The words made Isla’s chest tight with emotion. Harper had flown in from Cape Cod three days ago, and seeing her best friend here in this magical place felt like the final piece of her new life clicking into place.
Evelina glided into the room, resplendent in deep emerald silk that complemented her silver-streaked hair. Her eyes—so like Damon’s—sparkled with maternal pride. “She certainly did find her perfect match. I’m just glad I got to help orchestrate it.”
Isla turned to face the woman who had become like a second mother to her, just as she was to Damon. The bond between them had formed naturally, built on their shared love for the stubborn Alpha and a mutual appreciation for the finer things in life—like perfectly brewed tea and well-stocked bookstores.
“I still can’t believe I got set up by a matchmaker,” Isla said, her voice soft with wonder. “But after everything we’ve been through, all the love we’ve found, the family I’ve gained here on this island...” She shook her head, her auburn curls catching the light. “I can’t bring myself to be upset about it. Not even a little.”
The universe had conspired to bring her here, to this moment, to the man who was probably wearing a path in the sand outside while he waited for her. The thought made her lips curve in a smile that was pure satisfaction.
“I thought I heard someone talking about me.”
The familiar voice made all three women turn toward the doorway, where Gerri Wilder stood in all her petite, powerful glory. Today she wore a stunning coral pantsuit that somehow managed to be both elegant and playful, her white bob perfectly styled despite the island humidity. Her eyes—currently more gold than blue—twinkled with mischief and satisfaction.
“Gerri!” Isla’s face lit up as she moved carefully toward the matchmaker, mindful of her flowing skirt. “I’m so glad you could make it for the big day.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, dear.” Gerri’s voice carried that familiar mix of warmth and sass that had first intrigued Isla in the bookstore months ago. “A beach wedding in paradise? And the chance to check out the new island bookstore that’s already getting rave reviews online?”
Harper beamed, her practical nature momentarily overwhelmed by pride. “Both bookstores—the one in Cape Cod and this one on Everflame Isle—are absolutely thriving. We’re booked solid for events through the end of the year.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Gerri said, her gaze moving between the two women with obvious affection. “You two have such a gift for bringing people together through your love of books and stories. It’s beautiful to watch.”
Evelina nodded in agreement, her expression warm. “The joy and happiness you’ve both brought to our clan has been remarkable. The bookstore has become the heart of our community in ways I never imagined.”
The praise made Isla’s heart swell with pride. Fairy Tales & Tea on the Island had exceeded every expectation, becoming not just a bookstore but a gathering place where dragon shifters and the occasional human visitor could find common ground over shared stories and perfectly brewed tea.
Gerri moved to the window, her sharp gaze taking in the scene beyond the glass. Her lips curved in a knowing smile. “Speaking of heart, I can see your future husband pacing on the beach like a caged predator. We better get you out there before he decides to call off this whole ceremony and whisk you away to some private beach where he can claim you properly.”
The image Gerri painted sent heat spiraling through Isla’s body, the mate bond amplifying every flutter of desire. Throughtheir connection, she could feel Damon’s barely leashed control, his need to see her, touch her, make this official in every way that mattered.
Isla’s laugh was breathless, tinged with anticipation. “Honestly? That doesn’t sound so terrible.”
“Isla!” Harper said with a snort. “You’ve waited this long for your fairy tale wedding. Don’t ruin the moment.”
But even as she teased, Isla could see the emotion in Harper’s dark eyes. Her practical, cautious best friend had watched Isla’s love story unfold with a mixture of skepticism and wonder, and now she was here, witnessing the happily-ever-after she’d once thought was impossible.
“Alright,” Isla said, taking a deep breath that did nothing to calm her racing heart. “Let’s get me to my future husband before he decides to storm the castle.”
The warm island breeze caught Isla’s silk gown as she emerged from the beach house, the flowing fabric dancing around her legs like captured moonlight. Harper led the procession down the weathered wooden steps, her practical nature evident in how she checked each plank before placing her weight on it. Behind her, Gerri moved with surprising grace for someone in coral heels, her golden eyes sparkling with the satisfaction of a job well done.
Evelina’s steady presence anchored Isla as they navigated the descent together, the older woman’s elegant fingers wrapped securely around Isla’s arm. The matriarch wore her ceremonial emerald silk like armor, every inch the dragon clan’s regal leader, yet her touch was gentle as a mother’s.
“Careful with that hem, dear,” Evelina murmured, her voice carrying decades of wisdom and warmth. “We can’t have you tripping before you reach that impatient dragon of yours.”
The moment Isla’s sandaled feet touched the warm sand, her gaze swept the intimate gathering until it locked onto theman waiting for her beneath the simple arch of white silk and tropical flowers. Everything else—the handful of clan members, the crystalline water lapping at the shore, even the brilliant Hawaiian sun overhead—faded into background noise.
Damon stood perfectly still, but Isla could feel the energy radiating from him through their bond. His white linen shirt hung open at the throat, revealing the strong column of his neck and a tantalizing glimpse of the chest she knew by heart. The sleeves were rolled up his forearms, and the casual khaki shorts should have made him look relaxed. Instead, he looked like a predator in paradise—all coiled strength and focused intensity.
His deep green eyes tracked her every movement as she walked toward him, arm-in-arm with Evelina. The possessive heat in his gaze made Isla’s pulse quicken.
Elder Cameron, a gentle-faced man with silver hair and kind eyes, stood beside Damon with an expression of joy. He’d been nothing but sweetness since arriving that morning, his genuine happiness at officiating their union touching Isla’s heart. But right now, she barely registered his presence.
All she could see was Damon—the way his jaw tightened as if he were fighting not to stride across the sand and claim her immediately, the way his hands clenched and unclenched at his sides, and the way his chest rose and fell with carefully controlled breaths.
When they reached the simple altar, Evelina turned to face Isla with tears glistening in her emerald eyes. “You are radiant, my dear,” she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Isla’s cheek. “Welcome to our family—officially.”
Then she placed Isla’s hand in Damon’s, and the world tilted. His fingers closed around hers with possessive certainty, the contact sending sparks racing up Isla’s arm.
“You look beautiful,” Damon said, his deep voice thick with emotion he didn’t bother to hide.
