Page 84 of Aleko
“I’m not getting married,” said Sebastian, calmly.
“Well, not for awhile yet,” said Azure, patting at her pockets. “Couple of years probably. I don’t know… it’s vague. Probablyafter Orion gets here. Seriously, lack of magic, makes everything woobly. OK, Moira, Albert’s going to want a picture and then make sure you email everyone’s names for the lists.”
“But I don’t think you understand,” said Sebastian. “I’m not… marriage material.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Azure holding up her phone. “Everyone gets their someones.”
“Sorry,” said Moira. “She does this. It’s a second sight thing, seer thing. Sometimes she just spouts off the future like we all know what’s happening.”
“Well, eventually you do all know what happens. OK, everyone smoosh in,” said Azure, waving them together.
“I don’t think I’m photo ready,” said Yazmin.
“I would like a photo,” said Lia. “I want to put it on the family wall.”
The entire pack automatically shoved together. If Lia wanted a picture for the wall, then she would get one.
“Nice,” said Azure, beaming as she snapped the picture. “OK, Moira, you give us a call when you and Killian are ready to come home and I’ll pop out and get you through the woods.”
“The fairy woods?” asked Hudson, excitedly. “I went there once with the Bard Caelan when I accidentally kidnapped Yazmin.” His voice petered out with embarrassment.
“Ah,” said Azure. “How is Caelan? Still a sexist windbag?”
“Yes,” said Yazmin.
“I think he’s just really old,” protested Hudson weakly.
Azure and Yazmin exchanged looks.
“Yes,” said Yazmin, “really old and sexist.”
“And now you know why Grandma didn’t marry him back in eighteen whatever,” said Azure.
Yazmin burst out laughing. “No wonder he hates the United States.”
“Should have known it wasn’t the zombies,” said Hudson.
“OK,” said Azure, reaching out to hug Moira, “Love you. Call us!”
Moira hugged Azure and then Rafe, who scrubbed his hand through her hair like she was a puppy.
“You’re the idiot. Dad picked the right heir. It’s you. Stop doubting yourself.”
Alex showed the couple to the door and then glared once more at the rest of them. Eliandra shooed them toward the kitchen. Leaving Moira and Killian in the living room.
“You left me,” said Moira, plaintively.
“I’m stupid,” said Killian.
“No,” said Moira, shaking her head. “I get it. You got your memory back and it made it seem like we weren’t real.”
Killian sighed and clunked his forehead against hers. “Yes.”
“I felt that too,” she said. “And I didn’t help. I made you think I wouldn’t listen to you.”
“I love you,” said Killian.
“I love you too,” said Moira, going up on tip-toe to kiss him. “So next time,” she said, leaning back, “that some freaky magic shit goes down, maybe you will stop and remember to talk to me?”
