Everything except her.
She’s escorted down the aisle by her father, David, and when they reach me, she hands her bouquet to Locklyn. Her father places her hand in mine, and though my hand is still shaking, the moment her soft fingers curl around it, I calm.
She’s here. She loves me. She’s going to be mine forever.
The ceremony goes by in a blur because I’m lost in her eyes. I think I say, “I do,” and I repeat after the officiant at the appropriate time, but really, there’s only one line I’m waiting for.
Finally, it comes.
“You may kiss your?—”
I don’t wait for him to finish before sliding an arm around Haven and drawing her close. My other hand cups her cheek as I dip down to taste her lips.
The kiss is soft and perfect, and I’m about to ease back, a married man, when Haven’s hand snakes behind my head and brings me right back for more.
There are hoots and whistles from our guests, but I don’t care. If my girl wants a better kiss, I won’t ever deny her.
When we finally part, Haven’s cheeks are flushed a soft pink, and I’m left pleasantly unsteady.
She grins at me, and taking her hand, I turn toward our guests and raise it, and they all go wild.
Receptions are completely overrated.
Because we were getting married in the creature world, Zia and Braxton helped Haven and her parents plan the reception. They did an amazing job.
The garden is lit softly, lanterns hanging from the trees and threaded through the vines overhead. Moonlight glints off pale blossoms, the air warm and steady as petals shift in the breeze. Stone paths wind through the space, drawing people deeper into the garden as they move between the tables.
Music drifts through the air, low and melodic, blending with the quiet hum of insects and the gentle splash of a nearby fountain. Tables are scattered throughout the garden instead of lined up in stiff rows, encouraging people to wander, mingle, laugh. Everything feels unhurried. Intentional.
It isn’t grand or overwhelming. It’s warm. Alive. Exactly right.
As Haven laughs nearby, her hand warm in mine, I realize I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Except the length.
I was ready to go and spend some time alone with my new wife hours ago. As beautiful as she is in her wedding dress, I want to get her out of it.
The party finally winds down, and I lean in to place a soft kiss just behind her ear. She shivers, and a grin spreads across my face.
“Let’s go,” I whisper, sending another shiver through her.
When she glances up at me, the hazy look in her heavy-lidded eyes lets me know she’s ready to leave. Without another word, I tug her toward the exit, only giving short waves to guests trying to wish us well.
We enter the lodging next to the garden and are immediately greeted by the sight of Imogen and Kade making out across the hall.
Haven yips in surprise then slaps a hand over her mouth.
Those two have the strangest relationship. They break up every other month, yet somehow always find their way back to each other. They’re the definition of opposites attract, and if that works for them, more power to them. On some level, I think they both thrive on the volatility. It’s how they keep things interesting. There are really only two possible outcomes for them: they’ll either kill each other or end up married too. Only time will tell.
I chuckle and guide Haven in the opposite direction, silently thanking past-me for having the foresight to have booked a room at the venue so we wouldn’t have to travel far. Because Imogen and Kade are blocking the elevator, we take the stairs.
I bend and scoop Haven up so she doesn’t have to navigate the stairs in her heels. She makes another surprised sound that turns into a laugh as I bound up the stairs, taking them two at a time.
“In a hurry, are we?” she asks.
When I smile down at her, it’s wolfish. “You have no idea.”
Reading the desire on my face, her laughter trails off and matching heat flares in her eyes.
