I had a vague notion what that meant. I didn’t think they could be away from their bonded area for long and started to ask Holland about it when two other figures stepped through—a blond-haired individual with a smattering of freckles over his nose and barely pointed ears. I stiffened at the other’s presence.
“A fairy?” More than a hint of unease echoed through my words.
“Be at ease. That is Hellfire Rayburn, though many call him Ray.”
My racing heart eased a little. “I spoke with him on the phone, but I’ve never met him in person.”
“Hmm, few have. Make no mistake, Hellfire is not to be trifled with, but he is far more subdued with his bond mate, Wendall beside him. Even when Wendall is absent, I have found Hellfire to be decently reasonable. For a fairy.”
Something fluffy shifted along Wendall’s shoulder, and my mouth dropped open. “A scuttlebutt. Is that—”
“I believe the creature’s name is Trinket.”
I stared. I’d never seen one until Aurelia managed to get her hands on Fuzzy Britches, but from what I understood, this is where the fascination started.
Phlox’s gaze found me, and his lips split into a wide grin. Making a beeline my direction, Phlox flew, Leon hot on his heels. “Franklin!” Phlox punched me in the shoulder. For such a small creature, his hit sent me skidding sideways. “It’s damn good to see you up and about.” Phlox’s gaze raked over me. “You don’t look too bad for a dead guy.” At my wince, Phlox apologetically asked, “Too soon?”
“Let’s just say I’d appreciate you not saying those comments around Boone.”
“Noted.”
“We are pleased to be here for your bonding ceremony,” Leon kindly said. “We were pleased to be invited to such an auspicious event.”
Phlox pointed to their group, gathering around the refreshment table. Mrs. Hart and Nana had already made their way over to greet them. Ms. Boone was in the house with her son, helping him get ready. “Everyone wanted to come. Erasmus kind of saved our collective bacon a couple years back. I hope you don’t mind.” Phlox reached up, scratching behind an ear, and I realized his Pallas’s cat ears had peeked through and were twitching atop his head.
I shook my head. “The more the merrier.” Then I remembered something Holland had said and asked, “But it’s my understanding there are some bonded pixies in the group. I thought they couldn’t be away from their bonded for long.”
Phlox chuckled. “Oh, they can’t.” He threw me a wink. “I spoke with Wendall regarding Ray’s…unwillingness…to transport us around.”
“Wendall was not pleased,” Leon said.
“No. No, he was not.” Phlox flew a little higher, his arms crossed and, thankfully, his dust flowing downwind. “Let’s just say Ray’s had a change of heart and agreed to transport us here and back. Peaches and Phil are the only ones truly affected, and he’ll have them back to their homes in less than three hours. Parsnip is bonded to Vander, so as long as Vander’s around, he’s okay. Since I’m not a social pixie, I’m not really bonded to Leon in the same way, but my Pallas’s cat side allowed me to mate with him, and I’m his beloved. As long as we stick together, we’re good too.” Phlox narrowed his eyes. “That doesn’t mean I’m riding on a damn plane again.”
Evidently that was still a sore spot.
“Hello, Franklin. Are we interrupting?”
My attention pulled to the side and down, a huge grin splitting my face. “Deni!” I wanted to pull the young brownie into my arms but wasn’t sure what the proper etiquette was. Deni solved my dilemma by throwing his small arms around my hips and hugging me tight. I got a much better look at him when he pulled away. “You look a damn sight better.”
Deni vigorously nodded. “I feel a lot better.”
“When did you get here?”
“Just now.” Deni thumbed over his shoulder, indicating the area where our Virginia friends had congregated. “Momma and Poppa are over there. They’ll come by and talk to you later.” Deni went up on tiptoes as his eyes scanned the gathered group. “Where’s Lydia?”
“She’s inside with Boone. She’ll be out soon.”
As if reading my mind, the music changed, signaling things were about to begin. I scanned the lawn, quickly finding Erik and Evan. We nodded to each other, and I excused myself. “Well, gentlemen, it looks like it’s time.”
“I’ll go get Momma and Poppa.” Deni gave me another hug before he darted off, leaving me alone again with Phlox, Leon, and Holland.
Phlox gave me a lascivious grin while Leon said, “Many wishes for a long and happy life with your beloved.”
“Thank you. God and Gaia willing, Boone and I will be sitting on our porch drinking sweet tea and listening to the cicadas while our bones creak.” I looked to Holland. “You ready?”
Instead of verbally answering, Holland walked toward the arbor. I followed and was soon met by Erik and Evan. I tugged on my jacket before pulling at my tie. Erik and Evan were at my back. The minister stood beside a Wiccan elder. Our ceremony would be Christian and Wiccan. The Christian ceremony was first, followed by handfasting.
The music changed again, and Boone walked through the gate. My eyes lit up when I saw him. Dressed in a simple white, long-sleeved, untucked shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of loose charcoal-gray pants, Boone’s bare feet confidently walked through the grass. Lydia Boone followed in a lavender dress, her hair swept up into an artful array of waves and curls.
