Page 28 of Christmas Embrace

“She’s going to be angry. Really angry. And I can’t blame her really. The way Jax found her.” Sydney shuddered at the thought of Samantha giving birth in the cave.

“That was one of the worst and best days of my life. I remember Dominque and how she looked. What that thing did to her.”

“I just thought you should know about what happened yesterday. Because one of these times, she might pop back and stay that way. And you and I both know the OG Dom isn’t watching kids.”

“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll see how it is after our honeymoon. We’re leaving for Key West the day after Christmas. Mom and Dad are going to Florida too. They’re taking Kate to Disney. I think she’s a bit young, but my mom wouldn’t hear anything about it. And I need some alone time with my husband if you know what I mean.”

“You’re a dirty witch.” Sydney smiled.

“You know I am.” Samantha winked and sipped her drink.

“Everything okay with Mom and Dad today? I can help run interference if you need me to.”

Samantha laughed. “If you count being at the wedding as a yes, Mom and Dad are okay today. They are over the moon seeing Kate. And that’s all that matters to them right now. I hope.”

“All of the ducks are still alive and quacking,” Sydney laughed, changing the subject. “You should have seen Kade’s face.”

“Thanks. They’re going to be good luck. I swear it. My mom knows to expect something unique at my wedding. They’re lucky I didn’t go full-on skyclad witchy on them. Luca and I agreed on having an ecumenical ceremony and we’re incorporating a handfasting. Luca is actually quite a traditional vampire. Well, sort of anyway.”

“I’d call him a lot of things but traditional wouldn’t be one of them, but that’s why you are marrying the lucky guy.”

Samantha laughed. “He just needed the right witch to come along.”

The antique wall clock struck, ringing out eleven perfectly spaced tones. Samantha’s eyes widened in excitement.

“It’s almost time. Oh my gosh,” Sydney exclaimed. “We need to go through the list.”

“The list?”

“Yes, you know. House is decorated. The flower arrangements look spectacular. Musicians and caterers are ready to roll. Guests are arriving. And you…you look absolutely amazing. Okay then. Let’s see. What’s the saying? Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.”

“Something old. My veil…it was given to me by the High Priestess of Baton Rouge. I understand it’s been passed down through generations. Something new.” She gazed at her reflection in the mirror. “My dress.”

“Something borrowed?” Sydney asked.

“My necklace. My mom sent it to me. It’s diamonds. My dad gave it to her on their honeymoon.”

“Something blue.” Sydney reached into her pocket and fingered the edges of the box.

“I had Luca and Ava’s names stitched in blue inside the lining of my dress. Too cliché?”

“I have a wedding gift. Well, it’s a bridal gift. For you.” Sydney retrieved the box and opened it, revealing a pair of sparkling earrings.

“Oh Goddess!” Samantha eyes brimmed with tears. “You didn’t have to…”

“Here. Put them on.” Sydney handed her the box.

“They’re beautiful.” Samantha held them up to the light. Diamonds framed the princess-cut gemstones.

“Sapphires. I hope they aren’t too big.”

“They’re perfect,” She declared, securing them to her ears.

“Laryssa helped me pick them out. She’d acquired them for her antique store. It’s rumored they were once owned by an Austrian duchess.”

“Get out of here,” she laughed.

“No, for real. Turn of the century. It’s what the owner said.”