Savitar looked over to where Nick Gautier sat with Artemis. “And we are all deeply grateful that Acheron didn’t kill our groom.”
Thorn didn’t speak as he imagined the looks on both Acheron and Nick’s faces.
Savitar paid them no heed. “Your love for Simi and Thorn fills this ceremony with meaning, and we’re grateful that so many of you have joined us for this. Makes me wish I’d prepared a better ceremony. But that’s okay. I’m told our couple have prepared their vows.” He inclined his head to Thorn.
Thorn smiled at her. “Sim … you are the light in my darkness. Before you … well, I can’t really remember a time in my life before you. But what I do remember are all the times when I needed a friend and you were there, without hesitation. You are the air I need. The only thing to keep me going, and I promise to love you for eternity and to trust you with my credit card. Even when you’re watching QVC.”
Simi laughed at the most wonderful thing she’d ever heard. She still couldn’t believe this moment was real, but she was grateful for it. “My dearest Thorny-man, the Simi has loved you since the first time you made me laugh. Which happened to be the first day we met. I can’t believe that you will be my husband. Mostly, I’m glad akri didn’t hurt you. You have given me your hand and I promise to give you my forever. The Simi will always love you and I will protect you and make good use of all your credit cards.”
Everyone, especially Acheron, laughed.
Thorn kissed her hand.
Savitar sniffed before he cleared his throat. “By the powers vested in me by me, I now declare you married demon and demon. Thorn, gently kiss your bride and remember that Acheron is watching and scowling. Let’s not end this in carnage.”
“I’m sure he’s scowling more at you at the moment.” Thorn cupped her cheek in his hand and quickly kissed her lips.
Even that light touch was enough to thrill her. This was her husband. Now and forever.
No one would ever divide them. And hopefully akri wouldn’t kill him.
Thorn stepped back as everyone cheered. It was a perfect moment, and Simi was grateful to everyone who was here to share it.
They rushed down the aisle to where the tents were set off to their left. Their reception was extra special. Catered by Fang and Aimee and the staff at Sanctuary, it was her favorite barbecue and fixings, along with a chocolate fountain for dessert.
At this moment, she had everything she’d ever wanted and one thing she’d never planned on.
A demon of her own.
Laughing, she hugged Thorn. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being mine.”
Epilogue
Simi bit her fingernail as she walked through the temple that had been her home with Thorn since they’d married six months ago.
While this had never been her favorite building in Katateros before, it had become the best one ever. Mostly because it had everything she loved.
And it was where she spent lots of time with Thorny.
At the moment, however, he was angry and yelling on the phone at someone.
He hung up, then glared at her. “You know what I miss most?”
“Newspapers?”
“What?” He snorted at her arbitrary comment, and shook his phone at her. “No. I miss when you used to slam a phone down in anger. Madly pressing a button just doesn’t have the same satisfaction.”
“Well, that’s just a weird thing to miss. You must also hate that you don’t have doors to slam, either.”
“Exactly! That’s half the problem with kids today. No effective way to convey their fury.”
Sure. Why not blame it on that? It made as much sense as anything.
“Well, it’s interesting that you brought that up.”
