Joshua and I walked over to the Chancellor as he began the vow exchange. I'd never seen a wedding, not outside of Genesis. I didn't know what to expect, but I also didn't care. All that mattered to me was that Joshua and I would be together forever. Nothing would tear us apart. Joshua had slid the vintage ring onto my finger. I didn't ask why he did that. We must have read one of the same books on the shelf that portrayed marriage in a different light.
The ceremony was short and sweet. Simple. Collins led us to the west side of town where there was a large blue and white pole reaching two stories, with eight pastel ribbons tied to the top. The ribbons were gorgeous in shades of pink, purple, blue, green, yellow and white. We each took a ribbon, Joshua and I standing beside each other, holding hands as Elsa, Cate, Adelaide, Aidan, Hazel, and Mason joined in. Music erupted and we danced, twirling the ribbons on the pole, as a celebration of our marriage. I couldn't ask for anything more perfect.
“I have one more surprise,” Joshua teased, leading me towards Aidan.
“You do?” I couldn't imagine what else he had planned!
“It's only if you want to go through with it.” His voice was serious and I couldn't help but give him a peculiar look. “I want us both to have rings, the same ring, bound to each other for eternity.”
“Okay. I'm not sure I'm following,” I admitted, glancing at Aidan. He gestured for us to follow him and I did inside the science center. Seeing the familiar building and the smell of antiseptic made my stomach turn. I trusted Joshua though, implicitly.
“I'd like us to get ring tattoos, identical ones.”
I smiled weakly. “I'd like that.” I didn't ask if it'd hurt. Something about this place, everything hurt in here. I nodded slowly. “What do we have to do?” Aidan led us to a room on the first floor, offering us each a seat. I sat down first, though gestured towards Joshua. “You can get your tattoo first.” I wasn't quite sure what a tattoo was but was willing to try anything once.
Aidan grabbed the necessary tools. “This will hurt a bit.” At least he didn’t lie to us. “You'll have to keep it clean and it'll take time to heal.”
“That's fine.” I reached for Joshua's hand, giving it a squeeze. If he was okay with it, it was fine for me too.
Joshua showed me a sketch he'd drawn. The lines intertwined like vines with a heart in the center. “It's basic but I thought it'd be nice.” He showed me how it would look. “Any changes you want to make before Aidan inks us permanently?”
I examined the drawing for a moment. “It wraps around our finger?”
Joshua nodded. “Just like the ring you're wearing.”
“I can't imagine anything more perfect,” I admitted, watching as Aidan carefully cleaned the tools again along with Joshua's hand. I sat anxiously wondering how painful it would be. Aidan took the design, turning it into something temporary to trace before he used the instrument to mark Joshua’s hand forever, and mine.
“Does it hurt?” I asked, watching his face. He didn't show even a hint of vulnerability. His face was reddening slightly and I moved to rest a hand over his shoulder.
It doesn't feel pleasant. I wanted to laugh and tell him I was reconsidering with that answer. I didn't. I waited for Aidan to be done with Joshua before it was my turn.
I was relieved when the tattoos were finished. Mine looked amazing, though Aidan suggested leaving it covered for a while to keep out any dirt or bacteria. I didn't argue. He knew what was best. Joshua and I headed back outside and into the crowd. The welcome change of scenery took my mind off the stinging sensation of my finger while we danced and celebrated the parade and our new marriage.
After an hour of dancing, Chancellor Collins approached me. Pulling me from Joshua's arms for the briefest of moments, his eyes searched mine. “I want you to meet someone.” I had no idea who it could be that I hadn't known but didn't dwell on it as he walked me towards the crowd. My eyes searched for who he planned to introduce to me. “Hunter.” He gestured at a man. “I'd like to introduce you to your niece, Olivia.”
“Hello,” I breathed, reaching out my hand to introduce myself. “It's nice to meet you.”
Hunter nodded, taking my hand and giving it a tight squeeze. I was glad the tattoo was on the other hand. “Congratulations.” He smiled warmly. “Your wedding was beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I blushed. I didn't want to admit it had been a surprise for me. Though, I suspected he knew as much based on the proposal just a short while ago. “What are you doing here in Shadow?” I was still getting used to the fact visitors found their way here, not many but a few from the rebel alliance.
“Collins invited me,” he acknowledged. “I wanted to meet you,” he admitted anxiously. “Did you ever meet your grandparents?”
I sighed, realizing why he had so many questions. He was the second born and had been sent from Genesis. He'd never met his biological parents and likely didn't remember Gavin, his older brother. “They passed away before I was born. I'm sorry,” I offered sadly. “Your brother is alive and well in Torv.” I didn't elaborate that we weren't exactly on speaking terms.
“How's your mom?” he asked warmly, trying to make conversation.
“It's complicated.” I laughed softly, glancing towards Joshua as he waved at me. “She's doing fine though. Are you married?” I didn't know what to ask him, what to say to him. He was my uncle but it was rare family reunited. I didn't know how to handle the situation. I tried though.
Hunter nodded slowly. “Yes, she's a pistol.” He saw my expression. “I mean that in a good way,” he reiterated. “She's here somewhere,” Hunter acknowledged. “She went off dancing when the music started.”
“Let me guess, you don't dance?” I grinned, seeing from his expression he wasn't amused.
“I prefer to keep my feet planted. Trust me, it's best for everyone.” I stared at him, examining his features. I could see the resemblance between him and Gavin. They both had dark, thick hair and dark eyes. Hunter's skin had tanned, probably from being out in the sun recently. “You look like him,” I whispered, “my father.”
“Gavin?” He asked. “I hope to meet him one day. When things are settled and it's safe to travel.”
“I'm sure he'd like that.” I smiled at Hunter. I glanced towards Joshua. Come rescue me, please.
Joshua came walking over. “Hey, Olive.” He pulled me into his arms for a kiss. “Care to introduce me?” he asked, wrapping an arm around my waist as he stood beside me.
“Joshua, this is my uncle, Hunter.” I glanced at Joshua for the briefest of moments. I didn't have to say another word for him to know how I felt.
“Oh.” Josh's eyes lit up as he held out his hand. “We saw you last summer in Shadow.” He laughed, glancing at me. Not caring if he wasn't supposed to speak of it. “You verified the legitimacy of Gavin's journal.”
Hunter nodded. “That's right. Our handwriting is frighteningly alike.” It had been a while ago, I was surprised he remembered. “I don't remember meeting you then…” he glanced at Joshua.
“You didn't.” Joshua laughed and gave me a smile. “Do you mind if I steal my new bride away?”
“By all means.” Hunter smiled. “It was nice to meet you both. I hope to see you again, Olivia.”