by Cate Dean
I burst out laughing, and limped around the table to hug her. That told me she was okay.
My life was never going to be the boring same old, and I couldn’t be happier about that. But I would do my best not to walk into life-threatening situations too often, if only to keep my parents from worrying.
Mom stood, pulling me back to the moment. “Now, bed for both of you. And if you even think of going anywhere tomorrow, I’ll unleash the temper I’ve just managed to hold back, because you both look like you’ve been through enough for one day.”
I swallowed, and looked at Dad. “Yes, Mom.”
He smiled up at her. “Yes, Beth.”
She helped him up the stairs, and I knew the injury he’d received from the Devil last year was bothering him. He favored his left leg, using the wall as support when he thought Mom wasn’t looking.
When they reached the door to their bedroom, he turned around. “Come here, Alex.” I moved to him, and he gathered me into his arms, hugging me tightly. “Thank you, sweetheart,” he whispered. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”
“Never.” I stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you back.”
I moved to Mom and hugged her. “I love you, Mom. Thanks for not lecturing us too much.”
“I love you, my sweet girl.” Her voice shook, and I saw tears in her eyes when I stepped back. “Now get some sleep. You’ll be off school again tomorrow, for health reasons, and we are going to the mall.”
I waited until they disappeared into their bedroom to groan.
I’d rather be stalked by a monster.
Almost.
I closed my door and fell face down on my bed, the decorative pillows flying in all directions. I could suffer through a day at the mall, and being dragged through every girly store, for Sam.
I’d do it for Sam.
Hopefully, that thought would help get me through every torturous minute.
Seven
Christmas Day was one of those rare winter days in a Southern California beach town—crystal clear, no wind, and warm enough to be near the water. Which was a good thing, since we were getting married at the beach.
I’m getting married.
That thought kept stopping me in my tracks, and not only today. I’d been staring into space at odd moments for the last few days. Misty had smiled at me when she was in the vicinity; she knew what I was going through. Meeting Zach had been a surprise, and them falling for each other so hard and fast a joy to watch.
After a whirlwind morning of opening presents, like any other Christmas, Mom took me upstairs to get ready.
My wedding dress hung on my closet door, waiting for me.
“Oh, Alex.” Mom hugged me, rubbing my back. “I can’t believe you’re going to be leaving us.”
“Hey.” I pulled back and looked up at her. “I won’t be far, and we’ll see each other all the time.”
“I know. But you won’t be here. You won’t be my little girl anymore.”
“I’ll always be your little girl, Mom. You did know I’d grow up at some point.”
She let out a laugh, wiped her eyes. “I just hoped I’d have more time. But you found someone who loves you, and I couldn’t be happier, or more proud of you.” She let out her breath and stepped back. “All right—let’s get you ready for your big day.”
“Mom?” She turned to me, one hand on my wedding dress. Man, I loved her. Tears stung my eyes, and I rushed over to hug her again. “Thank you, for always being here for me.”
“I always will be, sweetheart, no matter where you go. You will always have a place here.”
We held on to each other, until we stopped sniffling. Then Mom gently pushed me into the bathroom, and I splashed some water on my face. I took a good, long look in the mirror, then smiled at myself.
“Time to get married, Alex.”
~ ~ ~
Dad helped me out of the car after we pulled up next to the beach, tucking my hand in the crook of his elbow. Mom gave me a careful kiss, to keep the makeup she talked me into wearing intact, and went to join the wedding party.
A breeze had picked up—just enough to tug at the hem of my dress, and lift my veil up behind me.
I couldn’t believe I was thinking of things like that.
Just for today, I’d let myself be girly, with the fussy hair and makeup. I’d enjoy being the center of attention—just for today.
“Ready, sweetheart?”
I nodded, my throat tight.
Dad walked us to the edge of the sand, stopping behind Misty and Candace. I also managed to talk Diana into being a bridesmaid, and she looked radiant in the simple blue dress Misty had picked out for them.
Misty glanced over at me and winked, mouthing an OMG at me before she turned back. The music started, and she guided Diana into place, sending her down the aisle. Candace went next, her gaze on Jake. He stood next to Sam, as best man, and held her gaze until she stopped next to Diana.
Before she took her own walk, Misty hugged me, hard and fast.
“You look gorgeous, Alex. I’ll see you up there.”
I nodded, my heart pounding. Misty headed down the aisle, smiling at Zach. I knew she was remembering her own wedding. I hoped I would have the same good memories for myself.
The music changed, and it was my turn.
Dad laid his hand over mine, and we moved forward. I almost tripped when I saw Henry sitting on the aisle, surprisingly dapper in a navy suit and bow tie. He waved enthusiastically, his wide grin making me smile.
“Go get him,” he whispered as we passed—loud enough for everyone to hear. The people around him laughed out loud, and I stopped, afraid he might do something hermit-like. Instead, he winked at me, before he turned to the couple next to him. “This is a wedding. Some decorum is certainly in order.”
They nodded, looking more amused than offended.
I let out a quiet sigh, and Dad squeezed my hand.
“Ready, sweetheart?”
Terrified would be a better word. I nodded, and we kept moving. I finally screwed up my courage and looked at the wedding party.
Sam met my eyes, a smile on his face. My heart started doing the tango.
He looked incredible in a simple black tux, his blonde hair brushing his shoulders. It seemed to take forever to get to him, but we finally made it. Dad let go of me, leaning in to kiss my cheek.
“I love you, sweetheart.”
“I love you, Dad.”
He took my hand, and laid it in Sam’s open palm. “Take care of her, son.”
“With all I am, Lee.” He pulled me up to the small arbor, where the minister waited. “Hey,” he whispered.
“Hey.” My voice shook. Sam handed my bouquet of white roses to Misty, then took both my hands. “I’m scared, Sam.”
“So am I.” He smiled down at me, his deep voice quiet. “We’ll be scared together, okay?”
I nodded, and immediately felt better. Who knew that getting married could be more terrifying than monster hunting?
The minister cleared his throat and started.
“Friends and family.” Sam barely flinched at the mention of family. His parents were in England, and didn’t respond to the wedding invitation, or his follow up calls. He’d have my family now, and I’d make sure he knew that he was loved, every day. “We are here today to celebrate love. It’s a rare thing, when two people find it so young.”
Sighs echoed behind us, and I fought a smile. Sam didn’t even try; he grinned at me, tugging me closer.
Mom’s muffled gasp had me tensing again. Sam leaned in and whispered. “Look behind you.”
I turned, and I know my mouth dropped open.
Monsters made their way across the sand, led by the Devil and Louise. They all wore rune necklaces, keeping them invisible to most of the guests. Only someone who had been in the haven when Elias had protected it would be able to see through the glamour cast by the glowing Algiz rune.
Tears stung my eyes, and I bit back a laugh when Hern started waving at me, jumping up and down. Misty’s little brother Kenny was bouncing up and down right next to him.
I turned back to Sam. “You knew about this, didn’t you?”
He cradled my cheek, his smile warming every inch of me. “Jake suggested it. They all love you, Alex. Almost as much as I do.”
I seriously fought the need to cry, especially when Sam leaned down and kissed me.
“Hold on, young man.” The minister snapped us both back to the present. “We haven’t gotten to that part of the ceremony yet.”
Laughter filled the air. I squeezed Sam’s hand and looked over at Jake, mouthing a thank you. He gave me his cocky smile. Who knew I’d end up being friends with the first monster that tried to eat me?
Sam turned me back to face him, nodding at the minister. His fingers were warm on mine, and I forgot all about being scared.
“Sam and Alex requested a simple ceremony, so you all wouldn’t have to sit on those uncomfortable chairs any longer than necessary.” The chuckles eased any last bit of fear. I was ready—ready to marry Sam, ready to start the next chapter of my life. Our life, together. “Who has the rings?”
Jake stepped forward and handed them to the minister. He stopped long enough to whisper to Sam, then slapped him on the shoulder.
My nerves kicked in again. Rings made it real, and Sam had refused to let me even get a glimpse of mine before today. The minister handed Sam’s ring to me. I had chosen a simple gold and silver twisted band, representing the two sides of the boy—now the man—I loved with all my heart.
“Do you, Alex, take Sam, to be your husband, your partner, and the love of your life?”
I slipped the ring on his finger, my own shaking. Sam laid his right hand over mine, and his touch calmed me. I smiled, meeting his eyes. “I do.”
“Do you, Sam, take Alex, to be your wife, your partner, and the love of your life?”
He slipped the ring on my finger, and I stared at it, tears threatening again. Stylized waves were etched into the silver band, which was topped with a simple, teardrop sapphire.
“Oh, Sam,” I whispered.
He watched me, uncertain for the first time. “Do you like it? I know you don’t really wear jewelry.”
“It’s gorgeous.” I blinked back my tears. “I’m never taking it off.”
He let out his breath, and turned to the minister. “Can you ask me again?”
The minister smiled, obviously used to mooning couples. “Do you, Sam, take Alex, to be your wife, your partner, and the love of your life?”
“You bet I do.”
I burst out laughing, and barely heard the minister’s next words.
“You may kiss your—”
Sam cut off my laughter with his lips. This kiss was different, the first kiss as husband and wife. He let go of my hands and caught me around the waist, lifting me off my feet. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on, tasting real joy for the first time.
Applause finally filtered through the haze of our kiss, and he eased back, brushing his lips over the tip of my nose.
“Hello, Mrs. Emmett.”
“Say it again.”
He smiled, amusement in his blue eyes. “Mrs. Emmett.” He kissed me again. “My sea nymph.”
After a last kiss, he set me on my feet and pulled me after him up the aisle. I grabbed the hem of my dress, not surprised when he veered off, heading for the group of monsters.
Hern powered through the sand and threw himself at me. “Alex!”
“I’m so glad you came.” I rubbed his back, proud that he controlled his emotions. I barely felt the brush of his excitement along my skin. “All of you.” I met the Devil’s gaze and smiled. She nodded her head.
I didn’t care if the wedding guests thought I was crazy; I went around and hugged each haven resident, so touched by their courage. Many of them hadn’t left the haven since their arrival. That they would venture out for me—it left me teary all over again.
Sam wrapped his arm around my waist. “You being here means so much to both of us. You are family, and I want you to know you are always welcome. My life wouldn’t be as rich, and unexpected, without you.”
They surrounded us, claws, paws, and scaled hands patting us wherever they could reach. A human hand closed over my shoulder, and I looked up to find Dad next to me. Mom was with Hern and Kenny, her arm around Hern’s spiked shoulders. She really had become attached to that little demon.
Yeah—my life is funny, strange, crazy, and insane.
I wouldn’t want it any other way.
~ * ~
Thank you for joining Alex and her friends one last time!
Want an advance notice of the next release – and be in on some exclusive contests? Then sign up for my list: http://catedeanwrites.com/join-my-list/.
A Monster Files Wedding
The Monster Files Book 3.5
Cate Dean
Copyright, 2018, 2nd Edition.
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission of the author, except for use in any review. This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, locales, and events are either pure invention or used fictitiously, and all incidents come from the author’s imagination alone.
About The Author
Cate Dean has been writing since she could hold a pen in her hand and put more than two words together on paper.
She grew up losing herself in the wilds of fantasy worlds, and has had some of her own adventures while tromping through the UK, and a few other parts of the world.
A lover of all things supernatural, she infuses that love into her stories, giving them a unique edge.
When she's not writing, she loves cooking, scaring herself silly in the local cemeteries, and reading pretty much anything she can get her hands on.
There - I got the official biography out of the way. I love to write, and yes, I have been doing it most of my life. I've made up stories in my head for as long as I can remember, and I am thrilled to be able to write them down and share them with you.
If you want to be the first to know when the next book is released, or be in on some fun, exclusive contests and giveaways, join my list here: http://catedeanwrites.com/join-my-list.
You can learn more about me and my books at my website: http://catedeanwrites.com
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I look forward to meeting you. :)
Did you love A Monster Files Wedding? Then you should read Rosamond's Heart by Cate Dean!
Book 1 of an exciting YA fantasy series.A missing prince. A haunted castle. A dangerous man bent on ruling the kingdom - whatever the cost.When Rosamond convinces her friend Dan to explore a haunted castle, she expects them to find only a ghost or two. Instead they discover the missing prince, and stumble into the middle of a violent, desperate bid for the throne.In order to save the injured Prince Jaren, and the boy she has loved since they first met, Rosamond must reach beyond her own violent past to find her courage.And by choosing the path of courage, she may end up losing her heart.*Includes an excerpt from Danel of Black Mountain, book 2 of The Black Mountain Saga.
Read more at Cate Dean’s site.
