Control

Chapter 40

Everyone was going about the business of getting ready for the wedding. The women were all at Mikaela’s primping hair and applying makeup. Mia had her work cut out for her. She looked at the 2 bruised women and set about covering the marks.

“Mikaela, why don’t you put sunless tanning lotion on your arms and legs? Letty, let’s cover that bruise with some cover-up.”

“Damn, baby girl. You sure are bossy.”

“I just want you to look absolutely beautiful when you marry my brother. Not that you aren’t drop dead gorgeous already.” She smiled at her soon to be sister-in-law.

“Thank you, Mia.” She finished rubbing the lotion on her legs and started on her arms. “Letty, why don’t you put some of this on your stomach?”

“Thanks.” She took the bottle from Mikaela and started to cover the discoloration on her abdomen. “That ointment that Andros put on me worked like a charm. I don’t think I need to wrap these today.”

“That stuff does work wonders. I have a lifetime supply of it. Oh, do we have everything that we’re going to wear?”

“Yes. I laid the bikinis and sarongs out on the bed.”

“Mia, you are wonderful.”

“I know. I even have white orchids for our hair.”

Mikaela finished applying some mascara and looked at herself in the side of the mirror that wasn’t broken. She glanced at the broken side and remembered how shattered she felt when she did that. Then she looked at her reflection again. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

Mia came up behind her and smiled. “Believe it. You are marrying your soul-mate in under an hour.” She wrapped her arms around Mikaela’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “Your face and hair are perfect. Go get dressed. Come on, Letty.”

The girls moved into the bedroom and over to the bed. Mikaela’s bikini was a white strapless top and thong bottoms. The top had glistening stones in a starburst pattern in the center of her breasts. She slipped on her thong and wrapped the mid-thigh sarong around her waist. It had the same starburst pattern on the hip that tied.

Mia and Letty’s tops tied around their necks halter-style. They pulled on the bottoms and wrapped their knee-high sarongs around their waists.

“I have something for both of you.” Mikaela walked into the closet and returned with 3 diamond anklets.”

“This is fucking beautiful.”

“Letty, you sure do have a way with words. Thank you, Mikaela.”

“You’re welcome.” The girls put on their anklets and ran to the bathroom to look at their reflections in the mirror. “We look hot.”

Mia giggled and went to grab the orchids. All 3 of them wore their hair down. Mia tucked the prettiest orchid into Mikaela’s curly black locks. Letty and her put theirs behind their ear.

“I guess we’re ready.” Mikaela said and drew in a deep breath.

“I guess you are.”

Mikaela turned around and saw her father’s mother standing at the top of the stairs. “Grandma. What are you doing here?”

“I came to see my granddaughter get married. I also had to deal with that ugly business of your uncle. My son.” Mikaela was about to speak when the old Indian woman shushed her. “Mikaela, I would’ve stopped him myself if I had gotten here in time. He was my son and his loss hurts but what he was going to do was horrible. You are the only child of my first-born. It would’ve destroyed me to lose the only thing I have left of your father.”

“You have something else now. I’ve made you a great-grandmother.”

Her grandmother opened her arms and Mikaela threw herself into a hug. “Child, you have made me very happy.”

“She’s a real Indian. You hardly see that anymore.” Letty was stunned.

“One hundred percent Apache Indian. This part of my family never treated me like the others. They tried to calm my inner beast not harvest it. An interesting thought considering people use to think of them as savages.”

“You look beautiful, Mikaela.”

“Thank you, grandma.”

“Let’s not keep your young man waiting.” They headed downstairs and found Leon waiting for them. He stood up and held his breath. “I believe this gentleman is waiting to walk you down the aisle. We’ll see you outside, child.” Serena walked outside with Mia and Letty leaving Leon and Mikaela alone.

“You look breathtaking, Micki.”

She blushed and lowered her eyes. “Thank you, Leon.”

He walked up to her and took her hands in his. “You ready, baby?”

“I’m scared to death but yeah, I’m ready.” She linked her arm through his and they headed out to the beach.

All of the men were wearing white wife-beaters and white shorts except for Sallah. He wore white robes and was going to perform the ceremony. When Dom saw her the air left his lungs. They were approaching slowly and he couldn’t wait to touch her.

“You know, Micki, it’s not too late to run away with me.” Leon whispered to her. She giggled and leaned her head against his shoulder. When they stopped in front of Dom, Leon placed her hand in his, kissed her on the cheek, and stood back.

Their eyes ran over each other’s caramel skin that was accentuated by the white clothing. They stared into each other’s eyes as Sallah conducted the ceremony in his native tongue. When he finished his part, he spoke to the couple in English. “I believe you have your own words that you would like to exchange. Dominic.”

He took both of her hands in his and drew a shaky breath. “The first time I saw you, you were in pain and fighting a battle within yourself. I couldn’t think of anything else but you from that moment on. When we made eye contact, you drew me inside of you and after that I never wanted to leave. I’ve seen your strength, your compassion, your weakness, and your love. I want it all. I have never known love like this before you came into my life. I will worship you, cherish you, and love you beyond my dying day. We complete each other.”

Tears flowed down both of their faces and Sallah turned his head towards his grandchild. “Mikaela.”

“I spent my entire life running. I was always alone even surrounded by others. When I first looked into your eyes, I felt like I was at home inside of you. I never felt that before. I fought the feelings you brought out in me out of fear but you broke through all of my insecurities and defenses. You made me love again. I came down here to wait for death and you made me live again. I was never whole until I found you. I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it. I will worship you, cherish you, and love you beyond my dying day. We complete each other.”

Sallah nodded at Vince and Mia. They handed the gold bands to Dom and Mikaela.

Dom slipped the ring on Mikaela’s hand. “I take you as my wife, my mate, and my love forever.”

Mikaela placed the ring on Dom’s finger. “I take you as my husband, my mate, and my love forever.”

“Dominic.” He turned his tear-stained face towards Sallah’s smiling face. “You may kiss your bride.”

He picked her up by her waist and kissed her deeply. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the passionate kiss. The others started clapping and whistling at the heated exchange.

They broke their kiss and stared into each other’s eyes. “Hello, Mrs. Toretto.”

“Hi, Mr. Toretto. I love you, Dominic.”

He leaned his forehead against hers. “I love you too, Mikaela.” He set her down and took her ringed hand in his. “Where did you get these bands?”

“That would be from me, son. They are Egyptian eternity bands. Considering your bond, I thought them appropriate.”

“Thank you, grandfather.” Dom nodded his head at Sallah and the old man nodded back.

“My love, you are scoring major points with my grandfather. Now I’d like to introduce you to my grandmother, Serena.”

He turned to see the mother of the man he had killed the day before. His eyes lowered to the ground. She took his chin in her hand and lifted his face to meet her eyes. “Son, you have nothing to feel guilty about. You were protecting your mate and child. Mikaela’s father was a treasure. A kind, gentle man that my husband tried to change into the monster that his younger brother was. It didn’t work. Frank wanted the power that Lawrence had but tradition deemed otherwise. You saved my grandchild and great-grandchild. I love you for that.”

Dom kissed her hands and his tear-filled eyes met Serena’s. “Thank you.”

“He is lovely, Mikaela. You found a keeper. I hope the 2 of you find all the happiness you deserve.”

“Thanks, grandma.” The 2 women embraced and then touched their foreheads together. “I love you, Rain.”

“I love you, my Fire.”

Dom heard their exchange and whispered. “Fire.”

Mikaela turned to him and smiled. “That’s me. The tribe called me Angry Fire. The whole bad temper and black eyes thing brought it on, I guess.”

He grinned at her embarrassment. “Mick, I love learning all about you. Fire is a perfect name for you. Come here, baby.” She moved into his arms and he kissed her gently on her lips.

Vince wrapped them both in his arms and squeezed them closer together. “Okay. Break it up. There’s plenty of time for that later. It’s time to party.”

“Alright, man. Let us go.”

“Hey, Dom, can I get a kiss from the bride?”

“It’s your funeral, Vince.”

Vince grabbed Mikaela, dipped her, and gave her a hard kiss. He brought her upright and grinned when she brought a hand to her mouth and took a deep breath. “I’ve wanted to do that since I first saw you. I know, I’m a pig, right?”

Brian shook Dom’s hand and pulled him into a hug. “Congratulations. You’re a lucky man.”

“Thanks, Brian. Don’t wait too long to make an honest woman of my sister.”

Mia was hugging Mikaela and saving Vince from a punch. “I heard that! Hey, sister-in-law.”

“Hey, sister-in-law.” They were in tears and rocking each other. They pulled apart and kissed each other on the cheek. Brian tapped Mikaela on the shoulder. “Brian.”

“Mikaela.” He kissed her hand and pulled her into his arms.

“Hey, big brother. Did you ever think in a million years that you’d find and marry your soul-mate while fleeing the states from the law?”

“No, little sister, I didn’t but I couldn’t be happier.” He hugged Mia and they saw Leon tap Brian’s shoulder.

“I believe it is my turn.” Brian stepped away from her and they stared at each other. “You are glowing.”

“I’m happy. I married the man of my dreams. Can I get a kiss from my best friend?”

“If it’s okay with your husband.”

She grabbed his head and pulled him into a kiss. His hands cupped her face and he returned it gently. She pulled back and smiled at him. “I do not need his permission to kiss my best friend. I love you.”

“I love you too. Dom, here’s your wife.” He gently pushed her back into Dom’s arms, caressed her cheek, and shook Dom’s hand. “Congratulations, brother.”

“Thanks, Leon.”

He moved away and Mikaela’s smile faltered for a moment. *Pain* She turned to her husband and buried herself in his chest.

“Baby, are you ok?” He wrapped his arms around her waist and she could feel his overwhelming love for her. She nodded her head against his chest. “Mick, look at me.” She looked up into his eyes. “What is it?”

“Nothing, my love. I won’t let anything ruin our day.” She smiled at him and he kissed her on top of her head.

“Mick, go talk to him if you need to.”

“No. Dance with me.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and swayed to the melody that just started. She smiled and sang softly to him.

I wake in the night
To find you on my mind
Deep in a dream
You’ll always be
Til the end of time

I look in your eyes
They touch my soul
My love is hard to hide
I’m never alone
When we’re apart
I feel you by my side

And here in my heart
Where no one else will ever be
I know who you are
So lock the door
And throw away the key

Save all your love
Save your love for me
When I’m alone at night
You’re all I see

I wake from a dream
And see you by my side
How could I belong with someone else
When holding you feels so right

And here in my heart
Where no one else will ever be
We’ve made it so far
So lock the door
And throw away the key
Yeah

Save all your love
Save your love for me
When I’m alone at night
You’re all I see
Save all your love
Save your love for me
Don’t turn your back on me
You’re all I need

I know who you are
We’ve come so far
So baby stay with me
Yeah

Save all your love
Save your love for me
Don’t turn your back on me
You’re all I need
Save your love
Save all your love
Baby save your love for me

“I love you, husband.”

“I love you, wife.” He lifted her up under her arms and raised her above his head. She looked down at him and initiated the bond. He pulled her into a kiss and spun her around like a man who just found the greatest treasure.

Leon listened to her sing the heartfelt song to Dom and pushed his pain aside. She meant the world to him and he wanted her to be happy. He grabbed a glass of champagne and raised it. “Ladies and gentlemen. I introduce to you, Mr. & Mrs. Dominic Toretto. I wish you a long, happy life filled with family and overbearing friends. I love you.”

The others raised their glasses and toasted the newlyweds. The couple smiled brightly and Mikaela mouthed ‘thank you’ to Leon.

The food and festivities continued on for a couple of hours. The couple remained in each other’s arms the entire time. Dom finally couldn’t stand it any longer and addressed their family. “I would like to thank you all for joining us on this special occasion but, if you’ll excuse us, I want to take my wife to bed.” He swept her up in his arms and carried her inside to whistling and cheering of their family.

~~Song “Save Your Love” by Great White~~