Page 183 of Commanding Flame and Shield
“As the last time the two of you tied the knotwithan audience was in Ireland, I figured we would make our coffee Irish today!” Aren raised his eyebrows, followed by his mug, before taking a sip. “God, that’s the stuff. Why don't we make all our mornings Irish?”
Alec snorted before taking a sip of his own. Ansel strode over, his long steps a bit stiffer after his injuries. He held a hardback book-sized gift, wrapped in silver and white paper. Alec and Aren both beamed.
“A human tradition we decided to keep for ourselves,” he explained, setting the rectangular box down on the counter with a heavy clunk. With a few quick motions, the ribbon had unraveled, and I peeled away the precisely wrapped paper. A beautiful cherrywood humidor with a glass inlaid lid, revealing rows of wrapped cigars.
“You know, those are a bit of a collector’s item.”
“I would expect nothing else, gentlemen, thank you.”
“But…we’re going to smoke 'em, right?” Alec grinned, and the Commander mirrored it.
“Hell yeah, we are. August and Alvara are getting married. There isn’t amorespecial occasion than that.”
“Hear, hear!” I wheeled towards that familiar voice, and my cheeks ached as I found Sam, and James standing in the doorway.
It was Sam that closed the distance first, and we wrapped each other up in a great bear hug. He laughed and pulled back to look at me. I grabbed his chin and turned him roughly this way and that. No sign of the black eye, broken nose, or bloodied mouth. Saraya’s healers had done beautifully.
“All good, buddy! Your friends saw to that. You’re good now, too, right?”
“Yeah, man. I’m alright. Ally too, thank God.” I turned to James, whose expression softened as he gave me a grin that didn’t quite meet his eyes. “You okay, kid?”
“Yeah, I’m alright. Layla and I are both a little…shaken up. But we’re alright.”
The song ended, and immediately transitioned to “Alive” by Tyrone Briggs.
“No more talk of war,” Ansel, of all people, cut in, raising his mug. Aren slid two fresh cups across the counter, and Sam and James accepted them without question. Together, we toasted to Alvara.
* * *
The stretchinggreen lawn had transformed into something magical. Twinkle lights seemed to glitter everywhere, and people were still buzzing about getting the last of the details in order. The boys had all decided we should take a break to catch a wave. The water still ran in rivulets down my body as I crossed back over the grass towards the pool house.
August?Alvara’s mental voice halted my walk, and I grinned.
Hey beautiful. How are you?
Better now that I can see you.I covered my eyes, and her laughter glittered down the mental bond between us. My heart seemed to swell against its cage.It’s just me in the dress you’re not supposed to see. I uh…
A moment passed before I pressed back.Ally? You okay?
It was quiet for a bit before she responded.I’m…feeling humbled.
Humbled?
I just can’t believe you’re mine. You’re here.
I chuckled, and felt her warmth between our minds, somehow even stronger now that we'd solidified our soulmate bond.Same, beautiful. Same.
August, I need to tell you something.
That doesn’t sound good.
Well, it’s…not. It’s not good.
Ahh shit, you changed your mind.
A soft laugh.Never. But August, I have made so many mistakes. I…
Mrs. Alvara Goldman-Porter. There is no mistake you could make that would eclipse my love for you. Our love is not something fragile. It can handle missteps. At least, I hope you feel the same, because to be frank, I am a hot mess.
