Suda Kaye started sobbing before she, too, pulled Evie into her arms. “Mom knew you’d find the only man that could handle your light. You shine so bright, sissy, you needed a strong, good man that would bask in it, not try to cover it up. And now you can build the family you’ve always wanted. The family Mom would have wanted you to have.”
Evie cried harder, the envelope clutched in her hand. I reached for the tissues I noticed on the dresser and handed her a few. Then grabbed a few more for me and Suda Kaye.
“Damn, now my makeup is a mess.” Evie pressed the tissues under her eyes to sop up the tears.
Suda Kaye smiled. “Milo wouldn’t care, but sit down and let’s fix you up.” She led Evie to the bed and sought about getting the blusher, concealer, mascara and lip gloss. Evie didn’t wear a ton of makeup naturally, but every bride wanted to look their best on their special day.
I stood to the side. “Do you want some champagne?”
Evie shook her head then handed me the pink letter. “I want you to read the letter to me. Out loud.”
“Um, are you sure you don’t want to read this when you have time alone? I mean, Suda Kaye’s fixing up your makeup and you need to go,” I reminded her.
She swallowed, firmed her jaw and let Suda Kaye work on her face. “Please read it to me. I’m okay.”
I took a full breath in and let it out slowly. Evie copied me so I did it again. She followed again. Okay, we were calming down. I could sense the room was starting to get back to light and airy instead of thick and emotional.
With careful movements I opened the letter and pulled out the single pink sheet of paper. I cleared my throat and read the first line.
Evie, my golden Taabe,
Today on your wedding day, my wish for you is to marry the man that feeds your soul and helps you chase all your dreams. You are grounded, loyal and responsible—everything a man would adore in a wife, a friend, a partner. I have no fear that you will be a perfect mate, and one day an even better mother than I could have ever dreamed of being.
The day you were born, the sun shone down on you and it never stopped shining for my golden daughter. Share that light with your husband, and never let it be dimmed.
When I married Adam, I thought I would never know such happiness.
Until you.
Every time I looked into your eyes, I saw joy and love. Hope and peace. You bring joy to so many with your essence, simply from standing in the same room. I can’t imagine the man you choose wouldn’t want to drown in your glory the way I did every time I looked at you. Every time I held you in my arms. Every time I came home to your golden light.
Though on this day, I will share one of my secrets.
You know why I never feared leaving for my adventures? Because I knew no matter what, you’d be okay. You’d make sure your sister was okay, too. You’re the strongest woman I have ever known. The most loyal. And the most forgiving.
When I would return from an adventure, I knew you were hurt, but every single homecoming, you forgave. You loved. You were loyal. The man that wins you will have those gifts for eternity. Make sure he knows how lucky he is. And if he doesn’t, I’m sure Suda Kaye will make it so.
And remember, I’m never really gone. I’m there with you now, watching over you reading this letter and wishing I could be there in person.
I love you, my Evie, and I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become.
Be happy in your new life with your mate.
From the stars and beyond,
Mom
I swiped the tears from my cheeks and folded the letter, placing it back into the envelope. Evie closed her eyes and twin tears fell down her cheeks. Then as if proving how strong she truly was, she took in a deep breath, let it out and stood. “Fix me up fast, sissy. I’ve got a man to make my husband.”
* * *
The sun was just cresting over the bluffs as Evie and Milo said their vows. The wind blew her dress and hair magically. Milo stood tall, proud and more serious than I’d ever seen him. His hair was parted at the center in two braids, with golden yellow-and-brown feathers hanging down alongside them. He had a leather choker with a single turquoise stone in the center that caught the light beautifully. The couple held hands the entire ceremony, Milo sweeping his thumb along the tops of Evie’s fingers, sometimes bringing them up to his mouth for a kiss.
Evie beamed. The sun shone off her skin as though she called it forth.
I sat in the front row, Kyson on one side, Suda Kaye on the other, Camden next to her. Behind us were Jasper and Lincoln. I was surprised that there were chairs for the small number of guests way out here, but somehow Milo’s mother made it happen. I got the feeling that there wasn’t much Lina wasn’t capable of, especially when it came to her only son’s wedding.
Standing next to Evie was Tahsuda. Next to Milo was his father, Sani. They both wore full Native American celebratory dress. Tahsuda looked straight out of a history book with the massive headdress made of black-tipped white feathers. Around his forehead was a band of red beads with two stars on each side near his temples. Feathers intertwined with beads and leather hung down alongside his braids over the burgundy cloth. His chest plate gleamed a brilliant ivory, making him look fierce and stoic. He stood as still as a statue, his gaze never leaving the happy couple as they said their vows and kissed.
The backdrop was magnificent. The sun just disappearing over the mountain as the ceremony ended.
As if we’d rehearsed it, the small congregation stood up and whooped and hollered when the couple turned around and faced us.
Milo lifted Evie and plastered her to his frame then roared, “My wife! Evie Chavis!”
Evie tipped her head back and laughed with pure, unfiltered glee as he held her aloft, spun around and then set her back on her feet.
“Now we feast!” Tahsuda boomed in that deep, commanding timbre that shook the very earth under my feet.
I turned toward Kyson and he looped his arms around my waist, resting them at the small of my back. “I’m glad I was here to see this.” He smiled.
“Me, too.”
He kissed me just as the photographer clicked a couple pics of us and dashed over to take photos of the happy couple.
I laughed, pure happiness filling my entire being. Kyson and I joined the rest of the people walking the ten-to fifteen-minute trek to Toko’s.
Kyson swung my hand as we walked. “What kind of wedding do you want?”
“One with a huge cake,” I answered honestly.
He laughed. “Leave it to my woman to be more worried about a wedding cake than anything else.”
“I want good food, too. Everyone always talks about the food after the event, and I’m a chef.” I nudged his shoulder.