Page 91 of Magic and Matrimony

“Stop fussing,” Odie signs and tugs my hand away from my tie before straightening it. “You look perfect.”

“Why are you so nervous? Having second thoughts?” Bram asks. He’s standing with Odie and Roman to my left. Odie pushes at his shoulder and rolls her eyes.

“I’m excited.” I button my suit coat and then unbutton it. There’s not an ounce of nervousness in my body, but I’m ready to see Piper. She spent the night at Josephine’s last night when Ava insisted it would be bad luck for us to be in the same house the day of the wedding. I got a dirty look when I pointed out that we’re already married. Piper kissed me and told me it was just for one night.

One night away from her was too long.

The backyard of the chateau has always been beautifully landscaped, but with a little magic, the flowers are blooming, and it’s been transformed to look like an ethereal garden.

Twinkle lights are strung back-and-forth across the yard, and once the sun finally sets, they’ll cast a warm glow over the crowd.

I don’t know whose idea it was, but someone decided that we needed to have a wedding repeat since our friends missed out on our first one. That and Piper and I never officially celebrated our nuptials. Of course, in the beginning, our relationship was simply an agreement between the two of us. I don’t think Piper or I could’ve imagined what our affair would blossom into, so it does deserve celebrating. That and I’m always up for a good party. Plus, Piper is long overdue to be the center of attention. She’s spent so much of her life in the corner, trying to avoid notice. Now that she’s free of the hex her father put on her, and her uncle is no longer a threat to anyone, she’s truly bloomed.

A string quartet finishes playing a song, and then the crowd rustles in their seats and spins toward the house. A new tune begins, and Ava comes walking down the aisle. Josephine isn’t far behind. I expect Stellan to come out next. He’s supposed to be one of Piper’s bridesmaids–his choice of words. Instead, it’s Piper that steps into the backyard next, stealing my breath away.

My whole world collapses down into one pinprick of focus.

My wife.

I’ve never seen anything so lovely in my entire life. My heart aches and my chest and my magic burns bright at the sight of her. She’s wearing a lace dress that clings to her curves and flowers adorn her hair that tumbles down her back. Her eyes sparkle and she smiles as she walks down the aisle toward me. There’s no reluctance, no hesitation.

Ava takes her flowers, and Piper slides her hands into mine. Lucida smiles at us both, ready to marry us in front of our friends and half the town.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the bonds of a love so strong that they can break a curse. There is no magic greater than that. The bride and groom would like to share their own vows.” Lucida takes a step back.

Piper nervously swallows and clears her throat. “Ambrose, I never thought I’d be lucky enough to find love like ours. I never thought I was worthy. You taught me to believe in myself, and you showed me what it meant to be loved simply for being myself. I was doomed from the start.” She laughs. “How could I resist your humor and charm? But most of all, it was the way you treated me like I was important. You saw me. You are the love of my life.” She squeezes my fingers, tears shining in her eyes.

“Piper.” I get lost in her blue eyes, love swelling up in my chest. “The world might see a shy woman, but I’m so grateful that my Piper is the sharp, funny, and sexy version that only the most fortunate ones get to see. Every moment with you, my heart grows fuller with a love I didn’t realize existed. You are my world, and I vow to love you for an eternity. We were fated in the stars.” I brush my finger over her ring where that phrase is etched on the inside.

Roman passes me a box, and then I pull out a ring.

“What’s this?” Piper peers down at the box.

“Mabel tried to shame me at our last wedding for not giving you an engagement ring. We wouldn’t want to repeat that humiliation.” I open the box, and Piper gasps softly, her eyes lifting from the box full of tears as she stares at me.

“It’s beautiful.”

It’s a simple solitaire diamond in a delicate antique setting. I slide it onto her finger where it nestles against her wedding band.

Lucida holds out a strip of red ribbon. “With this, I bind you together. In good times and bad. Love will always lead the way.” She ties our hands together, and then steps back with a smile on your face. “Go ahead. Kiss each other.”

I use our bound hands to tug Piper against me. The crowd claps when I dip her back and capture her mouth in a searingkiss that leaves me tempted to throw her over my shoulder and march her straight back into our house.

Shouts and laughter ring through the air around us.

“I love you,” I murmur against Piper’s mouth. She tightens her hold of my neck and kisses me once more.

“I love you too.”

The party is already loud and rowdy before we get the seats moved to create a dance floor. I’ve barely left Piper’s side all evening, but after talking to so many people, Piper and I both needed a drink. Bram and I are waiting for the bartender to mix our drinks.

My eyes are drawn to Piper again and again. She’s across the lawn, speaking with Ava. Her smile is bright and the red in her hair catches in the setting sun making her look like an otherworldly creature. My nymph from a fairy tale. I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman in my entire life.

“Married life suits you. I never thought I’d see the day.” Bram takes his drink from the bartender and takes a sip, his eyes focused on Ava. I recognize that look of complete and utter devotion. I’ve been wearing it for weeks.

“Are you getting inspired?” I expect Bram to scoff at the suggestion, but he just grins.

As if sensing our stares, both Piper and Ava turned to look at us. Ava flips Bram the bird. Piper smiles sweetly and waves at me.

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