Archaic (Reverse Harem 2)

Chapter 1

~ Kyle

I’m nervous, and my feet shuffle side to side, looking down at the freshly cut green grass in the pasture beneath me. It’s a warm spring evening, the breeze blowing across the fields of the farm, and the sun dipping down in a prismatic display in the sky.

Standing there waiting for everything to begin, I listen intently to the chirping of the birds, the buzzing of the bees, and the trickle of the stream that runs through the pasture behind us.

Every moment since the Amazon trip, every heartache, every question, every choice has led me to this day. It has been a crazy ride, and one that I know I am destined to continue, but it is the best thing that ever happened to me.

I still remember the first time I met Clarissa, standing at the Center, waiting to be let loose to collect samples. We were in the Amazon, a trip most people would die to take, but for us, for the science community, it was an introduction into the world of

genetics. I never thought back then that I would one day be standing here, in front of rows of family and friends, waiting to marry her.

A tap on my shoulder from my best man forces a shift in my nerves. Slowly my eyes move up the aisle, past the succession of chairs and to the back of the self-made, open chapel. My heart is fluttering so fast it’s almost deafening, but as the music begins to play and the congregation rises to their feet, the most beautiful creature I have ever seen steps forward, a smile so big it’s visible even under the thick lace veil. My hands come together, and I stand up tall, smiling back at her, ready to make her my wife. The sounds of the violinist’s echelon echo across the green fields, harmonizing with the chirping crickets. All the nerves and all the worry wash away as I stare at that beautiful dark-haired princess, a vision in white, walking toward me, clutching her uncle’s arm.

As they approach, my mind wanders to the future, to the decades that I will have to spend with Clarissa. This is a dream I have held on to for so long, and it is finally coming to fruition. The pastor steps forward to begin the service. The interpreter lifts her hands at the ready, as Clarissa’s aunt is deaf.

“Before we begin, may I ask, who gives this woman today?” the pastor asks.

“I do,” her uncle states. “Me and her aunt.”

The pastor nods his head and watches as Clarissa’s uncle turns toward her, a look of love and pride in his eyes, and lifts her veil, kissing her gently on the cheek. She smiles big at him, clutching his hands in hers, a tear perched at the corner of her eye. He nods over at me and reaches her hand to mine, passing his only daughter, the girl that may have not been born his, but became his, over to my care. I have already promised a million times to take her and protect her and am about to do it again, in front of everyone.

We chose a shorter service, wanting to get married and enjoy our time with everyone. The pastor’s words are strong, meaningful, and full of love. My ears are perked, listening to the kind words that her aunt and uncle gave the pastor to read. I look over at Clarissa, and she squeezes my hand, winking at me. She is so gorgeous, so perfect, and finally, she is mine. It has been a bit of time since the day we told each other how we felt, the day that everything changed for her. In the end though, as I stand here taking my solemn vows, I know that no matter what happens in the future I know this girl better than anyone else, strange past or not.

“Clarissa and Kyle have chosen to write their own vows,” the pastor says looking at us both. “Clarissa, you may start first.”

She clears her throat and pulls out a piece of paper, slightly crumpled, which is entirely her style.

“Kyle,” she begins. “There is no one that I would rather chase monkeys with.”

Everyone laughs, and I look up at her and nod agreeing.

“There is no one that I would rather chase cats with, dogs with.

There is no one that I would rather be with for the rest of my life, through sickness, health, strange trips to Japan, and everything else that may come our way. You have been my best friend for a very long time, and now I get to have you as my husband. I promise to tend you when you are ill, argue my point even when I am wrong, and most importantly, love you for as long as I shall live.”

There are chuckles from the crowd and I know that no one truly understood those vows, but they mean the world to me. The pastor looks over at me, and I jump, clearing my throat and grabbing the paper from my back pocket. I got so caught up in her words I forgot my part.

“Clarissa,” I begin. “This world is made up of so many different people, animals, and creatures. There are seven-point-six billion sets of eyes, ears, noses, and brains perusing every part of this beautiful world, yet somehow you and me, we ended up in the same place at the same time in history. I have to say, that though science doesn’t support it, that sounds an awful lot like fate to me. You have been my best friend for a long time, and the love of my life before I even met you.”

A collective awe from the crowd causes me to pause, the blood rushing to my cheeks. I look around at everyone and chuckle, nodding my head in agreement. As I turn back to Clarissa, I notice a tear gently rolling down her cheek and my heart flutters again in my chest.

“I think I might be the luckiest of humans to have such an amazing woman pick me. I promise to always protect you, to always be there for you, to always comfort you, and to always and forever love you, until my dying breath.”

As I fold the paper and shove it back in my pocket, the pastor pulls out the rings. Clarissa is the first to go, gently pushing mine onto my finger, and then me, lifting her hand to my lips and kissing it gently as I slide hers down. I grasp her hand tightly in mine and smile as the pastor closes his book and cheerfully grins.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” he says looking at me.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

“Yes,” I cheer, pulling her close and planting a strong loving kiss on her lips.

The crowd stands to their feet and begins clapping, the sun just now dipping below the horizon. It is a beautiful moment, one that I will always cherish. We clasp hands and make our way down the aisle, waving at everyone as we head toward the barn which is now a sweeping display of white flowers and lace covered tables.

I can’t believe how fast the entire night is going, from the cake cutting to the first dance. By the time the moon is high in the sky, my feet ache, the champagne is bubbling in my brain, and I am longing to spend my first night with my new bride. We didn’t plan a honeymoon since work is calling and we have a lot of things to take care of, so we are planning to stay overnight at her parents’ house where the wedding is being held and then head off the next morning to our new apartment together.

“Mom,” Clarissa signs to her aunt, smiling as the two meet in the front of the barn. “Thank you so much for all of this. It is so beautiful.”

“It was my pleasure,” she signs back. “Your uncle and I, we wanted to make sure that you had a beautiful day.”

“It was more than that,” Clarissa replies. “And I am exhausted.”

“Hopefully, not too exhausted,” her uncle says, walking up to us.

“Your mother and I are going to stay up the way with the Bransons and give you two newlyweds some privacy for the night.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Clarissa replies. “We will be fine.”

“I know,” he says, hugging her tightly. “But it’s customary you stay alone your first night.”

“Thank you,” she says, her face in his shoulder.

I shake her uncle’s hand and turn to her aunt, bending down and hugging her tightly. They are wonderfully genuine people, and not only because they planned the whole wedding, but because they took care of Clarissa her whole life. As I look down at the time, Clarissa reaches over and grabs my hand, smiling at me.

“They are the last to leave,” she coos, lifting her eyebrows. “We are all alone now.”

“I see that.” I laugh, pulling her into my arms. “Shall we retire to the bedroom, my wife?”

“Ummm, I was thinking maybe we start out here in the barn,” she says smiling.

“Mmmm, I like that,” I say and chuckle. “Oh! Wait. I have a gift for you. It’s up in the room I dressed in. Just give me one sec, and I will go get it.”

“Oh,” she whines. “Can’t it wait.”