Velvet Kisses Ch. 14

"My God, you look beautiful," he said. "Just like a princess."

"Thank you."

"I really am thrilled to be here, baby girl. Thank you again for allowing me this honor."

"It's my pleasure, dad."

Gary held out his arm so that she could take hold of it, and with her heart thumping in anticipation, Jeneda readied herself to walk down the aisle. Ahead of them was Ethan and Luna, who were also getting into position so that they could lead the way as bridesmaids.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Ethan retrieved a flat, decorative package that was the size of his palm from the pocket of his suit jacket. "Dane's grandmother, Mitsuko, wanted me to give you this."

"Any idea what it is?" Intrigued by its tea bag shape, Jeneda curiously eyed the small gift.

"Well, you already have something old, borrowed, and blue, so I'm guessing it's your something new." He gave her a smile, and as the processional music began, he and Luna walked arm in arm up the flight of steps that led to the entrance of the church.

"Nervous?" Her father asked as they waited their turn to begin moving forward.

"Not really. I'm emotional, more than anything else."

"That makes the two of us." Gary gave her one last admiring look before focusing his attention on the entryway of the church, where the wedding usher was giving the signal for them to walk forward. "Here we go."

Slowly, and in perfect step, Jeneda and her father ascended the wide flight of stairs. As they reached the top, they crossed the threshold and entered the church, where they found all of the guests standing and staring and quietly whispering to each other.

A feeling of breathlessness came over Jeneda as she realized how many people were in attendance, but as she spotted her mother and Riley in the crowd, the corners of her lips tugged upward. Wearing the same expressions of open admiration, Monica and Riley gave her a gentle smile.

Between the sea of faces that gazed at her from the pews, and the constant flash of the photographer's camera as he took shot after shot, she was having trouble deciding where to look. But as her eyes drifted to Dane, who was wearing a look of pride on his face, he became the only thing she could focus on.

Rather than simply emanate joy, Dane fully embodied it. He stood tall and dignified in his custom tailored suit, looking dashingly handsome as he waited for her to join his side. Giving him a gentle smile of her own, she continued walking gracefully forward, a powerful warmth spreading through her chest as the distance between them lessened.

When they finally reached the last pew in the cathedral, Gary took his daughter's hand, then placed it in Dane's so they could tenderly join palms. Now standing side by side, Jeneda and Dane shared looks of utter adoration, but before they could lose themselves too deeply in one another, Jeneda's father placed a meaty palm on Dane's shoulder.

"Take care of my baby girl," Gary said while staring directly into his eyes. "Be a good husband and treat her well."

"I will, Mr. Larkson." Dane gave a firm nod. "You have my word."

With his part fulfilled, Gary took a step back and waited for the minister to commence. Outfitted in a dark robe and white clergy stole, the priest rested his gaze on Jeneda and Dane. Then in a clear voice, he began to officiate the wedding.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of this lovely couple, and to give recognition to the strength of their love. As they prepare to join their lives, it is important to understand that everyone in attendance has been invited to share in their happiness, and as such, we must all give our blessings for them to experience the joy and lifelong commitment that they deserve."

Thoroughly taken by the sight of her soon to be husband staring lovingly back at her, Jeneda barely heard the rest of the words that were being spoken. But as it came time to exchange their vows, her ears perked up and her pulse kicked up a notch.

"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" Asked the minister.

"Her mother and I," Gary said in a loud voice.

The minister gently nodded before saying, "You may be seated."

Jeneda's father stepped away from the altar and took a seat in the pew next to Monica and Riley.

"If the groom would like to exchange his personalized vows, he is asked to do so at this time," said the priest.

Taking both her hands in his, Dane locked gazes with Jeneda. He lightly cleared his throat and in a strong, smooth voice, began to speak the words he had so carefully crafted in advance.

"I, Dane, take Jeneda to be my wife, knowing in my heart that you will always be my best friend, my partner in life, and my one true love. I promise to love and devote myself to you, and to be faithful until the very end. In sickness and health, in joy and sorrow, I will eternally be by your side. You are my love, my life, and the woman I have chosen to grow with in both mind and spirit. My commitment to you is unbreakable."

"Jeneda, please offer your words of devotion to Dane," stated the minister.

"In the presence of God and before our family and friends, I, Jeneda, take Dane to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you alone, and to love and cherish you as the exceptional man that you are. From this day forward, for better or worse, I give you my fullest devotion and neverending support. As your wife, this is my sacred vow that I promise to keep until we are parted by death. I love you.

By this time, Jeneda was fighting back tears. Dane's eyes had become very moist as well, and as they continued to gaze at one another, they gently squeezed palms.

Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak up now or forever hold their peace."

Silence pervaded the large cathedral, confirming that everyone in attendance was in support of the loving couple.

"Wedding rings symbolize the unbroken circle of love, and by exchanging them you are both entering into a sacred bond." The priest directed his eyes towards Bradley, who was in possession of both Dane and Jeneda's wedding rings.

After giving both of the bands to the minister so that they could be blessed, Bradley stepped away from the altar.

"May you honor the commitment symbolized by these rings which you now give to each other." The priest made the sign of the cross, then lightly bowed his head as he said, "Amen."

Dane accepted Jeneda's ring from the minister, and with eyes locked deep into hers, slid it onto the third ring finger of her delicate hand. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my everlasting love, and as a promise to cherish and respect you until death do us part."

The minister handed Dane's wedding band to Jeneda, and upon accepting it, she pushed it onto her soon to be husband's finger.

"I, Jeneda, give you this ring as a symbol of my everlasting love, and as a promise to cherish and respect you until death do us part."

"And now, by the power vested in me by the State of California, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife." The priest focused his gaze on Dane as he said, "You may now kiss the bride."

While Dane's hands went for her hips, Jeneda's palms came to rest against his shoulders. Their lips came together in a passionate kiss, and although they should have broke for air a whole lot sooner, the moment was too utterly fantastic for them to care about offending anyone's sensibilities. But of course they eventually had to end the oral embrace, and after pulling away from one another, they turned to face the pews that were filled with guests.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Takahashi," the priest said as he watched the married couple head forth into the awaiting crowd.

All at once, everyone in attendance converged upon them, shaking hands and patting shoulders while offering congratulatory statements. There were so many people crowding around the couple that they soon became more than a little overwhelmed, but they were filled with far too much excitement to do anything else but broadly smile.

A couple of people in attendance were complete strangers to Jeneda, but the majority of guests were either relatives of Kitty and Naohito, or friends of her own. After weaving through a sea of endless guests, Jeneda and her mother were able to finally embrace. Riley was next in line to offer her a hug, and with a grin so wide it nearly split his face, he pulled her against him.

"Congratulations, sis. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks." She wiped away a tear that was rolling down her cheek, then accepted hugs from Luna and Ethan."

"Congratulations, Mrs. Takahashi," Luna said with a smile.

"Couldn't be any happier for you," Ethan cheerfully chimed in. "But please don't kick us to curb just because you got married. We're all sisters until the end, got it?"

She offered a nod before saying, "Not to worry. You two will always be my best friends."

Wondering where her father was, she turned her head to see that he was conversing with Dane, but since there were so many people chattering all at once, it was difficult to hear what they were saying. She did, however, notice that Dane offered his hand for Gary to shake.

Judging by the look on Gary's face, it seemed as if he was completely thrown off by this action. But after a long moment of simply staring Dane in the eyes, he finally clasped palms and shook his hand. As Jeneda watched this, a smile tugged at her lips and when her father came over to give her a hug, she embraced him tightly.

"I love you, Dad." Her voice cracked with emotion as she pulled back to look him in the eyes. "Thank you for being here."

"The honor is all mine, Jen Jen."

It took quite a bit of maneuvering for her and Dane to make their way through the throng of guests and out of the cathedral, but finally they managed to reach the steps that would lead them to the vintage Rolls Royce waiting at the curb. With fingers laced and steps perfectly in synch, the newly married couple made their way down the flight of stairs.

As they reached the bottom, the chauffer opened the door and they both slid into the backseat. Dozens of camera flashes went off as people got in last minute photos, and with a wave to all of their family and friends, Jeneda and Dane said their goodbyes.

With a smooth, sudden movement, the car pulled away from the curb and they were off, pulling onto the street and towards the reception. But before Jeneda could fully process the magnificent event that had just taken place, Dane pulled her closer against his body.

"Finally, I got you all to myself."

"Not for long. We still have to get through the reception, remember?"

"We're cutting out early though, right?" His breath fanned hotly against her neck as he leaned in to tenderly kiss it. "We only get one wedding night, so we better enjoy it."

"Yeah, maybe. We'll see how it goes," she said with a broad smile.

"Promise me we'll leave early." An intent look came into his eyes as he said, "Give me your word, or I'll take your right here in the backseat of this car."

"You will not." A soft giggle left her lips at the mere thought of them engaging in such a raunchy act. "Even you aren't *that* uninhibited."

"Wanna try me?" His coasted a palm along her back until his fingers found the satiny ribbon that was holding her corset closure together.

"You better behave yourself." She playfully wagged a manicured finger at him. "Or else I'll tell your mother that you were trying to get nasty with me in the car."

A hearty chuckle left his lips. "I love you, Mrs. Takahashi."

"Love you more," she softly uttered.

Her hands traveled upward to tangle in his long, silky hair, and with an abundance of passion that made both of them moan in desire, their lips came together in a velvety kiss.