Cypress - Gen 9 Ch 7

After that transcendent moment at the hidden spring, Star and I spent every moment together that we possibly could. She showed me all her favorite places, but I have to admit, I missed most of the scenic panoramas due to not wanted to take my eyes off her precious face for even a moment.

Every morning Magic and I would head over to the well-kept little log cabin where she lived with her granny and a multitude of small children who were somehow related to Granny in ways I never quite understood. Usually Star's black and white cat Pixie would meet us at the front steps and escort us to the door.

Sometimes we'd stay to keep Granny company while the little ones were at school, and  Magic and Pixie took the opportunity to become reacquainted.

While they played, I'd ply Granny with questions about the pendants, and the spring. She confirmed what Star had hinted at back when I first met her, that the spring had kept her alive long past her natural life span, in order to preserve the pendant's succession.  She claimed it was not unusual for the pendant holder to wait hundreds of years for a successor to appear.

Eventually though, I'd take Star's hand, and we'd say goodbye to Granny and head off to whatever fascinating new place Star wanted to show me that day.

One day she showed me the high meadow where the wild horses run.

"Shh. This is close enough. We can watch from here. Aren't they beautiful?" She sighed. "I'd love to have one someday. There's no room at my house though."

I nodded in agreement. I didn't say anything, but I promised myself that I would make sure that someday soon I'd make her wish come true.

That day we ended up, as usual, at our favorite spot. It still amazed both of us, that this small piece of real estate was invisible to the rest of the world. We often used it as our own private sanctuary, a place to talk, and sometimes kiss, away from prying eyes.

But today was special, and my nerves were almost getting the best of me. I drew in a deep breath to calm myself, but I couldn't stop my fluttering heart. Star instantly sensed my nervousness. She drew a soft finger across my cheek.

"Cy? Is something wrong?" She asked with concern.

Gazing into her beautiful emerald eyes, I gained courage I didn't know I possessed.

Gently, I took her hand in mine, and slowly sunk down to one knee. Yup, I was going to do this the old fashioned way.

"My shining Star, I love you from the bottom of my heart. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

I didn't realize I was holding my breath until she enthusiastically cried, "Yes! Oh yes!"

And all my nervousness melted away as I tenderly placed the ring on her slender finger.

I pulled her close, and we held each other for a long time, just enjoying the moment. Finally, reluctantly, as the sun was setting, we broke apart. I took her hand once more, and we slowly walked the short distance back to her cabin, to break our good news to Granny and the kids.

It was impossible to please both my parents, and Star's Granny. Mom's team was in the middle of playoffs, and Granny had never been on an airplane in her life, and didn't intend to start now. So we settled on the actual ceremony on the shore of the lake in Hidden Springs, with a few of Star's relatives and friends in attendance. There would be a reception in Riverview when we arrived home. Star as always, knew just what to say to calm me down before the fateful hour. as the first guests began to arrive.

"Stop worrying, hon. I'll be right next to you the whole time. And you know almost everyone who's coming, right?"

But in the end, the sight of Pixie sound asleep on one of the folding chairs made me laugh out loud, and suddenly I was relaxed, and ready to go.

Our vows were short and sweet, and I smiled with joy as I slid the shiny gold band onto her finger.

Then she did the same, and it was official. My heart was soaring.

As the sun set behind the mountains, we kissed for the first time as husband and wife.

Granny's kids were the designated rice throwers...

and Magic found a seat next to his buddy - to keep an eye on things, is my guess.

Granny watched over the proceedings with a hugs grin on her face.

I even made a small speech - a first for me.

And then of course came the cake cutting.

Afterward we sat together on the soft grass, and as we gazed up at the full moon, I told her the story of Chang'e, that my grandfather had told me when I was a child.

"And that is why the harvest moon shines so bright, because of the love between Chang'e and her husband."

"Oh, I see her! Look, Cy - there she is!"

Back in my cabin, I was all nerves, and she was suddenly shy.

But in the end, we figured it out, and for the first time, I tenderly made love to my shining Star.

The next morning Granny was at our door bright and early to say goodbye.

"You take good care of  our Star, now. And promise me you'll came back soon for a visit!"

"I'll miss you, dear heart. You take good care of Cy, now, won't you?"

"I will Granny. And we'll be back before you know it!"

Then she gave her Granny one last hug, and we were on our way home. I had arrived alone, with only my pendant to guide me, and now I was returning home with my shining Star, and Magic and Pixie as well. I couldn't wait.