At the news of the coming nuptials the entire Pard raised their voices in joy. Their roars echoed across the bayou and anyone who was close enough to hear would no doubt be startled by it.
Gage stood with his arms wrapped around Mia as members of the Pard came to congratulate them. He thought about the changes that had taken place in recent years. If Zachary had still been Alpha, there wouldn't have been much of a celebration. The Pard had struggled under his control just to scrape by, but in the few short years that Caine had taken over, they were prospering. Everywhere you looked, it was obvious, even to the casual observer, that the Pard was doing well.
Mia
Mia couldn't help blushing every time someone approached to congratulate her and Gage on their engagement. It was so overwhelming and there was a time when she thought this day would never come. After loving him for so long, she'd finally gotten the one thing she'd really wanted; Gage. She leaned against him and a contented sigh escaped her.
“Happy, Princess?”
His murmured question made her look up at him. “Happier den I've ever been in my entire life.” She flashed him a smile. “I'm sure da day we say 'I do' will be even happier.”
Gage chuckled. “Mm, true.” He dipped his head and kissed her gently. “What are you gonna do now dat you've graduated?”
“I dunno. I was tinkin' about art school. I love bein' an artist, but maybe I could also be a teacher. I'd kinda like to help kids find dere own inner artists.”
“Den dat's what you'll do.”
“I dunno, Gage. How am I supposed to do dat wit' getting' married. Don't you want to start a family?”
“Princess, we have all da time in da world for dat. If you want to go to art school so you can get a degree and teach art, den dat's what you'll do. Besides, I'm a little selfish. I'd like to have you all to myself for a while wit'out havin' to share you wit' anyone, not even our own babies.”
Mia laughed even as her cheeks warmed. “You're terrible,” she teased.
“Nope, I'm just a man who is very much in love wit' his woman,” he said in a playful growl.
The growl made her shiver. “Mm, I like dat.” She lifted a hand and caressed his jaw. “You know, dere was a time when I didn't tink we'd ever get to dis point, dat I'd ever be in your arms like dis.”
“I know, and dat's my fault. I was such a fool.” He pulled her closer. “I will be forever grateful dat you gave me one last chance. If I'd lost you for good, my life would have been empty.”
“You just remember dat when dose girls at Tulane try to entice you.” There was a growl in her voice. The thought of anyone else being with him made her leopard want to bare it's claws.
“Dere's not a single person on dis planet who could entice me from your side. You're it for me, Mia. Now and always.”
Mia preened at his words. When the music began she let him pull her into his arms and danced the night away.
“So, I was tinkin'... an early Spring weddin'. Say...March 18th.” Mia and Gage were curled up together on the porch swing, enjoying the early evening breeze coming off the bayou. Gage had spent part of the day in classes and the other part working on the house that was being built for him and Mia.
“Dat sounds good to me. Do you want an indoor weddin'?”
She thought about it a moment. “No. Outside. Late afternoon so we can dance under da stars at da reception.”
Gage chuckled. “Dis comin' from da woman I used to have to talk into dancin'.” He kissed her temple. “You'll be da prettiest bride ever.”
She rolled her eyes. “Hardly, but thank you.”
“Are you doubtin' me?” He growled playfully. “Don't make me prove it, woman.”
Mia laughed. “I know you tink so, and dat's all dat really matters.” She relaxed against him. “Are you happy?” It was late summer, the day was still humid, but with the sun beginning to set it was starting to cool down a little.
“How could I not be happy, Princess? I've got da woman I love in my arms, our home is almost ready for us to start fillin' it wit' furniture, and in seven months I'll get to call you Mrs. Delacroix.”
“Oh, say dat again.”
“Mrs. Delacroix.” He dipped his head and playfully nipped at her neck.
“Get a room you two.”
Mia stuck her tongue out at her twin. He was just coming up the walk and he looked tired. “Rough day at da academy?”
