Page 135 of Midnightsong
Cyrus, with Hadrien on his lap, sat beside Kaden, and Adrielle had Hadrien in a football hold. All eyes were on Angie and Bàba as together, they walked toward them.
Sunrays winked off their tails, lighting up their scales in a stunning, glimmering prism.
Between the small group of mer and humans was a statue of Buddha, which Bàba had asked Mia to bring to the beach. On either side of Buddha were portraits of Mama, Serapha and Aqilus, with one censer in front of each, and a container of unlit incense sticks nestled within the sandy ground.
Angie’s heart swelled and a joyous smile tugged at her lips at the sight of her and Kaden’s family and friends together to celebrate their union.
Her nerves settled once her gaze met with their collective warm, welcoming expressions. They were all here for her and Kaden.
She wanted to greet Dr. Williams’ family, Beau and Emily and her friends, but that would have to wait until later. Mia helped Bàba lower himself to a seating position.
“You are heart-stoppingly stunning,” Kaden said on his exhale, taking her hands in his.
They began their traditional Chinese ceremony.
First, burning a stick of incense to pay respect to their deceased ancestors, the smoky scent with a trace of jasmine filling Angie’s nostrils before the winds dissipated it. She placed the incense in the censors ashes before Mama, and Kaden did the same with Serapha and Aqilus’ likenesses.
Angie’s heart thumped with anticipation. Each step brought them one step closer to officiating their union.
Second, they paid respect to Buddha, before bowing their heads and placing their hands to their hearts, paying respect to each other.
And when they exchanged rings and sealed their union with a kiss, loud cheers erupted from all around them.
“Now, we continue undersea. Are you all coming?” Angie asked with a laugh.
“I’m ready.” Reesa hopped to her feet, striding over to the mer. “See you underwater!” Was the last thing Angie heard from her as they took off alongside the mer. Bàba, Mia, and the kids had already gone, along with Adrielle and Libbi.
Dr. Williams and his family had jumped into the sea after Aeireka and Cassia.
“I. Yeah. I’d like to celebrate with your family.” Beau was watching the others, each receiving breath from the mer and diving in after them. Beside Beau, Emily put a hand on his arm with a reassuring smile. “Thank you. I know we haven’t been the most tolerant toward—toward them.” He waved an arm at Kaden and Cyrus, who had slid off their chairs and remained ashore, propped on their elbows. Kaden leaned in to talk in Cyrus’ ear. The new Mer-King let out a hearty laugh and elbowed Kaden.
“But you have to understand. We lost one of our sons to them,” Emily said.
“Yeah.” Angie lowered her head, clasping her hands together in front of her. “I still think of Luke, too.”
“We miss him something fierce.” Solemnity coated Beau’s words. “And can only thank God Leo is safe.”
Hearing Leo’s name sent her awash with emotion. It would have been nice if he was there, if he found it in his heart to forgive her. But she couldn’t change how he felt.
With a happy grin, Angie motioned for them to follow. Cyrus gave breath to both Beau and Emily, and Angie’s mirth never faded as she moved closer to Kaden. She stopped.
“You sure you can do this? You’re not completely healed. What if this makes you feel worse?” Angie chewed on her bottom lip.
“I took a poultice before I came. I’ll be okay.” He sounded assuring, but she wasn’t so convinced. “Besides, everyone else is gone, so it’s just me and you. I haven’t used my magic in tidesmonths.”
He wasn’t wrong. They were the only two left on the beach. With a reluctant nod, Angie pressed her lips to his.The telltale warmth coated her, and she shed her dress to reveal the form-fitting outfit underneath. She caught Kaden eyeing her up and down, biting down on his lower lip and wiggling his eyebrows at her as they descended below the surface.
“We just–we have to slow down.” A choking noise escaped Kaden.
Angie’s hackles raised as they swam. “Why? Are you feeling terrible? Oh no, I knew I should have asked one of the other mer for breath before they left.”
“I’m not feeling great. But I also want to savor the way you look.” Kaden gave her a playful nudge. “I can make it through the rest of the ceremony, and we’ll rest tonight. Or maybe not.”
“We’ll take it as slow as you need,” Angie replied.
The notion Kaden was her husband hadn’t hit her yet as she clung to his hand, making their way into the palace.
The crowd before the palace took her breath away. Adrielle and Cyrus were addressing the crowd with Aiereka and Calora in attendance, and as soon as she and Kaden arrived, they went quiet, thousands of pairs of eyes turning to them.
