Page 63 of Reptile Dysfunction
Sterling somehow produces the most pleading expression a snake can manage, while the others create increasingly elaborate heart patterns above Thad’s head, clearly having practiced this moment.
“Yes,” I say without hesitation, feeling the meaning down to my bones. “Every wonderful part of you. Especially the snakes.”
His kiss is gentle despite the power I know he contains, his hands cradling my face like I’m something precious. His snakes celebrate with unmistakable joy.
When we finally break apart, the ring glitters on my finger, catching light like Sterling’s scales.
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper. “How did you manage this considering everything else you were doing?”
“I had help.” He nods toward the celebration, where Sebastian and Aspen stand at the edge of the trees, attempting (and failing) to look uninvolved. Behind them, the Silver Swimmers aren’t even pretending not to watch, their expressions radiating triumphant satisfaction.
“Of course you did,” I laugh, not even surprised. “The whole town was probably in on it.”
“Just the ones who matter.” His smile transforms his intimidating features into something that makes my heart skip. “Though your father may have had some advance notice, given the timing of his announcement.”
“Political opportunism at its finest,” I agree. “Making sure the town security partner is officially part of the family.”
“Smart man.” His snakes all nod in agreement, still executing their celebration patterns.
As we walk back toward the festivities, hand in hand with the engagement ring catching fairy lights with each movement, I realize we’re walking toward more than just the celebration.
We’re walking toward a future neither of us could have imagined five years ago. A future where evolution means becoming more fully yourself, not less.
As the celebration wraps around us—Sebastian’s congratulatory hug, Aspen’s delighted squeal, Milo racing around shouting, “She said yes, she said yes!”; the Silver Swimmers enthusiastically planning a “wedding water ballet” (which Thad vetoes immediately, though to no avail); my father’s knowing nod; and my mother’s triumphant smile—I feel an overwhelming certainty:
Sometimes, the best stories are the ones we write together.
Even when they include glowing LED bowties and entirely too many limelight-loving snakes.
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Epilogue
Thad
It’s just before sunset, the golden hour, the perfect time for Sebastian and Aspen to stand beneath an archway of flowering vines and pledge forever to each other. Milo stands beside my brother, holding the rings in a special dinosaur-shaped box Sebastian had custom-made. His serious concentration as he hands over the rings makes several guests smile.
My brother’s snakes sport matching silver bowties for the occasion, each one impressively aligned despite the outdoor setting. How he manages that level of snake coordination remains a mystery that I, for one, have given up trying to solve.
“They look so happy,” Sloane whispers beside me, her fingers laced through mine. The engagement ring on her hand catches the light, sending prism patterns dancing across her skin.
“They do,” I agree, watching as Sebastian kisses his bride to enthusiastic applause. To get a better view, my snakes rise slightly, several making approving little hisses.
Who would have thought, five and a half years after the Revelation, that we’d be here—two Gorgon brothers with human partners, celebrating in the open instead of hiding in the shadows? The enforcer in me still marvels at how much has changed.
The reception unfolds in the town square, fairy lights transforming the space into something magical. My security staff maintain a discreet presence at the perimeter—polished but not intimidating, exactly as we’ve trained them.
“Dance with me?” Sloane asks as the band strikes up a slow tune.
At her invitation, my snakes all perk up hopefully, especially Sterling, who immediately attempts to smooth his scales in preparation.
“Are you sure? My back—”
“—is fully healed and has been for months,” she finishes, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Unless you’d rather demonstrate your famous water ballet moves instead?”
“You fight dirty, Whitaker.” But I’m already leading her to the dance floor.
As we sway to the music, Sloane’s head resting against my chest, I catch sight of familiar faces across the reception. MayorWhitaker, deep in conversation with a phoenix business owner who gestures with his wings so enthusiastically that feathers are flying. The Silver Swimmers demonstrating modified water ballet moves to bemused wedding guests. Sebastian and Aspen sharing a private moment, his snakes creating a protective canopy arching above them while she whispers secrets that make him laugh.
“You know,” Sloane says thoughtfully, “I’ve been thinking about the whole ‘reptile dysfunction’ incident.”
