Chapter 196: Chapter 196 Gathering of Hearts
Caroline’s POV
The day had been exhausting but wonderfully productive. My friends were incredibly efficient. We had secured everything we needed for the ceremony. The list included decorations, catering, music, and a quartet that would perform during the service. We also arranged party favors, finalized the guest list, ordered the cake, and of course, found my dress. Since I preferred elegant rather than fancy, everything came together quickly and perfectly.
We’d also set up an appointment with the notary whom Ryan had recommended. We talked with the priest, though he initially hesitated to give his blessing because we hadn’t completed the traditional pre-marriage course. Eleanor convinced him to meet with us Friday morning for a condensed version, and he eventually agreed to officiate the blessing.
Ava and Ruby created a beautiful digital invitation that would be sent to all guests during dinner time. This timing would ensure our parents wouldn’t discover our plans too early. They’d already arranged to handle the RSVPs on Friday.
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.