Page 96 of House of Malice
Blaze snorted and rolled his eyes with a smile.
“Val made a guest list,” Alecto said. “It’s short notice, so we’ll see if everyone can make it. But the most important people will be there.”
“Yeah, I had Romeo send out the invitations an hour ago,” Val said. “The whole of Inathis is invited.”
“You guys,” Jolene said, her eyes wide. “I hope you’re joking!”
“Yes,” Alecto said.
“No,” was Val’s reply at the same time.
Alecto shot Val a glance, and Val smirked.
“Only the most important people,” Alecto assured Jolene. “Your family included.”
Jolene made a face.
“You will have to tell them eventually,” Alecto said. “It might as well be during the ceremony.”
“I think a better option would be way before the ceremony,” Andro chimed in. “But hey, better later than never.”
Jolene rolled her eyes.
“Blaze booked the band and the host for the event after the ceremony,” Alecto said. “Now you only need to get a dress. Or do you already have one?”
Jolene pursed her lips, her eyes full of unshed tears. “You guys. You did all this on such short notice. I love you.”
They weren’t an affectionate, emotional bunch. Hel, if anyone observed their relationships, they would probably assume the members of the Inner Circle weren’t as close as they truly were.
But even Blaze felt the tip of his nose tickle.
“We love you too,” Alecto said. “That is why we’re making this a big deal. No backyard ceremonies with five people here. Now, if you haven’t picked out the dress yet, I propose we head over to Avalon Hills to do some shopping.”
Jolene nodded, brushing away the tears. “Yes, I would love that. Can I take Leigh as well?”
Alecto was looking down at her notebook, scribbling something in it.
“I already took care of that,” Alecto said. She looked up and made a face. “I kind of preplanned the whole thing before I asked you.”
Jolene burst into laughter.
“Who knew Miss Alecto Black was such a great event planner?” Andro teased her, poking her on the ribs.
Alecto tsked, batting his hands away. “Only for this occasion,” she said, with a tilt of her chin.
If they ever had a handfasting ceremony, Blaze was going to hire the best event planner in the whole of Inathis for her.
40
“Leigh is running late,” Jolene said the moment she walked outside their brownstone.
Alecto nodded. “Not a problem,” she said, looking back at the carriage waiting for them. “We can get there early and have a coffee while we wait for her to join us.”
“Is Val coming?” Jolene asked once they climbed inside the carriage and the door slammed shut behind them.
Alecto shook her head. “She has some High Priestess business to take care of.”
Jolene nodded.
