Dawn's Never Ending Glow

Anna snickered and shrugged. "It was strictly low voltage. Although, I don't think he'll be wearing those jeans again anytime soon. I kind of singed the back pockets, a little. I was just trying to get his attention."

"And do you think you did?"

"I don't know. We'll see."

*******

Janine struggled to put the finishing touches on the arbor, hastily tucking in the pale, cream-colored roses and mixing in sprigs of vibrant, purple wisteria. Poisonous plant, but damn was it pretty. The heat was taking its toll, wilting the fragile buds. The sun hovered just slightly in western sky, no longer at its zenith. But it was still hot and sticky, positively miserable. She wobbled on unsteady legs, trying to hurry to finish up before she completely gave out. By the time she'd arrived, everyone was already gone, the bonfire stacked high, ready to be lit. She trudged on, despite the heat and her fatigue, determined to get the job done.

Two hours later, Janine stepped back to admire her handiwork. The arched arbors were decorated in brilliant sprigs of deep green ivy and fragile baby's breath. Pale rose blossoms and clear lights spanned the distance between the lush falls of wisteria tucked into the wrought iron grid work. A small altar rested between the arches, adorned in soft sleek, white satin. Later, the ceremonial, silver dagger and cup would rest on the top. The ground and top of the altar were littered with a shower of buds and silky petals from the flowers that had simply succumbed to the heat. A complete accident, but the overall effect was dazzling.

Tables lined one end of the clearing, covered with wide bows of dark purple tulle and soft cream-colored tablecloths. The wedding cake and party food was for appearances sake. Most of the guests wouldn't be eating. There would be a few human guests in attendance, and Janine thought it proper to feed them. Vases were scattered about, here and there on the tables, holding a variety of brightly colored spring wildflowers and greenery. Rope lights marked the border of the woods making clear paths for people to walk along once nightfall came. Everyone stood for the ceremony, but she had plenty of those little fold out chairs arranged in neat rows for the guests afterwards. She couldn't think of a thing she hadn't already thought of.

Janine winced up at the sky. Glancing up at the sinking ball of yellow. She noticed a figure approaching from the distance, out of the shade of the woods. Bryce. Anxiously, she fluffed up her hair and pasted a smile to her lips. She was surprised to see him. Not disappointed, but just surprised. She groaned in dismay. Imagining how awful she must look. And how bad she must smell after being out in the heat, slaving away all afternoon.

"Hi." Bryce stopped and frowned. Janine looked ready to drop. Her skin was damp and red, fatigue radiated from every pore and she looked as droopy as the roses hanging from the arbors. She smelled of sunshine, flowers, and slightly of sweat. He could also pick up Patrick's scent. She'd been around him recently. And didn't that kick him in his scamming ass. He forced a smile, hiding his twinge of jealousy. "The place looks great."

"Thanks. I was just heading back to the compound," Janine sighed wearily. There was no spring in her step. The sun had cooked it out of her. She trudged through the dense grass and swatted at a fly.

"Mind if I drive?" Bryce asked casually. There was no way he was going to let her operate a moving vehicle in her state of exhaustion. He hoped she agreed before he had to push the point and simply throw her over his shoulder and carry her back.

"Sure," Janine said, tossing him the keys. She was too tired to protest and having a few minutes to relax on the ride back might perk her up. She wiggled onto the seat behind him. The black upholstery was hot from the sun and burned her butt through her shorts. She thought she'd parked the ATV close enough to the shade. And the handlebars and the part of the seat she would have sat on if she'd been the one driving were. She scooted closer against Bryce to avoid getting her buns thoroughly toasted. The tops of her sweaty thighs rubbed the backs of his. She was sitting that close. Too close.

Bryce gunned the engine, jarring her with a start. Tightly, she wrapped her arms around his middle, winding her fingers through his belt loops and held on. The breeze felt good against her heated cheeks, tossing her hair in a mad tangle of sweat-drenched curls. For the moment, she didn't care. Janine wearily rested her cheek against his back. Dripping fine beads of sweat on his soft cotton shirt.

Bryce quickly tucked the surge of male satisfaction into a remote corner of his mind. Her cheek was hot and damp against his back. The poor girl was exhausted and desperately needed some rest. Why was Patrick such a shit to her when she worked so hard to please everyone around her but herself? She was about to drop from the heat and had overdone it.

He wasn't any better than Patrick. He'd spent the day on a half-asssed patrol, traipsing through the shady woods, preoccupied by the memory of the kiss that never should have happened and did. He wasn't out there helping her either. She'd labored the whole day, making things perfect for Anna and no body had lifted a finger to help. Shame on them all. He spurred the engine, navigating the SUV along the bumpy trail, eager to get her into the cool darkness of the compound. He vowed, from now on, to take better care of her. And if she were his girl, he definitely would.

*******

Anna paced nervously around her room. Time was growing preciously short and still no Janine. Chris had put her hair up in the uncomplicated style they'd agreed on. But, Janine was supposed to help out. Anna held a handful of tiny crystal tipped clips in her palm. Her fingers shook too badly to arrange them in her hair without messing up the elegant hairstyle. "Help me," she moaned to Chris.

Chris shot a worried glance to Alex and Robbie. It wasn't like Janine to be late, especially when it involved beauty products. 'Where is she?' Chris mouthed to Alex. She took the clips from Anna's palm and gently began placing them in the platinum locks.

Anna's hands trembled as she fumbled with the bouquet in her hands. Turning, she looked at her friends. They hovered around her, tucking this and adjusting that on her dress, tending to her like a bunch of mother hens. Without Janine to pronounce her ready, she felt as if she were only half- dressed.

"You look great!" Alex said. Robbie and Chris nodded in agreement. Even without Janine's artistic know how, Anna looked fresh and beautiful. And made a perfect bride. Alex was getting worried. Janine wouldn't have missed helping Anna prepare for her wedding unless something was really, really wrong. "I'm going to go see what's holding Janine up."

Anna nodded. She had the sinking feeling that something was wrong too. Janine never missed the opportunity to make one of her friends shine for the big day. It just wasn't like her. "That's a good idea."

Janine scrambled off the ATV, swatting at the hand Bryce offered to help her down. "I'm really late. I've got to shower and get ready for the wedding." She stood on wobbly legs. The day's heat and her stress hit her hard. But, she'd be ok once she took a shower and grabbed a quick bite. Her head was dizzy and fuzzy. Black spots floated in front of her vision. She took a step and stumbled over her own feet. Strong arms wrapped around her body, preventing her from falling.

"Careful there." Bryce encircled Janine's waist with an arm and half carried her out of the garage. "You need to take better care of yourself," he chastised gently.

Janine roused as the first blast of cool air brushed across her brow. Embarrassed by her weakness, she wiggled out of Bryce's arms. "I will once the wedding is over. I promise." She pushed away his steadying hand on her elbow and stood on her own two feet to display how ok she was. "Whew, I need a shower," she said, fanning the hem of her t-shirt to dry her sticky belly. The air-conditioning helped a little. She really did feel better. He walked beside her until they came to a T in the hallway. Her old room was to the left, just off the main thorough faire to the kitchen. "I guess I'll see you at the wedding?"

"Ok." Bryce was still worried about Janine and would have accompanied her to her room, just to make sure she got there. But, he didn't want to push it.

"Oh hey!" Janine said, trotting down the hall when she saw Alex heading her way. She shot a warning glance over her shoulder at Bryce as he turned to leave. The glance was nothing more than a warning for him to keep his mouth shut about her almost passing out. She could pull this off. She only needed to keep it together for a few more hours and then she could rest as much as she wanted to.

"Where have you been?" Alex huffed. Frowning as Janine got closer. Her friend looked rough and worn out. Janine's normal perkiness wasn't there. The bit of energy she managed to display was just an impersonation. Luckily, Bryce was on standby, walking her to her room. Janine looked as if she were about drop.

"I just got finished at the bluffs. You ought to see it, so amazing." Janine paused, beaming, and smiling in pride. "I've really outdone myself this time. Anna's wedding is going to be so beautiful." She opened the door to her room with a grateful sigh. "I've got to get a quick shower and get over to Anna."

"Anna's ready. We all chipped in and helped her out."

"Darn I missed it." She was always on hand to help the bride look her best and she couldn't believe she'd missed out. "How does she look?"

"Amazing. We've outdone ourselves," Alex replied. She followed Janine into the bedroom, ducking a sweaty t-shirt as Janine peeled it off and tossed it over her shoulder. There was an angry red line where the neckline of her t-shirt and the ends of her hair didn't manage to protect the very base of her neck. The apples of her cheeks were fiery red as well. And her lips were dry and cracked. And although she tried to hide it, she was wobbly on her feet. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah sure, never better." Janine left the bathroom door open so that she could talk to Alex as she showered. Peeling off her damp, sticky bra, sweat soaked shorts and underwear she jumped underneath the cool spray, sighing in relief. Hurriedly, she lathered up her hair and scrubbed away the sweat from her limbs and torso.

Alex crossed her arms and leaned against the sink vanity. She knew better. Janine was a lousy liar and something was off, way off. After the wedding, she was going to have a long heart to heart with her best friend. This nonsense with Patrick needed to stop. "What can I do to help?"

Janine turned off the tap and fumbled for a towel. "Could you grab me some orange juice and maybe, a couple of cookies?" She had gone too long neglecting her body's needs and the black spots were back, floating across her field of vision.

Alex raised her eyebrows in suspicion. Janine probably didn't bother to eat this morning. She couldn't help but notice the way Janine's hipbones jutted out from her hips. She hadn't been eating. Not enough anyway. Ok, so not only was she going to have a long talk with her best friend, but with Patrick as well. The two of them were going to work this out and either kiss and make up or go their separate ways without torturing one another. If she had to and they didn't cut it out, she'd go to Dane and make him do something. "Sure."

While Alex was gone on her mission Janine hurried out of the bathroom and dressed. Since the day was so warm, she abandoned the satin dress she planned to wear in favor of a simple, soft cotton, eyelet sundress in a bright turquoise blue. She towel dried her hair, picking through the damp blonde ringlets and brushed some powder over the bridge of her nose and her cheeks, camouflaging the bright red glow of her new sunburn. She'd been wearing sunglasses all day and her eyes, not only were they dark purple beneath but they had a white ring around them from the glasses, like a raccoon's. Perfect. She dabbed on more makeup and added another layer of powder.

Alex returned with the juice and a generous pile of cookies while she was sliding into her sandals. "Thanks," Janine said, taking the juice from Alex and chugging it down in one big gulp. She stuffed down a couple of the cookies and brushed the crumbs from her lips to apply her lipstick. She could feel Alex's eyes on her back.

"Janine are you really ok? This thing with Patrick has got to be hard on you."

She shook her head. No way was she going there today. Alex was just going to have to put her little inquisition on hold until after the wedding. "Oh, we'd better hurry or we'll miss Anna," she said, ducking Alex's question as she inspected her cleavage. The V at her throat glowed tomato red from her sunburn. With a heavy sigh, she dusted some powder over the burn to mask some of the redness. Aloe would feel so good, soothing to her hot skin. But, she didn't want to be coated with a sticky layer of goo for Anna's big day. Hopeless utterly hopeless. Abandoning her quest to look beautiful, she flicked off the lights and vowed to come back later to clean up her mess. She trotted down the hall, her heels clicking noisily. Ignoring Alex completely.

Anna heard Janine way before she saw her, running hurriedly in her direction. The woman was frayed and completely harried. "I wondered what happened to you," she said, hugging Janine lightly.

"It took me a while to get the decorations exactly where I wanted them." She smiled. Anna really did look beautiful. Alex and Robbie had done a hell of a good job in her absence. "Perfection can't be rushed."

Anna frowned, noticing the red glow that shone on Janine's cheeks, making the dark purple splotches under her eyes and the gaunt lines of her face stand out. "You were out in the sun too long. You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble for me."

Janine smiled and smoothed the fringe on Anna's dress. "I'm fine. This day is about you not me." She hugged Anna tightly. "I'm so happy for you." Embarrassed, she blotted at her eyes. "Now let's go have a wedding."

"Ok, let's go. I'm dying to get to the honeymoon," Anna said. She had the key tucked securely into her bra. The women surrounding her, her posse for lack of a better term, giggled at her statement. "I didn't mean like that," she said defensively, walking in the center of the group. "I meant that I can't wait to see what the big surprise is."

"You're going to love it," They said in unison.

Chapter 52

Toby stood at the base of the arbor. The wrought iron dripped with fresh and fragrant pale blossoms. He watched as the bright gold of the sun faded to orange with fingers of pink streaking off into the distance. He adjusted the rough brown leather of his leggings and met Dane's stare. Dane smiled back at him and gave him a wink before turning his stoic attention to the occasion. Impatiently Toby waited for his bride to arrive. It seemed like he'd been standing out here for hours. Never had he suffered through such a long day in his life. Finally, the evening breeze carried her gentle scent to his nostrils.

The Great Father led the chants, invoking the Goddess and their ancestors. Praying for blessings and happiness to rain down on the new couple. Dane and the Shaman lit the bonfire, sending a shower of orange sparks into the fading evening light. The brothers added their voices to the chants and took their places, forming a loose semi-circle around the bonfire and the decorated arbor.

The deep bass and rich tenor of the brothers' song echoed through the woods. The women, her closest friends, added the soft soprano and alto of their voices to the chants, sending chills down Anna's spine. Her heart leapt with anticipation. This was it. Her big day. After so many years of being on her own, she'd never have to be alone again. She followed the trail into the clearing, gasping as her eyes locked on Toby.

He stood tall and proud in his ceremonial dress leathers. He looked so handsome. Petals from the wilting flowers on the arbor clung to his hair and stuck to his bare shoulders. His eyes met hers and the smile on his face reached far into the depths of his soft, brown eyes. This was her perfect moment. She smiled widely as Chris reached out and gave her hand a hard squeeze before moving off with Alex, Janine, and Robbie to take her place in the formation. Leaving her to walk the rest of the way on her own.

Toby's heart skipped wildly in his chest when he laid eyes on Anna. She was beautiful. Her platinum hair adorned with tiny crystals and wildflowers was wound into a twist at the back of her neck. Fine tendrils of hair curled loosely around her face. The white leather dress draped and hugged her curves. The beads dangling from the fringe caught the last of the fading evening light, casting glimmering prisms of color as she walked. She was meant for him. Meant for this moment. She walked with graceful measured steps. The waiting for her to join him at the altar was hell. But, it was worth the wait when she arrived and stared up at him with those round, beautiful, artic blue eyes so filled with love, for him and only for him.

Trembling, Anna placed her hand into Toby's and stopped beneath the arbor. Dane relinquished his place to the Great Father and stepped aside. Awestruck, she stared up at the Great Father. He, not Dane, was going to lead the ceremony. Reverently, she bowed her head.

The Great Father ended the chanting and looked at the couple, seeing into their hearts. They were deeply in love. Committed to one another and to their brothers and sisters. Their union would be a happy one. With a smile, he nodded to Toby and began.

Toby kept Anna's right hand locked into his left palm and placed his fingertips over her heart. "Ni haw-ku-nah-ga, you are my wife."

Anna took her left hand crossing it over Toby's and placed her fingertips over his heart, "Ni wahisu, you are my husband." She blushed as Toby winked at her and grinned. His eyes glimmered with love as if she were the only thing in the universe that mattered to him. And in this moment, surrounded by the people she loved, the gentle calls of birdsong, and the flowers, raining their petals down on them in a shower of fragrant color, she believed she was.

The Great Father removed Anna's hand from Toby's and made a small cut in

Toby's palm. Once he was finished, he left the wound to heal on its own and took

Anna's hand, doing the same. Clasping the dagger, he cut his own palm and combined the power of his blood with theirs. He drank a small sip from the cup and pressed the rim to Toby's bottom lip, tipping it slightly for him to drink. Toby took the cup from the Great Father's fingers and held it out to Anna. Tipping it as she drank the remainder of the contents.

Toby sat the cup down and scooped Anna up into his arms, kissing her eagerly on the lips. "We're married," he whispered, holding her tightly.

Anna held on for dear life as Toby spun her around in his arms. She felt light as air, throwing her head back laughing gleefully. The evening was filled with clapping, cheers, and whoops of joy. Towing her to the bonfire, they began the marriage dance. The brothers quickly joined in.

******

Janine sank wearily onto a white metal folding chair after participating in the dance. She had done her part today. Smiling when lights came up on cue, just as the last light of day faded, melting into the bluffs, she sighed. The trees glittered with twinkling white bulbs, shining like stars, lighting up the night. Somehow, amidst the turmoil in her own life, she'd managed to pull it off and give Anna the perfect wedding ceremony. She couldn't give her a perfect marriage. That part was up to Toby and Anna. But, she had no doubt that the two of them were going to be just fine without her intercession.