Short Story - Embracing Fate, pt 3

 "Thank you, for coming down to Henford on your wedding day," Cassie said. "I know you two have a had a big day but we just couldn't wait to give you our wedding present."

 "It's no problem," Jake said politely, "it's actually nice to get away from a little bit."

  "You two have done so much of our family over the past couple of years," Cassie continued. "We wanted to do something for you... something to give you a solid foundation and a good place to start your family. So, here you are."

 

 "No!" Beth gasped.

 "Huh," said Jake, "I don't  get it."

 "The house," Miranda laughed. "We're giving you our old house."

 "What house? That house?!?" Jake gasped. "That gigantic house?!?"

 "All yours," Gwen laughed. "It isn't right for it to stand empty. We raised Miranda here, and we hope you will make it a home for your own family in the future."

 

______________

 "Wow," Jake said, "this is a little nicer than putting another new room on the cottage."

 "Yeah," Beth smiled. "It will be a great place to raise our family."

 "When we have one," Jake smiled. "I'm looking forward to it."

 "It  might be sooner than you think," Beth laughed.

Short Story - Embracing Fate, pt 2

 Winter faded into spring and if snow still clung to the mountains around Moonwood Mill, warmth came quickly to the town itself. Word had spread quickly through the town, of the coming marriage of Jake Volkov and Beth Moonrunner.

 The fated day had finally come. Jake, in his rented suit, relaxed by playing his guitar while Beth, in her homemade dress, stopped her frantic preparations to watch him for a moment.

 "Relax, beautiful," Jake said, setting his guitar aside.

 "How can I relax?" Beth laughed. "We're getting married. I can't believe it."

  "Deep breath," Jake smiled, turned her around massaging her shoulders. "Everything set. Everyone's here. All we have to do is show up and say the words."

 "You're amazing," Beth sighed.

 "Well," Jake said, "I've got to be so I can keep up with how great you are."

 "Let's get married," Beth smiled.

 "Hey, that's an idea," Jake grinned.

 __________

On the green of Prowler's Patch, the old picnic tables had been moved aside to make room for a wedding. Friends and family gathered to celebrate, while Kristopher, as pack leader, officiated...

... and Beth's baby brother, Freddie, made sure everything was organized and running smoothly with all the dedication and enthusiasm only a toddler possessed. (Miranda, watching from her place at the head of the aisle, wondered if Jake knew he would soon have a budding new pack leader for a brother-in-law.)

  "The Moon's light brings us closer, gives us strength and passion," Beth said. "Fate has bound together our lives and our hearts. I embrace fate."

 

"The Moon's shadow brings us closer, gives us wisdom and peace," Jake said. "Fate has bound together our lives and our hearts. I embrace fate."

 

So, with a kiss two hearts bound by fate came together by choice. 

 

Little Freddie lend the newlyweds down the aisle...

 

... and made sure the dancing was done right.

 

Like most things in Moonwood Mills, weddings are a little rustic but they are no less joyous. 

 

 

Short Story - Embracing Fate, pt 1

 "So, you made it through winter without any major drama," Beth grinned.

 "I have no idea what you're talking about" Miranda replied, feigning lofty disdain.

 "Of course not," Beth laughed. 

 

 "Anyway, it's my turn to have big news," she continued. "I'm getting married!"

 "What?" Miranda gasped. "Married? You and Jake?"

 "No, me a superstar Throne Bailey," Beth laughed. "Yes, me and Jake!"

 "Oh my God!" Miranda cheered. "Let's go inside. You have to tell me everything!"

 _____________________________________

"He was so romantic," Beth said, "He even got down on knee."

 "Wow," Miranda sighed, "but... I mean, aren't you guys kind of young? I mean, you're my age."

 "Maybe," Beth laughed, "but I don't think so. I mean, we're of age now and we're fated for each other. Why wait. Besides, Jake really wants to start a family so..."

 "A family?" Miranda gasped. "Wait... you're not... are you?"

  "No," Beth laughed, "Not yet anyway. Not for want of trying..."

 "... and trying..."

 "... and really, really trying." 

"Oh my God," Miranda said, eyes wide. "I mean... with Jake... What's it like?"

  "You want details?" Beth grinned.

 "What?" Miranda blushed. "No. Maybe. I mean, kinda..."

 Beth leaned in, whispering.

 "Oh my," Miranda stammered. "He... and you... I mean... in... oh, my."

 "Please, you've messed around with literally twice as many people as I have," Beth said.

 "Well... I mean... two," Miranda countered, "and they weren't... you know... guys. We didn't... I mean..."

 "You are so cute when you get flustered." Beth laughed.

 "OK, serious time... I have something important to ask you," Beth added. "Will you be my maid of honor?"

 "Your... yes... Yes!" Miranda grinned. "This is so great."