"I see." Her mother put her bag on the table and grabbed out her phone. She scrolled through something and finally looked up, holding up the device.
Marci leaned forward and stared at the screen. "You announced my marriage?"
Her mother rolled her eyes. "No. The head warlock did. I, of course, approved the photo of you. But I never would have said my daughter had eloped. That's a bit of an issue with me. So I assume," she paused.
Caleb squirmed again. These women made him feel naked and not in the good way. He felt more like prey or something. His Marci-shield didn't deter them. Right now he wanted her to protect him, an odd feeling.
"I assume now that I've seen Caleb that the marriage is resulting in grandchildren?"
"What?" they shouted in unison.
"Good Lord. I've been married before -- multiple times. I think I understand what people do. At least please tell me there's a ring? I hired a photographer as well, oh and a wedding planner will be here in a few days."
"Excuse me?" Marci choked out.
"Pregnant or not, there need to be wedding photos for the society pages. I figure we'll have a small reception. This place is a lot nicer than I'd anticipated. The planner will be quite happy since she seemed to be a bit aggravated at having to drive out here. So now, the ring? Oh, and a dress. I saw a small shop in town; perhaps they have something acceptable."
He realized Marci had pressed her left hand behind her back.
"Marci, don't be shy. Let's see the ring," said Francesca in a baiting tone.
Shaking her head, she said, "that's not how shifters mate. They, uh. There isn't a ring. And I'm not pregnant. God."
Caleb gripped her shoulder a bit tighter than he'd meant to, but suddenly he had an audience. His nerves caught up and his palms were instantly sweaty. He hadn't had time to let nerves hit him in the forest. Hell, he figured this was the easy part since she had already said yes to him.
"Marci?"
"What, Caleb? Don't let them get to you," her tone curt.
"No," he said. "I. Well. I drove into the city a few days ago and, well, I wanted to do this right. Do this your way and my way. So..." he stopped and reached into his pocket.
Fuck. What if she hated it? What if her mother hated it? He felt like he'd just earned her approval; he didn't want to make Marci's life any worse.
He pulled out the small velvet box. Annie had sworn that this shop was where all the witches and wizards who were anyone shopped. So, he'd taken every penny he'd had and gone without second-guessing.
"Marci, for better or worse I'm yours. You accepted me for who I am, and I accept you for who you are. I love you, and well, you deserve to have every happiness I can give you. You're my mate, my wife." Holding it out, he opened the top and took the ring out. "I think this has been missing."
Her eyebrows lifted.
"Caleb, I don't need a ring. I don't even need a wedding. I need you."
He couldn't suck in any air. So, she wanted him, that was good. But, she didn't want this public symbol that she was taken? He'd admit that there was a part of him wanting her to wear a ring. It told the world to back the fuck off, just like his mark and his scent said to the shifter world.
"Marci dear. Take the ring. It's actually very nice." Her mom or well, his mother-in-law turned to him. "Caleb, you'll excuse my daughter. She's a bit of a stubborn girl. Fights tradition every chance she can."
Just then Marci shouted. "Good Lord, Mother, shut up! I don't fight tradition. I fight stupid rules and since when do you not hate me? God. Fine, Caleb, I'll wear your stupid ring."
She grabbed it out of his hand in a blink.
"Marci McIntyre don't you dare." He grabbed her wrist before she could put the ring on her finger. "I might let you have your way when it comes to this inn, and I might say I'm yours, but don't you forget that this is an agreement between both of us. Give me back that ring now. You're my mate."
Standing shocked, she let him take it.
"Marci, with this ring I mark you in every way possible." He slid it on her finger and smiled at her, leaning down to her ear.
"Tell me that you can't wait for this, the ring and the reception thing, to hit whatever newspaper Jeff reads."
She giggled. "I think the line is, with this ring I thee wed."
Coming soon from Michelle Ziegler
Visit michellezieglerauthor.com for the latest information
Acknowledgments
There's a lot to go into each and every book. My family always comes first, but they also support me and this crazy 'job.' My husband has no idea how valuable he is. I get to bounce off crazy ideas and not have him think I'm crazy.
I have to thank my new beta readers, as well as some of my very trusted ones! Bridgett you are a reliable friend! Donise and Heather read between the lines to figure out some of my more interesting issues. Beverly was a huge help with a few military details. OH! My mother is a great reader and always catches the last minute mistakes even the proof reader doesn't always see. This group has my undying gratitude!
Lastly - thank you readers! Thank you for giving me a chance and escaping into my world!
Also by Michelle Ziegler
If you enjoyed Icing Snowy with a Chance of Mating, consider leaving review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Bookbub.
Just a few words like: Loved these characters, or Fun story, makes a huge difference in helping new readers find my books and helps me to keep writing more!
You might also like ~
More from the Move Over Fate Series
When it Raines, He Purrs (Book 1)
Icing on His Mate (Book 2)
About the Author
Michelle writes alongside keeping her two tiny children, three dogs, three chickens, and husband alive. Slowly as her sanity teeters on the edge, she writes novels to escape every day.
Currently, she dreams up new worlds in Denver, Colorado, although she still embraces her roots from Chicago. Writing is a part of her, just as coffee and chocolate are her life-blood. In a world that is far too serious for its own good, she writes an escape.
If you ever can't find her, check the backyard where she goes to hang out with the chickens. Everyone has a slightly different definition of an escape.
www.michellezieglerauthor.com
Snowy With A Chance 0f Mating (Move Over Fate Book 3) Page 14
