Nevermore, the Complete Series (60 page)

Nervously, I pulled on my dress and marveled at my reflection in the full-length mirror in the bathroom. Eila knocked on the door not five minutes later and I welcomed her in to help zip the dress up and do my hair. She propped my hair up in a delicate bun and applied the tiara to my head. I turned in a circle to get the full view and couldn’t help but vainly admire the beautiful young woman I saw twirling before me.

Eila had already dressed in the flowing pale blue chiffon dress with a pleated bodice and white ribbon sash around her waist, Salem had summoned it for her this morning. It was amazing how quickly she had taken to all this unusualness. If she was weirded out by it still, she did not show it. She looked absolutely stunning with her hair curled into bouncing ringlets of honey and brunette, and a white carnation tucked behind her ear.

I slipped my feet into a pair of white high heels and prayed that I could keep my balance in them throughout the entire ceremony. Salem and the rest of the guests were already at the wedding site, setting up and awaiting our arrival. My stomach was a bundle of nerves and I was positive Eila could see it – my hands were fidgety and I kept pacing the room. But what reason did I have to be nervous? I loved Salem with everything that I was, and I was prepared for this day. I had my vows memorized, I was more than capable of waltzing during the first dance, and I wanted this more than anything in the world.

“It’s normal to get cold feet, Alex,” Eila commented as she pulled me to a stop by grabbing my arm mid-pace. “Even when you are positive that this is what you want, it’s normal to panic. Everything is going to be perfect, though. You look amazing, and Salem is waiting for you.”

I nodded slowly as I managed a simple smile. “You’re right. I can do this. There’s nothing to worry about…” I recited this over and over in my head in Eila’s car on the way to where the old Victorian once stood.

I tried to ignore the saddening mess of debris from the old house. When I did catch myself looking it stabbed twice – once for the memory of our beautiful home, and again at the memory of Paul. As crazy as he had acted I would have never wished this on him. He should be here walking me down the aisle instead of Desmond.

All thoughts of the past faded as I became aware that I needed to hold up the base of my dress as I walked the familiar path out through the woods and into the clearing. When I arrived there was a small crowd of people sitting in bench seats at the site of the ceremony. Salem was nowhere to be seen, not wanting to see the bride before the wedding, I assumed. Between the few rows of pews was a long red carpet that trailed through the center of a silver arch with vines wrapped around it and a heart-shaped gem dangling in the center. I scanned the seats to see who all was present: Mitchell sat between his parents in the left front row, and the Williams’ sat on the right pew. Next I spotted Melissa behind the Banners, and Richard sitting idly behind Karen’s parents. To my surprise, in the seat behind my foster father’s girlfriend, Hannah sat staring off into space. She had decided to come after all. Ezra sat beside Hannah, a wide grin on his face as he stared back and waved at me and Eila. When he had shown back up and how he knew where to come was a mystery to me. Just as I was wondering where my Aunt Kim could be I saw her walk by apologizing in a barely audible voice and she made her way over and sat by her father.

At the front of the carpet, between the
arch, was a black robe clad old man that I was not acquainted with, but I knew precisely who he was – he was the man who would perform the ceremony and legally bind Salem and I in holy matrimony.

I spotted the banquet tables to the left, covered in platters of food concealed with silver lids. A few feet in front of it was a piano, waiting for Eila. She nodded at me with a confident, reassuring smile and marched over to the piano. I gulped when I saw Jason appear from behind me in a fine black tuxedo with a pale blue delphinium pinned to his white undershirt – he looked absolutely charming. Giving me a wink, he hugged me gently, handed me my bouquet, and pointed toward the archway.

My mouth fell agape when I saw him, and then my lips formed into a wide smile. Salem was now up at the end up the carpet, smiling brightly in my direction. He looked flawlessly handsome in his black tuxedo, the rays of sunshine creeping through the branches above and causing his hair to shimmer as a few strands fell across his brilliant blue eyes.

The music began and Jason slowly walked ahead of me, down the aisle toward Salem. He took his spot beside him and stood stock-still in his place. Next Melissa and Eila got up from their seats and took their places in the front. To my surprise my music teacher, Mr. Collins, from high school cut in and took Eila’s place temporarily at the piano. He had always been my favorite teacher, which Salem knew, and I was sure he was behind this.

Desmond wove his arm in between mine and I nearly jumped in surprise, then slowly relaxed and welcomed the gesture as he guided me down the aisle. We came closer and closer to the archway, and my heart began beating quicker and quicker with each step. My foster father released me, kissed me lightly on the cheek and took his seat where Melissa had been.

The priest instructed us to take each other’s hands and we quickly obliged. I could feel myself shaking and wondered if Salem noticed, but he merely stared at me in awe and admiration as the elder man spoke.

He began with an opening prayer from Corinthians 13:4, and said a blessing and everyone lowered their heads and gave silent prayers before he began with the opening words.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Salem Young and Alexis Waldron in holy matrimony commended to be honorable among all; and therefore is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, passionately, lovingly and solemnly. Into this – these two persons present now come to be joined. If
any person can show just cause for why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace,” he said in a crisp, clear voice.

Jason shuffled around somewhat, and I wondered if he intended to say something – his cheeks had flushed and he appeared uneasy, then he resumed smiling toward us. I breathed a quick sigh of relief that was hopefully unheard. I then caught eye contact with Hannah, who looked down right annoyed. I knew she was still upset about all this, but I was glad she kept quiet. With no rebuttals, the priest requested our full attention and to repeat after him to say our vows.

“I, Alexis, take you Salem, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward, and throughout eternity,” I repeated after him, hoping with each word that my voice wouldn’t shake.

Salem then repeated the priest’s words, his eyes boring into mine as he spoke, and I could feel myself tearing up.

“Now, present the rings,” the priest instructed and Jason offered over two rings, one to me and one to Salem. “Once again, repeat after me.”

“I, Alexis, give you, Salem, this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you,” I said following the priest, and slid the silver band on Salem’s finger.

Next, he took my hand and repeated the words, and placed my ring on my finger.

The priest turned toward the crowd, and proudly said, “I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Young!”

My friends and family cheered, cried, and applauded as we shared our first kiss as a newly married couple. Music began playing on the piano as Salem and I walked hand in hand down the aisle, then the sound faded into nothingness as we reached the end. There was another round of applause as we turned, faced everyone, and I closed my eyes and tossed my bouquet into the air. To my surprise, it landed directly in Aunt Kim’s lap.

Everyone gave us their blessings, hugs, and gifts that we opted to open at a later time. The guests began feasting on the provided food, and then, it was time for our first dance.

The area had been cleared during the feast, so that the pews were not in the way and the clearing was completely open. Eila played Nevermore beautifully as Salem and I slow-danced to the familiar tune. Slowly, others joined us on the dance floor – Desmond and Mel, Aunt Kim and my grandfather, and surprisingly Ezra and Hannah. Even Jason and Eila joined us after Mitch set up a stereo and some speakers to continue the music.

After what felt like an hour or more of dancing, my legs had begun to feel wobbly and sore and I suggested that we serve the cake. Salem and I both promised each other not to smash the other in the face with cake, and to my surprise and relief we both maintained our promises. The dessert was delicious, even more so than the identical – yet smaller – one that Eila had made for my birthday.

Throughout the rest of the evening, Jason watched us glumly, so I told Salem I was going to have a talk with him.

My best friend sat alone at one of the picnic tables that had been set up for everyone to eat at. Eila was nowhere in sight and I didn’t bother to look for her, either. I sat down quietly and observed Jason with a frown.

“Something’s bothering you,” I said matter-of-factly.

He shrugged and sighed. “Don’t waste your time over here bothering yourself with my problems, it’s your wedding day…go enjoy it.”

“I can’t very well enjoy it with you sitting here sulking.”

He smiled faintly. “You look good, Alex.”

“Thanks,” I replied with a grin. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

He laughed and reached a hand across the table and placed it over mine. “Maybe in some other universe, this would be our day…I feel like such an idiot saying this. I wish I had taken the chance before he came along, but at the same time you two are so happy, and there’s nothing more in the world I could ever ask for.”

I looked down for a moment and then smiled up at him. “I know this isn’t ideal for you, Jason, but no matter what – you are always going to be my best friend, and I will always love you. I can honestly say, though, that had you asked me before any of this…I would have probably said yes.”

“Well, that doesn’t make it any better.
Worse…maybe…because sadly that doesn’t matter now.” He frowned. “But thanks, anyway. I shouldn’t even be having this conversation with you, or having these thoughts. I have a girlfriend, and she’s great…yet all I can think about is you.”

“Jace…” I whispered, suddenly feeling like I was going to cry. “I’m so sorry; no amount of words could describe how sorry I am that you have to go through this. I just hope that Eila can give you the happiness you deserve and with time, you’ll forget about your feelings for me.”

“Maybe.”

“You two will be happy, she really likes you Jace…loves you,” I replied and leaned across the table and pecked him lightly on the cheek. “I love you too, Jason Banner, always.”

I stood from the table and left him staring at me, his hand against his cheek and a look of dismay painted across his face. It pained me to see him looking so miserable, and knowing that it was in some way my fault. With him like this, maybe it was best he move away for a while – just him and Eila. I soon forgot about what had just happened as Salem called me away to get into the limo awaiting us that would take us away to our much anticipated honeymoon. He wouldn’t even give me a clue about the location or how long we would be there, but I could hardly wait.

My friends and family waved at us as the limo pulled away from the scene. I turned and waved back at them, imagining in my mind that Mom, Karen, and Paul were among the crowd. Salem pulled me away from the window and kissed me lightly and I briefly forgot about everyone else.

“Where are we going?” I asked with a sly grin.

“You will see soon,” he smiled. “It is something that I think we both can enjoy, and I hope you aren’t disappointed.”

“I don’t see how I possibly could be.”

“Keep your eyes focused inside the vehicle at all times,” he insisted. 

When we pulled up at the location, I was surprised by how quick the trip had been. Salem leaned forward and knocked on the window that blocked the driver from hearing our conversation and it started to roll down. He then asked him to wait with me in the car while he prepared something outside. I stared at him curiously as he exited the car without another word.

“So, your honeymoon, huh?” the driver asked as he glanced back at me. He was a chunky fellow with thick black hair and matching beard. A grey and black golfer’s hat sat on his head.

“Yes,” I confirmed with a smile. “Are you married?”

“Nah,” he chuckled. “I don’t have time for that. It’s just me and my job right now.”

“You spend all of your time driving other people around?” The man had to have been at least forty, which made me sad thinking how lonely he must have been.

“Pretty much, but you meet so many interesting people.” Maybe he wasn’t so lonely, after all.

“I guess so,” I replied with a shrug and glanced away awkwardly. I was too anxious for random conversations with this man, and it felt like Salem was taking forever to return.

“Congrats, by the way,” he continued. “Most of the folks I drive around are getting married, going to their honeymoon or going to a club or something.”

“That sounds about right.”

“Looks like your fella is coming back,” he commented and Salem pulled my door open.

“Keep your eyes shut,” Salem whispered as he undid my seatbelt and helped me out of the car. Before I had even a chance to touch ground, he had me cradled in his arms. “Thank you for the ride, Stewart. Your payment is in the backseat.”

“Much obliged, sir! Have a nice evening!”

I heard the roaring of the limo’s engine and the sound of the tires grinding into dirt, then the noises faded into the distance and I was left with nothing but our steady breathing and the beating of our hearts. Soon, I could hear the crunching of leaves beneath Salem’s feet, then his shoes hitting against what I assumed was concrete. He lifted me over something and I was welcomed with a rush of cool air and the smell of fresh roses. My eyes almost flew open to inspect my surroundings but I forced myself to keep them shut until Salem said it was okay. He gently set me down on the ground and turned me toward him, placed his lips against mine and whispered for me to open my eyes.

I let the kiss linger for a moment longer before finally opening my eyes. To my surprise, we were in the house we had looked at before we had
went to Florida. At first I was a little confused, why were we here? Then the full view came to me and I spaced out asking how he had gotten the place as my mouth fell open in shock. Rose petals littered the ground leading to a brand new door. The window at the top of the door had been replaced with what appeared to be the exact stained glass intertwined bat and raven. He walked to the door and nudged it open with his hip and I noticed immediately that the path of roses continued forward and down the side hall to the master bedroom. The door was closed yet I could see a faint flickering of light underneath which I could only assume was candlelight.

“Are you disappointed?” Salem asked as he placed me back onto my feet and observed my reaction.

“No way!” I said excitedly. “This is perfect. Beyond perfect! How…? How did you do this?”

“I knew you had your heart set on this place. The other night as you slept I went on your laptop and searched and found that the place was still available. Luckily for us it seems property around here does not fly off the market. Over the next couple days I talked to your Aunt Kim, your grandfather, and most recently even Desmond. I told those that did not already know about our Victorian, and thankfully they were all eager to help. They leant us the money to buy it outright. I figure we can sell the old home to help pay some of the debt soon now that no one will be staying there,
then pay the rest over time, unless Jason and Eila decide to stay. It is Desmond that we owe the most. I…I hope that was okay,” he said, looking somewhat ashamed.

“It is more than okay, I love it! I love you! Thank you…I know it must have been hard…asking them that.”

“You have no idea…” We laughed together and then he whisked me up again and entered the bedroom.

The room was dark aside from a few candles scattered throughout illuminating it. The rose petals continued into the room, nearly covering the entire floor, then leading onto the bed, another perfect replica of the one we had lost in the fire. I stared up at Salem curiously and he smiled wickedly as he laid me on the bed and climbed gracefully over me. My heart began racing as his lips met mine and I wrapped my arms around the back of his neck.

“Before we do anything,” I whispered when I got a chance as he stopped to gather his breath. “We should get out of these outfits.”

He didn’t reply but silently rose off of the bed and I watched, mesmerized, as he removed his coat and shirt. I admired the shape of his body, anticipated the touch of his smooth skin against mine. I rolled off of the bed and fumbled around with the zipper but couldn’t quite reach it. With a gasp, I felt Salem’s hand wind around my waist as the other pulled down the zipper and helped slide the dress off of me. I felt a little self-conscious all of a sudden as I realized how little clothing I had on. I turned around and was met by a completely topless Salem who pulled me tightly against his body and kissed me deeply. I had never seen him so passionate, so eager…but he had waited such a long time for this, and so had I.

My arms wound around his back and I caressed his bare skin as he attempted to remove my bra. I tried not to chuckle but it was difficult not to. I reached back and unlatched it for him and he slowly slid it off of my shoulders and tossed it to the floor. He pushed me back onto the bed and I swallowed hard as he undressed down to his underwear and climbed back onto me. His lips pressed firmly against mine as his hands explored my body, lingering on my chest as he trailed his kisses along the side of my face, down my neck and toward my collarbone.

The passion intensified as time passed and I was overwhelmed by how gentle he was, and how it felt so much better than I had ever imagined. He gripped my hands loosely and held me tight against the bed. My mind was spinning with exhilaration and my breaths grew heavier until we were suddenly distracted by the sound of a cell phone ringing. Ignoring it, Salem’s lips were against mine again and I was about to ask him if he had some sort of protection when the phone rang again. I glanced at the nightstand, at the vibrating cellular device, and wondered who in their right mind would be calling us when they knew it was our honeymoon.

“Do you think it’s an emergency?” I asked as he, too, looked over at it.

He sighed and reached over to grab the phone. “It’s Desmond,” he said and offered it over to me, about to move off of my body but I forced him to stay.

“Just…be quiet for a second,” I said with a nervous giggle. The phone rang once more and I finally answered it. “Hello?”

“Alexis, it’s Desmond,” my foster father said hastily. “I know this is probably a bad time…but, it’s sort of urgent.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong, but I forgot to ask of you something, and I have very little time to get an answer.”

“Well, ask already!” I said harsher than I intended.

“There is a man that Mel and I met in Romania, I had sort of spaced it out of my mind during the wedding and forgotten until Mel found his card among some clothes here in the hotel and reminded me. Anyway, when we were there we became pretty good friends and we told him all about you. He seemed to really want to meet you,” he explained. “We want to invite you and Salem on a trip back with us.”

“What?!”
I gasped, “We can’t afford that and, why would this guy want to meet me of all people?”

“I would pay for it, dear, or he would. He seemed very wealthy to me. I think he just wants to meet you because Mel and I got to meet his sons, I am not sure. He also seemed fascinated by how highly I spoke of your piano skills.”

I looked at Salem and gulped. “Did you say Romania?” I asked in a mere whisper.

“Yes, Romania,” Desmond responded.

All I could think about now was the story Destiny had told me about Malik. Could this all just be coincidence? Then the memory of Salem’s familiar voice played through my head:

There are no coincidences.