I jumped in before Teegan could expound. “Actually, they saved me. And they’re the reason I went to the Citadel. I’ll tell you all about it during supper.”
The mention of a meal propelled her into host mode. “Where are my manners? You’re hot and thirsty from your trip. Go relax in the living room. It’s cooler in there and I’ll bring drinks and a snack.” Mother shooed us out of her kitchen.
The room was ten degrees cooler. I sprawled on the couch, propping my feet up on the ottoman. Reema and Teegan explored the space, found the bookshelf and happily sorted through the selection, making a pile to read. Devlen settled next to me and automatically tucked me under his arm.
“That went well,” he said.
“I’ll suffer for it later. Her interrogation techniques would crack a hardened criminal in seconds.”
“I think you’re exaggerating. She’s very sweet.”
“Uh-huh. Then why didn’t you tell her you’re my husband?”
He had the decency to look chagrined. “I didn’t want to overwhelm her. She just met me and the children. It’s a lot to absorb. We’ll explain it to her later.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Besides, I’m going to ask her to plan and organize a big beautiful wedding for you.”
“Interesting strategy. Bribe her first, then blindside her. Good luck with that.”
He laughed. “I’m sure she will be thrilled since she missed our tiny ceremony. And I want your family and friends to be able to share in our joy.”
I rested my head on his chest, remembering what had led to the simple service in the Keep’s formal garden with Reema and Teegan. Leif and Mara acted as our witnesses. In order for both of us to adopt the children legally we had to be married. I still marveled at Devlen’s instant acceptance of the siblings in our lives. He had meant what he said before. To be with me regardless. Although he wouldn’t let me procrastinate and delay this trip to introduce everyone to my parents and brother.
Once Nic and Eve sorted out the paperwork and officially released Devlen from Dawnwood, Devlen had asked me to marry him.
My left hand rested on his lap. Smiling, I played with the ring on my finger. The proposal hadn’t been a surprise, but his betrothal gift had brought tears to my eyes. Set in an elegant gold band, the two-carat black stone glinted with flecks of red and orange. A fire opal.
We married in the early morning to avoid the heat. Master Irys Jewelrose officiated the ceremony near the Fire Memorial. She wore her formal robes made with purple silk. I wore a simple cream-colored gown. Devlen chose to don the Sandseed’s ceremonial attire—a long-sleeved black tunic with animal shapes and geometrical symbols embroidered in silver thread, a black leather belt, gray pants and black boots.
After we exchanged vows, I presented Devlen with my wedding gift to him—a scimitar with a simple leather hilt and Ixian battle symbols etched into the blade. The symbols matched the vows we had just spoken aloud. I offer my heart, entrust my soul and give my life to you. And they matched the marks on my switchblade.
He beamed at me and presented his gift. A vial full of blood. Magic clung to the glass, preserving the contents.
Shock ripped through me. “Whose?”
“Yours.” He curled my fingers around the barrel. “Blood is very powerful, I only needed to use one of your syringes on Galen. The other I saved for you.”
“But I don’t—”
“It’s yours. Use it, keep it or throw it out. It’s your choice.”
After the ceremony, our little family celebrated by having a picnic in the garden. We left soon after for my parents’ house in Booruby.
Having no desire to reclaim my magic at this time, I placed the vial in a box and secured it. Then I gave it to Irys, asking her to lock it in the Keep’s safe. I might need it someday.
But not today. Not as I sat next to Devlen with happiness welling inside me. I pivoted and kissed him deeply. Reema and Teegan made yuck noises. Devlen and I hadn’t had any privacy during the trip to Booruby. I was about to suggest to my husband a private tour of the guest room upstairs when my father and brother burst into the living room. Loud and welcoming and full of questions, they embraced my new family without hesitation. My mother followed them, carrying a tray overflowing with enough food and drinks for twenty people. She appeared to be recovered from the shock of our arrival and beamed at Reema and Teegan. Probably realizing they would soon be her grandchildren.
After the kids, Ahir and Devlen went to bed and after a marathon conversation with my parents—yes, I loved Devlen with all my heart; no, we weren’t going to settle in Booruby, but live in my glass factory in Fulgor so I could make magic detectors and he could use his Story Weaver skills to help reform prisoners; yes, we would visit as often as possible; no, we didn’t plan to work for Sitia or Ixia, but to help Valek when he needed us; yes, they could watch the children when Devlen and I were on assignment—I climbed the stairs exhausted.
I checked on my charges. Reema slept in my bed and Teegan was next to her in Mara’s old bed. She wouldn’t let him stay in Ahir’s room as he had wished. The two “boys” had bonded within minutes of being introduced. They had already gotten into trouble twice for rude and obnoxious behavior during supper.
Devlen slept in the guest room. He roused when I slid into bed with him. He rolled over and molded his body to my back, draping an arm around my waist.
“How did it go?” he asked.
“Like expected. I cracked after an hour and spilled my guts.”
“Did you tell them about me?”
He had insisted that I inform my parents about all his past misdeeds. “Yes, and it triggered another two hours’ worth of questions and reassurances.”
“And the marriage?”
“That, too. My mother had heart failure, or so she claimed, but she instantly forgot all about your colorful past when I asked her to plan us another wedding.”
I realized more rounds of questions and assurances and explanations would be required to reach normalcy with my family. It would be crazy, exhausting and probably involve a lot of laughing and tears. With Devlen’s love and support, I could easily handle all of it.
Devlen intertwined his fingers with mine. “What are you thinking about?”
“The future.”
“And?”
I turned to face him. “Welcome to our herd.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A huge thank-you to my husband, Rodney, and children, Luke and Jenna. Their encouragement and support never wavers.
During the writing of my books, I’m thankful to have a wonderful network of supporters. My critique partner, Kimberley J. Howe, is always willing to read and comment on my first drafts. My friend Judi Fleming has encouraged me in many ways. Our contest to see who could write the most words in a day was what I needed to finish the story. Thanks for the incentive and the wine!
After visits to Harlequin’s Toronto, New York City and London offices, I was amazed to learn how many people are involved in getting my manuscript transformed into a published book. I like to thank them all for their hard work and effort on my books!
My excellent editor, Mary-Theresa Hussey, thankfully continues to give me invaluable advice and inspiration. Thanks to Elizabeth Mazer, a vital member of our team.
The art department has done a fantastic job with this bright cover. Many thanks to all the talented artists, designers and photographers for your creative efforts.
A special thank you to my friend Kathy Flowers. She arranged for me to take a tour of a maximum security prison and then played tour guide for the day. It was an enlightening experience and a bit scary as we mingled with the inmates. And a shout out to the Black Sergeant, visitor number one-three-six-five thanks you for your time.
And a huge thanks to my massive army of Book Commandos! Your efforts have helped in spreading the word about my books. Special mention to those who have gone above and beyond the call to duty: Louise Bateman, Justin Boyer, Elizabeth Earhart, Michelle Gottier, Jane Gov, Jimmy Grogan, Jen Grzebien, Kelley Hartsell, Kate Ladd, Heather Lloyd, Denise Löchtermann, James Pellow, Kelly Plaia, Erica Rowe, Greg Schauer, Laura Schibinger, Jessica Scott, Larry Smith, Ashlen Stevenson, Julie Walsh and Sarah Weir. Valek may try to recruit you to his team.