Alessande enjoyed every second of the preparations. She festooned the entire compound with leaves and seasonal decorations. She painstakingly created a large vine-covered arch for an altar, entwining the greenery with all manner of herbs that promoted health and wellness and the happiness she believed would come. Mark watched her work with amusement in his eyes and a smile on his lips.
The day came, and Father Lars, who’d become a good friend, arrived to officiate.
Once again the guest list included Others of all kinds, and human beings, too, of course.
When the time came, Alessande was the first to walk down the flower-strewn aisle, tossing rose petals as she went and holding tightly to her husband’s arm.
Merlin—unseen by many, but known by the one who mattered most—walked Rhiannon down the aisle to give her over to Brodie. Hugh Drummond passed a stunning Sailor over to Declan, and Barrie was escorted by Bryce Edwards.
Father Lars read beautifully, and all three couples exchanged vows they had written themselves before being pronounced husband and wife, and husband and wife, and husband and wife.
Arm in arm, Alessande and Mark watched as their dearest friends were joined together. And this time the reception went off without a hitch.
And then they went home to sleep in Alessande’s bed, her beautiful wooden bed where she gained her strength.
Where they laughed and teased and made love, and where, when the lovemaking was over, they lay curled in one another’s arms, still smiling.
After a little while Alessande said, “I do wonder what he’ll be like. I mean, Keeper, vampire, Elven...”
“Huh? He who?”
“Or she.”
“She?”
“Our baby. I mean, he—or she—could be...anything.”
“We’re having a baby?”
“Ah, quick on the draw, vampire,” she teased, then quickly sobered. “Are you...happy?”
He let out a laugh that clearly showed he was more than happy.
And then he made love to her again, just to be sure she knew how happy he was.
* * * * *
