Rejected Mate novel Chapter 32

It’s been two weeks since the twins were born, and two nights ago, Ben and Ashley came to us and announced that they were doing a simple wedding, and of course, they scheduled it for today for the pack to witness.

“Ready” I question Ashley while holding the twins making her nod her head

“Then let’s go” I smile

I follow safely down to outside the pack and take my seat with the twins, which they landed up naming Henderson and Rose.

“We are gathered here today to witness the union of Ben and Ashley . Welcome friends and family! We're glad to have you with us.

Today is the beginning of a remarkable journey for this couple. Drawing on their mutual admiration, respect, and trust, they are ready to embark on the next chapter in their lives. We celebrate the love and light evident in their relationship, and wish them well on this joyous occasion.” Pack priest Aadon starts.

“Who gives this Bride today?” Hazyn stands up

“I do” he smiles before sitting back down

“If anyone has cause to object to the forming of this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.” Aadon continues.

“Marriage is an integral part of the human tradition. Let us remember, as we stand here before the Elements , that the vows taken today hold great importance, just as they did to our ancestors. As individuals, we make the choice to enter the union of marriage in order to share all aspects of ourselves with our soulmate. Today, this is true for Ben and Ashley .

In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East.
Communication of the heart, mind, and body
Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun.
The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South.
Warmth of hearth and home.
The heat of the heart's passion.
The light created by both to illuminate the darkest of times.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West.
The deep commitments of the lake The swift excitement of the river.
The refreshing cleansing of the rain.
The all encompassing passion of the sea.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North.
Firm foundation on which to build.
Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives.
A stable home to which you may always return.
Each of these blessings emphasizes those things which will help you build a happy and successful union.
Yet they are only tools. Tools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union.”

“Under the fold of the Elements with the moon goddess baring witness, together we take a moment to acknowledge the seriousness of the commitment being entered into today. With great joy, we also recognize the special bond shared by Ben and Ashley .

Before we proceed, I will first recite the Apache Wedding Prayer: 

Now you will feel no rain, 
for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold, 
for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness, 
for each of you will be companion to the other. 

Treat yourselves and each other with respect,
and remind yourselves often of what brought you together.
Give the highest priority to the tenderness,
gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves.
When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship;
as they threaten all relationships at one time or another,
remember to focus on what is right between you,
not only the part which seems wrong.
In this way, you can ride out the storms
when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives,
remembering that even if you lose sight of it
for a moment, the sun is still there.
And if each of you takes responsibility
for the quality of your life together,
it will be marked by abundance and delight."

“I will now invite the couple to share their vows with one another. Ben and Ashley , the promises you make today are sacred; they are the groundwork from which your marriage will grow and blossom over time.”

“Ben , would you like to begin first?”

“Ashley , today you will become my Wife. I promise to love you with all my heart, from now until eternity. I cannot wait to begin building our life together.”

“Ashley , your turn.”

“Ben , today you will become my Husband. I promise to love you with all my heart, from now until eternity. I cannot wait to begin building our life together.”

“Let us proceed.” Aadon smiles

“Ben and Ashley , it's time to join hands.

Ben , before your family and friends, do you take Ashley as your beloved Wife, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, so long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Ashley , before your family and friends, do you take Ben as your beloved Husband, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, so long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Wedding rings are a traditional symbol of the strength of the bond between two soulmates. This bond is never broken, and continues in a perpetual circle, glowing with the warmth and eternal light of two souls in a perfect union. By wearing these rings, you will be always reminded of the connection you share and the vows you have made today. Please repeat after me” Aadon stops before turning to Ben