Page 29 of Christmas Embrace

“That’s an amazing story.” Samantha turned to Sydney, smiling. “So how do they look?”

Emotion welled up in Sydney’s chest, a hot tear running down her cheek. She sucked back a small sob, struggling not to cry.

“Oh sweetie.” Samantha reached for her friend’s hands. “What is it?”

“You’re just so beautiful. Inside and out. Who would think when we met, you and I would be who we are now? A vampire.”

“A high priestess.”

“Friends.”

“Mothers.”

“Luca’s bride.” Sydney took a deep breath. “It’s time, girl. You ready?”

Samantha nodded. “Yes.”

“Okay, let’s do this, future Mrs. Macquarie. It’s time we…”

A loud knock sounded, startling them.

“Ah, ma chérie. Vous êtes belle.” Léopold held his arms open, then opted to reach for her. “I don’t want to mess you.”

“Leo!” Samantha smiled, her eyes lit with excitement.

“I still can’t believe you decided to run off with that cantankerous Aussie. He’d better treat you like a queen.”

“You know he will. He’s my king.”

“Oui. Oui.” Léopold turned to the detective. “Ah, the human policewoman. Lovely to see you too.”

“I’m a vampire, now,” Sydney mustered, surprised at her words.

“Well then. Bravo! Look at you. Accepting fate.” He clapped his hands together.

Sydney grinned, resisting his bait.

“Very good then. Now, my high priestess.” Léopold extended his arm.

“Merci monsieur.” Samantha reached for him.

Sydney’s heart softened, catching the pride gleaming in the vampire’s eyes. He loved the witch. We were all once human.

Chapter Seven

“You look fine. Stop messing with it,” Kade told Luca, who pulled at the edges of his tie knot, undoing it. “Here. Let me help you.”

“It’s like I’ve never tied a tie before,” he mumbled, staring at himself in the mirror.

“You’re daft. Suppose getting married will do that to you.” Kade laughed.

“I thought I was nervous when we had Kate. But this is different…everyone’s watching.”

“Well, you are committing for an eternity. Literally.” Kade straightened the knot, tugging at the silk.

“You like the suit?” Luca nervously fidgeted with a shirt button, smoothing it flat.

“You can’t go wrong with black,” Tristan offered. “You’ve got that James Bond look goin’ on.”