Adventures in an alternate dimension

Chapter 59 - Forever Starts Now

Ashlynn's POV

My reflection stared back, a nervous tremor running through my hands as I adjusted the veil. The simple white tulle cascaded down my back, the delicate fabric a stark contrast to the icy grip of Emmett's coven ring nestled against my heart. Today, Ashlynn Draxton, the vampire-witch hybrid with a penchant for defying the odds, was marrying Emmett Cullen, a vampire with a heart – well, a mostly human one – of gold.

The scent of lilies, my favorite, filled the small cabin Bella had meticulously decorated. Sunlight streamed through the open windows, dappling the wooden floor in a mosaic of light and shadow. It was a beautiful, normal wedding – a stark contrast to the reality of our lives. Outside, hidden from human eyes, roamed a coven of vampires, Emmett's coven, my soon-to-be family. Inside, my parents, blissfully unaware of the supernatural undercurrents, beamed with pride.

"You look stunning, Ash," Bella whispered, squeezing my hand. Her midnight blue dress shimmered like a dream, a stark contrast to the stark white of mine. Despite the impending chaos of a vampire wedding reception, a familiar warmth bloomed in my chest. My sister, my confidante, stood by my side, a rock in the swirling storm of emotions.

The creak of the floorboards announced Charlie's arrival. His eyes misted over as he took me in, his weathered hand reaching out to tuck a stray curl behind my ear. "My little girl, all grown up," he choked out, his voice rough with unspoken emotions.

"Always your little girl, dad," I murmured, leaning into his embrace. The scent of coffee enveloped me, a grounding reminder of normalcy amidst the extraordinary.

"Are you ready?" Sue, my ever-optimistic mom, chimed in, her smile as bright as the Texas sunshine filtering through the window.

I glanced at the clock on the wall. Time seemed to stand still, then lurch forward with a jolt. It was showtime. Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders, the familiar hum of magic thrumming beneath my skin. "As ready as I'll ever be," I declared, a shaky smile tugging at my lips.

Taking a deep breath, I met Emmett's gaze across the makeshift altar. Sunlight streamed through the cabin window, highlighting the golden flecks in his eyes. My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs, a mix of nerves and exhilaration.

Emmett flashed a lopsided grin, a silent reassurance in his dazzling smile. It calmed the storm within me, allowing me to focus on the words that had been swirling in my head for weeks.

"Emmett," I began, my voice surprisingly steady. "From the moment you crashed into my life, literally and figuratively, you turned everything upside down. You showed me a world I never knew existed, a world of breathtaking beauty and terrifying darkness. You challenged me, pushed me to be stronger, braver than I ever thought possible."

A chuckle rippled through the gathered guests, both human and vampire. Emmett's sheepish grin confirmed the memory of his infamous vampire-baseball incident.

"But most importantly," I continued, my voice softening, "you showed me love. A love that transcends boundaries, a love that defies the odds. You love the whole me, witch and human, flaws and all."

I paused, letting the weight of my words sink in. My gaze drifted to Bella, her smile filled with pride and a touch of sadness – the bittersweet pang of a sister watching her other half find forever.

"Emmett," I resumed, my voice catching slightly with emotion, "I pledge my love, my loyalty, and my magic to you. I promise to stand by your side, in the shadows and the sunlight, facing whatever challenges come our way. I promise to be your partner, your confidante, your best friend, and your wife. Today, and for all eternity."