Mom leaned up on her tiptoes to hug me. "Don't let fear stand in the way of what you really want." She kissed my forehead. "We'll just head out the back." And in a few moments, I heard the back door open and close.
Then I stood there, alone again.
Another rap sounded on the door.
My body went numb. I couldn't figure out if it had to do with the loss of my connection to K or the person I could sense on the other side of the door.
Shaking it off, I moved forward and turned the knob.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Singer
When I opened the door, I found the combo of every awesome dream I'd ever had standing on the front step. And, she was wearing heels.
Singer seemed to have this thing for leather. The way the material hugged every inch of her like a long-lost friend messed with my head and my body.
She looked freaking amazing.
"What are you doing here?" I tried to sound mad, pissed off. The truth was, I was a big softy. Tears stung the backs of my eyes like I'd been cutting a big-ass onion. So I sounded less mad and more like a kid who'd had his teddy bear stolen.
Whatever.
She stepped closer, so she was on the threshold, but not actually inside the house. Her eyes were puffy, red rimmed. She'd been crying. Ah, man. Why did she have to cry?
Singer took my hand. "Changing my mind."
I tore my fingers from hers, stepping away. "No. Did you think it'd be so easy, Sing? You turned me down without giving me a chance. And then, you never returned my calls."
She shook her head. "I don't know what I was thinking. I got lost. Off track. Nothing was the same without you. I never should have let you go."
"Well, you did."
"What can I do to change it, to take us back to who we were before?" Her voice shook, her lower lip trembling in a way that should've been illegal.
"Be honest with me. Tell me why you lied. Tell me why you said you didn't love me." I clenched my hands into fists at my sides, not wanting to run the risk I'd accidentally touch her. It'd be all over then. "You owe me that."
A tear trailed down her face. "I'm sorry I said what I did. I was messed up. I'm just getting over all of the stuff with Ainmire. I helped destroy my own father. Most days I don't know whether to dance or cry."
"You should have told me. I could have helped you, or at the very least listened."
"I didn't realize there was even a problem until I heard you talking to my dad. Asking for his permission to propose. Meanwhile, we hadn't even talked about it. I freaked. I wish I would have talked to you about how I felt, instead of what I did. We could've–"
"I guess, now we'll never know."
"Gabe. I want you back. Please, give me another chance."
I ran a hand through my hair. "I can't go through that again, I think it would kill me. And I'm doing all right, now. I'm getting it together."
"That's wonderful. I wish I could say the same, but after you left..." Her eyes spoke volumes. "...it was so much worse. I didn't know who I was anymore. I didn't care."
Surprise washed over me. We'd spent the last six weeks apart and still felt the same things. I wanted to tell her I knew the feeling, but I just couldn't.
"And the thing is, I should have realized the truth, sooner. People write you off sometimes, because you're so easy-going. You're not a push-over, though."
"Yeah?" I couldn't keep the anger out of my voice. "So what am I then, if you walked all over me? What about all the times I called and texted. Where were you then?"
"Trying to work everything out. My mother was controlled by a man. No way in hell was I going to be." "You really think I'd try to control you?" I asked. "That's not me. You know it isn't."
"That's why I'm here. See, I think I knew all along who you were, but I had to sort out who I was. I didn't know. Not really."
"What am I, then? 'Cause damned if I know." I turned away from her. I could just fly off again, kick her out of the house. Anything, to make the pain stop. I thought not being K's Protector would be hard. This? A trillion times worse.
"You're amazing."
Something inside of me froze. I turned back and took in her tear-streaked face. "You really think that?"
"Yeah. I really think that. When you showed up with Uncle K, I knew he was there, but I could only look at you. You're so smart, and funny, and kind. You have the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known."
Ah man, why did she have to go and say something nice like that? It was way easier being mad at her. Wasn't it?
"I made a huge mistake and I've come here to ask you..." she cleared her throat, "...to ask you if there's a chance you still want me."
Hooking my thumbs in the pockets of my jeans, I stared at her. "I want to believe you..." Did some part of me just die? "You hurt me, Sing. I don't know if I want to chance it again, you know?"
She reached down to one of her tall boots and unzipped it partway. After a moment, she pulled out something white and gray-tipped. One of my feathers.
"This fell off you the last time you shifted, outside of my parents’ house. I've kept it with me. I-I always keep it with me. I like having you close." A tear trailed down her face. "Please, Gabe?"
As Singer stood there holding my feather, I realized she meant it. Every word. And she wanted me. Something inside of me broke free. I took one step toward her instead of away.
"Come here." I slid a hand behind her head, and crashed my mouth down on hers. Her luscious lips tasted salty and sweet at the same time. A rush of relief crashed through me. The scent of her skin tickled my nostrils. It'd been way too long and I wanted her–bad. Her arms flew around me and her hands slid into my hair. Her tongue swept over mine sending a shock down to my toes.
I broke the kiss and rested my forehead against hers. "Singer...I just," I swallowed. "I need you."
"I'm sorry, for everything. How I acted, I was so mad at you for wanting to marry me."
I shook my head. "Your statement was completely contrary to anything I've ever heard a girl say before."
"That's why you want me in the first place. 'Cause I'm not like other girls." She touched my cheek.
"That and those leather pants of yours." I squeezed her jean-clad thigh.
"Stewart, focus." She touched my jaw, sending heat through my entire body. "I was scared. I am scared."
"We've battled badass Faeries, fought in an army, and you attacked your father to save me. Getting married scares you?"
She nodded.
"Why?"
"What if it doesn't work out? What if I lost you? And here, I lost you anyway." She brushed her hair back. "Plus, I don't know how to cook."
"Well, I do. Welcome to the age of equal rights. I make a mean grilled cheese sandwich."
She smiled. "You do?"
"Yeah." Resting my hands on either side of her face, I kissed her again, my lips barely touching hers before I ended it. "Marry me."
"Is that all you got?" She asked, but her eyes were over-bright, sort of like she was lit up on the inside.
"Pretty much."
She smiled. "Then, yeah. I'll marry you, Gabriel Stewart."
"We can have a lot of little cat-bird shifters."
Singer snorted. "That's weird."
"We're immortal. It's going to be a really long life. Like forever."
She frowned. "Well if it's going to be forever, then you'd better learn to cook something else besides grilled cheese sandwiches."
"As long as you're not expecting poultry, we're good." My lips found hers again. We clung to one another, each trying to get closer. A kiss wasn't enough. It would never be enough with Singer. It would never even be possible. As far as I was concerned, the conversation was over.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Wedding
One Month Later
The stupid tie was choking me. There were only two settings on the damn thing–too-tight and tighter. I undid it again, for about the four hundredth time that afternoon. I had to get it right, though.
He giggled and gave me the finger.
"That is so uncool. It's like my wedding day?"
"Sorry, Gabe." Farvas' voice squeaked when he spoke.
Stephen, who would be officiating the ceremony, stepped closer. "Farvas, that's enough. Go pick on someone else, alright? You'd better make sure it's not a mortal."
Farvas bowed. "Your highness." I blinked and then he'd gone. Off to pick on someone else.
"See, I knew it would be a pain in the ass to do this in Faerie. Who invited the Gremlins? I mean, really?" I glared at K.
"Gabe, chill." K said, patting my back. I cast a glance in his direction. At some point, he'd picked up a very un-K-like tan. Probably from one of the trips he and Cali kept taking to all of these exotic places. They called it an extended honeymoon.
"Yes, Gabriel. Chill. Allow me." Stephen pressed a finger to my tie. It instantly re-tied itself. And, it wasn't too tight.
"Thank you, your highness." I bowed.
Stephen waved me away. "No bother. You're serving on my High Council–you can call me Stephen. Beyond that, I think of you as a friend. If Protectors hadn't been at that battle, none of us would be here. And, you saved my son's life." He clapped a hand on Kellen's shoulder.
K grinned and peered through the curtain. "Cali just gave us the signal. It's time, Gabe." K let the curtain drop and winked. "You ready?"
"Hell, no, dude." It was time for me to marry Singer. How the heck had we gotten here? I had to be out of my mind. I'd always wanted to get married, but now it was actually happening. Was I making the right choice? All of eternity with someone... Was Singer my someone?
But then Michael Stewart's words rang in my head. No, my Dad's words rang in my head.
Someday you'll find somebody who'll give you a kick in the pants.
At the time, I'd thought that sounded like it would suck. I mean, who wanted to find someone who would kick them? Really? And who would've thought I'd get in line willingly for the girl?
K's face paled. "If you don't think you want to..." He frowned. I understood. He'd just tried to send the rest of his message telepathically out of habit, but I didn't need the old link between us to know what he meant.
Don't do this if you aren't ready.
In theory, it would've been easy to fly away and never look back. In reality, it would have meant the end. Hadn't I lived through nearly six tortuous weeks without Singer? Life without her didn't work. No matter what happened in the future, it had to be an improvement over my past.
"Gabe?" K said.
There was a time when I'd felt a connection between us, a draw which tied us together. A voice would tell me to run to K, to save him from whatever. Go, go, go, it would say. Now, there was nothing but silence. Blissful silence.
I'd severed my bond with my best friend. At least, as his Protector. There would be no more Protectors. We were all equals, now. And though any kids I had with Singer would be able to shift–they wouldn't be assigned a charge to look after.
Those days were over. It was a new age. The Gabe-Singer age. Heck, yes.
"I'm good." I grinned. "I'm right where I'm supposed to be."
"Well, then." K parted the curtain. "Let's take a walk."
Ducking through, we stepped outside of the tent and walked to the front of the aisle where Singer would take the big stroll in a few moments. Cali had done an awesome job decorating for the wedding. The whole event had been set up in a wooded glen. Weeping Willows surrounded the seating area, giving the place a private feel. I just hoped the trees listened to Cali's instructions and didn't start stroking the guests' cheeks in the middle of the ceremony.
We'd decided to have the wedding in Faerie mostly because of the drama involved with marrying a rock star's daughter. Once word got out that Singer and I were engaged, the paparazzi had gotten of control. So Stephen, K, and Cali glamoured the heck out of the place. They'd also be responsible for making sure all of the mortals got home. Stephen's reign was new, which meant not everyone was on board yet.
The security at my wedding? Massive.
I searched the guests. The residents of Faerie had done their best to look human, at least, but I didn't want to take any chances. Especially since they were intermingling with more celebrities than at a Hollywood awards show. Richard did like a good party.
"Sorry, it took me so long," Nate said, sliding up to us. "I can't find my bow tie, Gabe."
"It's cool." I patted my older brother on the shoulder. He, along with Singer's father, were among the guests that didn't know the truth about where we were or what we were. It was better for everyone this way.
You ready for this, Stewart? Singer's voice burst through my thoughts. I hadn't seen her since last night, hadn't realized how much I missed her. And then it overwhelmed me.
Hell, yeah, babe. What's taking you so long? I grinned.
The music began. One thing about faeries, they liked their music. A quartet of Satyrs played in the corner. Unfortunately, we'd had to un-invite the Nymphs because they kept crashing the rehearsal dinner with lewd dancing. I didn't exactly mind that much but, well, Cali got ahold of them and they were off the list.
"You got this, man." K patted my shoulder.
A whole squadron of butterflies dive-bombed my stomach. "Here we go." Holy crap.
One of Singer's cousins escorted Rowan down the aisle. She wore a blue gown, the fabric flowing behind her as if she were a bird. Rowan blew me a kiss as she took a seat in the front row.
Cali entered next, wearing a red dress made out of the same flowy material as Rowan's. From somewhere behind me, Kellen made a strangled sound. I didn't blame him. Calienta always looked amazing. When you were a Star Child though, you were kind of lit from within. So I guess that gave her an advantage.
My sister, Sarah, followed next. Her dress was a lot like Cali's and Rowan's, but greener. Sarah had grown up. She was one of many I would have to keep secrets from for the rest of my life. Still, when she reached the front, my older sister hugged me before giving me a noogie. "Good luck, jerk." Okay, so maybe not so grown up, then.
"Thanks, snot." I patted her back as she moved to stand beside Cali.
Then the music changed, from some benign Irish piece to a flute arrangement of Rock You Like a Hurricane by the Scorpions. Nice. That's my girl. I hadn't even realized I'd started playing air guitar until K smacked me.
I stood up straighter. "Thanks, maaaa..." But I never finished, because Singer stepped through the curtain, escorted by Richard.
She wore a simple ivory dress. It plunged at the neckline and fitted together just above the jewel-covered waistband. I'd never seen her dressed this way, like something out of a fairytale.. Her hair had been twisted up into some involved style. Twinkle lights in the form of tiny magickal faeries held her hair in place. Glamoured winged sprites dropped rose petals onto Richard and Singer from above. My mouth went dry as I locked eyes with my bride.
All of my questions, the ones I'd asked myself. Like, was I doing the right thing and stuff? Yeah, those were old news, because the answer to everything was yes. Yes, yes, yes.
Richard led Singer to the front and positioned her across from me. How the heck was I supposed to concentrate with Singer in this get-up?
You're so beautiful. I thought the words. It was way easier than trying to talk.
"We are gathered here today to witness the union of Singer and Gabriel. Who gives this woman to be wed in Faerie matrimony?" Stephen asked.
"Dad." K hissed.
"Um, uh, holy matrimony."
"Her mother and I," Richard said, his voice thick with emotion as he placed Singer's hand into mine. He was Singer's stepfather. He knew it, she knew it, but he'd never treated her that way. He was just her Dad. If I'd learned anything over the p
ast few months it was that it didn't matter how we were connected to those closest to us, it just mattered that they were there.
"I'm glad it's you, Gabe." Rich patted my shoulder before drawing back and sitting with Rowan. She laid her head against his shoulder, a grin on her face.
Stephen continued the ceremony, but I couldn't focus on anything but Singer. Singer...I think you were made for me. I thought the words, giving her hand a squeeze.
God, you're a marshmallow, Stewart. Pay attention to the ceremony. Still, she grinned. Message had been well-timed.
"The couple has written their own vows to one another. Singer, if you please?" Stephen stepped back slightly.
Tears pooled in Singer's eyes, but when she spoke, her voice didn't waver. "I never expected to find anyone. I've always been outspoken. Sometimes I say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, and open my mouth at the wrong time. Most guys don't want anything to do with that, or at least with me."
I do. I mouthed the words. The guests chuckled.
She laughed. "I know you do. But that's what's so unbelievable about this. That you know everything, you've seen every side of me and you still want to marry me. Not the Singer I should probably be, but the Singer I am. That's a miracle. You're my miracle."
"Thank you, Singer. Gabe, it's your turn," Stephen said.
I swallowed. Oh crap. Vows. I was supposed to write vows. I hadn't written anything down. How had I forgotten my own wedding vows? Then Singer's thoughts broke through mine.
Chill, Stewart. You already know what you want to say.
She was right. I didn't need to write anything down. She knew me so well.
"When we met, I was all like, 'who's this chick, pointing a gun at me?'" Singer laughed and I squeezed her hand before I continued. "But then I looked you in the eye and I knew. You were the one I'd been waiting for my whole life. Everything I've done, everything I've been up to this point's sorta been leading me here. To this moment. To you. Everything's been bringing me to you, Singer."
Tears spilled over and onto her cheeks. Singer rarely cried. I bet she'd take it out on me later. Hopefully, when she was wearing a leather outfit. Please, let there be a leather outfit.
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