“Like?”
“Like bein’ realistic and acceptin’ things. I don’t get mad so quick anymore.”
Morgaine chuckled. “I thought I noticed a more easygoing cousin. I just thought it was the great sex that relaxed you.”
“Well, that sure don’t hurt none.” Gwyneth winked.
Morgaine sensed a presence on the stairs and glanced over her shoulder. Sly stood there, smiling. His eyes glowed—the soft golden glow of love.
“Is it bad luck to see the bride before the hand-fasting?”
She chuckled. “Not at all. What’s up?”
“I was about to move my stuff up to your apartment. I thought you’d want to be there so we could arrange our things together.”
Morgaine held up one finger. “Hang on a second. I’ll be right with you.”
Her knees pistoned so fast her legs became a blur. The grape juice drained into the smaller vat as fast as it could, but the spigot couldn’t handle that much volume so the juice backed up until she and Gwyneth were standing knee deep in purple liquid.
Gwyneth set her hands on her hips. “Show off.”
Morgaine giggled, then vaulted over the side and landed on the towel she’d spread out on the floor.
As she dried her feet, she said, “Thanks for helping, Gwyneth.”
“Like y’all needed my help.”
Morgaine enjoyed her cousin’s help, even if she didn’t need it. “It was good to talk and exercise. I feel much more relaxed now.”
Gwyneth sat on the edge of the vat, swung her feet over the side and dropped down onto the towel she’d placed on the floor near her exit point. “Well, that’s good. I’m glad. I suppose I won’t see you until the hand-fastin’ tonight.”
“Unless you want to help me with my hair.”
“What are you plannin’ to do? Some big beehive or somethin’?”
Morgaine laughed. “No, silly. I was just planning to brush it until it’s nice and shiny, then weave some flowers around the crown.”
“Sounds beautiful and perfect.”
Morgaine tipped her head slightly. “What do you mean by perfect?”
“Laurie Cabot says we’re sovereign, so y’all wearin’ a crown of nature is perfect.”
“Oh.” She giggled. “I guess you’re right.”
Turning to her lover, she launched herself into his arms. His split-second reflexes caught her as if he were just standing there, waiting to catch a flying witch. Vampire/witch. Vampitch. Or wampire. She chuckled as she thought up her new designation.
“What’s so funny?” Sly asked.
“Oh, nothing. Let’s get you moved in.” She looked over her shoulder toward Gwyneth. “See you tonight, cousin.”
“With bells on.”
The penthouse furniture had been moved aside so the group could stand in a circle in front of the fireplace. The happy couple stood on either side of the Justice of the Peace Lynne, whoalso happened to be a witch trained in performing hand-fasting ceremonies.
On Morgaine’s left, Gwyneth stood with Nathan beside her. Konrad was on Sly’s right, and Roz next to Konrad. Linking the circle at the back were Jason and Merry. Merry had placed five-and-a-half-month-old Max in his play pen. He looked on making occasional baby squeals and noises, but other than that the room was silent. Each guest held a candle.
The JP Lynne, who wore a black robe, spoke. “Friends, let us now gather within a circle of unity to celebrate and commemorate the marital intentions of Sylvestro and Morgaine. As we appreciate the gift of sharing this special evening, we call upon the elements of the ancients to symbolize the blessings that we wish upon this union.”
