“It’s the first birthday I’ve had with you since the attack. I couldn’t let it go without giving you a party. Without telling you how special you are to me. Without thanking you for waiting for me, all these years.”
She just stared at me. I fidgeted, wiping the back of my neck.
“So, you called a demon?”
“I admit my planning could have been smoother.”
She pressed her hand over her eyes.Smoother, she mouthed.
When she dropped her hand, I expected her to be angry. I was angry for making such a foolish decision, for putting what I wanted—a party for her—ahead of all common sense that one should not ask minor favors of major demons.
“You know we have promises to Cupid we are bound by,” she said.
“I know.”
“You know Atë wants to kill us.”
“I know.” I took her hand. “I wasn’t thinking about all that. I was just thinking of you.”
Having no personal autonomy for so many years had made me yearn for the ability to choose to do a thing, even if it was a foolish thing, and experience it being done.
“The cake?” she asked.
“Ricky and the Crossroads remembered it was your favorite.”
“It really is marvelous. The best I’ve ever tasted.”
I nodded. “Apparently there’s a baker named Hogan in Ordinary who we owe some thanks to.”
She shook her head, but I saw forgiveness, or at least acceptance in her smile.
“Did you invite Raven and Ricky?” she asked.
“I think Raven just shows up wherever he wants. I don’t know how Ricky found out. Maybe he told her.”
“You’re welcome!” Raven yelled from inside the building, loud enough we could hear him through the windows.
I couldn’t help it, I laughed. A moment later, Lula laughed too.
“So?” I said. “Do you like it? The party? The balloons and flowers?”
“I like the party. The balloons, the flowers, the cake. But mostly, I like you, Brogan Gauge. Thank you for the best birthday of my life.”
I nodded, surprised at the wave of emotion that rose up to threaten tears.
“Let’s go promise a demon we’ll get the book to the library in Ordinary,” she said.
I squeezed her hand, and we walked into the café, together.
EPILOGUE
Clouds came in with the night and the wind shifted, restless, in the slightly cooler air.
The moon, large and bright, drifted lazily behind the slow-moving clouds. The sky was riveted with pin-prick stars, making it a lovely night for sleeping outside.
Abbi had declared the cab of the truck was now a tent fort and had stolen all the extra blankets and towels to turn it into a cozy little space.
She had also informed Lu and me that we were not allowed. Lorde was allowed. So, she and the dog and Hado, in tiny kitten form, were tucked up front, Abbi giggling and Lorde softly barking now and then.
