Chapter 135 Now and Forever

(Hope POV)

Today, the full Moon of the Summer Solstice rises once again. I am again a year older.

The sun was setting and its orange hue stretched across the horizon. My favorite part of the day. I opened the French doors to the balcony, hitched up my rather full skirt and gingerly walked outside to soak up the view. A cool breeze touched my cheek, billowing the loose strands of hair which framed my face. I let out a sigh, utterly content, as I watched the sky change colors like a kiss, bidding farewell to the sun for the day.

As dusk settled around the territory, I again pulled up my skirt and walked inside my bedroom to stand in front of the mirror. I stare at my reflection, scrutinizing my appearance. Gone was the uncertainty I first felt during my first wedding. Gone was the wide-eyed bewildered young girl. Staring before me was a woman determined to continue on with life. Yes, my perspective has changed. I was no longer out to prove myself as the daughter of Adella. I just wanted to be with the people I loved the most in this world. To have a quiet life.

A knock on the door broke my reverie. I piled up my skirt in my arms and walked towards the door to open it. It was Beta George.

"Alpha Hope, the venue is ready and all the guests have arrived. The full moon is starting to rise in the clear sky. Everyone is waiting for you."

"Thank you, George. Can you ask my mother to come and help me? I'm having trouble with this skirt. I'm afraid I might trip and fall." I laugh nervously. George nodded his head and turned around to go and find my mother.

I slip on a pair of silver ballet flats which matched my gown. I guess there are some things that never change like my aversion to heels. I have much respect for women who can balance themselves in three inch heels and carry a full ballroom gown without effort. That was something I just couldn't do even with someone to catch me when I stumble.

And that someone was Alexander. When I first married him, I have to admit I thought I had gone insane. Who marries someone after only meeting the day before? Maybe a celebrity, but I'm not a celebrity nor was I someone who enters into situations haphazardly. However, looking back, I feel no regrets. I married the one person who completes me.

I died twice. The first time, I came back quickly. The second time, I was gone for some time. Doc Frances was about to call time of death and inform my family of my passing if it weren't for the slight beep from the heart monitor and my locket which gave off a faint glow. Doc Frances defibrillated my heart once again and I finally came back much to her happiness and surprise.

When she walked out of the OR to inform my family that I was alive, she found everyone in a state of mourning. Amelie was staring into space while Jacques had his arm around her shoulders, looking down at the floor. Alexander had his head against the wall, not moving. My parents were hugging each other in the middle of the corridor not wanting to get out of the way. Arthur sat slumped over in his chair, his eyes to the ceiling, like he was praying to the Moon Goddess.

Then she told them that I had miraculously come back to the world of the living, however I was in a coma. They all started crying again, but this time it were tears of joy streaming down their faces. The only one who wasn't happy was Alexander.

"When will she wake up, Doc?"

"I can't say Alpha. She might be out for a few days to a few weeks."

"Then, she is still technically dead," Alexander said, his voice in a monotone

"Alexander, she will wake up. The Moon Goddess will hear our prayers," Arthur said, surprised Alexander could say such a thing.

"By the way Alpha, you have twins. A boy and a girl. I placed them in incubators until they can thrive on their own. So, who do you want to see first? Hope or the babies?" Alexander and Amelie answered Hope while the others answered babies. Doc Frances first dropped off Alexander and Amelie at the ICU to see me, then she led my parents, Arthur and Jacques to the NICU to see the twins.

When the others went back to the ICU to see me, they heard Amelie and Alexander arguing. They both blamed each other for not helping me in time. Arthur had to intervene to get them to stop.

"This is not the time nor the place to be doing this. Hope needs our prayers. Do both of you think this is what Hope wants to see when she wakes up?" Arthur asked Amelie and Alexander.

"If she wakes up," Alexander scoffs.

"You've already given up on Hope, Alexander? How dare you! When she wakes up I'll make sure to tell her what you just said." Arthur puts his arms around Amelie's shoulders and guides her away from Alexander who obviously believed there was no hope.

"Alexander, she will wake up. She fought to come back when we all thought she was gone. Why don't you see your kids? They are adorable. They'll make you feel better," my mother tried to console Alexander.

"No. I'll just stay here with her. It's my fault she's like this. Just like what Amelie had said, if I had known sooner, she's still be with us. Just leave me with her."

"It's not your fault. None of us knew, Alexander," my mom tried to reason with him.

"I know, it isn't our fault, Mom. It's Jacques' fault." Alexander turned to look at Jacques. "Yeah, that's right I blame you. This wouldn't have happened if Hope didn't have to risk her life for you so you could get your damn pack back, who by the way don't want you because you're a bear."

"Sorry, Alexander. Since you put it that way, it is my fault. I'll make sure to make it up to Hope when she wakes up," Jacques said, his head low in remorse.

"If she wakes up." Alexander took a chair, placed it beside my bed and sat down. "Now, can you guys please just leave me and my mate alone? Thank you."

I apologized to Amelie and Jacques and told them no one is to blame. Actually, I could only blame my bloodline. The Lupa bloodline had many enemies. Who knows what else could be possibly out there? This is something I didn't want to ever find out, out of fear for my children's safety. But there are definitely others. I have sensed it or rather my locket has sensed it. I instinctively place my hand to my neck to check on my locket. I look down at it. Soon, I will give this to Anya.

"Hope, you ready?" My mother, Leia and Maria walk in to help me with my wedding gown.

"Yes, but first I need something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue. And someone to help with my veil please." Leia takes the veil and fastens it to my hair. "My locket is something old, I have blue underwear on, so that just leaves me with something borrowed and something new."

"Here, this is a gift from Arthur. He told me to give it to you right away. This  could be your something new." Maria hands me a small rectangular box. I open it and inside was a bracelet with a moonstone.

"Nice, I have something new. Anyone want to lend me something?" I ask the three ladies.

"I could lend you my earrings." My mom took off her small diamond earrings and I put them on my ears. It completed my look.

"Thanks Mom. Now, I'm ready. It's time for me to get married...again." I shake my hands to loosen up. "Thank you guys for always being here for me." I gave them each a hug.

We all walked to the venue, through my territory, behind the apple trees of the orchard to the clearing at the very spot where I was born. There was no pond like what I had seen in my brief moment in the afterlife, just a field of grass, perfect for our wedding and reception.

A huge tent was pitched up and the surrounding trees were filled with lanterns. As we approached, I hear music softly playing and I could see through the entrance of the tent, the guests were already sitting at their tables, sipping on champagne. My father and the twins were already waiting for us at the end of the red carpet at the entrance of the tent.

"Here she is." My father extended his arm and I placed my hand in the crook of his arm. My mother with the help of Leia and Maria smooth down the skirt of my wedding gown and fixed my veil so it trails behind me.

"Hey, my little munchkins. Remember how we practiced? You, Anya, go first, throwing petals on the ground, while Asher, here, follows with the rings." The twins nod their heads. They looked so adorable. Anya had a pink flower girl gown on while Asher was in a tux. All of this, courtesy of Amanda.

"Yes, Mommy. Mommy are we going to have ice cream later?" asked Anya.

"As promised," I told them. "Now, come on, line up. Daddy is waiting." I nod my head to Maria and Leia to start.

Maria and Leia raise their hands and direct the walls of the tent to roll up leaving the roof.

The violinist starts to play "Here Comes the Bride." The twins begin their march down the red carpet, my father and I following them, smiling at family and friends as we passed by, while Maria and Leia follow behind us creating the effects of the wedding.

The empty vases which were placed in the center of the tables sprouted flowers to the delight of the guests. The white table cloths and napkins changed colors to gold and blue.

Tiny fountain fireworks scattered around the tent lit up casting a gold glow all around us. The twins had stopped to stare at the glittering sparks causing a bit of traffic. I bend down and tell them we can have fireworks again on Daddy's birthday. They screamed "yay" then continued on to the end of the red carpet rather quickly leaving me and my father behind.

I glanced at Alexander who was standing with Jacques, Amelie and Arthur at the podium. All four of them were laughing at the twins. I smiled. My family.

My father handed me to Alexander and gave him a pat on the back. Alexander placed his arm around my waist and pulled me close to him. I glanced up at him and saw that playful twinkle in his eyes which I have always loved.

"Family and friends we have gathered here today to witness the renewal of vows between two people we hold dear in our hearts. We can all agree we can no longer mention one without the other. That is the bond between Alexander and Hope, a bond which has made two into one. Complete." Arthur coughs, holding back tears. "To others, such as myself, Alexander and Hope have brought meaning to our lives, giving us a will to continue living and something we thought we would never have...a family." Arthur smiles at the both us and rubs Amelie on the arm for her to continue his speech.

"Family is everything. All of us know that now. After all you have given to all of us, sacrificing your lives so others may live in peace, we wish you continued happiness for the rest of your days...together, forever." Amelie bends down and takes the pillow with the rings froms Asher.

"Mommy, can I sit down now? My legs hurt." Asher pouts. Alexander laughs.

"Sure, sweetie. Go sit down with your sister and your grandparents." I point at the table where my mother, father, Diane, Howard and Anya were all seated.

Amelie hands Alexander my ring. He coughs, clearing his throat so he could say his vows.

"Dr. Hope Alarie Ulrich, ten years ago, I met you at a red farmhouse with white shutters. I was so surprised to find you while feeling lucky to have been blessed by the Moon Goddess with you as my fated mate. I was even luckier when you and your parents agreed to marry me after just meeting me the day before. I promised you the world not expecting you to become my world, my sun, my moon, even the very air that I breathe. I can not imagine my future without you. Without you, there is no life for me. Without you, I am incomplete."

"This ring is not just a symbol of my love and devotion, it is a symbol of my life which I give to you to hold in the palm of your hand. Yours to keep forever until I die. Remember I asked only one thing from you...to outlive me. Because I know, I can not live a single day without you by my side. You mean more to me than life itself. You are my everything." Alexander places the ring on my finger and kisses my palm. I felt a jolt of electricity radiate through me. Such a wonderful feeling.

Amelie gives me his ring. I inhale deeply and exhale before speaking.

"Alpha Alexander Ulrich, ten years ago, you were my birthday present, wrapped so handsomely. When I gazed in your deep blue eyes for the first time while the light of the setting sun filled the red farmhouse with the white shutters, I was found. Yes, we had married and mated so quickly, but as I look back, I harbor no regrets. If I were to go back in time, there will be nothing I would change. I would again marry you in a heartbeat." Alexander smiled and I smiled back, fighting the urge to kiss him.

"You are my strength when I feel weak. You are  my shoulders when I need to rest. You are my feet when I can no longer walk. Without you, there would be no Hope. You have given me all of yourself when I had nothing to offer you in return."

"There is nothing in this world that I want except for you and our family. I would give up the very air that I breathe for you. I love you, Alexander. With all my heart and soul, now and forever." I place the ring on his finger.

"With the power invested in me by the Council of the Clan of Wolves, I pronounce you, Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride."

Alexander lifted my veil from my face, put his arm around my waist and drew me so close to his body. I placed my hands around his neck and tiptoed up to meet his lips.

When our lips touched, the world disappeared. It was just me and him, Alexander and Hope. I felt his tongue swirl in my mouth and my tongue met his, intertwining passionately. I wanted the kiss to last. Well, we had a lifetime of kissing ahead of us anyway.

Alexander lifted his head and gave me a quick kiss on my forehead.  "Later, my love. Now we celebrate. Happy Birthday, Mrs. Ulrich!"

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Ulrich. And for the first time, we will all get to watch the happy couple have their first dance," Arthur announces to our guests. Our guests cheer, raising their champagne glasses at us.

The music started playing. Alexander took off my veil and handed it to Maria. He guided me to the dance floor and swiftly twirled me into his arms for our very first dance as husband and wife.

"We've been together for ten years and we have never danced together," I whispered in his ear.

"Ah, you like dancing. I'll make sure we dance together every night even when our hair turns grey. Promise." He winks at me. "I love you, Mrs. Ulrich."

"I love you more, Mr. Ulrich." I wink at him.

The sound of fireworks bursting high in the sky fills the air. The twins run to the field, clapping merrily, jumping up and down. "Mommy, Daddy take a look!"

We walk together, his arms around my shoulders, to see what the twins were pointing at. Written in the night sky was a bright A and H.

Alexander and Hope. Now and forever.