Page 190 of Dancing for the Minotaur

“These are…are happy tears,” Terra told him.

He frowned.

“Humans cry when they are happy? I thought it was only when they were sad.”

“We can cry at any time.” Terra was beginning to get control of herself again, much to her relief. She needed to be careful about crying in the perfect dress—she didn’t want to get anything on it. It was a good thing she’d worn minimal makeup that day.

“This is very confusing,” Taurex rumbled.

Terra laughed again and threw her arms around his neck.

“I’m more than all right—I’m happy. These are tears of joy.”

His arms closed around her and this time there was nothing hesitant about his embrace. The big Monstrum lifted her completely off the platform and held her against his chest, careful of the dress but otherwise crushing her into the safest and warmest bear hug Terra had ever known.

Taurex kissed her deeply and she kissed him back, despite hearing Cody say,

“Ewww!”

When they finally drew apart, Taurex searched her eyes with his own.

“I am so grateful the Goddess has given me a second chance,” he murmured. “I cannot wait to make you my mate.”

“I can’t wait to make you my mate either.” Terra gave him a watery smile…then she heard a sob.

When she looked over to the chairs to see what was happening, she saw her mom was crying openly.

“Mom?” she asked, instantly worried.

“Don’t mind me,” her mom said, making a shooing gesture with one hand and pulling a tissue out of her purse with the other. “I’m just so happy for both of you!”

Terra laughed and held out her hand.

“Mom, look—come see.””

Lucy came closer and stared at the ring.

“My Lord,” she murmured. “That must have cost a king’s ransom!”

Cody came over to look as well.

“Wow, that’s huge!”

Lisa’s eyes were enormous.

“It’s so sparkly! So princessy!”

Lucy looked from the ring to Terra, then up at Taurex.

“I’m so glad the two of you finally came to your senses and realized you belong together!”

Terra laughed.

“Yes, Mom. We finally came around.”

Her mother looked smug.

“I knew you would get back together eventually.”