Page 87 of Spellbound & Speechless
“Which means…” Laurel stands. “We need another round of bliss. I’ll get it!”
My life differs from what it was in New York, and it’s different from what I wanted it to be, but it’s better now. I’m surrounded by the best people I could ask for, and I’m in love. The pain and loss I went through led me here.
Mac captures my attention from across the bar again. He smiles softly, a smile he only shares with me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, not even the life I once coveted.
Chapter 31
Mac
This ismy first night alone since moving into the Hawthorne house. Aspen insisted on sleeping in her sister’s room before our party, saying it would make the event even more fun—and she promised alotof fun after.
I go along with it to make her happy, but nothing can make me more excited to celebrate our bond.
She may be pleased with the arrangement, but I’m losing sleep. Only two things worry me: celebrating our bond in front of the entire town and celebrating in front of my mom.
My mother hasn’t been in contact since our phone call, but she’s a woman of her word. If she says she’s coming, she’ll be here. I haven’t told Aspen about the call, even though it may not be the most welcome surprise.
Explaining my relationship with my mother will be easier when she meets her. Aspen already knows about my past, but she can’t understand everything I’ve been through until she meets my intimidating mother.
It’s only one night apart, but I miss Aspen. Sleeping on a bed a few feet from her was better than being apartlike this. I can still feel her through the bond—the soft excitement and anticipation that keeps her up as late as I am.
I keep my ears perked, ready to run through the house and pounce if she lets out a scream, a yelp, or anything that seems unusual. Nothing is allowed to ruin our day. Even though I fall asleep, I’m on high alert, waking up every few hours to make sure I can still feel her.
She’s safe. She’ll always be safe with me.
The dayof the event is wild with preparations. Family members amble around the house, and I stay in Aspen’s room as I get ready for the event. I won’t see Aspen until it comes—the time to announce our bond in front of the world. Or at least in front of Starbrook.
There’s a soft knock at the door.
I expect it to be one of her sisters. Laurel, probably, or even Ozan. It may be a lost family member—they’ve knocked on the wrong door too many times.
Instead, Aspen pokes her head inside, and I’m on fire. Her lids shimmer with a soft, pink eyeshadow, and her hair is in perfect, loose curls.
“Great. I’m hallucinating.” I sigh. “There’s an angel in my room.”
“You’re not.” She shuffles inside and shuts the door, locking it behind her.
“Then what are you doing here?”
She trails closer to me, wearing a mischievous smile on her painted pink lips. “I thought you might needhelp getting ready.”
I stand and move closer, still leaving a foot of space between us. “You think I can’t dress myself? Ouch.”
“No! That’s not it.” She giggles. “Just… you know…”
“Idon’tknow.” I lift a brow. “Let me repeat myself: what are you doing here, wife?”
Her cheeks darken. “I wanted to see you. Is that so hard to believe? ” She steps forward and plucks at my T-shirt. “You don’t seem too excited to see me, and look at that—you’re not even dressed yet. The party is in an hour, you know.”
“I know. I’ll be there.”
“You’d better be.” She unbuttons my pants. “There’s no party without you. Come on. Let’s see what you’re wearing under these.”
I let out a shocked laugh. “Aspen!”
“What?” She lifts her hands in a display of faux innocence. “I’m helping. Don’t you think I’m helpful?”
I turn to the closet, bringing out the suit I rented from a nearby boutique. Aspenalreadyhelped me pick it out. “Doubt I need your help. It will only take a second to put this on.”
