Page 63 of Curse of Ancients

Once everyone had finished eating, Bayu excused himself and made his way upstairs to their bedroom. He wanted a moment to collect his thoughts before the ceremony. The words were simple. Nothing elaborate, but they would bind him to Carleigh for however long he lived. He wished he had a token of his affection to give her, but maybe when he was off on his first trip, he would be able to find something for her.

Someone knocked on the door, and Bayu opened it to find Juniper holding something in her hand. “May I come in?” Bayu stepped back, and Juniper closed the door behind her once inside the room. “Carleigh mentioned earlier about the ceremony, so while I was out getting my camera, I took the liberty of buying rings. If you already have one for Carleigh, I can take this one back, but I wanted you both to have them, just in case since you’ve both been hiding out here.” She handed over the box, and Bayu opened it to find a band of alternating emeralds and diamonds. Simple yet elegant.

“It is stunning, Juniper. Thank you. I will pay you back.”

She waved him off. “Consider this your welcome to the family present.” Juniper pulled him into a quick hug before stepping back. “I am so glad you and C found each other.” With that, she left him alone. Bayu studied the ring, thankful for her thoughtfulness.

Bayu stowed the box in the dresser drawer with his underwear, and then he showered. Afterward, he applied the serum to his hair and combed it in place. Jon had brought most of his clothes from the apartment, so he had plenty of options. Maybe after Violet cast her spell to shield him, he could go gather the rest of his belongings. He would need to break the lease, but he had the money to do so. While choosing a shirt, Carleigh joined him in their bedroom.

She pressed her chest to his back and rested her cheek there. “We need to get the rest of your stuff from the apartment.”

“I was just thinking that. I would like for you to go with me to decide what to keep and what to put in storage. Or, if we do not need the furniture, I could donate it. Maybe we can go tomorrow after Violet shields me.”

“About that. Are you beyond positive you want her to cast a spell on you?”

Bayu turned and slid his arms around Carleigh’s back, clasping his hands at the swell of her butt. “Yes. I will not put you and Juni in any more jeopardy than I already have.”

“Okay. I won’t ask again. Now, what to wear?” Carleigh patted his chest before stepping out of his embrace and into the closet. It was large enough for both of them to peruse their side without bumping into one another. “You might want to get dressed. I have a feeling Juniper is going to burst in here to raid my clothes. She’s not that vain, but she will want something besides shorts and a T-shirt.”

Bayu owned two pairs of jeans, so he opted for the dark wash with a blue polo. He did not bother with shoes. Carleigh chose a blue sundress, and Bayu admired her body while she changed. If things went the way he planned, they would have sex later, and Tiger would give Carleigh his bite.

Juniper knocked. “Are y’all decent?”

“Decent? No. Dressed? Yes,” Carleigh joked.

Juniper walked past them both, pausing only to eye their clothes. She then went into the closet and closed the door.

“I’m going to freshen up my face and do something with my hair. I’ll meet you downstairs.” Carleigh pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed Bayu.

Instead of going to the living room, Bayu crossed the hall to Juni’s room where Gemi had already put him in different clothes. Gemi, however, was still in the shorts and T-shirt she had on at supper.

“Did Juniper or Kat get you some new clothes? I apologize for not making sure you were taken care of before now.”

“They did, and you have had plenty else to worry about.”

“Do you have something a little dressier? I know I said what we wear isn’t as important as the words, but Carleigh is wearing a sundress.”

“I thought this was a family portrait?”

“It is, and you are family, Auntie. Please do not forget that.”

Gemi’s eyes misted amid a smile. “Thank you, Nephew. It has been too long since I was part of something. I do not regret raising Juni, but it was only the two of us for the last year. My life was lonely, and you have given me back something I lost many years ago.” Gemi placed a hand on Bayu’s cheek before leaving the room.

Juni was on the floor with several of his plushies. “Do you want to bring one of your toys downstairs?”

“Free of dem.” Juni carefully chose three, stating the type of animal each was. Bayu didn’t realize the cub could count. He couldn’t wait until his mission for Baekyo was over so that he could spend quality time with Juni, learning more about him, teaching him new things, and showering him with all the love Bayu possessed. He stopped off in their bedroom for the ring before heading downstairs.

Juni ran to Katherine as soon as he was past the bottom step, showing off his plushies. She and Julian were dressed similarly to Bayu and Carleigh. When Carleigh, Juniper, and Gemi joined them, Juniper pointed toward the backyard. “What do you think of having the ceremony on the patio? The lighting is perfect for pictures.”

Bayu thought it would be lovely, and Carleigh agreed. Silas, who was standing by the sofa, lifted Juniper’s tripod and camera bag. The bodyguard followed everyone outside, and once Juniper had the camera set up, Bayu and Carleigh stood where the female indicated.

Bayu took Carleigh’s hands and spoke to their families first. “The reason I asked that we do this in front of everyone is so you will hear my vow. I grew up with wonderful parents who loved one another beyond measure, and I have witnessed the love between you, Julian and Katherine. I applaud you for raising a fine daughter in Carleigh. Juniper as well. I cannot express how much it means that you all so readily took my family into yours.” Bayu bowed slightly before turning to Carleigh.

“My Sayang, I pledge my life to you, from now until the end of my days. I vow to put you above all others. To care for you and protect you. To honor you with everything that I am. I will love you in this life and all the ones that follow.”

Bayu pulled the ring out of his pocket, nodding to Juniper in thanks. “Please accept this ring as a reminder of these promises.” He slid it onto her left hand, then lifted it and pressed a kiss there.

A tear rolled down Carleigh’s cheek, but her smile was brighter than ever. “My tiger, we have already sealed the bond, but I promise to be the best mate to you and the best mama to Juni. I will love you with everything I am, standing by your side with pride as we traverse our lives together. I adore you.” Carleigh also had a ring, which she slid on his finger before pulling his face down for a kiss.