Page 65 of Frost and Felines

"You clean up pretty well yourself, tiger," she responded with that dry wit he adored.

The ceremony passed in a blur. Kieran barely registered the officiant's words, focused entirely on the woman before him. When the time came for his vows, he spoke from the heart, his voice carrying across the assembled guests.

"Mallory, when you walked into my inn last winter, you changed everything. I was a man who pretended he had it all figured out, but really, I was lost. Now I know I was just waiting for you." His thumb stroked across her knuckles. "I promise to be your shelter in every storm—whether it's one you create or one life throws at us."

A few chuckles rippled through the crowd, all familiar with Mallory's unique abilities.

"I take you—stubborn independence, magical outbursts, and all—as mine to protect, cherish, and love until my last breath." His voice deepened with conviction. "And probably beyond that, because I'm too stubborn to let even death separate us."

Tears glistened in Mallory's eyes as she delivered her own vows, promising to stand by him through everything. When they were finally pronounced husband and wife, Kieran didn't wait for permission to kiss his bride. He pulled her to him with gentle force, claiming her mouth with a kiss that balanced possessiveness with tenderness.

The reception that followed was everything Kieran had imagined. The Hearthstone's gardens had been transformed into an enchanted wonderland, with twinkling lights strung between trees and flowers blooming in abundance.

"Your mother would have loved this," Charlotte said, appearing at his side with two champagne flutes. "And your grandmother would have told you it's about time you settled down with a good woman."

Kieran accepted the champagne with a half-smile. "They would have adored her."

"They would be proud of the man you've become," Charlotte added, squeezing his arm before moving away to handle some minor crisis with the catering staff.

Kieran's gaze found Mallory across the reception, laughing with Nina and some of the inn staff. Happiness radiated from her, and he felt an answering pulse within his own chest.

He crossed to her in a few purposeful strides, sliding an arm around her waist. "Mrs. Striker, I believe you owe me a dance."

As he led her to the dance floor for their first dance, Kieran felt complete in a way he never had before. The playboy tiger had found his mate, the charming inn owner had found his equal partner, and the man who had always feared settling down had found the one person who made him want forever.

30

MALLORY

Mallory swayed gently as she checked the reservation log at the front desk. Ethan's warm weight was against her chest providing a comfort she never would have imagined possible two years ago. Her and Kieran's one-year-old was miraculously asleep despite the bustling activity in the lobby of The Hearthstone Inn, his little hand curled against her collarbone.

"Mommy's little helper," she whispered, planting a kiss on his downy head.

The Autumn Enchantment Fair had transformed Saltwater Grove into a supernatural hotspot, and The Hearthstone was booked solid. Mallory glanced up to see Kieran effortlessly managing a group of elvish tourists, his auburn hair shining in the golden light streaming through the glass windows. The sight of her husband – confident, commanding, yet utterly charming – still made her heart skip after all this time.

"Sheriff Blackmane's room is ready," Amy whispered, sliding a key across the counter. "And Mrs. Striker, your son is officially the cutest baby at the fair."

Mallory laughed. "Don't let Fiona hear you say that. She thinks little Rowan hung the moon."

As if summoned by the mention of her name, Fiona, Luna of the Eclipsed Moon pack, swept into the lobby, her husband Caleb at her side. The fire witch's red hair was braided elaborately with autumn leaves woven through it, and her eyes lit up when she spotted Mallory.

"There's my favorite storm witch!" Fiona called, hurrying over. "And the most adorable little cloud maker in existence!" She cooed at Ethan who chose that moment to wake, blinking sleepily.

"Careful," Mallory warned with a smile. "Last time you got him too excited, it rained in the kitchen for an hour."

"So worth it," Fiona declared, tickling Ethan's chin. The baby giggled, and a tiny puff of cloud appeared above his head, drizzling gentle raindrops that evaporated before they hit the ground. "He's got his mama's gift."

"And his father's stubborn streak," Mallory added, watching as Kieran finished with the elves and strode toward them.

Her husband's blue eyes locked with hers across the room, possessive and proud. Two years together and that look still made her stomach flutter. When he reached them, he slid an arm around her waist, pulling her against his side with Ethan nestled between them.

"Hey, Kieran." Caleb nodded respectfully to Kieran.

"Caleb," Kieran returned, his voice rumbling in that way that always sent shivers through her. "Room to your liking? Anything else you need?"

"It's perfect," Fiona answered for them both. "The room, the inn, everything. No wonder you've won all those awards."

Mallory felt a surge of pride. They had built this together – taken The Hearthstone from an average inn to a five-star destination. The "Most Feels Like Home" award hungprominently behind the front desk, a testament to how far they had come.

---