Sunny Had Been Right
Zinnia’s POV
Watching Dash explain to the community about how meaningful the blessing ceremonies had been to his wife and child would have been enough to make the night special. I would have been happy with that proof that he’d understood. But he’d worked to make this night bigger, to acknowledge all the women and children of the commune.
“We know what you do for Serenity,” Branch was now talking again. “We know you are the backbone of the commune and our way of life. You give all of us purpose and meaning, and tonight we want to celebrate the life you give us with recognition from every corner of the globe.”
With that, the men and the musicians launched into action, and we were awed by the
performances of traditional dances from countries and cultures all over the world. All of the
dances were led by at least one man, often more, who came from the countries where the dances
originated. Those men were joined by other men from the commune, sharing respectfully in the
traditional dances. I couldn’t imagine the hours they’d spent learning the dances and practicing,
and the energy from the men was electrifying, raw and bold, reverent and proud. Breathtaking.
The men’s dancing was much different than the graceful, ballet–like dancing at the women’s
blessing ceremonies but no less beautiful. The men were powerful in a different way than the
women, and it struck me how it all worked together, how important all sorts of power were.
Sons danced with their fathers and their grandfather for maybe the first time. Some men were
visibly moved at being able to share their dances with all of us, and all were proud of sharing their
heritage in such a poignant way with Serenity on this special night. It was a true blessing for all of
us, a beautiful and joyful sharing of traditions and histories that left us all in awe.
After forty–five minutes of the dancing, we were breathless from cheering, from the energy reaching out and enfolding us, making everyone here part of this. This was what I wanted for Melitta, this was where I wanted to raise our children. Serenity was a community that cared, and it embraced everyone and never found anyone lacking. I’d found a home here, a true family, despite never having been enough for the people who should have loved me.
I held Melitta close and whispered, “This is what I want for you.”
When the last note faded into the moonlight, the men gathered in front of us, sweaty, smiling,
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standing tall. Branch once again stepped forward.
“We honor you with our dancing and hope you accept it as the blessing that it was meant to be. And now, we want to bless you in a different way.”
The men began wandering to the quilts where their mothers, wives, girlfriends and children sat. I noticed that they’d ensured every woman present would have someone to bless her this night. No one was left alone simply because everyone present was loved. I felt myself tearing up and some of the cracks inside of me were mending with the love that surrounded me, a love so strong and
vibrant it felt as if I could reach out and pull it to me.
I kissed Melitta’s head and whispered again, “This is what I want for you.”
Dash made his way toward Melitta and me, and he took her from my arms, cradling her in one arm, his hand going to her head.
“My Little honeybee, I know I’m supposed to be blessing you, but the truth is you blessed me. I
was scared to have a girl, and I have to admit, I think I’ll always be scared when I have to send you
out into the world without me. But my blessing for you, Melitta, is that you find the strength,
courage and bravery inside of you so you can be like your Mommy. May you be blessed with people who love and adore you all of your life. And just so you know, you’re already off to a good
start with that.”
He looked at me then, and I don’t think Dash had ever been more attractive to me than he was at
that moment. I was seeing into his very soul, and it was breathtaking and pure. He looked back
down at Melitta after a moment.
“In the noisy confusion of life, Melitta, keep peace with your soul,” he quoted to her from Desiderata, and I recognized the poem because I’d memorized it since moving here — and he had, too, apparently.
Then he pressed a kiss to Melitta’s little forehead just as a slight breeze ruffled her feathery–soft wisps of hair. As if the universe was signaling its approval of Dash’s blessing.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.