Page 134 of Fallen Court

When Ciara finally released us, she grabbed Roark’s arm. “I told you!”

“We all saw it coming,” Roark muttered, glancing at her hand with wide eyes. “Should I open the champagne?”

Ciara shuffled back a step as a faint blush colored her cheeks. “Good idea.”

Roark looked relieved to be assigned a new task.

Whipping toward me, she reached for my hand. “Let me see the ring.” She admired the glittering diamond, her mouth pursing into a pouty bow. “It could be bigger.”

“Told you,” Lach whispered under his breath.

A loud pop interrupted Ciara’s analysis, and I startled. But a moment later, a champagne flute was being pressed into my hand. Roark passed one to Ciara, and she clinked it against mine. “To true love,” she said with a wink, adding, “and to think that you used to hate him.”

“‘Hate’ seems like a strong word.” Lach frowned as he took a sip.

“Oh, she hated you.” Ciara beamed up at him. “Is that why you got her such a puny ring?”

“I’ll be right back.” I left Lach to explain that I was perfectly happy with the small asteroid he’d given me and strode toward our brothers.

“Congratulations,” Shaw said, giving me a hug.

I stared over his shoulder at Channing as we pulled apart. “Not going to say anything?”

His jaw worked for a second before he mumbled, “I’m happy for you, too.”

He sounded like he was offering his condolences.

“Thanks.” But my words were forced. I wanted him to be happy for me.

We both drank our champagne in silence. It was too early in the morning for booze or drama. Channing seemed to think the same, because he downed his in a single gulp. “We need to meet Dante,” he said to Shaw before turning to me. “Sorry to run.”

I waved him off. “Be careful.”

I still wasn’t happy that he was hanging out with a vampire.

“I wish you would give him a chance.” Channing shot a meaningful glance across the room at Lach.

Point taken.

I sighed. “Bring him around sometime.”

His brows rose, but he inclined his head. “I will.”

Channing headed toward the door, and I wondered if he would ever get used to this. I hadn’t done enough to make him feel comfortable in this world. I’d been too caught up with the business of the ring and the bona fides and the murders. That needed to change, especially if I was marrying Lach. He needed to feel like part of the family, too.

“He’ll come around,” Shaw said. His gaze dipped to the floor. “He’s just worried Lach doesn’t deserve you.” Something in his voice told me that was a feeling he shared.

But before I could say anything, Ciara jumped between us. “We need to go dress shopping! Today. Right now.”

Shaw waved as he backed out of the room, fleeing before his sister activated full wedding-planning mode.

I looked at Lach helplessly as Ciara pulled out her phone. He just shrugged and mouthed, Better you than me.

“I might want a shower,” I told her.

She nodded, her phone already pressed to her ear. Seizing Lach’s arm, I dragged him toward the bedroom.

Ciara covered her phone and called after us, “Don’t take too long.”