“Hold on, honey,” Apollo moved his hand to his daughter’s shoulder. “I think we need to talk about it with your uncle and auntie before we start making plans.”
Maya stole a glance at him, thinking he was upset with the idea. After she swallowed, she said, “Actually, if we could make it a surprise, at least for Naomi, I think that would work best. Otherwise, she’s going to nix all of the good ideas, saying it’s too much trouble.”
“Maybe she wants a small wedding,” Apollo said, looking at her.
Maya immediately shook her head. “She is the most gregarious person I’ve ever met. Except maybe Noel. She deserves something big to celebrate herself. And I’m sure Cosmo would be thrilled to have a chance to torment as many people as possible.”
“What does tormmenent mean?” Misty looked at her.
“She just means that he would have a really good time with a lot of people. Especially if he gets to tell them what to do.”
Misty immediately nodded. “He likes to be in charge. Daddy’s better, though.”
Maya smiled, “Yes, I agree with you there. I would much rather your father be in charge. Letting Uncle Cosmo be in charge makes me nervous.”
“It’s okay. Uncle Cosmo is nice. He won’t hurt you.”
“What’s this about my not hurting someone?” Everyone turned to see Cosmo standing in the doorway, Naomi just in front of him, his hand on her shoulder.
Maya looked at him, a wry grin on her face. “We were just saying that letting you be in charge is scary, but Misty here wastrying to convince me that you wouldn’t hurt me. I’m not so sure, though.”
He gave her a look of mock shock. “You wound me, Maya. To think I was telling Naomi that you would make a good sister-in-law.” He shook his head slowly and with exaggerated movements. “To think you were thinking so lowly of me at the same time.”
Misty put her hands on her hips. “You can be scary, Uncle Cosmo. One time, you jumped out from behind the door. That was scary.”
His expression dropped into a large frown. “I already apologized for that, Misty. So many times.”
Misty wagged a finger at him. “But you were still mean.”
Cosmo looked at Maya. “I hope you are happy with yourself. Making my own flesh and blood hate me.”
“No!” Misty said a little too loudly. “I don’t hate you! I’m sorry, Uncle Cosmo.” She ran and grabbed his leg.
Patting her back, he said, “It’s okay, sweetie. I’ll tell you what, you can make it up to me by coming outside and playing hide and seek with me and Naomi.”
“Yeah!” Misty ran out of the room.
Cosmo followed her, his booming voice resounding through the hallway outside of the room. Naomi looked at them. “Apollo, do you mind if we borrow Misty for a few hours? Cosmo wanted an excuse to go to the park and out for ice cream later.”
Apollo smiled, “Of course, he needs an excuse. Can’t just go himself.”
Naomi smiled, “He can’t have people thinking that he likes such … domestic things. So we want to use Misty to give him an excuse.”
“Of course. Have fun, Naomi.”
Naomi looked at Maya. “I hope you get better soon. Whatever’s wrong, you are in very capable hands.”
“Thanks, Naomi. I know. It’s … a very old wound that never got properly treated. The magic on the island apparently didn’t agree with it.”
Her business partner frowned. “You never told me about getting hurt.”
“It was when I was really little. Not something I talk about very often.”
The expression on Naomi’s face made it clear that she was bothered by this. Looking at Apollo, she said, “I know I can’t ask, but please, take care of her. She may be incredibly rough around the edges, but I’m sure there’s a good person in there fighting to get out.”
Apollo smiled, “I’ll keep that under advisement.”
A wicked grin spread across Naomi’s face. “So you haven’t seen a nicer version when you two are together, huh?”
