“Late?” I asked, knowing we had another twenty minutes until the parade was supposed to start. “Don't be silly. We have plenty of time,” I emphasized as we stepped outside and already on our street I saw a mass of people lining the curb from our house down to the city center. “What's all this?” I asked, knowing it had to be more than just Shadow’s population. There were too many here to be only from our town. Only now did I see how much Cabal had changed, with Shadow allowing guests from around the country to visit.
Joshua didn't answer me. He held my hand and led me down to the curb before going down on one knee.
“Joshua?” I asked, wondering what he was doing. “Come on, get up, you're going to get dirty.” I tugged at his sleeve, only to see him shake his head no. He had the biggest smile on his face. My eyes widened as I saw his hand slip into his pocket as he pulled out a vintage ring; I had no idea where it had come from.
“Olivia,” he began, staring up at me as he took my hand. “We've known each other since we were children.” He gazed up at me with adoring eyes. “I knew I first loved you when I watched you play in the sand beside me. It wasn't a crush.” He shook his head. “I've known all my life you were something more to me than I should have ever felt. Should have desired. I was terrified that day last May when I thought you would marry another man in Genesis. We've been through so much together, you and I. You've given me more than I could ever ask for and you've given Cabal more than they could have dreamed. I want you in my life for all of eternity, Olivia. I love you. I can only dream of our future together, but I don't want it to be a dream. I want it to be real.” He whispered, “Will you, Olivia Parker, marry me?”
“Yes! Of course!” I laughed, pulling him to my arms as I wrapped him in my embrace and kissed him. I heard a shout of excitement through the crowd and glanced sideways to see Adelaide jumping up and down. “Weren't we already engaged?” I whispered with a smile into his ear.
“I had to be sure,” he answered before another grin broke out onto his face. “I have one more thing to ask you.”
“Seriously? That wasn't enough?” I laughed.
“Will you marry me today?” He grinned and I felt his forehead come to rest against mine. “Please, say yes,” he whispered and I felt both of his hands in mine.
I nodded and mouthed a simple, “Yes,” as we kissed again. “What do you have planned?” I asked, realizing the parade wasn't just about our homecoming and all that we'd done, but somehow had turned into a wedding as well. I didn't mind it. If there was anyone I wanted to celebrate with, they were here.
“Come on.” He took my hand and walked towards the city center as the crowd behind us followed.
“Josh?” I asked, wondering what else was planned. I was beyond nervous. I felt his hand give mine a squeeze. As we turned onto the city center I saw the town and the floats for the parade. They were elaborate. I didn't know how they'd made them. I didn't ask. It was beautiful nonetheless.
“Come with me,” he told me, leading me towards the front of the parade. I was grateful for the noise and commotion going on around us. The excitement made me bubble with anticipation as I practically danced my way to the front. I nearly doubled over laughing, seeing Chancellor Collins in a powder blue suit. It wasn't his style or his color, but he wore it proudly. I wonder who dressed him, Cate? She had been upset with the punishment months ago. I wouldn't put it past her finding a way to get even.
Joshua and I walked over to the Chancellor as he began the vow exchange. I'd never seen a wedding, not outside of Genesis. I didn't know what to expect, but I also didn't care. All that mattered to me was that Joshua and I would be together forever. Nothing would tear us apart. Joshua had slid the vintage ring onto my finger. I didn't ask why he did that. We must have read one of the same books on the shelf that portrayed marriage in a different light.
The ceremony was short and sweet. Simple. Collins led us to the west side of town where there was a large blue and white pole reaching two stories, with eight pastel ribbons tied to the top. The ribbons were gorgeous in shades of pink, purple, blue, green, yellow and white. We each took a ribbon, Joshua and I standing beside each other, holding hands as Elsa, Cate, Adelaide, Aidan, Hazel, and Mason joined in. Music erupted and we danced, twirling the ribbons on the pole, as a celebration of our marriage. I couldn't ask for anything more perfect.
“I have one more surprise,” Joshua teased, leading me towards Aidan.
“You do?” I couldn't imagine what else he had planned!
“It's only if you want to go through with it.” His voice was serious and I couldn't help but give him a peculiar look. “I want us both to have rings, the same ring, bound to each other for eternity.”
“Okay. I'm not sure I'm following,” I admitted, glancing at Aidan. He gestured for us to follow him and I did inside the science center. Seeing the familiar building and the smell of antiseptic made my stomach turn. I trusted Joshua though, implicitly.
“I'd like us to get ring tattoos, identical ones.”
I smiled weakly. “I'd like that.” I didn't ask if it'd hurt. Something about this place, everything hurt in here. I nodded slowly. “What do we have to do?” Aidan led us to a room on the first floor, offering us each a seat. I sat down first, though gestured towards Joshua. “You can get your tattoo first.” I wasn't quite sure what a tattoo was but was willing to try anything once.
Aidan grabbed the necessary tools. “This will hurt a bit.” At least he didn’t lie to us. “You'll have to keep it clean and it'll take time to heal.”
“That's fine.” I reached for Joshua's hand, giving it a squeeze. If he was okay with it, it was fine for me too.
Joshua showed me a sketch he'd drawn. The lines intertwined like vines with a heart in the center. “It's basic but I thought it'd be nice.” He showed me how it would look. “Any changes you want to make before Aidan inks us permanently?”
I examined the drawing for a moment. “It wraps around our finger?”
Joshua nodded. “Just like the ring you're wearing.”
“I can't imagine anything more perfect,” I admitted, watching as Aidan carefully cleaned the tools again along with Joshua's hand. I sat anxiously wondering how painful it would be. Aidan took the design, turning it into something temporary to trace before he used the instrument to mark Joshua’s hand forever, and mine.
“Does it hurt?” I asked, watching his face. He didn't show even a hint of vulnerability. His face was reddening slightly and I moved to rest a hand over his shoulder.
I was relieved when the tattoos were finished. Mine looked amazing, though Aidan suggested leaving it covered for a while to keep out any dirt or bacteria. I didn't argue. He knew what was best. Joshua and I headed back outside and into the crowd. The welcome change of scenery took my mind off the stinging sensation of my finger while we danced and celebrated the parade and our new marriage.
After an hour of dancing, Chancellor Collins approached me. Pulling me from Joshua's arms for the briefest of moments, his eyes searched mine. “I want you to meet someone.” I had no idea who it could be that I hadn't known but didn't dwell on it as he walked me towards the crowd. My eyes searched for who he planned to introduce to me. “Hunter.” He gestured at a man. “I'd like to introduce you to your niece, Olivia.”
“Hello,” I breathed, reaching out my hand to introduce myself. “It's nice to meet you.”
Hunter nodded, taking my hand and giving it a tight squeeze. I was glad the tattoo was on the other hand. “Congratulations.” He smiled warmly. “Your wedding was beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I blushed. I didn't want to admit it had been a surprise for me. Though, I suspected he knew as much based on the proposal just a short while ago. “What are you doing here in Shadow?” I was still getting used to the fact visitors found their way here, not many but a few from the rebel alliance.
“Collins invited me,” he acknowledged. “I wanted to meet you,” he admitted anxiously. “Did you ever meet your grandparents?”
I sighed, realizing why he had so many questions. He was the second born and had been sent from Genesis. He'd never met his biological parents and likely didn't remember Gavin, his older brother. “They passed away before I was born. I'm sorry,” I offered sadly. “Your brother is alive and well in Torv.” I didn't elaborate that we weren't exactly on speaking terms.
“How's your mom?” he asked warmly, trying to make conversation.
“It's complicated.” I laughed softly, glancing towards Joshua as he waved at me. “She's doing fine though.
