82 I Do (1/2)

The beautiful afternoon sun cascaded down through the sculpted architecture of the new city Jamila had snapped them to causing the pink tent of the buildings to look even brighter. Shelly spun in a full circle as she tried taking in the many different sites all at once. She'd originally thought that nothing could be more beautiful than the city Rin had grown up near, but this was even more amazing.

”Hum... seems I was slightly off. It's been a while since I last left the palaces, I'm sad to admit.” Jamila thrummed her fingers against her chin as she looked around. She finally shrugged and turned back to Shelly ready to grab hold of the girl and snap them to the correct venue, but she froze in place. The absolute wonder on Shelly's face was enough to put all the fancy clothes and jewelry in the world to shame. The deep crimson material of her Saree and top was embroidered in well sown golden roses set off by a rich border of intricate patterns along the elbow-length sleeves and floor-length skirt; it was all set off by the golden embroidered matching lace headpiece and wrap that hung elegantly around her. A large ruby seat at the center of her forehead was surrounded by diamonds with several more adorning the many strands of golden chains attached to it and wrapped around her head under the lace. Her wrists were completely covered by bracelets that chimed and the lace and skirt swooshed around her as she spun. The gold of the fabrics and jewelry picked up glimmers from the sun causing her to literally gleam. The girl had not only grown into a great beauty over the years, but she had something most people in today's society lacked a beautiful soul. Despite her hardships, she'd still grown into a kind, sweet girl. Jamila smiled and stepped closer. ”Pretty isn't it? Jaipur has always been Rin's favorite place in the entire country. He would vanish here often as a child.”

Shelly turned shocked eyes back to Jamila, ”Oh no! You must have been worried sick! It's such a massive place.”

Jamila smiled as the memories replayed in her mind. ”I was. He was the only one of my children to ever behave in such a way... He and his sister were the only ones I was allowed to raise of course... So I don't have too many reference points, but I imagine raising Gin children is no scarier than raising any other child.” She shrugged, ”They well all do thinks they shouldn't, worry you nearly to death, and love... Love like you would never imagine.” She smiled wistfully up at Shelly. ”There is no greater joy than your own child no matter what hells you may go through with them.” She held Shelly's hands lightly. ”Come now, we must go.”

In another snap, Shelly found herself on the interior of a brightly colored building with even more elaborate carved arches and fancy moldings. the columns and moldings were all decorated and painted in different brightly colored ways. Her mouth fell open as she gazed around at the many different paintings and tile work around her. ”Where are we?” She asked in aw.

”Amazing isn't it?” Jamila said as she walked past her. ”I would always find him here just walking around, admiring it. It's the Patrika gate. We are in Jaipur, my dear.” She held her hand out to Shelly, ”This way, dear.” She led Shelly through the grounds. ”We can't leave him waiting too much longer.” She stopped at a large opening and smiled. ”Just through here.” She gestured for Shelly to go on ahead.

As Shelly stepped around Jamila, the twinkling of lights caught her eyes. The trees had been decorated with clear lights and other brightly colored decorations. Her eyes had barely made it around the space when a crimson and gold-clad figure stepped out from behind one of the large trees. It was Rin. He had on a traditional suit with intricately detailed patterns coving the entire jacket. Her eyes traveled over him. The jacket fell right below his knees where a pair of solid silky crimson pants lay snuggly against his muscular legs. She giggled and covered her mouth as she took in his strange pointed shoes.

”What's so funny? You wanted traditional, didn't you? Well, here it is.” He smiled teasingly. As he moved toward the center of the large circular area two other figures materialized. It was Rin's father with a man in a long golden robe with matching pants and pointed shoes. Rin smiled and glanced over at his father. The man was walking toward Rin and his father was making his way to the small seating area where Jamila had already sat. He nodded his head to the man and thanked him quickly before turning back to Shelly. ”I have a few other surprises for you.” He glanced over her shoulder and smiled.

She turned to follow his gaze and all the air left her lungs. Standing at the back of the small group of chairs was Russ and Raven. She teary eyes whipped around to Rin. ”How???” She could only force out the one word pasted the joyous emotions building in her throat.

Rin's eyes twinkled as he gazed lovingly down into her eyes. ”It's what you wanted wasn't it?” His

smile faded, ”I'm sorry though I was unable to get Joslyn here for you. She's traveling so her location isn't exactly known right now and her phone was lost.”

Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she lifted onto tiptoes to kiss his lips. ”Thank you so much!” She quickly turned and ran in the direction of Russ and Raven. She flung herself into her brother's waiting arms and buried her face in the white linen fabric of his shirt. ”You came.” She whispered a small sniffle following it.

Russ patted her head carefully not to mess up the meticulously styled and decorated hair and head garnishes. ”Of course I came. You don't think I'd miss my only sister's wedding would you.” He grinned mischievously as her teary eyes met his. ”Besides, you're marrying my best friend.” He shrugged. ”It seems like I didn't have a choice but to come.” He released her and walked to Rin giving the man a bro-ish hug.

Shelly hugged Raven tight. ”I missed you so much!” Her eyes became worried as she gazed up at Raven. ”Is Jos at least ok?”

Raven let out a heavy sigh, ”We haven't really had a chance to talk in a while. We only know what Orion has cared to share. She is on her way back, Though.” Raven brushed away a tear on Shelly's cheek. ”Now dry up those tears before you ruin your makeup.” Her voice cracked with emotion as she faught back her own tears.

Shelly swallowed hard and nodded. She stepped back and looked back toward the few smiling faces that were gathered under the well-decorated trees. ”How did you guys even get here?”

Rin smiled wider, ”Dad and I teleported them earlier.” He nodded toward the lights and chairs. ”They also helped set this up.”

Shelly swallowed hard fighting back tears of gratitude. ”Thank you so much.” She turned back around and hugged Raven again.

Raven patted her back. ”You really are set on messing up that makeup aren't you.” She said gruffly.

Shelly turned toward Jamila. ”Is it really messed up? I'm so sorry. You worked so hard.”

”You look stunning. What are you waiting for get over here so I can make you my wife.” He said in a teasing tone as he held out his arms wide.

Shelly giggled and made her way to him as quickly as she could while still maintaining some semblance of grace. Rin met her halfway, taking her hand, and guided her to the man in all gold. He turned toward her and took both her hands. ”Today you make me the happiest man in the world.”

His smile lit his face as he gazed down into her twinkling blue eyes. ”Are you ready, love?”

She gave a nervous but excited nod and gripped his hands tighter in hers.

Rin stifled a laugh and nodded toward the man in gold and the ceremony began.

***

”How are you enjoying yourself this evening, Mrs. Bhamer?” Rin asked as he sat a glass of champagne on the tiny garden table Shelly and their family were seated around. His father had his arm thrown over the back of his mother's chair and Raven was seated to the left of Shelly, Russ to her right with an empty seat left open for Rin.

Russ clasped him on the back, ”Ah man! I can't tell you how nice it's been to have a few hours away from 'Orion the Hunter'.” He deepened his voice mockingly as he said the name.

Shelly laughed, ”He seemed nice enough.”

Russ huffed, ”Well sure when he's not being a smartass or a complete jackass!”

”Or kicking your ass?” Rin added.

Russ hit Rin in the head with a paper lantern that was in the center of the table as everyone else busted out into laughter.