I stepped onto the threshold, hands gripped around my bouquet like it was the handle of a precious katana. And then I took a breath, and took the step.
I knew the wedding was as much about friends and family as it was about us. The spectacle was for them; the vows—a different kind of oath taking—were for us.
But the look on Ethan’s face when he saw me for the first time, that was just for me.
CHAPTER SIX
I WANT IT THAT WAY
Ethan’s eyes widened and went hot, his gaze full of love and pride, possessiveness and wicked promise.
As I walked toward him, my Master and friend, I thought of the first moment we’d talked, when I’d blamed him for making me a vampire without my permission, even though he’d saved my life. He’d asked me if I believed he was a monster, if I believed he’d made me a monster. At the time, I wasn’t sure—about either of us. And then he gave his life for me, and by some chance miracle, I got him back. And I couldn’t be more grateful for it.
I meant to glance at those I passed, smile or nod, accept their hand-blown kisses. But while I could feel them smiling beside me, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I reached him, had to look up to meet his gaze, even in the heels.
; My father put her down, and she ran to her mother. My father immediately pulled his phone from his pocket, began checking his messages. I guess he couldn’t be bothered.
“You will knock his proverbial socks off,” Amit said, pressing a kiss to my cheek.
“Good,” I said with a smile. “He needs to be kept on his toes.”
Charlotte crouched in front of Olivia, adjusted her bow, pointed at me. “Livvie, did you see Aunt Merit? Did you see how pretty she looks?”
Olivia turned to me, held out her basket. “I toss flowers!”
“And you’re going to do a wonderful job of it,” I said.
She reached in, pulled out a chubby handful of white petals, and threw them into the air, eyes closing as they caressed her face.
“Baby, remember you’re going to wait until you get inside?”
It was late for humans, and particularly for a child. She was probably tired and sleep-deprived, and her eyes grew wide, her upper lip wobbling. “Now.”
Fortunately, it became “now” quickly, as the door opened, Jeff returned to his post, and “Pachelbel’s Canon” began to ring through the air.
“Now it’s time,” Charlotte said, kneeling to straighten Olivia’s skirt. “You ready, kiddo?”
“Flowers!”
Charlotte nodded to Jeff and Catcher, and they opened the doors as people turned in their seats for better views.
“Go for it!” Charlotte whispered, and Olivia took off at a run through the doors. But she stopped in the middle of the aisle, turned nearly a full circle as she stared at the people around her.
“Livvie!” Charlotte whispered. “Throw the flowers!”
While the crowd chuckled, Olivia turned and looked at her mother. “Okay!” She ran down the aisle, flinging petals as she moved. Then stopped again and looked back at the door, where Charlotte and Malik had taken their positions.
“Mommy!” she called out. “Mommy! I do it!”