Yolanda laughs. “I love that we are so invested in each other’s lives. It isn’t creepy at all.”
I snort. “Invested isn’t the word I would use. This town’s codependency borders on pathological,” I hesitate before I let out a laugh. “But I love it.”
Yolanda giggles, reaching up to touch her bond mark. “Same.”
“How’s the bookstore?” Harry asks. “You and that place were as fated as you and your scent matches.”
Danger lets out a woof that draws Harry in. He crouches and tickles Danger’s belly.
“Oh, it’s a dream. Marla said to do whatever I want to make it mine, so I’m going to close it next week, and everyone’s coming to help paint it and rearrange the shelves.”
“I’ll bring lunch!” Yolanda and Harry say at the same time.
“Chips and schnitzel rolls?” Yolanda asks.
“With gravy and potato cakes?”
They bump fists, looking far too pleased.
“Deal.”
I look between the two of them and shake my head. They are the perfect team. I know everyone was worried about a café and a chip shop right next to each other, but they make it work.
Sunshine Cove makes it work. If you come here with an open heart and you fit in, we’ll make space for you. That’s how it’s always been.
The door slams open. “What are you doing? Come on, you need to get ready.”
Mum’s face is red, and she fans herself as she adjusts her beautiful turquoise dress.
“Is it time? Oops, sorry, Lorelei. We’ll close up and head down there.” Yolanda says.
I don’t get an option. Mum grabs my arm, hands Danger off to Pops, and drags me to the pub where she pushes a bag into my hands.
Nerves dance, but Mack soothes them through the bond.
“Go put this on.”
I look down at myself. “I was just going to wear-”
“Go get changed,” mum growls out in a voice that would terrify anyone.
“Yes, Mum.”
I go and get changed, and when I come out of the stall and see myself in the mirror, it suddenly hits me. Butterflies fill my stomach, dancing on the eddies of my nervousness. The white dress is simple and stops at mid-thigh. The material floats with every movement I make. I lift a hand to the dolphin necklace and see the shell bracelet courting gift on the omega in the mirror. I’ve got my sapphire ring on, and I’m sporting the silvery scars of my bonds, two of which are visible. My hair is glowing. I look happy.
The door opens, and Cordelia and Asher slip inside. They come straight to me and hug me.
“I can’t believe you’re really doing this. You always swore you would never. You sell out!” Cordelia teases.
“You try saying no to my mother. And she went to them first, I had no chance,” I say in my defense, though I know I wouldn’t have argued hard. Especially not when I saw how happy it was making Elijah.
“A bonding ceremony, though?”
I snort a laugh. I remember when we were all thirteen years old, sitting on the beach eating ice cream, and we had made a pact never, ever to have a bonding ceremony. With one exception, unless we found true love.
“It’s true love.”
Asher laughs. “Happy for you, sis.”
