1.
Heather
I’ve always dreamt ofmy wedding day. Heck, back when I was a kid, I’d make my Barbies kiss and craft avant-garde dresses for them out of old lace trimmings and tissues. The poofier the better. When I got older, I’d flip through Pinterest and magazines and daydream about what kind of dress I’d wear. I decided ages ago that I’d have an autumn wedding, and I knew in my heart that, one day, I’d walk down a flower-lined aisle with my mom holding my arm. I’d gaze at my partner, tears in our eyes, as we prepared for our next chapter. Despite my many plans and daydreams, I never expected Mothman to be involved—especially as the person I’d fallen madly in love with—but here we are.
If the gossip blogs got a hold of this, it would be“A BURNT-OUT INFLUENCER AND CRYPTID MEET IN THE WOODS, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT WILL SHOCK YOU!”
And they’d be right because true love is something I never thought I’d find out here, especially with the local forest monster.
As the two of us sip tea after a long day of final decisions, I couldn’t be happier at this twist of fate. In one week, we’ll be husband and wife. The weight of the titles doesn’t feel restrictive or daunting. Ever since this man fell off my roof two years ago, I knew I could spend the rest of my life with him.
“I’m so happy.” I sigh, taking his clawed hand in mine.
“Which is why you have been shouting at me about centerpieces for the last few hours?” His deep voice rumbles as he rubs his temple with his free hand. Okay, I’ll admit, maybe, just maybe, I’ve been a littlemuchtoday. However, plum and burgundy are not the same color. Of anyone I know, Moth should know this. He’s spent years in the woods among nature, right?
“Babe, there is no one I’d rather shout about centerpieces with,” I tease, releasing my grip on his hand to hold tight to his middle. My chin rests flat on his stomach as I watch his perfect mouth rise into a fang-filled smile. You think I’d be used to our height difference by now, but seeing him like this makes me want to call off all my plans for the night and climb him like a tree.
“Yes, that has become very clear.” He chuckles. His large hands grasp my hips, hoisting me up until our lips are flush and—God, what we’re we arguing about again? His mouth presses tenderly against mine. Colors. A wedding. The only thing that really matters is I get kisses like this 24/7. A giggle rises through my chest until I’m laughing and feel his smile against my lips.
“I could besomuch less chill. You know that, right?” I deepen the kiss as his hands cage my waist, and you know what? Maybe burgundy and plum are closer than I thought…
“Mmm,” he murmurs, and okay, I could also be more chill. Honestly, he’s lucky we agreed on an intimate ceremony and reception, despite my overflowing Pinterest board and the pressure from both families to do something grand. When we got to making the guest list, it became clear we only wanted our close friends. Which means I’ve gotten to splurge on little details, like the aforementioned centerpieces. I get the dreamy autumn aesthetic I’ve always wanted, Moth gets a quiet affair, and most importantly, we both get a partner for life. Plus, Holly has smuggled over half of our decor from the fae realm. I thinkshe’s still trying to make amends with me for trying to break Moth and I up last year, which has honestly been pretty cute. Of all the sisters-in-law I could have ended up with, I’m glad to have Holly. Sure, she’s still a little stabby, but I think the two of us are finally becoming friends.
Glancing up at the clock, I untangle myself from my cryptid fiancé and make my way toward the door. Holly will be here any second to take Rosie, Clara, and me to the bachelorette party she’s spent the last few months planning, which means they’ll all start arriving any minute now.
“I know I’ve been a little nitpicky.” I sigh, turning my attention back to my husband-to-be. “But I just want it to be perfect.”
A sympathetic smile crosses Moth’s face. His concern for the aesthetics of our wedding day may not be as strong as mine, but he still understands how important all of this is. After a few simple vows, he and I will be married. The whole thing should be terrifying. In the grand scheme of things, we haven’t been together for all that long, but I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.
I love Moth more than I ever thought possible, and I can’t wait ’til I get to call him my husband.
His deep red eyes soften as he rises, pulling me tighter into his arms. Despite my tension, I melt against his body. We’re in this together, all of it.
He scoops me back in for another kiss before placing me back on my feet. His clawed fingers tenderly brush a few stray hairs away from my face. “It will be everything you desire.”
“Hellooo, who is ready to party?” Rosie’s voice catches my attention, followed by a few knocks on the door.
“The humans have arrived.” Moth sighs, leaning down to rest his forehead against mine. With his height, it must look comical.
“Probably shouldn’t call your friends ‘the humans.’” I stick my tongue out before heading to the door.
He grumbles, and I catch a hint of something underneath the grumpy expression I can’t quite put my finger on. He might be getting more comfortable around Rosie and Clara, but even after all this time, it feels like he’s holding back on our double dates. Hopefully, one day, he can fully be himself around more people than just me.
“Soon I’ll be all yours,” I say, fluttering up to a quick peck on the cheek.
“You are already mine, and I am yours,” he whispers, tenderly stroking the length of my face before retrieving a dramatic cloak from the rack by the door to drape over my shoulders. “But yes. In just a few days it will be proclaimed in front of everyone.”
I laugh. He’s always so serious. When I open the door, falling leaves cascade from the trees in red and burnt orange. They shower upon my friends’ heads, who all appear to have simultaneously arrived.
Holly stands stiffly between the couple, and honestly with their loud hair color and style, it’s hard to tell who’s a human and who’s a faerie without the wings.
“Are you ready for your hen party?” Clara says, looping an arm in mine, as the trio guide me down the steps of the wraparound porch and into the woods.
“Was I supposed to procure birds?” Holly stops in her tracks, her face suddenly a ghostly shade of white.
“Youforgotthe hens?” Rosie gasps, placing her hand on her chest. I watch Holly’s face go blank as she straightens, puts her heels together, and nods with the determination of a soldier.
“I will remedy this at once,” she says, rushing off to God knows where.
