“Of course I do, and don’t be so judgmental,” I said perilously close to a snap.That she was being snarky with me I tolerated, because I didn’t really care what she thought about my life, but when she started talking trash about Fang, the situation was different.“You wanted a big-ass, flower-laden ceremony at a temple in Spain with three hundred people, and you had that.Fang and I aren’t interested in anything beyond what we’ve arranged for—namely, the chance to see everyone, get the legal stuff over with, and then go on our happy way.Now, please go to your own room so Fang won’t feel weird when he changes.”
“There’s someone—” Bess started to say.
“I’ll go check and make sure the coast is clear, all right?”I stopped myself from muttering as I went to check the various hallways, but it was a near thing.“There’s no one.”
Bess opened my door a crack, one eyeball squinting at me.
I made shooing motions.“Go to your room that Fang and I are paying for, please.I want to let people make my hair look under control, for a change.”
“Fine, but don’t blame us if we end up in jail again because you couldn’t let us hang in your room,” my sister said, snatching up a plate of lemon and raspberry macarons that I was planning on saving for an after-ceremony pick-me-up.“Just think of how many birds like Herbert will suffer if we go to jail!”
I said nothing, but waited for her and Monk to lock their door before I returned to grab my dress, sandals, and cosmetics.
EIGHT
The Denouement Crows at Midnight
EMILY
August 18th
“Dear friends—old and new—and beloved family members, you are welcome here to witness the exchange of rings and promises by Fang and Emily.”The officiant, a friend of Holly’s, entered the garden and stood before us in a white pantsuit and with what I could only think of as a lei of white flowers.She beamed first at everyone, then focused on us, her smile growing until she noticed the pillow that Holly (maid of honor) held.“Er ...”
“His name is Herbert,” I said, carefully adjusting the cowboy suit that Holly thought was his way of dressing up.“If you’re worried about the outfit, you needn’t be.Fang looked him over a little bit ago, and said that not only does Herbert appear in good shape considering his background, but also the costume doesn’t rub or hurt him.”
“Erm ...”the officiant said, still looking at Herbert, who sat on the pillow next to the rings.He looked quite interested in the proceedings.
“He is a former fighter and will now be living a life of ease and comfort,” I reassured the officiant.No doubt she was concerned about his welfare.
“The location of where he will do so is yet to be decided,” Fang chimed in, giving me a raised eyebrow that said much.
“You’re lucky I speak your eyebrow language,” I told him.We hadn’t had long to discuss what to do with Herbert, but I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to have a pigeon in a cowboy costume be ring bearer at my wedding, even if I didn’t get to add him to our menagerie.
“I amverylucky,” he said, squeezing my hands, and giving me a look so scorching, I almost pulled one of my hands from his to fan myself.
Almost.
