The Taste of Seduction

The sun was shining, a gentle breeze swept across the field, causing the flowers to sway and dance to the rhythm of the wind.

A wooden structure was set up like a canopy, with fairy lights draped over the top in a curtain-like formation. The chairs for the guests were arranged with fifteen-foot long estate tables that were parallel to each other.

A path was formed in between, leading to the altar; delicate white petals were sprinkled along the path creating a romantic and whimsical atmosphere.

The altar was a simple wooden structure, decorated with twining ivy and ribbons of white silk. At the center of the altar, there was a large arch made of white flowers and glittering crystal chandeliers which cast a beautiful, shimmering light over the entire scene.

Meredith peered at the field from her window. "You know, It was a funny thing," She watched the ushers lead the majority of the guest to their reserved seats.

"What is, my love?" Gwen asked her, while she fixed her hair.

"How time flies," She responded, turning to face her mother who stepped back to behold her from a distance."

"Honey, that's my line. You look –" Her words hitched in her throat as her joy poured out in the form of tears. Meredith walked over to her and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. "Oh mother," She whispered against her shoulders.

"Gwen, Meredith, we don't have much time left. Atlas is already at the altar." Lucious yelled from the floor below them.

"We're coming," Meredith yelled back her reply and turned to face her mother one more time. "Clean your tears mother, you'll make me cry too. This is a moment of happiness, is it not?" She held her hands in a tight grip.

Gwen nodded quickly, wiping her tears while she did.

"I'm so happy for you my daughter." She whispered as she cupped her face and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you mother. Have you recorded everything? I need to keep it for my friend Sofia. I'm sad she couldn't make it." She said a sad smile on her face.

Such a shame the two most important people in her life weren't present right now.

Marcus and Sofia. Meredith sighed.

***

Gwen led Meredith to the tall shrub opening that led to the field where the event of the wedding was to take place. Lucious stood with her little brother waiting for them to show up. They watched him from a distance, tapping his foot and looking at his watch.

"Darling, she's here," Gwen whispered as she nudged Meredith forward. Lucious turned with intent to speak. But as soon as his gaze fell on his daughter, he lost his ability to utter a word. With tears forming in his eyes, he held out his hand towards her, and she slipped hers in his, dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief.

Lucious helped her tuck her hand in his elbow, and led her to the gathering that sat patiently, waiting to see her. She took her position at the end of the canopy, holding up her bouquet and her handkerchief close to her person. With eyes full of the promise of life-long love and appreciation, she beheld her husband, Atlas, standing at the altar with the priest.

The pianist began to play, instantly setting the mood with a solo presentation of the love ballad A Thousand Years.

Everyone including Katrina, Timothy,Elvin and her maid turned to behold the bride walking down the aisle, towards the altar. Luckily, her face was covered, so the tears that had trailed down her cheek were not visible to the onlookers. She took short steps, slowly closing the distance between herself and her beloved that stood smiling at her.

Lucious helped her up to the pulpit and walked back to his seat beside Gwen. As soon as he sat, he pulled out his handkerchief and dabbed his eyes.

"She's so beautiful, so angelic. My baby," He whispered.

The priest began to speak, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the joining of Meredith and Atlas in marriage.

This is a promise of love, loyalty, and devotion. It is a commitment to share the rest of your lives together, to support each other through life's challenges, and to grow together as individuals and as a couple –"

"Before you continue," Atlas interrupted, causing a loud gasp to erupt from the crowd. "I have some things to say,"

"Atlas," Meredith hissed his name to his hearing, but he ignored as he continued fumbling with his breeches.

"Ah, there it is," He exclaimed with a smile. "My personal vow to you my beloved,"

"Atlas," Meredith whispered again, willing the fresh bout of tears that had begun to form to pour out.

"My beloved, my most cherished, my dearest Meredith, I stand before you today, filled with uncontainable joy, knowing that I am about to make you mine, forever. Like I've always said, I will say it again; you are the light in my life that shines even brighter than the sun, you're the very air that I breathe and the heartbeat that keeps me alive.

Literally." The subtle reference made the people laugh, then he continued.

"I tried to write this such that it might be enough to express how much I appreciate your very existence, but it doesn't seem enough, so I'll just stick to reminding you every new day, starting now. I will love you more with each passing day, I will protect you with my blood, I will cherish you in both good times and bad, and I will honor you like the queen that you are.

I promise to be your faithful partner, your best friend, soulmate, and lover, now until the day of my last breath. With all my heart, I give myself to you." He looked up at her and noticed her lifting her veil to dab her eyes.

"Was it that good?" He whispered, causing her to smack his shoulder.

"But I didn't make any for you," She said in a small tone, her voice conveying her hurt.

"You can tell me privately, after this," He whispered with a smirk.

"Now, please don't cry. I don't like the fact that I can't do anything,"

"We can hear you both," Someone yelled from the edge, causing the entire group to burst into laughter.

"You may proceed," Lucious gestured towards the priest with a smile.

"Meredith, do you take Atlas to be your lawfully wedded spouse, to love, cherish, and honor, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, as long as you both shall live?" The priest asked, Meredith gazed lovingly at Atlas and nodded as she said her reply.

"I do."

"And Atlas, do you take Meredith to be your lawfully wedded spouse, to love, cherish, and honor, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, as long as you both shall live?"

"With all my being, I do."

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." The priest's final words echoed through the gathering as Atlas stood before Meredith, his eyes locked on hers. He didn't need any further prompting; he had been waiting for this moment since the moment Lucious brought her to his line of sight.

He reached up to lift her veil, his fingers trembling with anticipation as he revealed her radiant face to the world. Every eye in the gathering was fixed on them, but in that moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

Every other thing around them faded away. He leaned in to kiss her, and she welcomed him in her embrace, as they finally sealed their vows.

THE END…..

A/N: So erm…sorry guys I suck at endings. I know you all wanted Marcus to join them but they've suffered enough and Marcus deserves his own love doesn't he? Will start his story in the next volume.

And we will see glimpse of Atlas and Meredith in his story too so stay tuned. Sorry for the long waiting and disappointments.

Also check out my first historical romance, "The Earl's Deception." Thank you