by VA Dold
Sara shrugged. “Flavor and icing are completely up to you. Since this is last minute, do whatever is easiest.”
Tracy looked skeptical. “You’re sure about that?”
Sara glanced at the mouth-watering selections in the display case. “You do beautiful work. I leave the decisions up to you.”
Emma dug in her purse for her credit card. “What do I owe you?”
“Not a penny. It’s my wedding gift to Seth and Sara.” Tracy shivered. “I still owe Seth for saving me from that rogue when I was a child.”
Emma pressed a hand to her heart. “That’s right, I forgot about that. You were almost a tasty treat for the beast.”
Tracy grimaced. “Don’t remind me.”
Emma patted Tracy’s hand. “Thank you.”
“Yes, thank you for doing this at the last minute,” Sara said.
Tracy shrugged. “I’m happy to do it. I assume you want it delivered to the plantation?”
“Yes. Can you have it there by noon?”
“Absolutely.”
Emma thanked her again and hustled Sara out the door. “One more stop. The florist. And as luck would have it the shop is next door.”
The intoxicating scent of blooming flowers and houseplants filled Sara’s nose. She followed Emma to the back counter and waited to see what kind of magic her mother-in-law would work this time.
A pretty woman of around fifty came from the backroom wiping her hands on a towel. “Why, Emma Le Beau, as I live and breathe. What brings you in, cher?”
“Hello, Susan. This is my soon to be daughter-in-law Sara. She’s marrying Seth. I need wedding flowers. The works!”
“My goodness! Seth? Married? Congratulations, Sara.”
“Thank you.”
“So what do you like? Roses? Carnations? Lilies? Or do you just have a color scheme?”
Sara looked at Emma. “Um...”
Emma took the hint and stepped in. “We were thinking traditional red roses.”
“Perfect. I love the classics. How many bouquets and boutonnieres?”
“Well, there’s Seth, Richie, and two fathers. So, four men. Then there’s me and Sara’s mother as well.”
Susan scribbled notes as fast as Emma spoke. “One bridesmaid?”
“Yes.”
“And would you like a traditional bridal bouquet with the roses, ivy, and baby’s breath trailing down or more of a round style?”
Sara considered that. “I think the round style would be easier to handle.”
“Excellent. I’ll also make a smaller version for you to throw. Now, what about decorations?”
“We would like something for the end of each row of chairs.” Emma counted on her fingers to herself. “Twenty of those. Also, altar flowers, cake table decoration, and roses for the arbor.”
Susan finished writing and tapped the pen on her chin. “Anything else?”
“Yes. We need them Saturday by eleven a.m.”
Susan’s eyes widened. “Give me a minute to check the cooler. My next delivery isn’t until Monday.” She took off into the back room and returned a few minute’s later. “I have just enough red roses to do the order.”
“Perfect. Put that on my account.”
“Will do. Congratulations again, Sara.”
“Thank you.”
“See you Saturday, Emma.”
“See you then, Susan. Thank you.”
Emma started the car and headed for home. “See, that wasn’t so bad.”
Sara chuckled and shook her head. “You’re right it wasn’t.”
Sara yawned, stretched, and sighed. She hadn’t slept a wink. The bed felt empty without her wolfman beside her and thoughts of her wedding day kept her up all night. The craziness of planning was over. After today she could start her new life with Seth.
She rolled over and checked the alarm clock and groaned. Seven a.m. Might as well get up. She needed coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. She turned her nose into the sleeve of Seth’s T-shirt and inhaled. She had missed him so much, she'd raided his closet for a shirt she could use as pajama's. His scent was comforting and calmed her nerves. Every inhalation reminded her why she’d put up with the insanity of the last three days.
She glanced at the kitchen clock. It was still early yet, and she had hours before she had to get ready for the wedding. There was plenty of time to take a run. A little fresh air would go a long way in clearing her head.
An hour later, Sara shifted to human form and slid the patio doors open.
“Where have you been!”
Sara rocked back on her heels. What was going on? She searched her memory for an appointment she’d forgotten. She couldn’t think of a thing. “I went for a run. Why?”
Emma threw her hands in the air. “A run! On the morning of your wedding?” She shook her head and shooed Sara toward the bedroom. “Hurry up and get changed, we have appointments in an hour for hair, nails, and makeup.”
What? Hair and makeup? She thought she’d do that herself. She tossed the T-shirt into the laundry basket and hurried to dress. Suck it up buttercup. Put a smile on your face and make your mother-in-law happy.
What are you mumbling about, mon amour? I can tell my mother to leave you alone if she’s bothering you.
She sighed and pulled on socks. No, I’m fine. Please don’t say anything to her.
Alright, if you’re sure.
I am.
I missed you last night.
I missed you too. I can’t wait until I see you again.
Just look for the guy in a monkey suit standing at the altar. That’ll be me.
Sara laughed. I’ll do that. I better get going, or your mother is going to come looking for me.
I love you, Sara.
I love you too. Have a good day, and I’ll see you at the altar.
I can’t wait.
Sara blew out a breath. Emma had hustled her into Cade and Anna’s house and the worst of the day was over. She looked longingly at the garment bag that held her dress. She couldn’t wait to put it on and marry the man she loved. She rolled her eyes as she thought back to her unexpected morning. The instant her backside hit the salon chair she’d been swarmed by women in what looked like lab coats. The process was tiring, but the results spoke for themselves. Her hair was up with a few tendrils around her face in soft curls, her toenails and fingernails polished, and her makeup done so much better than she could have managed. Come to think of it the salon visit hadn’t been so bad.
“Come on, baby sister. Let’s get you into your dress. It’s so pretty. I can’t wait to see what it looks like on.”
Sara held her hands up while Dianne carefully eased the gown over her head and zipped it up. She smoothed the skirt and turned to face Dianne. “What do you think?”
Dianne clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes the size of saucers. “You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Sara spun a little circle. “Isn’t it gorgeous?”
“That is the prettiest wedding dress I’ve ever seen, and it looks great on you. Now I wish I’d had a wedding.”
“You still can you know. There’s no statute of limitations on getting married after you’re mated.”
Dianne stared at the wedding gown longingly. “Yeah, maybe.”
Emma sorted through the mountain of makeup on the dressing table like a mad woman. She looked like a badger digging a hole to China.
Sara couldn’t help but laugh. “What on earth are you looking for?”
“Lipstick. I bought a tube of the shade they used at the salon. It’s stunning with your coloring and matches the roses in your bouquet to perfection. I know it’s here somewhere.”
“Maybe you left it in the car or something? It could have fallen out of your purse.”
Emma straightened. Hands on hips she glared to the makeup now scattered across the table. “Perhaps. I’ll check and be right back. Dianne, would you be a dear and check on the orchestra. Make sure
they have sheet music and have warmed up.”
“Sure.”
With Dianne and Emma occupied, Sara had a minute to herself. She closed her eyes and sighed. Peace and quiet. There had been precious little of it over the past few days. She turned to survey her reflection and sucked in a breath as her hand went to her neck. Dang it, she forgot the jewelry she’d purchased especially for the wedding.
“Please don’t be distressed. I have just the thing for you.”
Sara spun around, the tulle layers of wedding dress twisting around her legs. She reached for her service weapon out of habit. Dang, she didn’t have her gun with her. “Who are you and how did you get in here?”
“I’m a very good friend of Seth’s, and if you would allow me to help, I have a necklace and earrings that would look perfect with that incredible gown. Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue and all that. These will cover the old and the blue items.” The woman held out an ornate wooden box. “Please. Let me do this for you. It would hurt my feelings if you said no.”
Sara took the box without breaking the woman’s gaze. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but something about this woman set off her alarms. She lifted the lid and glanced into the box. Her eyes bugged out. “Are these real?”
“Of course. I would never offer anything less to Seth’s mate.”
“But these must cost a fortune!” Between the blue star sapphire teardrops and brilliant round diamonds that ran the length of the necklace and earrings, the value was immeasurable. The diamonds alone must be over thirty carats. She closed the box and held it out. “Thank you for the thought, and I hate to hurt your feelings, but this is too much. I’m sorry. I can’t accept these.”
The woman waved off Sara’s shock like she gave priceless jewelry away every day and held her hands up refusing to take the box. “The gift has been given. They belong to you now. Come, put on the earrings and then if you will turn around, I’ll help you with the necklace.”
Sara gaped at the woman.
“Please. I owe Seth more than I can ever repay. These trinkets are but a drop in the bucket as far as my jewels are concerned.”
Trinkets? That set of jewels was trinkets! Who was this woman?
The woman sighed and crossed her arms. “I don’t ever have this much trouble with anyone else. I won’t accept them back so you might as well wear them.”
Sara stared at her for a long second. It was apparent from the set of her shoulders and expression on her face the woman wasn’t going to back down, and she was too exhausted from a sleepless night to fight. With an unladylike harrumph, she set the box aside and pick up the earrings. When they were securely in place on her ears, she held out the necklace and turned.
The woman slipped the necklace around her neck and fastened it. “There. See, the set is perfect with the neckline of your gown.”
Sara ran a finger down the line of tiny diamonds and large sapphires that made up the chain to the monster-sized teardrop that lay just above her cleavage. “They’re beautiful. Thank you so much…” That was when she realized the woman hadn’t given her name. She glanced into the mirror expecting to see the woman in the reflection, but she wasn’t there. Sara spun around, her gaze ping-ponging around the room. What the...? The woman was gone.
Sara was still trying to figure out what happened when Emma returned.
“Why, cher. You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Whatever is the matter?”
“I think I did.”
Emma sucked in a breath and slapped a hand over her mouth. “Where did those jewels come from?”
“The ghost or whatever she was gave them to me. I tried to refuse them, but she wouldn’t take them back.” She narrowed her eyes at her soon to be mother-in-law. “Why?”
“That set of priceless jewelry belongs to the Goddess. They could only have come from her.”
Sara sank into a chair. “Are you telling me I just met Luperca? And she put the necklace on me herself?”
“That’s exactly what I’m telling you. But you don’t understand the significance of that meeting.”
Sara groaned. “I hate to ask, but what?”
“Your marriage has been blessed by the Goddess. By giving you a piece of her personal jewelry, she blessed your union. Those stones hold tremendous power. All of her jewels do.”
“What kind of power?”
Emma shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’m sure at some time in the future when you need it most, you’ll find out.”
Sara chewed her lower lip. “Don’t say anything to Seth about this. He’s not a fan of Luperca right now.”
Emma patted Sara’s arm. “I think that would be wise. We’ll keep the source of them our little secret. Now, about that lipstick. You were right. It had fallen to the floor of the car.”
Seth smiled and reached for the tuxedo jacket. He was marrying his mate today. The woman he never dreamed he would have. Two days ago, his father, Isaac surprised him with a custom tailored tuxedo insisting he would have occasions to wear it again. He prayed that wasn’t true. Pulling the jacket on, he checked his reflection in the mirror and smiled. Not bad for a monkey suit.
Very nice, but you could use a tail, Fang teased.
Don’t even try it, furball.
Fang chuffed a laugh and settled at the front of Seth’s mind.
Seth glanced toward the door. The boys were making quite a racket. Sara’s parents, Ben and Vanessa Adams, as well as her sister Dianne and her mate, Don, flew in the night before. Ben and Don and were hanging with his father and brothers in the great room. Having the time of their lives by the sound of it.
He and the rest of the menfolk were confined to the main house. His mother had babbled something about, not seeing the bride before the wedding. Which in his mind was ridiculous. He’d already seen every delectable inch of his mate. But all of the Le Beau men had learned long ago to never cross Emma. So here they were, holed up in his parent’s home. At least there was a game room with a bar to keep them occupied.
He joined them as Stefan sauntered to the bar. “I could really use another drink. Anyone else need a fresh one?”
There were several “I do’s” that rang out above the crack of pool balls.
Simon headed toward the kitchen. “I’ll find us something to eat. Breakfast was ages ago.”
“See if you can find pretzels,” Marcus yelled.
Seth glanced at the clock. Eleven. Any minute someone would come to collect them and Sara would be his bride.
Cade clapped him on the back. “There’s the grinning groom! Hey guys, the sacrificial lamb has seen fit to join us.”
Seth scowled. “There’s nothing sacrificial about marrying Sara. I’m one hell of a lucky man.”
Don offered him a glass of whiskey. “Good answer, son.”
“Thank you, sir.” He glanced around the room. “It looks like everyone is ready. Has anyone heard from Momma?”
Isaac shook his head. “Not A peep. The women like to take their time, but she’ll come get us soon enough.”
“Is everyone ready?” Emma called as she opened the front door.
Isaac met her as she swept into the game room and pulled her into his arms for a kiss. “Speak of the devil, here she is. I’ve missed you, my dear.”
Emma kissed the tip of Isaac’s nose. “I can see that. Gentlemen for those of you who haven’t met the Justice of the Peace, allow me to introduce the honorable Judge Tibadou.”
Seth stepped forward and offered his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir.”
“This is my son Seth, the groom,” Emma said in introduction.
“For me as well. You have a splendid day for a wedding. The sun is shining, the temperature is perfect, and there’s a nice breeze to keep the bugs away. Unusual for this time of year, but welcome all the same.”
Seth grinned. “Yes. I’m relieved that the weather has cooperated.” Little did the judge know, Seth had a
hand in the unseasonably nice weather.
Emma pulled Isaac toward the door. “Shall we get this show on the road?” She glanced back at Sara’s father. “Don, I will need you to come with me. Seth, you and Richie can take your places at the head of the gathering.”
Seth fidgeted with his tie. He didn’t like being the center of attention. Though, if it meant Sara would be his wife as well as his mate, he could tolerate a few minutes in front of a couple hundred people.
Stop messing with it, Fang growled. You can take it off after the ceremony.
I feel like I’m choking.
Pff, it’s all in your mind. Fang took a deep breath. Leave the tie alone. Our mate is coming.
Seconds later, his father escorted his mother through the rose-covered archway that Sara would soon walk through. Seth smiled at his parents and then stared at the empty arbor. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his father nod to the small orchestra hired to play for the ceremony. Then a traditional wedding march began to play.
His mother gave him a wink and mouthed, You’ve got this.
He went back to staring at the archway and held his breath. Any moment now his beautiful Sara would come into view.
Seth stood a little straighter when Dianne appeared. She was pretty but couldn’t hold a candle to his Sara.
The music changed tempo, and Don stepped through the arbor with Sara on his arm. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Couldn’t breathe. His mate was a vision of beauty as she walked toward him on her father’s arm. Tears of joy welled in his eyes. This gorgeous creature was his.
Peace filled his heart, this woman—this future–—was his reward for a century and half of service to Luperca and the shifter race. From this moment forward his loyalty and love belonged to his mate alone and if so blessed, his children and grandchildren. His only responsibility—to protect and love the family he formed this day. Tranquility wrapped around his soul as his heart swelled with the emotion of the moment.
Seth was…beyond words. So handsome he took her breath away. His black tuxedo fit him like a glove. His incredible physique filled it out to perfection. Her gaze jumped to his eyes glowing with happiness, as she was sure hers were.
