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It was hard to believe she wasn't dreaming. Even two months ago, Nora wouldn't have thought she'd ever marry.
Then she'd met River.
And she couldn't imagine ever being with anyone else, let alone going through a claiming with them.
She actually looked forward to her wedding night and what River would show her. Because every time he touched her, or kissed her, or caressed her skin, she always felt like she'd combust. What would happen when she finally bit his neck as he came inside her?
As she tried to get her blush under control, there was a knock and Yesenia entered. Their eyes met in the mirror, and Yesenia grinned. "You look so pretty, Nora. River's jaw is going to drop to the floor when he sees you."
She smoothed the front of her gown. "We'll see."
Yesenia came up to her side and Nora turned to face her. Yesenia looked just as lovely in her deep-red gown with black trim, which made her dark brown hair stand out.
Her sister-in-law gently placed her hands on her shoulders. "I'm so happy you're marrying my brother, Nora. River really is the best of guys, despite his occasional sarcasm. And you're an amazing female. I'm super sad you'll be moving out, of course, but at the same time, I'm going to use you and River as an excuse to visit the fae witch territory as often as possible. Not even Leo can say no to me visiting family."
She snorted. "Are you sure we're talking about the same male? Of course Leo will try."
Yesenia waggled her eyebrows. "And I have ways of convincing him to say yes."
She blushed. "Let's not talk about my brother that way."
"As long as you promise not to talk aboutmybrother that way." She scrunched her nose. "Just, no."
At Yesenia's mock shiver, Nora laughed. "I'm sure I can restrain myself." As the clock chimed the hour, she took Yesenia's hand and squeezed. "Now, come on. I don't want to be late to my own wedding."
"Most definitely not." Yesenia threaded her arm through Nora's and they headed toward the main gaming hall, which was empty except for the small gathering of guests. She sighed. "I do wish Meadow was here."
Nora's nodded and squeezed Yesenia's arm gently with her own. "Me too. I would love to meet her." She glanced at her sister-in-law. "When is your next attempt to bring someone through time?"
Yesenia waved a hand in dismissal. "We can talk about that stuff later. It's your wedding day, which means it should be all about you."
She shook her head. "A member of your family isn't here and she should be. So of course we should talk about it. I'm as eager to meet this Meadow as Leo is."
Yesenia replied quietly, "My next attempt should be soon, maybe even in a couple weeks. My magic teacher is being stricter with lessons, and really trying to get me to focus on the more delicate aspects of magic wielding. But don't worry, we'll tell you and River as soon as I know the date. Given what happened the last time, it could be useful to have River there."
Because if the vampire who had hurt River and had nearly married Yesenia now possessed their sister, they had no idea what state Meadow would be in.
No.Nora had faith that Meadow would be okay. Both River and Yesenia had said she was in the deepest hiding because Meadow's powers were some of the most sought after.
She had to trust that was enough.
If not, and the last Vale sibling arrived hurt, then Nora would support Meadow any way she could. Nora had survived rape, and worse, and would use her horrid experiences to help heal another.
They reached the door leading to the main gaming floor, and Nora pushed the negative possibilities out of her mind. She refused to bring them into her wedding ceremony. "Meadow will just have to be here in spirit."
Yesenia bobbed her head. "And Leo hired a portrait photographer, like he did for our wedding, so she'll at least be able to see a picture of you two in your fancy clothes." The fae witch released Nora's arm. "I'll go tell Leo it's time for him to walk you down the aisle. Ready?"
She nodded. "Yes. More than anything."
After one last smile, Yesenia slipped into the room and Nora's heart thumped harder.
Not because she was afraid of what waited for her. No, rather she was eager to get her new life started. Seeing their new house once had been only the beginning. She wanted to make it a home, form a household, and merely have time to love her new husband.
And maybe, just maybe, have a child to hold in her arms within the year.
Leo slipped out, offered his arm, and smiled down at her. "Ready?"
Weaving her arm through his, she didn't miss a beat. "Yes."
