not Cherokee tradition, sweetheart.”

Kasey nodded. “OK. What's the blanket for, then?”

“The blue blanket represents our separate aloneness, weaknesses, sorrows, failures, and spiritual depression in our individual lives.”

Kasey nodded again. “I see.”

“Once we've reached this circle, you and I will light the smaller stacks of wood. After they have burned for a few minutes, you and I will push the smaller fires into the large fire in the center.”

Kasey's interest was piqued as she inquired, “What are the fires for?”

Ashwin smiled as he pointed at the smaller stacks of wood and explained, “The two smaller fires are arranged at the north and south positions of the circle to represent our individual lives. Once we push the smaller fires into the large fire, that is symbolic of the life we will begin sharing together.”

Kasey nodded thoughtfully. “OK. So after we've done that, then what?”

Ashwin took her hand again and said, “Then we begin walking around the circle. I will take a step and say a vow, and then you will take a step and say a vow. We do that seven times, hence the term the Seven Steps Ceremony.”

“What am I supposed to say?”

Ashwin smiled. “Don't worry. The Chief and my mother will be participating as well. Just repeat what she says.”

Kasey's eyes widened as a sudden, horrifying thought occurred to her. “What if I mess it up?”

Ashwin shook his head and gently framed her face with his hands before he murmured, “You won't mess it up. Either way, I'm still marrying you.” He glanced over at the Chief and added, “Would you like to give it a try?”

The chief nodded. “Sure. What is it they say? Practice makes perfect?”

Ashwin laughed and pulled a folded piece of paper from his jeans pocket, then handed it to Kasey and said, “These are the vows you say after you take a step. You're free to write your own vows, though.”

Kasey unfolded the paper and nodded as she perused the different vows, then smiled up at Ashwin and said, “OK, let's give it a try.”

Ashwin, the chief, and Kasey went through the motions of lighting the small fires and pushing them into the large fire, then completed their rehearsal of the Seven Steps Ceremony. Afterwards, Ashwin took Kasey by the hand and instructed, “Now we go into the church for the official wedding ceremony.” He led her into the church and down the aisle, which prompted Kasey to inquire, “Will you be walking with me down the aisle?”

Ashwin smiled. “Yes.”

Kasey nodded. “Now what?”

Ashwin pointed to an elaborate vase which boasted hollow, separate stems on either side for drinking. “This is a Wedding Vase. The minister will recite the Cherokee Wedding prayer, and then you'll take a drink, I'll take a drink, and then you and I will drink from this vase together. Legend has it that if we are able to drink from the vase without spilling any, then we will enjoy a long, happy, and prosperous marriage.”

Kasey smiled and gently tapped the end of his nose as she murmured, “Then I guess we'd better not spill any, huh?”

Ashwin smiled and said, “I don't intend to spill a drop.”

“After we've done that, then what?”

“Then we go through the official wedding ceremony. Afterwards, we will be wrapped in a white blanket, which will represent our joining together, as well as our life of happiness, fulfillment, and peace now that our lives are joined.”

Kasey nodded, unable to hide the sudden sheen of tears in her eyes. It all seemed so beautiful and profound, and she felt honored that Ashwin had decided to marry her in the traditional Cherokee fashion. Ashwin frowned at the sight of her tears, and his voice was gentle as he inquired, “Is something wrong, sweetheart?”

Kasey quickly shook her head, feeling foolish for getting so emotional. “No, it's just that--”

“It's just that what, sweetheart?”

She raised her head and met his kind, concerned gaze. “It's an honor that you have chosen a traditional Cherokee wedding for us. It means a lot to me.”

Ashwin took a step forward and wrapped his arms around her as he murmured, “In case you've forgotten, sweetheart, you have Cherokee in you as well. There's no reason why that aspect of yourself shouldn't be honored by tradition.”

Kasey nodded and rested her head against his chest, unable to stop the two solitary tears that slid down her cheeks. “Thank you.”

No more words were needed as Ashwin simply sighed and held her close, intent on making her happy for the rest of their lives.

“So when are Ed and Holly supposed to be here?” Kasey excitedly inquired as Ashwin watched her glance toward the front door for what seemed like the millionth time since they'd gotten up. He laughed softly at her enthusiasm before he put his arm around her shoulders and said, “Probably around three. That will give us all plenty of time to have the final rehearsal and then dinner. After that, we're all going to watch the fireworks tonight.”

Kasey squealed in delight and threw her arms around his neck, and Ashwin laughed again before he seductively murmured, “If you keep that up, we might be doing something naughty when they finally DO show up...”

“Where are we going to watch the fireworks?”

Ashwin grinned as he gently set her away from him. “Trying to change the subject?”

Kasey shrugged as she returned his smile. “Maybe.”

“We're all going over to the ridge. The fireworks look spectacular when they're shot over the mountains.”

“Sounds great.”

Ashwin watched her pace for another fifteen minutes before he finally stopped her in her tracks and said, “Come on, let's go for a walk.”

Kasey nodded and followed him outside, glad for the warm leather jacket she was wearing as the cold caused her to shiver involuntarily. She smiled when Ashwin took her hand, and as they walked away from his mother's house, he conversationally inquired, “Are you looking forward to tomorrow?”

Kasey stopped walking and gave him an incredulous look. “What kind of question is that?”

Ashwin laughed, although his tone was serious as he replied, “The kind I want an answer to.”

“Why wouldn't I be looking forward to it?”

Ashwin shrugged. “I don't know, you tell me.”

Kasey shook her head. “Of course I'm looking forward to it! I happen to love you very much, Ashwin Ross, and marrying you is going to be like a dream come true for me.”

Ashwin's gaze was clear and penetrating as he softly inquired, “Are you sure?”

Kasey slowly nodded. “Very sure.”

He finally smiled as he drew her into his arms. “That's all I needed to hear.”

Kasey sighed and smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck, and moments later she was caught up in a whirlwind of pleasure as Ashwin captured her mouth in a long, slow, erotic kiss. Moments later he had backed her against a tree, and as he reluctantly raised his head he murmured, “Do you realize it's been five long days since we made love?”

Kasey said nothing as she blinked up at him, concerned instead with sliding her tongue across her bottom lip where Ashwin had just bitten it. The slow movement of her tongue was driving Ashwin's desire to a fever pitch, but he forced himself to remain in control as he added, “I hope you know that tomorrow night, you are all mine.”

Kasey swallowed hard at his velvet promise of pleasure, and she just couldn't resist purring, “The same applies to you, you know.”

Ashwin nodded and gently pressed his knee between her slightly parted legs before he breathed, “Oh, I'm looking forward to it.”

Kasey gasped softly at the delicious pressure of his knee against the most sensitive part of her, but Ashwin's only response was a slow smile as he gently stroked her cheek. “Are you sure you can handle it?”

Kasey swallowed hard again as she gave a hesitant nod. “I've handled it so far, haven't I?”

Ashwin chuckled softly and said, “So far I've been fairly tame. Tomorrow night I intend to make you mine in every sense of the word, in more ways than one.”

Kasey's gave him a demure smile as she softly replied, “I can hardly wait.”

When Ashwin and Kasey returned from their walk in the woods, Kasey was delighted to see that Ed and Holly had already arrived at Mrs. Ross' house. She went running into the living room and squealed as she embraced Holly in a tight hug, and she couldn't help laughing when Ed gently tapped her on the shoulder and said, “Be sure to save some of that enthusiasm for me.”

Kasey whirled around and embraced Ed in a hug, then stepped back and beamed as Ed observed, “You're looking well, Miss Kasey. Ashwin must be treating you right.”

Kasey laughed and shrugged as she teased, “Nothing like clean, crisp mountain air to work wonders for a person's health.”

Ed nodded in agreement. “I'll say. It's positively beautiful up here.”

Ashwin finally appeared, and his smile was genuine as he extended his hand to Ed. “I'm glad to see the two of you made it here safely. Would you all like some coffee?”

Holly nodded and briskly rubbed her hands together. “Coffee sounds great right about now.”

The four of them walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table, and as Ashwin started a fresh pot of coffee he said, “You guys are here fairly early.”

Holly nodded and finally pulled her gloves off. “We didn't want to be late.”

“How was the weather on the drive up?”

Holly shrugged. “Sunny but cold.”

Ed leaned back in the chair and folded his arms across his chest as he said, “I hear it's supposed to be nice tomorrow. In the seventies, I believe.”

Holly turned her attention to Kasey and inquired, “So what time is the dinner rehearsal?”

“Six.”

Ashwin cleared his throat and helpfully supplied, “The rehearsal is at five, and dinner is at six. Then at midnight, we're all going to watch the fireworks show on the ridge.”

Holly nodded and smiled. “That sounds delightful. Where are we having dinner?”

“At the church. It isn't far from where we'll be watching the fireworks.” Ashwin retrieved four cups from the cabinet and filled them all with steaming coffee, then set everything on the table before he sat down and stirred milk and sugar into his. He took a tentative sip of his coffee before he glanced at Ed and politely inquired, “How have you been, Ed?”

Ed nodded as he wrapped his hands around the delightfully warm, steaming cup. “I've been doing alright, Ashwin. And yourself?”

Ashwin nodded and smiled. “I've been doing great, especially since Kasey agreed to marry me.”

Everyone laughed at his statement, and when the coffee pot was empty, Ashwin glanced his guests and inquired, “Would you two like to rest up a bit before we head to the church?”

Ed nodded. “The prospect of a nap sounds great right about now.”

Holly shrugged. “I'm OK. I'll just crash tonight.”

Kasey was momentarily surprised when Ed got to his feet and leaned down to hug her, and his voice caught as he whispered, “I am SO glad that you're really alright, Miss Kasey. We've missed you.”

Kasey glanced up and saw tears in the old man's eyes, and she had to swallow the sudden lump in her throat as she gently touched his cheek and said, “Thank you, Ed.”

She watched as he followed Ashwin out of the room, then sighed as she got up to wash the coffee cups.

After the wedding rehearsal, everyone retired to the huge building off to the side of the church to enjoy the veritable feast that Ashwin's mother and other women on the reservation had prepared. As Kasey and Ashwin sat down beside each other, Kasey leaned over and nervously inquired, “So how'd I do?”

Ashwin smiled at her and said, “You did fine, sweetheart. I really wish you'd stop worrying so much about this.”

Kasey bit her lip and said, “It's going to be our wedding day, and I want it to be perfect!”

Ashwin laughed and gently ruffled her hair as he murmured, “Nothing and no one is perfect, sweetheart. Surely you know that by now?”

Kasey gave him a sweet, shy smile and said, “But you're perfect for me.”

Ashwin smiled back and pressed his forehead against hers as he murmured, “And you're perfect for me. I intend to show you just how perfect we are for each other tomorrow night, after we are officially husband and wife. How does that sound?”

Kasey swallowed hard and gave a slow nod at his softly spoken words, but what really had her interest piqued was the bright fire that leaped into his eyes as he made his seductive promise. Ashwin laughed and gently tapped her slightly parted lips before he murmured, “Whatsamatter, sweetheart? Cat got your tongue?”

Kasey suddenly smiled and shook her head as she whispered, “No, this man named Ashwin got it...”

Ashwin chuckled softly and said, “I'm going to get that and a whole lot more tomorrow night.”

Kasey's smile widened as she promised, “Yes, you are.”

Ashwin immediately got the double meaning of her words, and that fire was burning even brighter in his eyes as he slowly leaned back in his chair and gave her that enigmatic smile. Kasey swallowed hard at his expression, but she said nothing else as she turned her attention to the chief, who had gotten to his feet to make a toast. He lightly tapped the side of his glass and said, “May I have everyone's attention, please? I'd like to make a toast to the happy couple.”

The lively chatter in the room died down as all eyes turned to the chief, and he cleared his throat and smiled at Kasey and Ashwin before he said, “Tonight we celebrate in anticipation of the joining of these two fine young people in holy matrimony. May the Creator bless you with a long, happy, prosperous marriage.”

Everyone in the room began clapping, cheering, and whistling, and Kasey blushed at having so much attention directed her way. Ashwin smiled as he took it all in stride, and he gave a good-natured laugh when the chief said, “There's a ball and chain at my house, if you need it...”

“And a black and white striped jumpsuit too, I presume?”

The chief grinned. “But of course. Can't have one without the other.”

Kasey gave Ashwin a playful jab in the ribs, which prompted him to laugh before he got up to make his own toast to the chief and his mother. “Welcome, everyone. I'm glad you're all having a good time.” He smiled down at Kasey before he continued. “As we gather on the eve of the joyous occasion of my wedding to this wonderful woman, Kasey Marshall, there are a few other people I must acknowledge. Without their love and support over the years, I doubt I would be standing here.” He glanced over at his mother, who smiled at him as he raised his glass to her and said, “I owe my very life to my mother, Goga Cornsilk Ross. Without her unfailing love, devotion, and support, there is no way I could have ever made it this far in life regarding my career, as well as the opportunity of meeting my beautiful bride-to-be.” He then turned and smiled at the chief before he raised his glass and said, “To the Chief of this tribe, Dakota Whitefeather, I also owe many sincere thanks and a massive debt that I will probably never be able to repay. Without his guidance and support, I would have never discovered my life's path as a doctor. For that, I am, and will forever be, grateful.”

His toast was met with cheers and applause, and as he sat back down, Ed cleared his throat and gently tapped on the side of his glass. He slowly got to his feet and smiled at Ashwin and Kasey, then cleared his throat again and said, “I would like to make a toast to two of the most delightful and respectful people I have ever had the privilege of meeting.” He raised his glass toward Ashwin and Kasey, then smiled as he added, “May your marriage be long and full of love, happiness, and all the children you can manage. The two of you deserve nothing less.”

Everyone cheered at Ed's simple, heartfelt speech, and as Ashwin smiled at Kasey he murmured, “I'll drink to that,” as he raised his glass and gently clinked it against hers. Kasey smiled back and drank all of the champagne, and moments later a white-coated waiter appeared and set a full glass in front of her. She took a few sips and demurely wiped her mouth, then smiled at Ashwin before she, too, tapped on the side of her glass and got to her feet. Her gaze never faltered as she raised her glass to Ashwin and softly proclaimed, “To the man I love and will be marrying tomorrow. You are my dream come true, Ashwin Ross. You have literally saved my life. You make my life worth living. You make my life complete. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you, and I promise to do everything in my power to make and keep you a happy man.”

Ashwin got to his feet and gently wiped the two solitary tears from her cheeks before he embraced her and whispered in her ear, “That was beautiful, sweetheart. I love you more than you'll ever know, and I hope you'll never regret your decision to marry me.”

Kasey slowly shook her head as she smiled up at him. “Never,” she whispered as Ashwin lowered his head and gently brushed his lips across hers. Everyone in attendance erupted into loud cheers, applause, and wolf whistles, and the pink stain that warmed Kasey's cheeks made Ashwin laugh as made their way to the buffet table. After carefully preparing her plate, she followed him back to their table and demurely took her seat. Ashwin watched as she spread the cloth napkin in her lap, then smiled as he leaned over and murmured, “Ah, I'm marrying someone with sophistication and class too. What more could a man ask for?”

Kasey simply smiled at him and quipped, “My mother told me all about sophistication when I was a little girl. All ya gotta do is this--” She stopped long enough to pick up her champagne glass, making sure that her pinky was sticking straight out, and continued, “And voila! You're instantly 'phistocated.”

Ashwin began to laugh so hard that he was barely able to inquire, “How much of that champagne have you had, sweetheart?”

Kasey shrugged and scrunched up her face as she leaned down and pressed the tip of her nose directly against the glass. “I dunno, but it ain't my fault it's good stuff.”

Ashwin began to laugh again when he realized that Kasey was delightfully tipsy, but when he tried to inconspicuously set the glass away from her, Kasey shook her head and admonished, “Nope, nope, nope. You ain't taking my drink.”

“But Kasey, sweetheart--”

Kasey set her mouth in a straight line as she picked up her glass, and after swallowing all of the champagne, she set it down and unceremoniously wiped her mouth before she said, “It ain't my fault that that waiter guy keeps giving me refills, either.” She sighed at the sight of her empty glass and added, “Oh hell. Now I need a refill. Waiter!”

Ashwin simply laughed and shook his head as the waiter miraculously appeared, and after her glass had been refilled, he leaned in close and suggested, “Why don't you let this be your last glass for the night? I don't think you want to be hung over while we're getting married tomorrow.”

Kasey's hand froze in mid-air, a single dollop of mashed potatoes balanced precariously on the end of her fork as her mouth dropped open in surprise. “We're getting married tomorrow?”

Ashwin's mouth quirked as he slowly nodded. “Yes, sweetheart.”

“Huh. I was wondering what this party was for.” She shrugged and slid the fork into her mouth, then wiped her mouth with her napkin before she reached for her glass. Ashwin watched as she finished off the champagne, then shook his head and smiled as Kasey slowly finished the rest of her dinner. With any luck, the food would counteract some of the alcohol, but at the moment, he was having too much fun laughing at her antics. She finally pushed her plate away and daintily wiped her mouth, then frowned at her empty champagne glass and turned to Ashwin. “Can I have just one more? Please?”

Ashwin firmly shook his head. “No. I think we're getting ready to go outside for the fireworks show.”

“Fireworks?”

Ashwin's mouth quirked again as he helped her out of the chair in gentlemanly fashion, and Kasey welcomed the warm, comforting strength of his hand against the small of her back as he guided her across the room and out the door. Once outside, he put his arm around her and led her over to a fire that was burning brightly at the edge of the ridge, then pointed to a large blanket that had been spread on the ground and said, “Sit.”

Kasey gingerly sat down on the blanket, then glanced up at Ashwin and cooed in delight. “Oh, it's so warm!”

Ashwin sat down beside her, then pulled her close and murmured, “Yes, I know.”

Kasey sighed and rested her head on his shoulder, and Ashwin smiled at the dreamy tone of her voice as she murmured, “I love you, Ashwin.”

“I love you too, Kasey.”

“Hi, guys!” Holly brightly said as she sat down hard beside Kasey, and Ashwin simply shook his head and laughed when he realized that Holly was tipsy as well. Kasey slowly raised her head from Ashwin's shoulder and smiled at her friend, then said, “Oh, hey, Holly! What brings you out here?”

“Fireworks,” Holly replied as she briskly rubbed her hands together in an effort to get them warm. She smiled at Kasey and politely inquired, “Mind if I sit with you guys?”

Kasey waved her hand in the air and replied, “Mi binky es su binky.””

Ashwin began to laugh so hard that he toppled onto his side, and as Kasey and Holly looked at him as if he'd lost his mind, he forced himself upright before he haltingly inquired, “What...what did you just say to Holly?”

Kasey gave a nonchalant shrug and explained, “Duh. That was Spanish. I'm sure you've heard the phrase, 'Mi casa es su casa'? Well, I just changed it around to binky. You know, so Holly would feel welcome.”

Ashwin shook his head as he glanced at Holly and grinned. “Well of course Holly is welcome on our blanket. I mean, er, binky.”

Kasey nodded and glanced up at the still-dark sky. “That's what I thought you'd say. Where's all these fireworks we're supposed to be watching?”

“They're coming, sweetheart. Just be patient.”

No sooner than the words were out of his mouth, a huge, multi-colored fireball exploded over the ridge and showered a multitude of clear, sparkling remnants over the mountains. Kasey gasped at the breathtaking sight before she rested her head on Ashwin's shoulder again. “Wow.”

Ashwin smiled at her child-like wonder over the spectacular display of fireworks, and when the evening finally drew to a close, he pulled Kasey to her feet before reaching down to do the same for Holly. He put his arms around their shoulders and carefully led them back to his mother's house, and after tucking Kasey into bed, he gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead and murmured, “Sleep well, sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow.”

Kasey simply sighed and smiled as her eyes drifted shut, and moments later she was fast asleep.