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The second their car parked in the venue driveway, their wedding planner, May, was whisking Kirsten away, updating her on the latest happenings with the ceremony. Henry picked Zara up and followed his bride inside.
The space was already transforming into something out of a fairy tale. Kirsten loved nature just as much as he did, and she had wanted everyone, shifters and humans, to feel comfortable. So, she decided on a whimsical theme with an outdoor ceremony.
Henry stood close enough to be ready to give his input when asked but let Kirsten take control of the situation. Three hours and a lunch stop later, Henry, Kirsten, and a sleeping Zara were on their way back home.
“I still can’t decide whether or not to include litter boxes in the bathroom. You know, just in case someone wanted to shift before they shit,” she joked.
“I don’t think anyone would appreciate a mountain of tiger shit piling up in the corners.”
Kirsten scrunched her nose at the thought, trying to muffle her laughter so she wouldn’t wake up Zara.
“Okay, so no litter boxes, then.”
“Yeah, I think everyone should be okay with the standard restrooms.”
Henry pulled into their driveway, giving Kirsten the keys so he could grab Zara. Once they were inside, he put her in her crib, tucking her in before heading back downstairs. He heard Kirsten’s soft hums coming from the shower and thought he would go and make them a snack before bed.
Opening his laptop on the kitchen counter, he began to check through destinations where he would take Kirsten on their honeymoon. This was his only responsibility, and he wanted to make sure it was perfect.
Taking out two slices of apple pie, he popped them in the microwave to heat them. Kirsten loved the hot and cold combination in her desserts, and he loved making her happy. He plated them, placing a large scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and setting it on the kitchen table.
Taking another look at the screen, he was certain that Japan was going to be their destination. He started to look at the activities, so he could plan everything from activities to new restaurants. Kirsten was going to have an unforgettable trip.
The soft padding of footsteps caught Henry’s attention. He looked up to see Kirsten freshly washed and pinked-cheeked. Her wet hair was still wrapped in a towel.
“You read my mind,” she said, taking the seat next to him.
“Add that to the list of reasons you’re marrying me.”
“Noted,” she said, pointing to the computer screen with the spoon handle. “We’re going to Japan?”
“Unless you rather go somewhere else,” he said.
“No, of course not! This is going to be amazing!”
“I’m sure my mom will agree to fly out and watch Zara while we’re away. I was thinking we need at least a full week to enjoy everything.”
“Let’s just take Zara with us,” Kirsten said.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course, we’re a family now, and it really wouldn’t be the same without her.” She smiled between bites of apple pie.
The honesty of her words grounded him. This was so much better than any dream.
FORTY-EIGHT
KIRSTEN
Kirsten looked at herself in the mirror, placing the last crystal pin in the romantic curls her hair stylist had just finished. A new woman stared back at her. No longer was she lost, searching for a bigger meaning in the routine of her mundane life. She had found the missing part of herself in the waiting arms of an otherworldly dream.
There was a knock on the door, and her mother and father entered. Her mother’s eyes were already wet with tears as she pulled her into a warm embrace.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” she said.
“Like an angel,” her father continued, taking her from her mother and giving Kirsten an embrace of his own.
“Okay now,” her mother said, more for herself than anyone else. “Let’s get ourselves together. It’s just about time.”
