bulk. Trouble was, there was never a shortage of Twinkies in my cupboard.”
I couldn’t help it; I burst into a fit of giggles.
“I see how it is. I’m gonna have to walk in front of all those people with my undies waving in the air, and you don’t even care,” Vee said, but she, too, was grinning. She took a Band-Aid from her purse and slapped it over the torn fabric.
We laughed so hard we turned red in the face, gasping for air.
The door opened a second time. “Places! Hurry!” my mom said, ushering me out. Organ music drifted in from the chapel. I shuffled to the back of the line of bridesmaids, who all wore identical yellow taffeta mermaid dresses, and accepted my bouquet of white lilies from Vee’s brother, Mike. Vee took her place beside me and sucked in a long breath.
“Ready?” I asked.
She winked. “And willing.”
Attendants stationed on either side of the massive, engraved doors pulled them open. Arm in arm, Vee and I walked inside the chapel.
After the wedding, we took pictures outside. A bright afternoon sun spilled light over green pastures with picturesque sheep grazing in the distance. Through it all, Vee glowed, looking more serene and radiant than I’d ever seen her. Gavin held her hand, caressed her cheek, whispered in her ear. Vee hadn’t told me he was human, but I knew right away. Since Vee hadn’t sworn fealty, they’d grow old together. I didn’t know exactly how her aging, or mine for that matter, would work, since up until now, it was unheard of for a Nephil to live indefinitely without being forced to swear fealty. Either way, she was immortal. Someday Gavin would die, never knowing his wife wouldn’t follow him into the next world. I didn’t hold Vee’s omission against her; I admired her for carving out happy memories, period. I hadn’t met Gavin before today, but his adoration and love for her was obvious, and really, what more could I ask for?
The reception, too, was outside, under a large white tent. With the camera’s flash still popping behind my eyes, I made my way over to the bar and asked for sparkling water. Couples were dancing to the live orchestra, but I hardly noticed them. My focus turned singularly on Patch.
He’d cleaned up for the wedding, wearing a tailored black tux and his best depraved smile. The tux framed his athletic build, and the smile put a shot of adrenaline into my heartbeat. He saw me, too, his black eyes warming with affection and desire. A flush of anticipation burned under my skin. I’d been separated from him most of the day, and now I wanted him. Badly.
Patch made his way over, sipping from a wineglass. His tuxedo jacket was slung over his shoulder, his hair curling rakishly from the humidity. “There’s an inn just down the road. A barn behind those trees over there, if you’re feeling frisky,” he said, clearly having no doubts as to the direction of my thoughts.
“Did you just say ‘frisky’?”
Patch’s hands fell on my hips, pulling me close. “Yeah. Need a demonstration?” He kissed me once. Then again, drawing it out with a few inventive maneuvers of his tongue. “I love you.”
“Words I’ll never grow tired of hearing.”
He brushed my curls back off my face. “I never pictured my life so complete. I never thought I’d have everything I want. You’re everything to me, Angel.”
His words filled my heart to the brim. I loved him in a way I’d never be able to express in words. He was part of me. And I was part of him. Tethered together for the rest of eternity. I leaned in and kissed him. “I just might take you up on your offer. A quaint countryside inn, you say?”
I, personally, had had enough tradition for one day.
Patch scooped me into his arms, and I shrieked with joy as he carted me toward the back of the church. We swung onto his motorcycle and rocketed up the road, flying over the green hills toward the inn.
Inside our cozy, private room, I reached up and tugged on his silk necktie, undoing the knot. “You dress to impress,” I said approvingly.
“No, Angel.” He leaned in, his teeth softly grazing my ear. “I
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My heart is filled with gratitude for the people who have made writing the Hush, Hush series possible. First, to my family for their unfailing support. Every day I am amazed to be surrounded by people who love me so unconditionally.
Many thanks to my agent, Catherine Drayton, for her leap of faith.
I consider myself lucky to work with some of the industry’s finest: Courtney Bongiolotti, Julia Maguire, Zareen Jaffery, Justin Chanda, Anne Zafian, Jenica Nasworthy, Lucille Rettino, Elke Villa, Chrissy Noh, Jon Anderson, and Valerie Shea.
Thanks are owed to Anna McKean and Paul Crichton for many, many hours of work behind the scenes—and for taking such great care of me while I’m on the road.
I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve made during this journey, particularly with Jenn Martin and Rebecca Sutton, the savvy sisters behind FallenArchangel.com. Keep calm and call Patch!
Lyndsey Blessing, Charlie Olsen, and the rest of the team at InkWell Management—thanks for having my back.
I love my books’ covers, and applaud James Porto and Lucy Ruth Cummins for their artwork and creativity.
Thanks to Lisa Martin, fan extraordinaire, who bid on a character name to benefit Kids Need to Read—your generosity is appreciated, and now you’re immortalized in this book!
To the many booksellers and librarians working on the front lines: If you’ve ever shared
Since
Finally, a note to my readers. What an amazing three years! Thank you for being such a fun audience to write for. Thank you for your letters of support, for coming to my events, and for falling in love with Patch, Nora, Vee, and Scott. I look forward to writing for you in the future.
