Page 81 of Spellbound & Speechless
“And you’ve decided to be chosen mates, too?” Juniper asks.
Mates may be fated tomeet, but choosing to be together solidifies the connection. It’s not a choice I take lightly, and I don’t doubt it until Juniper questions us.
Are we moving too fast?
“Yes.” My voice shakes. “We performed the ceremony last night.”
Even Maple seems uncertain, letting out a nervous laugh. “But that’s so soon!”
“I know.” I exchange a look with Mac, who remains quiet, staring down at his plate. “With everything happening right now, we wanted to protect our bond… and each other. Isn’t that what being mates is all about? Protecting one another?”
“Yes,” Ozan says firmly. “It is.”
Juniper looks at him, and something unsaid passes between the couple. He slips his hand over hers and squeezes her fingers, smiling warmly.
“Well then.” Juniper closes her eyes, inhaling slowly. “This isn’t how it’s done, but…”
I know it’s not. It’s an event I’ve dreamt of for so long, but it doesn’t matter anymore. Staying alive matters, and we have the protection of Aphrodite now. She gave us her blessing.
Juniper finishes her thought. “I guess there’s a celebration to arrange.”
I perk up, a smile replacing my worried look. “Really?”
“Of course!” Maple claps her hands together. “Goddess, this means I have a cake to make, doesn’t it?”
“Yes!” I wiggle in my seat. “Pink, please! And pearls.”
Mac finally relaxes, stifling his smile against a glass of orange juice.
I’ve had my entire life to think about this cake, and the dress—the dress I’ve been designing for myself all along.
Oh, thank Aphrodite, the hardest part is over. Now I’ve told my sisters, and this will be a glorious affair.
“Rowan?”I stop my sister before she can join the others in the living room, where they make calls and decorate invitations.
The table is still cluttered with the mess from breakfast, and the air is thick with the scent of fresh syrup and rosemary. It’s a blustery morning, enough that the wind chimes dance as a soundtrack to my wedding planning.
I’m already overwhelmed, and if there’s one reason I should have slowed down our mating, it’s for the party planning. We haven’t had a big family affair in some time—at least not one I was around for—and I already know the stress and chaos it comes with.
Especially when we’re doing it so fast. This weekend. That only gives us a few days to plan. Getting this one thing out of the way will help.
“Yeah?” Rowan tucks her tablet under her arm.
Talking to Rowan is more nerve-wracking than telling the rest of the family. Out of everyone, she had the least obvious reaction. It’s impossible to know if she’s happy for us, or supportive, or what she’ll say to the question I’m about to ask.
Rowan and I may not be as close as we were growing up, but I think we can become closer now that we’ve matured. That’s what I want.
“Well.” I swallow thickly. “You know, for the party, I was wondering if you wanted to?—”
“Yes.”
I shake my head. “I didn’t even ask you yet.”
“I know what you’re trying to say.” A tiny smile appears,just enough to crinkle the corners of her eyes. “I want to be there for you, and if you want me to be the maid of honor… consider it done.”
Witches don’t always have typical roles, but the maid of honor is one I’ve always loved—and I always wanted Rowan to take the position.
“Oh, thank you!” I wrap my arms around her shoulders, bringing her in for a hug.
