Nightfall (Devil's Night 4)

I took her hand. “Emory Scott.”

Kai’s wife set aside her laptop and stood up, offering me her hand. “Nikova Mori, but everyone calls me Banks.”

“Banks,” I repeated. But then I remembered. “Nikova,” I said to myself and then to her. “Nik? You’re Damon’s sister?”

She looked surprised, nodding. “That’s right.”

And then Rika chimed in again. “And so am I, actually.”

Huh?

But she waved me off. “It’s a long story. We’ll explain later.”

She and Banks weren’t related, though, were they? Or else that train thingy was a whole lot weirder now.

“Winter Torrance,” the other girl approached slowly, holding out both hands.

I took hers, shaking it. “It’s good to meet you all.”

“And you know Alex,” Rika said, nodding behind me and then hopping back up onto the riser.

I glanced over my shoulder, seeing her lean against the wall, her bag hanging at her side as she gazed at us, almost looking like she was waiting for an invitation.

I hadn’t seen her since we left the train, and I wasn’t sure if she wanted to talk about anything.

Turning back to Rika, I told her, “You look really beautiful. Is that dress for a special occasion?”

“It’s my wedding dress.”

Her wedding dress?

Winter stepped up on the riser, running her hands down the fabric and then touching Rika’s face.

“It’s red.” She smiled. “I can feel it.”

The dress was strapless with red fabric, and a tight bodice featuring gold embroidery around the breasts. It hung on her like it grew out of her skin, and I loved her long blonde hair hanging down her back with it.

It was an unconventional dress color, but why was I even surprised? Why shouldn’t she do whatever she wanted?

Rika suddenly sucked in a breath and dropped her head, a couple of tears spilling down her face. “Best do this now and not down the aisle, I guess,” she told us, laughing a little as she raised her eyes again, looking utterly lost in a way that made her finally seem real. “So many emotions. My stomach is swimming. He’s never not did this to me, you know?”

I could relate. No matter how tough you thought you were, the one who owned your heart had the real power.

Banks spoke up, cooing, “Aw, that’s so sweet. You love him so much he makes you nauseated.”

I snorted, and Rika and Winter busted up with laugher. “To be frank, yes,” Rika barked playfully at Banks.

She twirled on the riser, the gown fanning out and the train rustling on the floor.

“He’s my life,” she said, “and I couldn’t be happier about that. Nothing is worth anything without him.” Turning, she looked at us, taking Winter’s hand as she gazed around the room. “I love you guys, you know? I love to fall, but I don’t want to do it alone.” Her chin trembled. “Thank you for being my family.”

I wasn’t so sure she loved me, having only recently met and all, but she was a little love drunk, so I took it. I hoped I was that happy on my wedding day.

She inhaled a deep breath and then clapped her hands. “All right, enough!” She wiped her eyes. “Champagne for everyone, and bring in the dresses!”

“Huh?” Winter asked.

But before Rika could answer, two carts of gowns were wheeled in, and a tray of glasses filled with sparkling, golden champagne.