Agatha glared at him before swatting him with a towel, “Of course I’ll watch her, you goofball! Now go on!”

“One more thing,” Smith breathed as Agatha softened. Smith closed the door beside him, the two of them drifting from it. “Melody would like another chance at a ball.”

“Really?” Agatha hissed with bubbling excitement.

“Yes, but I am hoping, maybe you can help me make it a bit more special than my birthday ball. Maybe more intimate.”

“Intimate?” Agatha wiggled her brows suggestively.

Smith rolled his eyes, pushing her away. Agatha snickered as quietly as she could. Floating away from him then smashing into him, they both chuckled. “Yes, well, her birthday isn’t for two more months, but she’ll be healed in a few days and…”

“And?” Agatha arched a ghostly brow.

“And I’d like to propose to her.”

Agatha went invisible. Smith gasped, “Was that a bad idea?”

He didn’t see the towel till it caught him in the throat. He coughed, stumbling a few steps as Agatha began to beat him along the back with soft, ghostly fists. “Smith Anthony Rosemont, that’s the best idea you’ve had in your!Whole!Life!”

“Anthony?” Smith cackled, hacking up a lung at the same time.

“Yes! Anthony! You don’t think I didn’t see your employment contract? Or your lawyer papers?”

“What are you talking about?” Smith laughed as he eyed the ghost before him. “I don’t have any other names.”

“Yes, you do! All of us do. Lord Rosemont gave them to us. I’m Agatha Winifred Rosemont, Havershum is Havershum Lillard Rosemont.”

“But you and Havershum had those actual names.” He shook his head.

Agatha huffed, planting her hands on her hips. “Austin is Austin Constantinople Rosemont. We all have birth certificates. How did you think I knew your birthday?”

Smith sputtered as the information hit him like a live wire straight to his veins. “What?”

“Our birth certificates. They’re dated the same day we struck a deal with Lord Rosemont. He had to use yours to get you into Ark University for your degree.” Agatha Harrumphed. “You didn’t know?”

“Er…no, no I didn’t know he did that.” Smith leaned back on his heel, unable to digest those words for a long time. He assumed the whole time Agatha claimed his birthday as his summoning date because that’s what he told them it was. He’d completely forgotten, he’d come back on his summoning date, as he always did, to see Elyth. Only to find Sebastian instead. He struck a deal with the Lich a year later…on that exact date. Smith let out a tiny chuckle, “Anthony, huh?”

“Are you thinking of changing it?”

“No, no, I didn’t say that. It’s just a little to get used to. But…I guess that makes it easier now. In order to file paperwork for a marriage certificate. Both of us having last names helps.” He glanced up at Agatha. She beamed as bright as the sun. The banshee twirled sharply, swatting him with the towel again.

“Go on, then, Mister Rosemont. And get a ring too, while you’re at it. A ruby set in gold, wouldn’t want to clash with you two’s color palette.” Agatha winked at him before she zipped through the walls and disappeared into the room with his resting Melody.

So that was it…he was going to ask his werewolf to marry him. And Melody Deathless wouldn’t be alone anymore. She’d officially be a part of their wacky pack. Well, that was if she said yes, of course.

Smithstoodinfrontof a closed diner. The windows were boarded up and a massive sign posted to the front.Purchased. Under new Management. Please apply online.He studied it almost disappointed to find it under construction. It would lose its crusty, dusty charm. But, then again, he’d heard from a little birdie in town that a particular iron jawed orc and banshee had branched out. Somehow, they’d gotten their purchase agreement through the council without a single hitch.Weird.

Smith spun the velvet box in his hands over…and over…and over again.

“Considering a spot to eat lunch, Smith?”

He chuckled, twisting to find Aravis Blightwood skulking up the sidewalk. “Considering going home for once?”

“More than considering, I am taking the rest of the afternoon off. My newest secretary is very efficient and has gotten my schedule more nine to five than nine till I’m done.” He crossed his massive feathery arms over his chest.

Smith grinned a wicked grin, “I’m glad Ms. Clearwater is working out.”

“And I thank you for your recommendation. Both my secretaries thank you as well. Though, I don’t think Councilwoman Dawn is none too pleased.” Aravis quirked a brow.