Stephen had us repeat some things I barely remembered. Everything we'd said already tied us together. The rest–just a technicality.
"By the power vested in me by all of Faerie," Stephen said.
"Dad," whispered K.
Singer sucked in a breath.
Stephen's eyes widened. "B-by all the power vested in me by a very local municipality."
Singer grinned.
"I now pronounce you Mr. And Mrs. Gabriel Stewart." Stephen's voice sounded triumphant. I was the winner, though. "You may kiss the bride."
I framed her face with my hands. Singer had tied herself to me now. How in the world had I ever ended up with a girl as flipping sweet as Singer? And now that I'd have her for a lifetime, what exactly would I do with her?
Yeah. Guess I could think of a few things.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Beginnings
Spring flowers scattered across the stone path as I carried Singer toward our cottage. After a lot of debate, we'd decided to live in Faerie. At least, for the time being. Stephen's new approach to government in this world had been met with a positive response. Ha, he totally ruled. Still, since I'd become part of his council, it seemed like a good idea to have a presence in Faerie, even if it was only part-time.
I kicked the door open and carried my bride over the threshold. Twirling, I shut it behind us, letting her slide to her feet and pressing her against the door, I buried my face in her neck. "I love you, Sing. I've always loved you."
Lifting herself up with Shifter agility, she wrapped her legs around me. Her eyes widened. "I see."
"Thought I'd make my intentions known." I winked.
"I got it. I like it." She slid her hand down between us.
"God, Singer." The way she was touching me drove all kinds of thoughts from my mind. Pinning her in place, I reached up and slid down the sleeves of her dress, taking in white lace. My breath came out in one burst. "I might actually not ever breathe again."
She pushed on my chest and I moved, letting her slide to the floor. She unzipped the dress in the back. It dropped to the floor. More lace.
"Excellent." I whispered.
"Are you channeling Bill or Ted?" She laughed.
"Save the role-playing for another night, Mrs. Stewart." I reached around and lifted her again, this time swinging her so she lay across both of my arms like the most amazing gift I'd ever received. The faerie population had done something to the bed. There was this weird archway with pink flowers. Petals covered the comforter. I used one hand to rip off the blanket, tossing it and the garden to the floor. "I can't believe you've gone this long without talking."
Singer smirked. "I was thinking the same thing about you."
I dropped her gently to the bed and followed. "For once, I don't think words are necessary." I reached around and unclasped Singer's bra, one-handed, silently thanking the women who'd let me practice on them first, so I could have this one moment of epic coolness.
As my mouth found hers again, she reached up and undid the buttons on my shirt before moving to my fly. I let her undress me, the feel of her cool skin set fire to mine as she removed my shirt.
And then my pants.
The contoured briefs were just a technicality.
She'd found me again, stroking me, touching me, making me turn to granite under her hands. I let my fingers explore the body that haunted me in my dreams. Here was this awesome babe who never let anyone see her weak points. Except for me. I got all of the best parts of her.
Sliding upward, I brought us as close as possible, joining with her. "Singer." Our lips met again as we moved in unison, taking each other to a place we'd been before, but one that never lost its magic.
"Gabe," Singer's voice was breathless. "I love you."
I sucked in a breath. It'd been so long since I'd heard those words from her. Until now, I didn't get how much I needed to hear them. "Babe, I didn't think–"
"That you'd get to hear that again?" There was still pain in her eyes, guilt even.
"Nah." We'd promised to be honest.
"I was stupid. It's always been you. I want you." She arched her body against me, mimicking her words.
Resting on my elbows, our bodies parallel, I reached down and kissed her, tasting her sweet lips. I rocked into her, almost losing myself in the feel of her, how freaking close we were to one another. Nothing could be better than this. "I love you, too, Sing. Always. I'm not letting you go–ever again."
Our breaths mingled in a cool way as we joined together again and again. Somewhere in the distance, the horns of the Trooping Faeries sounded. Fireworks crackled. Laughter filled the night air as the big party continued without us.
But here, in the cottage, it was just Singer and me. Together. Forever.
Excellent.
THE END
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephanie Keyes is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child, which includes The Star Child, After Faerie, The Fallen Stars, The Star Catcher, and The Last Protector. The Boy In The Trees, part of the Blood In The Shadows anthology, released in November 2015.
The Star Catcher won first place in the 2014 Dante Rossetti Young Adult Novel Awards—Mythological Category. The Star Child was a finalist in the 2015 BTS Magazine Reader's Choice Awards. Keyes was also selected as a 2015 Rutgers University One-On-One Plus Conference mentee. She's an active member of SCBWI.
Steph lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with Mr. Keyes, her boys, Hip-Hop and Bam-Bam, and dogs Duncan MacLeod and Princess Riley. Steph is a hopeless romantic and Whovian who's shamelessly addicted to Nutella and spontaneous singing.
Other Star Child Covers......
A Faerie Wedding Page 6
