I tipped my head and glanced at her, the wheels in my brain spinning with ideas. “Actually, maybe you can help me plan something special for Zoe.”
“What do you have in mind?”
We bookedour wedding in a private botanical garden, a small gathering with our closest loved ones. I’d been a blubbering mess all day, overwhelmed with emotion.
Somehow, I was able to recite our vows. The ceremony moved slowly yet also dashed by super-fast in my hyperaware state.
Once it was over, I took Zoe in my arms and kissed my new bride.
Once we pulled apart, I gazed into my wife’s beautiful eyes, now gleaming with joyful tears. “I’ve never been so happy.”
“The same here, Lucas.” She reached up and cupped my cheek. “You don’t know what a difference you’ve made in my life. I’m thrilled and honored to be your mate and your wife.”
I stared at her, bubbling with emotion, until Ursula flew into my peripheral vision.
I turned to her and nodded. Let the celebration begin.
ZOE
“Look around you,” Lucas directed, gesturing in a semi-circle.
Dozens of tiny lights swayed in the night sky. It was the sprites, their bodies luminous like fireflies. Magical.
I gaped. “Wow, I didn’t know they could do that.”
“They usually save it for special occasions.” He winked. “I guess we’re worthy.”
I laughed and agreed. “Guess so.”
The celebration went into the evening. Gianna nudged Nova. “I know what we can sing tonight.”
What were they up to? During their wedding receptions, they’d sung Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” as Night Wedding and Bite Wedding. I put my hands on my hips. “Let me guess—Sprite Wedding?”
“Ding ding ding. Now that you mention it, that’s a good idea.” Gianna chuckled.
Lucas turned to the sprites. “What do you think?”
Ursula said, “Let’s do it.”
We didn’t have instruments here, so Lucas played the song over the loudspeaker. Gianna and Nova sang the chorus as “Sprite Wedding.” The sprites joined in, singing it with their tiny voices as they illuminated the night. Many changed their hair and outfit colors like blinking holiday lights, from pink to orange to green and blue.
If I thought them glowing was incredible, their ability to change colors was even more magnificent. It was a magical moment indeed, one I’d never forget.
When it was time for us to leave, I told him, “You sure know how to plan a spectacular wedding.”
He gave me one of his signature lopsided smiles. “I had some help.” He glanced at the sprites. “We talked about it, and they had some ideas. I didn’t even know they could light up like that.”
“Next stop, honeymoon.”
This trip was for us alone. We’d promised our families, who’d attended the wedding, that we’d take road trips to visit them in the near future. For the next week or so, we’d be sailing on a cruise out of New Orleans.
“Ooh, I can’t wait.”
“Plus, we have a balcony suite this time.” His eyes gleamed with mischief. “We’ll be spending plenty of time in there.”
I pictured some of the more memorable moments in bed from our last cruise. “It is a honeymoon, after all.”
Lucas took my hand. “Let’s say our goodbyes and then leave. The sprites will be gone by the time we return.”
