Page 26 of Christmas Embrace

“Home is where the heart is, love.” Kade pulled away from Sydney and cupped her cheek. “I’m sorry it took me so long to realize it.”

“I’m so happy right now. You have no idea.”

“I love you. You are the world to me,” Kade told her, his eyes locked on hers.

“I love you so much.” As his lips crushed onto hers, Sydney’s heart burst with love for her vampire. With Kade and Zachery in her life, no matter where they lived, her life was complete and filled with love.

“You look beautiful. You’re absolutely glowing,” Sydney smiled, her heart full seeing the high priestess in all her glory. The pure white bohemian-style bridal dress swept the floor, its lace train adorned in moons and stars.

“Your dress. It’s gorgeous.”

“Thank you. I’m so excited.” She did a small dance and shrugged, smiling from ear to ear. “I can’t believe today is the day!” Samantha beamed and stood in front of a wall-length antique mirror. She turned to Sydney. “A toast? They filled the champagne. Would you?”

“Absolutely.” Sydney lifted two flutes off the tray and handed one to Samantha. “We may not have met under the best of circumstances but I’m grateful to have you in my life. Maybe even that stubborn vampire you’re marrying too. I’ll admit he’s grown on me over the years.”

“Luca has always admired you. I know he doesn’t express it well, but he respects you more than you’ll ever know.”

“Thanks, Sam. Hey, how about a toast?” Sydney raised her glass. “To my beautiful friend. May the magick of the season on this blessed night forever bring you happiness.”

Samantha nodded. “To us.”

“To us.”

As their glasses clinked, a flurry of sparkling energy danced in the air. Sydney’s heart filled with an uneasy heaviness as she thought of not seeing Samantha. She’d miss their yoga sessions in the park, Thursday morning beignets, and family get togethers. Although Sydney was tempted to confess that she was leaving New Orleans, she could not bring herself to offer anything but positive thoughts on Samantha’s special day.

“Tell me about Zach,” Samantha said as she turned to face the mirror, smoothing her hand down over the front of her dress.

“He’s perfect,” Sydney responded dreamily. “He’s with Kade. We managed to get a little outfit for him.”

“Ah, good. He’s with the men. The little pup will teach them well.” She laughed. “I suspect Dominique will come to the rescue and play with all the kids when she gets there.”

Samantha reached for Sydney’s hand, drawing her to her side, gazing upon them in the mirror. “Come look at us.”

Sydney’s blood red sleeveless satin gown clung to her every curve. Her crimson dress stood in stark contrast to the high priestess’ dress, as white as virgin snow.

Samantha’s pure excitement was infectious. Sydney’s heart melted and she smiled as her friend’s magick danced over her skin.

“I know you better than you think, Syd.” They locked eyes in the mirror as the high priestess spoke. “Things are going to work out with Zach. Promise to have faith. Tonight there will be happiness and magick and miracles. And you never know, one of those miracles might be for you. It’s so rare to have a baby as vampire, yet here we are.”

“I love you, Sam. You and Luca deserve all the happiness in the world.” Moisture filled her eyes, emotion rising.

“So do you and Kade.” Samantha lifted Sydney’s left hand and glanced at her. “He loves you.”

“I love him too.”

“Look to your heart. The day that demon crossed your path, it was your destiny. Just as it was your destiny to be reborn. Immortality is a double-edged sword. But had Kade not saved you, turned you, your path would not have crossed Zach’s. It was all meant to be. Now…your family is together…”

“But…” Sydney attempted to interrupt but her words failed her.

“You once said yes to Kade. Don’t let the loss of your humanity stop you from living your dream. Seeing you with Zach, you are an amazing mother. You can have it all. All you need is a little Christmas magick.”

“Are you putting a spell on me?” Sydney half joked.

“I think that little baby and your hot vampire are the ones who have conjured up the spell. I see the way you look at them.”

“Sam…I’m really going to…” Miss you. Sydney quickly changed the subject mid-sentence. “You said Dominque left to go over to my house, right?”

“Yeah, she said she was leaving. I saw them a short while ago.”