To Have And To Hold

Rise Up...Part II

Chapter Fifty: Rise Up...Part II

URSULA

The day was getting later, which meant Kingston would be leaving soon and while I was over the moon at how the cottage had come together with the help of everyone who had graciously spent their day helping me. But I found myself unable to deny that I didn’t want to lose Kingston's presence there, even considering asking him if he would like to take a walk after the party...

Standing outside, I was chatting with everyone and admiring the beautiful flower garden Beast and Tink had created in the two beds up front, when Nicholas, Madeline, Jace, and Constance suddenly appeared, thanks to Jace’s sorcery talent inherited from his powerful mother. After telling us all about the events at the hospital with Maxim—something that brought great relief to me, knowing Kishi and her father had made their way here—and what happened at the lake with Tarkik, I couldn’t help but wish I had seen it in person, my admiration of the Tatiana continuing to grow.

“That’s our Auntie,” Tink proudly boasted, “Even in the middle of her own crisis, she manages to use her smarts and that wisdom of hers to help everybody—and she’s become one hell of a sneaky matchmaker.”

“Yes, our Tati has always had the ability to ease one’s mind, whether it be with words or magic. And we three sisters have always been lovers of love and Tati has assisted the Moon Goddess on many occasions over the years, though the sneaky part is more recent,” Reina admiringly exhaled out, “Hopefully, her lanterns will do the trick for everyone and ease their distress. To experience the full benefit, however, they must look at those thoughts from a different perspective.”

“That’s where Auntie’s words will help, I think,” Madeline warmly smiled, recalling, “Rise up when you fall. Be a beast and stay true to who you have always been inside. I rather liked that.”

“Me too,” Beast grinned, chuckling soon after, “For personal reasons.”

We all laughed at his response with Persephone lovingly relaying afterwards, “It happens to be one that Reina and I like for personal reasons as well, Beast. Tati said those very words to us not long after she brought us back to the cottage all those years ago.”

“Tati definitely has a wonderful way with words,” Kingston reverently stated, “The effect she has had on my Caelus with her wisdom has helped his expand his mind and focused his thoughts a great deal since they have connected. Something I have appreciated greatly.”

Nicholas then asked if they could see the inside of the cottage, which I eagerly agreed to, feeling quite proud of how my little home had come together. The foursome was impressed as well as they walked in. There was a tremendous amount of natural light shining in, making my little living room feel very warm and homey. Thanks to our cleaning spell, the darkened wood floors shined beautifully beneath the rays of sunlight filtering in. The couch was irreparable, so I had cleaned up the upholstered chairs the best I could to have some seating in the living room until I could find something else.

There was an old oval mahogany coffee table with scalloped legs that needed some work, but I loved the texture of it, deciding to keep it in my living room. Jace seemed to be enamored with it as well, immediately walking over and kneeling in front of it, laying a small rectangular box he was carrying on top before running his fingers along the edges, contemplatively stating, “The lines on this are beautiful, Ursula. If you would like, I'll be happy to clean it up for you and make the necessary repairs.”

“I would appreciate that greatly, thank you, Jace,” I happily returned as Kingston joined him, crouching down beside Jace and inspecting the two wobbly legs.

“The house looks wonderful, Ursula,” Nicholas kindly said, “I had forgotten how quaint this place was. It makes me very happy to know it will be loved and cared for again.”

“It will definitely be very loved and cared for, Nicholas,” I enthusiastically returned, “Thank you for allowing me to make this my home.”

“Is this one of Auntie’s paintings? I’ve never seen it before,” Madeline curiously asked, leading me to look over towards the fireplace to find her and Constance peering up at my new favorite canvas, which Kingston hung for me above the mantle.

“Yes, it’s Tatiana’s housewarming present,” I tenderly replied, “A new favorite treasure of mine. I’ve never seen, much less owned such a beautiful piece of artwork.”

Her beautiful blue eyes reflecting an enamored look in them, Constance softly stated in awe, “The colors are breathtaking. And the stunning sunrise brings forth such warmth and energy when you gaze upon it. It’s quite different than anything I’ve seen Mother paint before.”

Coming up behind her, Jace put his arm around Constance’s shoulder, thoughtfully relaying, “Mother just finished that a couple of weeks ago. The warmth and energy you see is her happiness with Horacio.”

Touched by his words, I took in a sharp breath as I walked closer—and took in another as I felt Kingston’s hand gently placed on my back before he soothingly whispered in my ear, “Knowing the love behind it gives the painting even more meaning, doesn’t it?”

Peering up into his gorgeous blue eyes that held such softness, I murmured, “Yes, it most certainly does.”

I continued to be locked in Kingston’s gaze as Jace affably stated, “By the way, Mother had me bring another gift for you, Ursula. It’s in the box on the coffee table.”

Kingston humorously smiled as my eyes fell into shock, my gaze leaving his to move towards the table before I slowly walked over, “Your mother has spoiled me more than I deserve already. What on earth has she done here?”

Lifting the top off the box, I peered down to find Tatiana had made me a dress—and again, it was unlike anything I had ever seen. Slowly pulling it out of the box, I was instantly enamored with it—a unique color of dusty sage, the lace fabric held intricate detailing of large crochet roses throughout with a deep v-line neck. The short sleeves contained overlapping ruffled accents with a long flowing skirt.

“The flowers look as delicate as a real rose,” Kingston admiringly complimented, “And that is a beautiful shade of green.”

“It most certainly is—you can color me jealous,” Persephone lightly contemplated out loud, as Artem chuckled beside her, “And it appears my dear sister placed some accessories in the bottom.”

Persephone was right—Tatiana had placed a small rectangular velvet box in the bottom. My hand was shaking as I picked it up, feeling even more overwhelmed as I opened the lid to reveal a necklace and ring inside, letting out an inaudible gasp.

The necklace was a delicate white gold rose blossom that held a small floating diamond in the middle—so simple, yet so stunning. But the ring—one that I had seen on each of the other sorceress’ fingers and admired greatly—rendered me completely speechless. It was a lotus flower containing my birthstone—an amethyst—surrounded by the birthstones of my other sisters in sorcery.

Walking towards me, Reina extended out her hand, revealing a slight alteration to her ring, which now held my birthstone in the corner, bringing tears to my eyes, “Our littlest sister made it official, Ursula. We each have a new stone in our rings. Persephone and I were afraid you were going to notice it earlier, but I’m glad you didn’t.”

Clutching the box and dress to my chest, I incredulously exclaimed, “Oh, my word! I don’t know what to say—about any of this.”

Looking around the room, I heavily exhaled out, “You have all done so much for me—the kindness I’ve received from the moment I stepped foot into Crescent Moon. There are no words to express how grateful I am for all the beautiful gifts you have given me, most especially your acceptance and inclusion into your family, something I will also tell Tatiana when I visit her later to thank her for all her thoughtfulness towards me today. Thank you—all of you—for everything.”

Nicholas came forward, reaching out and tenderly embracing me in his bulky arms, “We feel very lucky that you now call Crescent Moon your home, Ursula, and have become part of our family. And this is what family does, especially ours, so no thanks will ever be needed. As Auntie said earlier and I’m sure will say to you when you see her later, just be happy.”

***********

Everyone had gone home to change for Selena’s birthday party at the farm—except for Kingston who told Ronan and Artem he would be leaving shortly for Faizon’s home...

“Well, I must say, I haven’t enjoyed myself like this in quite some time,” Kingston delightedly told me as we stood near the doorway, “Working on the cottage and spending time with you and my other Crescent Moon friends has made for a wonderful day. I’m glad they have embraced you and your presence here, Ursula, even if it is a bit overwhelming for you.”

“It’s quite overwhelming,” I tearfully admitted, looking down at my ring, “But a good kind—I feel incredibly fortunate right now. Part of me fears I will wake up and discover it’s all a dream.”

“Well, I hope I don’t overwhelm you further, but I also have another little gift for you,” Kingston chuckled, bending over to reach into his large bag.

I looked down to see Kingston pull out an exquisite hand-carved wooden bowl with a white box on top, unable to hide my surprised reaction, “Kingston! Oh, it’s—it’s beautiful! Did you make that as well?”

“Yes, I did,” Kingston sweetly replied, “And I also have some accessories in the box for you.”

Walking over to the coffee table, Kingston set the bowl down in the center. Coming up beside him, I excitedly reached down and opened the box, which had a myriad of colorful roses, zinnias, lotus, and dahlias made from a delicate wood. Picking up one of the purple lotus flowers, I fell into wonderment at its beauty, curiously asking what they were made of. My reaction seemed to please Kingston a great deal as he explained they were made of sola wood and described how he made each unique design. The intricacy involved in creating each flower left me admiring them even more.

Pulling the flowers out of the box, I arranged them in the bowl, standing back to admire the beautiful arrangement, “You have created the perfect centerpiece, Kingston. Between you and Tati, there is so much color to be found in my home now. I will be quite content this evening gazing at these and my painting. Thank you.”

“Actually, Ursula—I was hoping that you would join at the farm this evening,” Kingston hesitantly said, “You could wear your lovely new dress.”

I wasn’t expecting his invitation, anxiously returning, “That’s very sweet of you, but I—I don’t want to intrude on the evening.”

“There would be no intrusion,” Kingston quietly assured me, “Faizon has already said you are welcome to come to join us.”

His hand coming up to his long beard, Kingston nervously ran his fingers down it as he admitted, “And truthfully, I’m not ready for our day to end. It would be nice to just relax and enjoy the party with you, especially since—not that I don’t enjoy spending time with my old friends here and wanted to check on Tati and Horacio—but you’re a big part of the reason I accepted Faizon’s invitation and came to Crescent Moon today.”

“I am?” I incredulously questioned, suddenly finding it hard to breathe, “R—really?”

“Yes—really,” Kingston earnestly murmured, “I find that your company brings me a great deal of happiness that I haven’t felt in a very long time.”

“I feel the same way,” I breathlessly admitted, “It’s been very disconcerting to me—the thought of you leaving.”

I loved his smile—the way it shone through Kingston’s bristly mustache and beard, his tone full of hope as he asked me again, “Then you’ll join me tonight?”

Laughing softly, I bashfully dropped my gaze to the floor before bringing it back up to gaze into his captivating blue eyes, “Well, thanks to Tatiana, I do have a beautiful new dress I’m rather anxious to wear.”

Kingston’s jolly laugh was another thing I now adored, the sound of it bringing more joy to my heart than I’ve ever known, as he replied, “Then I’ll go visit with Faizon for a bit and change. Be back in a couple of hours to escort you to the party?”

I beamed at him, silently nodding in response, leading him to do something that not only caught me by surprise, but had me utterly enchanted—reaching out to take both my hands, Kingston brought them together—a softened, enamored look in his eyes that locked with mine as he pulled them towards his lips, placing a tender kiss on them. The feel of the kiss caused the butterflies Kingston typically brought forth to rise up and swirl at a furious pace around my stomach as an unintentional and reactive girly giggle passed through my lips.

He bid me farewell then, my heart overflowing with joy and skipping several beats as I knew it was only a momentary absence. Soon, my handsome Howling Wind warrior would be returning to pick me up for our date—my first date in forty-five years...

*************

MAXIM

Walking hand in hand with Kishi through the wildflower field at Spirit Walker, I was reminded of my dream earlier today, but didn’t dwell on it. Instead, I allowed myself to bask in the relaxing afternoon I shared with her at her family home.

Kaemon was very pleased that Kaito behaved himself and was incredibly cordial, finding great humor in the fact that it was due to a firm warning not to partake in his usual protective big brother antics from Kishi’s mother, Jasmine, who, as I suspected, Kishi took after a great deal.

“You must have really won over Dad,” Kishi proudly beamed, “I can’t believe he suggested I come back to Crescent Moon with you for a few days. Mom was shocked too, but happy because she knows it’s what I wanted. She already adores you and will expect you to keep your promise of coming over for dinner often. And as you were warned about my brother and saw the end result of a good talking to by Mom, I would suggest you not cross her.”

“Oh, I could tell by the look in her eyes I need to keep that promise,” I chortled, “But you really are lucky, Kishi—you have an incredible family.”

“You’re lucky too,” Kishi happily gushed, “You’re part of our family now. And not that she’s wanting them anytime soon, but Mom is pretty excited at the thought of having a grandchild one day with red hair and green eyes. She finds you just as handsome as I do.”

I laughed as we continued our walk, Kishi leisurely running slender hand across the tall flowers. Remembering her words to me the first night we met, I softly suggested, “One night after dinner, we’ll have to go for a walk out here in the moonlight so I can share in the joy it brings you.”

Kishi’s huge dark chocolate brown eyes lit up as she beamed up at me, amorously cooing, “I would really like that, not only to show you the beauty, but to kiss you under the moonlight here.”

Halting my step, I turned, wrapping my arms around her waist as I playfully chastised, “Why do I get the feeling you have been daydreaming and planning that kiss for a long time?”

Pressing her body close to mine, Kishi stood up on her tiptoes, shyly replying, “Because you already know me well? So well, in fact, that you know I’m about to suggest a preview.”

“Mmmmhmmm,” I hummed out as I lowered my head down to kiss Kishi softly on the lips, about to express a deeper passion when we heard Caelus loudly clear his throat.

Turning towards the sound, I saw he and Ayla coming towards us, their hands intertwined and both wearing bright smiles.

“Sorry for interrupting—someone was anxious to see for herself you two were okay,” Caelus regretfully apologized as they closed in.

“Don’t be sorry. I’m glad to see you,” I earnestly replied, “Thanks for all you did this morning.”

“What are friends for?” Caelus pleasantly returned, “Besides, you’ve already returned the favor—Kaemon suggested to Ayla’s parents that she join Kishi at Crescent Moon and they said yes. We’ll be leaving shortly. Alastor and I are anxious to check on Auntie and Unc.”

“Auntie has been quite busy today,” I thoughtfully relayed, “I hope she hasn’t overdone it. Between the healing aura she’s keeping on Horacio and all the help she’s given everyone, we need to make sure she’s taking care of herself.”

*************

TATIANA

I had no idea how exhausted I was until I laid my head down on Horacio’s shoulder after my talk with Tarkik, instantly falling asleep before waking up a short time later to find an unexpected visitor in the room chatting with Lorenzo and Priscilla, who had stayed with me...

“Devlin?” I drowsily called out, slowly sitting up, “How lovely to see you.”

Flashing me a warm smile, the head of our Spirit Walker security patrol returned, “Hello, Tati. Sebastian was kind enough to invite us to Selena’s party tonight so Zara and Coraline could keep each other company. I thought I would come see how you and Horacio are doing while the girls are getting ready at Valentin’s. Lorenzo was just telling me about the wonderful gift Selena received earlier. Seems the Moon Goddess is also appreciative of our Fairy Queen’s powers. You have provided her a great deal of assistance as of late.”

Making his way over, Devlin enveloped his large frame around me, my green aura swirling around him in response as he affectionately murmured, “You have also continued to keep Horacio with us, which I am personally grateful for. How are his injuries? And how are you?”

“Our Horacio continues to heal quite nicely,” I kindly replied, “And I am doing better, thank you.”

His saddened gaze remaining on Horacio’s ashen face, Devlin informed me, “Alastor, Caelus, and Ayla asked me to tell you they would be down to see you shortly. Caelus, as always, was amazing today and a tremendous help. He reminds me so much of Horacio in his work ethic. The enthusiasm, determination, and dedication that he is already displaying to Spirit Walker has garnered Caelus a great deal of respect and admiration from both leaders and warriors in our army. While he would balk and make it very clear that Caelus’ new role will be several years down the road—Horacio would be very proud of his nephew.”

“I’m sure he will be very proud,” I replied with great hope in my tone, peering down while lovingly toying with Horacio’s fingers, “As I’ve told Lorenzo, Alastor, and Horacio—Caelus and Ayla have a very bright future together and are going to do wonderful things at Spirit Walker, which will bring with it even more respect and admiration—for both of them.”

***********

NICHOLAS

Buttoning up my maroon dress shirt, I tucked it into my black dress pants, curiously asking, “So, when do I get to see my lovely fiancé? Anabelle has been gone for quite a while now, my Alpha.”

Hearing the bathroom door open, I looked up—instantly dazed—Madeline looked stunning. As always, she kept her makeup minimal and natural—not that she needed any at all, though I loved her red lipstick and as always, her brown eyes sparkled beneath her long, dark lashes. Her hair was beautifully braided on the sides with cascading curls bouncing all around her smooth ivory shoulders, which were bare thanks to the maroon spaghetti straps on a fitted dress that fell just above her knees.

The top was a plunging v-neck of scalloped matching lace with a sheer piece across the top of her cleavage connecting them. Three strips of solid material were interwoven along her curvy waist, giving it a belted look, and the outfit made complete with a pair of maroon high heels and Madeline’s beloved statement tree of life necklace from Auntie.

Whistling as I walked towards her, I enthused in a long drawled out murmur, “Well, hello, gorgeous! That’s a new dress—and definitely my new favorite!”

Though she was smiling, Madeline nervously inquired, “It’s not too much? Auntie said it wasn’t—but she also said that it was a beautiful and elegant look for me—and I’m still not sure about that.”

“Believe me—she was telling the truth and I will be thanking Auntie profusely for this beautiful and elegant look she has created for you,” I amorously replied, taking her hands in mine, and extending them out as I continued to compliment her, “Between my inability to take my eyes off you and thoughts of having my beautiful Alpha all to myself after Selena’s party, I’m going to have a very hard time mingling this evening. What do you say we stay at the treehouse tonight? Spend a little time out on the deck so I can admire your beauty under the moonlight for a while?”

Slowly bringing her arms up to wrap around my neck, Madeline brought my face down towards hers, lovingly returning, “We’ll see. Not that I don’t find it a very tempting offer, but I want to keep an eye on things at the hospital. I do, however, thank you for your flattering reaction to my new dress. That enamored look in your eyes erases all the doubt I had about it. I believe it may be my new favorite too.”

Snatching her lips up into a passionate kiss full of the never-ending desire I would always have for her, I pulled Madeline harder against my body, my hands moving from her waist down to feel her firm, round butt as her giggle reverberated inside my mouth before she leaned back, laughingly chastising, “Reel it in, my Alpha. We have a party to go to first before you start your own.”

“Right,” I rasped out, wickedly grinning, “I told you it was going to be difficult.”

With a look of longing filtering into her gaze, Madeline whispered, “I love you, Nicholas. No one knows me like you do, which is why I have no doubt you know what I want to say next.”

“I do,” I adoringly whispered back, running a finger through one of her curls, “And I can tell you right now, Auntie is going to tell you no to postponing our wedding.”

“But I want Horacio there—I don’t want Auntie walking me down the aisle with Aruna bearing the weight of his absence if Horacio doesn’t wake,” Madeline disparagingly sighed, “Everyone will understand if we go ahead and postpone it for now.”

Kissing her softly, I stated afterwards, “Let’s not worry about that tonight. Hopefully, Horacio will come back to us soon and all will be as my Alpha wishes for our special day. As we all wish for our King of Fury and Fairy Queen.”