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While the bridesmaids moved down the aisle, I stood at the doorway, studying the whole lobby area to look for hidden booby traps or other hazards. I looked around at the guests for anyone who seemed out of place. I almost missed my cue when it was my turn to walk down the aisle, but I hadn’t noticed anything that looked like trouble, so I stepped forward.
I made it all the way down the aisle this time and gave Owen a smile of relief as I came to stand at his side and took his hand. I tried to stay in the moment and focus on what was happening, but I couldn’t help but replay our lives up to this moment—seeing him on the subway, the first job interview when he’d barely managed to speak to me, learning he was a wizard, all those times we went out together but weren’t officially dating, the first kiss under the spell of the enchanted red shoes, the fairy godmother who kept nearly getting us killed while she tried to get us together even though we were already together, him coming to Texas when I fled in an attempt to protect him, him meeting me at the airport when I returned, nearly losing him in a fight against our enemies, falling in love all over again in the elven realms when we didn’t remember who we were, and breaking the spell with a kiss.
Yeah, there was nothing ordinary about either of us, now that I thought about it. And yet, the times I really treasured with him involved sitting at home, watching movies, and eating pizza. My work was bound to offer plenty of excitement. I’d be okay with our personal lives being nice and dull.
I forced myself to focus on the present when the pastor finished his welcoming remarks and we began our vows. I wanted to remember saying these words that I sincerely meant. Owen’s cheeks flushed a pale pink as he repeated his vows, and his eyes were solemn. I knew he meant every word he said, and I had no doubt he’d live up to them.
Next, it was time for the rings. I hadn’t realized how sweaty my palms had become, and I had to resist the urge to wipe them on my skirt before Owen took the ring from the pastor and slid it onto my finger. It took him a couple of tries to get the ring onto my finger, his hands shook so badly. I gave him an encouraging smile, but then it was my turn, and I found that I was shaking, too. I held his hand steady with my left hand so I could get the ring onto his finger. Once that was over with, I felt weak with relief.
The pastor declared us husband and wife and told Owen to kiss me. I couldn’t help but grin at the wave of red that rose from his collar. Kissing in public really wasn’t in his comfort zone. Kissing while our friends and family cheered us on was a little freaky, now that I thought about it. The kiss ended up being a bit stiff and awkward, but I figured we had a lifetime to practice on getting it right, and I knew it would go much, much better when we were alone. We hadn’t really had problems in that area before.
Something brushed my hair, and I jolted, but then realized it was only the magical flower petals that were supposed to fall at this point in the ceremony. Only when I was sure that it was just the petals and no scythes or snares did I relax and enjoy the sight that looked like a snowfall showering our guests. We made our way down the aisle under the falling petals, which clung to Owen’s hair and my veil.
Rina’s team did their thing, and soon the cathedral in the woods had become a forest glade. I was glad my friends had made me s
nack during the day because it was a long time before I got to eat anything, I was so busy being congratulated and greeted by all the guests. I finally got to sit down when Rod got up to give the toast. “I feel like I’ve been there for every step of this relationship,” he said. “Even before they met. Owen knew Katie was the girl for him the first time he set eyes on her. He just took his time actually talking to her, and then he took his time spending any time with her once they did talk, and then he took his time asking her out. But I guess when you already know you’re meant for each other, there’s no rush. And besides, they had plenty of other stuff to deal with. That bit of excitement earlier? All in a day’s work for these two. I’d have been worried if nothing had happened. So, to Katie and Owen. May you always find joy amid the chaos.”
We cut the cake and posed for a lot of pictures before the band began playing and the dancing started. They played a slow, dreamy number for our first dance, and I was glad Rod had drilled us, though I wished I’d practiced this in a long dress, as well. “You’re doing fine,” Owen murmured into my ear.
“Maybe we should have taken lessons,” I replied.
“And we would have fit them in when? We were a little busy saving the magical world.”
“Oh, yeah. Story of our lives, huh?”
“Good save there, noticing the danger. If you hadn’t . . .” He shuddered, and I squeezed his shoulder.
“Yeah, it could have been ugly.”
“I doubt they’ll let her out again. Even Jabez Jones should be convinced by now.”
I was a little surprised by how many people came onto the dance floor once the guests were invited to join us. At most of the weddings I’d attended, people hung back. “You didn’t, did you?” I said, giving him a stern look as the dance floor filled with couples.
“No! I totally forgot about it, actually. I never got around to finalizing the spell. And it looks like we don’t need it.”
Nita and Jake whirled past. He looked a little like a deer caught in the headlights, but he didn’t seem to object to her enthusiasm. Philip and Gemma moved gracefully together, and I wondered how long it would be before they took the next step. Rod looked uncharacteristically solemn as he danced with Marcia, and that made me suspect he was possibly considering settling down.
“So, Mrs. Palmer,” Owen said with a grin, and I returned my focus to him.
“Yes, Mr. Palmer?”
“How long do you think we have to hang around here? I booked us a suite at the Plaza, and I can have the limo here in about fifteen minutes after I make a call.”
A shiver went down my spine at the look in his eyes. “I’m ready when you are,” I said.
We danced until the song ended, then left the dance floor. Our quick escape didn’t happen very quickly, though, since we were greeted by more well-wishers. Some of our friends claimed dances with us, and next thing I knew, it was at least an hour later, but it was fun, and nothing had blown up, which was nice. I was refreshing myself with a cup of punch after a vigorous dance with Jake when Sam swooped down and landed on the table. “It turns out they did have something planned for during the wedding,” he reported. “But we busted it up, no problem. Looks like we got all the ringleaders this time around, so I doubt we’ll have to worry about this particular group again.”
“That’s nice to know,” I said. “Maybe we’ll actually get a honeymoon without a crisis.”
“Well, if you wanna get out of here now, I can get you some drivers.”
I remembered the drivers Sam had provided in the past and decided I didn’t want to go on my honeymoon driven by a team of wacky gargoyles. Flying carpets were also out of the question. “No, thanks. Owen has something booked.” At least, I hoped that the limo Owen had mentioned wasn’t driven by Rocky and Rollo.
Finally, the party seemed to be winding down, and Owen called for our car. I threw my bouquet, and Marcia caught it. Rod went a little pale, but he stayed by her side and when I winked at him, he winked back. I’d actually been aiming for Gemma, but fate must have kicked in. We ran for the door under yet another shower of flower petals, which I expected, and when we darted out from under the awning we ran into a shower of sparks, which I didn’t expect. My first instinct was to slap at my skirt to make sure it didn’t catch fire, but they seemed to be magical sparks. I looked up to see a portly figure draped in layers of clothing hovering nearby, sparks spraying from the end of her wand.
“Best wishes to you on this joyous occasion,” said Ethelinda, my fairy godmother. “I never seem to fail to bring about happy endings.”
“Thanks,” I said, even though she’d had nothing to do with it.
