I shook my head. “You’re perfect.”
She blushed, then leaned in and kissed me, careful not to smudge her lipstick.
Oscar popped in, tail curled smartly. He wore a little black jacket and a high-collar white shirt with a black vest and gray silk cravat. “Shall we depart, sir, Miss?”
We laughed, and for a moment, there were no witches trying to harm my mate, no danger, no tomorrow. Just the three of us, standing in a sunlit room, ready for the rest of our lives.
I offered my arm. “Shall we, m’lady?”
She took it, and together we walked out the door, the late-day sun painting everything in gold.
The walk from the truck to the altar was only thirty yards, but the way Aspen clutched my arm made it feel like a parade down Main Street. Everyone was already in motion—pack kids running underfoot, Pearl and Maddie adjusting tablecloths and lanterns, the drone of the sound system testing in the background. The golden light of the day had deepened, and as we passed under the string of lights, the entire world glowed pink and orange.
I did a sweep of the clearing, noting the new arrivals. Parker had set up a command post by the espresso bar, logging every guest in real time. Gunner circled the perimeter, giving two-fingered salutes to anyone he knew. Arsenal manned the entrance, nodding to the VIPs as they arrived.
The first big arrival at the ceremony area was Menace and Savannah. They came in like the royalty they were, moving with a casual confidence that reminded everyone exactly who they were. Savannah wore a fitted green dress and cowboy boots, her hair tamed into glossy curls. Menace was all ice and steel, but the way he smiled at Savannah melted a little of the hard edge. I shook his hand, then guided them toward the altar where Bronc and Juliet were waiting for the official start.
Next up was the vampire King Kazimir. Lucia was close behind, plus a couple of enormous “advisors” who looked like they could rip the transmission out of a diesel truck with their bare hands. Kazimir greeted me with a predator’s smile, sharp and gleaming, then turned his attention to the dessert table.
He moved with impossible speed and grace, and within seconds he was standing behind Aspen, watching her as she double-checked her cake.
“Miss Waters,” he said, his voice silk over broken glass. “Your reputation precedes you.”
Aspen nearly bumped into the cake. She spun around, eyes wide.
“Thank you, sir,” she said, ducking her head. Her southern accent got thicker when she was nervous.
Kazimir nodded, then motioned to Lucia. “My daughter is an admirer of your work.”
Lucia, tall and lithe, wore a black sheath dress and lipstick the color of cherry cordial. She leaned in and studied the cake.
“It’s beautiful,” she said to Aspen, her voice low and smoky. “You’re an artist.”
Aspen’s cheeks went pink. “You’re very kind.”
Kazimir lingered another beat, then turned to me. “Congratulations on the occasion, Mr. Rice.”
I gave him my best “business handshake” and made a mental note to keep the vampires away from the cocktail table.
The guests kept coming. My parents came down the aisle, and I stiffened. They walked up to the table, the look on their faces best described as sheepish.
“Son, Aspen. It’s lovely to see you again.” My mother’s voice was strained but civil.
My father shook my hand.
I decided just to be myself. “Hi Mom, Dad. Y’all look nice.”
Aspen spoke up also. “Mr. and Mrs. Rice, it’s nice to see you.”
My mother looked surprised that Aspen was civil to her.
“This is a beautiful cake, Aspen. You are very talented.” Her voice was sincere.
“Oh, thank you so much.” She replied with a heart-melting smile. There is no way you couldn’t love this woman.
“Well, we need to take our seats, I guess.” My dad was clearly ready to move on.
I gave Aspen a wink.
