Heat burns my cheeks as I think of the power we shared soaring through the trees. Last night was beyond perfect.
Glancing at the clock, I thank my lucky stars that we still have time for some cuddles. I know the week leading up to a wedding is normally stressful, but I think we set a record for ridiculousness.
“Did Widow make the necessary adjustments to your dress?”
“It’s been glamoured for the reveal,” I say, booping his nose. “I’m kind of excited. I’ve always wanted to do two looks.”
“It will be quite the costume change,” he croons, planting a kiss on the exposed skin of my shoulder before letting out a deep breath. “This feels good.”
This.
The smell of the woods, the soft blankets in cotton and linen layered across our bodies, the way his dark curls feel under my fingertips. Yeah,this. This is perfect.
The buzzing of my alarm causes us both to groan.
“Why did we decide to do a brunch wedding again?” I whine, pulling myself up from the comfort of our blanket cocoon.
“I believe it was a part of your grand plan for the perfect—”
“Yeah, yeah, you should have talked me out of it,” I say, resisting the urge to climb back into bed—and preferably, on top of him.
“Who am I to argue with a Pinterest vision board, my flame?” He smiles, his fangs on full display.
God. I love this man.
The morning passes in the blink of an eye.
Mom’s gift to me was unexpected, a private offline photoshoot of Moth and I getting ready for the big day, with the promise that these photos will never grace her social pages. It’s nice—for once. I actually believe her.
We sip our tea and coffee while wearing matching lush robes in the morning. Me with rollers in my hair, and Moth with his black curls perfectly messy.
It’s not traditional, but then again, neither are we. It’s Moth’s claws that lace the back of my dress and help me tie the ribbon in my hair. Mom subtly takes pictures, staying out of the way. Moth looks dashing in his suit—something gorgeous that Widow fashioned just for him. It’s nice to see him dressed up like this. The color is a soft burgundy, with golden moths embroidered onthe cuffs, a blend of fairytale and modern elements that he can’t wait to see crumbled on the floor.
Honestly? Same.
I love him in both forms—even if the more human one hates wearing pants.
His Adam’s apple bobs as I straighten his cravat. When his ruby eyes meet mine, I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life: I want to marry this man.
“You ready?” Mom asks, looking from me to her almost-son-in-law. We exchange one more glance, no words need to be spoken. These past few days has felt like a decade, and I can’t wait to finally say “I do.”
All five of Ruby and Pepper’s giggling children flutter down the aisle, sprinkling flowers. It’s their first time in the mortal realm, and if the smiles are anything to go off of, I think they’re having fun. Sprout walks next, looking dapper in a bow tie my mom made for him. Flower petals cling to his fur, and when he takes his seat next to our youngest guests, we make our entrance—together. With hands joined, we walk slowly down the flower-filled aisle up to where Queen Plume is standing under a homemade arch of fall foliage.
Clara is fully bawling by the time we are standing in front of everyone, and Holly, though she tries to hide it behind the sway of her lace fan, is not faring much better.
Mom takes her seat, continuing to snap a photo here and there before giving me a small smile and stowing away the camera.
This moment is just for us.
“Gathered loved ones.” Queen Plume greets the small group of guests with the regality of royalty. I know she had wanted a big affair with the whole kingdom gathered to see our union, but it makes me happy that she accepted not only our wishes but also her role as officiant.
“We are here to celebrate the love between Heather and my son, Moth, Prince of Eclipsica. Usually, a union of this status would be attended by lords and ladies of neighboring courts and a kingdom of subjects—these two would stand and proclaim their love for all to hear as proof of their dedication. But if you know Moth and Heather, you know they have nothing to prove, for the care they show each other day by day is something precious and rare.
We do not gather for this pair to prove themselves. Rather, we are here to celebrate and stand as their community, for not only do they love each other, but we all love them fiercely.”
Looking back at our friends, I see the joy reflected in their faces. Gil sits next to Uncle Doug. I hope he has been briefed on all of this. So far, he’s either being very cool about the notion of other realms and creatures, or just thinks we really go all out for a theme. As my eyes wander from face to face, I see each family member and friend is misty-eyed. I’m so happy that they’re the people we get to share this moment with.
“Whether it is to unravel a devious ploy by vampires, to come for Sunday dinner, or to be an ear when there is trouble, we will always come together for you, my darlings,” she says, whispering‘my darlings’at the end just for our ears only. She pauses to wipe a tear from her eyes before turning to both of us.
