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“I’ve already let it out, you sassy witch.” Mrs B grinned. “I thought you’d like to eat with your cousin and aunt while you get ready.”
Tana ran into the room and leaped onto Jezzie’s bed.
“Your uncle couldn’t make it, and trust me, he’s kicking up a stink about it, I can promise you that, but Leraie said he’ll be watching. You just won’t see him.” Mrs B set about hanging up the beautiful emerald green satin gown then set out the food.
“Where are the guys?” Jezzie tried to look out the door hoping they hadn’t seen the dress yet, but Mrs B blocked her view.
“They’re in Roth and Athon’s old room getting ready. You’ll see them later. At the ceremony. Lucifer was especially clear on that . . . and so many other things. He’s worse than any bride I’ve ever encountered,” she muttered as she turned back to the door. “What are you waiting for, woman? Get your witchy ass in here already. You’ve made her wait long enough.”
“Alright, alright, keep your bonnet on, you crotchety old bat.” Aunt Rai Rai swept into the room with a flourish.
“Yet I’m still younger than you, you old sow.” Mrs B laughed. “Even if I don’t look it.” The two women embraced like old friends.
“You came!” Jezzie and her aunt flew into each other’s arms, and breathed each other in.
“Of course I did, silly child. I wouldn’t miss this for the world, and no man could ever change that.” Whatever her aunt meant by that was lost on her as she was released. Mrs B stacked boxes and bags by the bed. Some for now, some for later.
They ate and caught up on missed events and she introduced Tana. Her aunt brought her lingerie and earrings, and a special medallion she placed inside Jezzie’s bodice, above her heart, before she was laced into her gown with strict instructions that she’d need it back later and no one, under any circumstances, was to see it or know about it. It was very, very old and important but the feelings behind it were pure and held the ability to tether loved ones through the ages.
“I’m so happy for you, my special little witchling.” Pride shone from her aunt’s eyes as she held Jezzie’s face in her hands.
Her hair was arranged in a cascade of curls, pinned into place with a jeweled headpiece secured on the side of her head. The gown was utterly gorgeous as she swayed and watched the skirt swish in the mirror. It complemented her red hair and made her gray eyes sparkle. She’d opted for minimal makeup and comfortable, sparkly, green ballet-style shoes.
When Mrs B came back and told her it was time to go, she was shocked to find so much time had passed, it certainly hadn’t felt like it. Tana picked up both bouquets and handed the larger one over. Her Maid of Honor looked beautiful in her dress and her smile had Jezzie getting all giddy again as they left the room and headed downstairs.
Lucifer stood waiting in the hall outside the communal dining room. He’d gone to great lengths to turn the space into the perfect ceremony and reception venue. It was large enough to fit all the angels who lived in the fortress, plus more. Which was a very good thing, since they were all invited. Jezzie had been banned from seeing what he’d had set up behind those big oak double doors, but she didn’t care. As long as three very handsome and specific males were waiting at the end of the aisle that’s all she cared about.
“You look like an angel, daughter mine,” her father gushed.
“Aw, thanks, Dad. I kinda am one.” She winked back.
“Oh you know what I meant. I just wish your mother was here with us.” He sighed deeply, sadness pinched his expression, but he focussed on her again and it dissipated.
“I do too.” A tear slipped down the end of her nose and dripped onto the hem of her skirt.
“None of that. Deca wouldn’t want either of you moping.” Aunt Rai Rai appeared behind them in a swirl of magical energy and Luc looked at her curiously.
“I know you.” He cocked his head to the side.
“Of course you do, I saved your ass in Thisavrós, and you might recall I was with Decaria the night you met, but I doubt it. The two of you only had eyes for each other.” Rai Rai rolled her eyes with sass.
“No. I knew you in your earliest form. A word, in private, if you please?” The look on his face was inscrutable. It could be good, or it could be bad. Jezzie just had to trust her father wouldn’t ruin the wedding with whatever he had to say.
They spoke in a side room for several minutes before emerging, and when they did her aunt looked slightly perturbed, while her father looked rather pleased. Rai Rai seemed to give herself a good shake before rejoining them, her smile back in place, even if a little forced.
“So, Niece, if you have me and Tana standing up for you, who do the guys have with them?” Rai Rai asked, with what seemed a twinkle in her eye.
“Sorry, Tana,” Jezzie replied, giving her cousin a small smile. “Nithe chose Thad and the Almighty granted his request for leave from Nestradia until the festivities are over. Athon chose Dante, and Roth chose Caine.”
Her aunt’s breath seemed to lose itself to the vortex of her quick inhale, she coughed repeatedly, as if it was choking her.
“Aunt, are you okay? Is something wrong?” Jezzie patted her on the back as Tana handed her a flute of champagne from the sideboard near the door.
“No, no, everything’s fine,” she mumbled, taking a few deep breaths and large swallows of the bubbly drink.
“This should be fun.” Her father beamed, looking as proud as punch. “A toast, yes?” He picked up and handed a flute to each of them, and replaced Aunt Rai Rai’s empty one. “To new beginnings, fated love, and my daughter’s eternal happiness.”
“Cheers.” All but Jezzie downed their drinks in one go. Jezzie only got to take a small sip before her aunt snatched it out of her hand and downed that one too.
