Eleanor had carefully planned my Friday schedule, which would be quite full. We would start by attending the pre-marriage course, something she’d already instructed Ryan to inform Draven about.
Following that, we had spa treatments and salon appointments scheduled. The day would end with final dress fittings for both my bridesmaids and myself. I had insisted that each of them choose their own style and color because I wanted them to feel comfortable and beautiful. I didn’t want to fulfill some crazy bride fantasy that might make them uncomfortable.
My pack sisters were all different from each other, with diverse body types and personal styles. What looked stunning on one wouldn’t necessarily flatter another. I wanted them all to feel beautiful standing beside me. That’s why each chose her own dress in vibrant, distinctive colors. It was perfect symbolism.I would be married in a garden filled with colorful blooms,with my bridesmaids like living flowers surrounding me.
Before heading home to prepare for dinner, Ruby asked me to send her my vows to type up for the ceremony.
“Ruby, I’m not writing custom vows,” I explained.
“What do you mean? Every modern wedding has personalized vows,” Ruby insisted, as if educating me on current traditions.
“That may be the trend, Ruby, but I want ours to be traditional,” I replied. “The time-honored promise, ‘I vow to be faithful to you, in joy and in sadness, in health and in sickness, in wealth and in poverty, loving and respecting you all the days of our lives, until death parts us.’ It’s perfect as is! Nothing could be more meaningful than promising love, fidelity, and respect through all of life’s seasons.”
“Caroline, you’re such a hopeless romantic,” Eleanor laughed, her eyes warm with affection.
“Besides, those words served my parents and Draven’s parents well. Let’s honor that tradition,” I added with a smile.
“You’re the boss!” Ava agreed with a playful salute.
At home, I found Draven looking slightly grumpy. He informed me that Eleanor had ordered him to spend the next two nights at Ryan’s house, only returning to see me at the wedding. The pack males would gather there for what Ryan had described as “wolf bonding time.” Joseph had promised a proper bachelor celebration. I teasingly warned Draven that this bachelor party had better not involve female wolves, which made him laugh and pull me close with a possessive growl.
“My wolf only wants one female, mate,” he whispered against my ear.
After he reluctantly left to pack an overnight bag, I finished getting ready. Smoothing my hands over the fabric of my dress, I studied my reflection. I wore a hydrangea blue dress that hugged my waist before flaring into a midi-length skirt. While modest in front, it featured an elegant scoop back. At the waist, a thin belt in the same fabric formed a delicate bow in the back. I left my golden hair flowing freely around my shoulders and completed the look with subtle makeup, nude pumps, and a matching clutch.
When I entered the living room, Draven was waiting for me. He looked devastatingly handsome in a light gray suit with a crisp white shirt, open at the collar. When he saw me, his violet eyes instantly brightened, and my wolf Rory practically purred with pleasure at his appreciative gaze.
“You are absolutely stunning,” he said, approaching me. His lips brushed mine in a quick kiss that promised more later. “I’m going to marry the most beautiful woman in the world.”
“Such exaggeration,” I smiled,looping my arms around his neck.”Where is everyone?”
“They’ve gone ahead. Your parents took Liam. They went with my driver and two security enforcers.”
“Then let’s not keep them waiting.”
“Do I really have to sleep at Ryan’s?” His tone was almost pleading, hands tightening possessively at my waist. “I won’t tell Elle anything if you let me stay.”
“Yes, you do,” I laughed, pulling him toward the door. “She would inevitably find out, and I don’t want to face her wrath.” He followed me with an exaggerated sigh, sending a warm pulse through our mate bond that made my heart flutter.
When we arrived, everyone was already gathered. Our friends, our parents, plus Mabel, Luke, and Rose (whom Ava had affectionately nicknamed “Rosie,” a moniker that had stuck with everyone). We greeted each person warmly, and I received numerous compliments on my appearance.
Liam was perched on Ryan’s lap, animatedly describing the car movie he’d watched that afternoon. Ryan listened with the same intense focus he might give a major business proposal, making thoughtful comments that delighted my son.
My heart swelled with happiness seeing all the important people in my life together in one room.
Caroline’s POV
At the dinner party, everyone was engaged in cheerful conversation.
Waiters circulated with trays of champagne, and conversations flowed freely until Draven called for everyone’s attention.
“Friends and family,” he began, his deep voice commanding the room, “this week we went through some truly scary moments, but they’ve only brought us closer together. Everything that happened made me realize when we’re sure of what we want, we shouldn’t wait.” His violet eyes found mine across the room. “That’s why we’ve gathered you here tonight.”
He took a deep breath, emotion showing on his usually calm face. “I want to thank each of you for your support, especially during my darkest times. When my parents died, I felt completely alone in this world. You surrounded me with love and strength when I needed it most.” His voice softened. “And when I thought nothing could bring joy into my life again, I found the woman of my dreams and our son. Now we’re expecting another miracle.”
He raised his glass. “I’d like to toast to that. To you, to family, to my children, and to the extraordinary woman who filled my life with light when I needed it most.”
Everyone raised their glasses in response, applauding his heartfelt words.
Draven continued, his voice steady with conviction. “I am absolutely certain that you are my true mate, Caroline, and I want to spend my lifetime by your side.” He took my hand and led me toward my parents. “Robert and Lena, I respectfully ask for the honor of making your daughter my wife and Luna. I promise you, and everyone gathered here, that I will protect her and cherish her every day. I will build her a safe home and provide a peaceful life for our family. I ask for your blessing to marry Caroline, and I vow to create a marriage as strong and loving as yours and my parents’.”
“Draven…” my father cleared his throat, visibly moved. My mother was already wiping tears from her eyes. “You are indeed a man of your word. When we first met, you mentioned your intentions toward my daughter and that your courtship wouldn’t be prolonged. You certainly kept that promise.” My father smiled, earning warm laughter from our guests.
“I am a simple wolf, Draven,” he continued, “but I’m certain you’ll make my daughter happy. Anyone can see the depth of your feelings in the way you look at her. And where there is true love, any challenge can be faced and overcome together. You have our blessing. Consider yourself welcomed into our family as a son.”
Tears streamed down my face as a server discreetly offered tissues to the emotional guests. My father and Draven embraced, followed by my mother who hugged Draven tightly and kissed his cheek.
Draven then turned to me, pulling out a small velvet box from his pocket. When he opened it, I gasped at the beautiful engagement ring inside. Made from white gold with detailed branches and leaves forming the setting, it had a brilliant round diamond in the center with two triangular aquamarine stones on either side that met at the diamond’s base,a perfect combination of stones and meaning.
“The diamond, Caroline,” Draven explained, his voice full of emotion, “represents strength and loyalty, qualities I promise our marriage will have.” His fingers shook slightly as he held the ring. “The aquamarines mean uniqueness-because you are uniquely perfect for me, my mate. I want you to never doubt that.” Follow current novF
His voice grew deeper with respect. “With this ring, my grandfather proposed to my grandmother. With this ring, my father asked my mother to be his mate and Luna. And now, with this same ring that carries my family’s history, I ask you to marry me. This ring shows my complete commitment and love for you.” His violet eyes looked into mine so intensely that I caught my breath. “Choose me to be yours, Caroline, for all our remaining days.”
“Yes,” I whispered through tears, then more firmly, “A thousand times yes. I will choose you every day for the rest of our lives.”I placed my hands on my mate’s handsome face and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, mindful of our audience. Draven removed the ring from its velvet box and showed me an inscription inside the band that said “Maktub,” which he explained meant “it was already written.” This thoughtful detail made fresh tears spill down my cheeks. With gentle care, he slid the ring onto my finger and raised my hand to his lips.
“Before I forget,” Draven announced to our guests, “you’ll receive formal invitations, but our wedding will take place this Saturday.”
“I won’t deny I’ll rest easier knowing you’re mated and married,” my father said later, hugging me after dinner. “Knowing you’ll have someone standing beside you from now on gives me peace, daughter.”
My father had always seen my strength and independence in raising Liam, but like any father, he wanted to see his daughter happy with a mate who would love and protect her. I understood his feelings completely.
“Ryan, you kept your promise. This dinner was truly worthy of Alphas. Thank you,” I said, hugging my friend warmly.
“It was nothing, beautiful,” he replied with a wink. Then, looking mischievously at Eleanor, he added, “I can’t wait to see if you can outdo me!” He was deliberately provoking her, knowing she was coordinating our wedding preparations with her usual determination.
“Ryan, don’t wake up her inner dictator,” I groaned, making everyone burst into laughter. But it was too late. Eleanor had already accepted the challenge, her eyes gleaming with competitive fire that promised our wedding would be nothing short of spectacular.
Caroline’s POV
After saying goodbye to everyone, Draven and I stayed a little longer at the house, chatting with Carlos who was supervising the cleanup of the buffet. Draven planned to take me home, but he received an urgent message from John, an employee from the London office, requesting a video call about Clara’s return to the territory.
“Love, do you mind coming with me to the office for this video call? I also need to sign some paperwork while we’re there,” Draven asked, his violet eyes apologetic.
“Not at all. Let’s go, it’s still early, not midnight yet. I haven’t turned into a pumpkin,” I smiled at him.
“You’re Cinderella, you should turn into a maid,” he joked.
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