Breathe, Mariah thought to herself. Just remember to breathe.
She realized Jordan was talking.
"So, they closed off the whole beach for you guys?" they were asking. "Must be nice to be rich and famous."
"Che? What? No..." Mariah stammered, trying to focus. "I mean yes, it is... but people get married down here a lot. So, closing off the beach for a wedding isn't unusual. People are pretty chill about it. We'll probably get some people up on the walkways watching, but that's it."
"Cool," Jordan smiled.
"What have we here," Aadi said. "I believe our little Genie is getting her flirt on."
"With who?" Mariah looked around, wondering if some tourist had come down to the beach after all. "Wait, is that... is she flirting with Lucius?! Madonna!"
"Well, he is the only single straight guy here," Jordan pointed out.
"And, we know our Genie has a thing for older guys," Aadi grinned. "Plus, have you seen his hair?"
"Older is right," Mariah muttered. After meeting Lucius, she'd done a little research. Based on the names of people the wizard had mentioned knowing, she guessed Miranda's grandfather to be more than a thousand years old. Possibly a lot more. Still, Aadi was right. He did have nice hair.
Thoughts of ancient immortals, and just how weird Miranda's family really was, were quickly banished by more immediate concerns.
"Oh no, Danielle's going into full hug-y wedding mode," Mariah sighed as she watched her foster mother embracing her fiancé. "Could you go rescue Miranda?"
"On it," Aadi laughed.
"She's happy for you. We both are," Londyn said, coming up behind them. "Miranda doesn't seem to mind."
"I know," Mariah said, feeling herself smile.
Before she quite knew it, it was Mariah's turn. She found herself swept up in the warm wave of Danielle's love and approval.
"I'm so proud of you," she whispered into Mariah's ear.
"Danielle, I..." Mariah started.
"Hush, let me hug you," Danielle said. "I know how hard it's been for you, but I know.... I just know... that you'll be so happy together. You have so much love in you, Mariah."
"Thank you," Mariah sighed, relaxing.
"Ladies, it's time to get this party started," Aadi's voice called. "Miranda says she's ready when you are."
Mariah took a deep breath. "I'm ready."
"Everyone, please gather in front of the wedding arch," Londyn called out, her performer's voice carrying across the sunlit beach. "We're about to begin."
As the assembled guests moved to take their places, Mariah barely noticed the paparazzo who had slipped down to get a better picture. He was someone else's problem to deal with... and with three famous and strong women in Cassie, Londyn and Danielle, she was sure it would be dealt with.
Then she found herself standing with Miranda under the wedding arch and everything else went out of her head.
"Last chance to make a break for it," Miranda whispered in her ear. "Run off and get married at some Oasis Springs casino."
"Wait! That's an option?!" Mariah blinked.
"No," Miranda laughed. "Not anymore. You ready?"
"Si," Mariah smiled. "Yes... yes, I am."
A quiet peace settled across the beach. Mariah thought she could hear the waves rushing across the sand. She imagined she could almost hear the beating of her own heart.
"Mariah," Miranda began, and she felt as if the sound of her name echoed deep in her bones.
"My Eye is drawn to yours by the passion of the Wild.
"My Hand is joined with yours in the everyday toil of Practicality.
"My Heart stands with yours against the perils of Strife.
"With Open Eye and Open Hand and Open Heart, I vow to stand with you."
"Miranda, I..." Mariah started, then faltered.
There was so much she wanted to say. So much in her heart and head, and suddenly she couldn't find the words. She realized she was standing there, like an idiot. Everyone was watching. Panic threatened to overwhelm her.
Then her eyes met Miranda's and everything was clear again.
Breathe, she thought. Just breathe.
"I don't know if God is really kind and loving, or cruel and vengeful," she said at last. "I just know life can be hard sometimes and it can be great sometimes... and I know I want you with me, through the good times and the bad times and all the times in between. I promise I will be with for as long as you'll have me."
"By the Oak, the Ash and the Ivy," Miranda whispered. "By the Sun and the Moon and the Sea, we are bound, one to the other. So mote it be."
So, with a Word and a kiss, they were bound, one to the other, on that bright beach where, legend says, the Love first touched the world.
