Chapter 68 The Tarnished Ring

Chapter 68 The Tarnished Ring
Even though this was the second time this had happened, it still didn’t feel real. There was a tiny part of her that still expected to wake up and discover this had all been some joke at worst, or dream at best. Shayne felt Jeffrey squeeze her hand and she knew in her heart it was in fact real. They were getting married.

They were holding hands as they stood before the Justice of the Peace. Jeffrey was so handsome in a white dress shirt and contrasting black pants. He wore black boots and a huge smile across his face.

Shayne shivered happily as she looked down at the simple knee length white lace dress that she already knew would be hanging in her closet. It was the same dress she had worn the first time. She vaguely wondered if her grandmother knew in advance that she would need it. She was appreciative that she was already prepared.

Shayne gave her attention to the Court officer and realized it was about time to exchange vows. It was almost Jeffrey’s turn to speak and she was feeling his nervousness. The Officer of the Court asked Jeffrey to speak his peace.

“Shayne, you have always been my greatest fan, my cheerleader and my greatest coach. You push me to the goal line and have taught me the importance of being a team. Your love is my home field and I look forward to winning at the game of life with you. I have loved you, do love you and will love you, forever.”

Jeffrey promised her. She could feel the sincerity and devotion coming from the heart of him.

Shayne felt her eyes begin to mist, she loved what he had said. Every word was just so him. It was all she could have hoped for. She couldn’t help herself, she leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

The Judge turned to her and indicated it was her turn. Shayne’s emotions swirled there were so many things she wanted to say. The depths of her heart transcended mere words and speech. She struggled to speak as she choked out the smallest fraction of what she felt.

“Jeffrey, you have brought magic to my life. You have taught me to believe in the impossible, to live for the moment and to place hope in the future. You have always been my past, my future and my right now. I love you and our little family. I promise I will never give up and never stop fighting for us.”

The Justice of the Peace had them repeat a few traditional words before they exchanged rings. Jeffrey was finally able to officially put the Ruby anniversary band ring back on her finger as a symbol of his love he had for her both now, and the future. It glittered beside the Ruby ring and her mother’s wedding ring, as an outward symbol of their onward commitment.

Shayne was happy to also place a simple gold band on his hand. It was the first agreed upon purchase once they became engaged. They had stopped to purchase it after they left the restaurant the night before. Shayne instantly loved the way it looked on his finger, marking him as hers.

Finally, the Justice of the Peace pronounced them as husband and wife. He didn’t get to finish his speech however because Jeffrey didn’t bother waiting to be told. He instantly reached out and pulled Shayne into his arms. Jeffrey looked deeply into her eyes and every emotion coming from him screamed “mine” in her head. He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers as he happily kissed her. She could feel the depths of his hunger for her as she surrender herself to him completely.

Shayne’s head spun as she tried to wrap her mind around how quickly things were happening. There were times like that moment when she wondered if it was just all moving too fast. She feared that they were rushing in to something he would one day regret or that would cost them to much.

She tried hard not to focus on the idea of the price of her choices. There were times when she could almost hear the sorceress’s prophecy ringing in her ear. In moments like this, when she should be the happiest, it seemed to play on a loop.

Shayne shook the dark thoughts from her mind. Today was her wedding day. Jeffrey was here, and she was his. They were joyfully bound as one, a team that she vowed, that no curse, magic or biter woman would ever separate.

Jeffery led her from the court house and to the waiting car. As he drove her home, he looked at her and his smile softened, and his brow furrowed.

“What’s on you mind, Baby?” Jeffrey asked her with concern.

Shane shook her head, “I guess I was just thinking some long thoughts. I guess I was just missing my grandmother. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we're married, but it just felt like some people were missing, that's all.” She said as she looked out the window.

“I totally understand,” he said. “My mom's going to be furious she wasn't there. But when I tell her about the baby, I think it'll smooth things over.”

Jeffrey reached over and held her hand as they quickly made it back to the house. He jumped out of the car and ran over to open the car door for Shayne. As soon as her feet hit the ground, Jeffrey scooped her up and carried her bridal style into the house. But instead of putting her down in the foyer, he carried her up the stairs and into her bedroom.

“Jeffrey” Shayne squealed as he sat her on the end of the bed.

“I believe I made you a promise.” He said huskily as he began to unbutton her shirt.

He pulled his white button down off his shoulders and unbuttoned his dress pants. They slid down his muscular legs and he stepped out of them as he used his toes to remove his socks. Jeffrey’s eyes were locked on hers as he undressed down to his boxers.