Page 3 of BuK
“I’m a girl, so if it sparkles, I like it. However Victoria, I do believe your sense of style is slightly better than my own, so whatever you suggest is fine with me. I promise to take care of it and return it to you as soon as the wedding is over.”
She pulls two small combs out and motions for me to bend my head down so that she can place them in my hair. “There, I do believe that’s what was missing.”
She turns me slightly so that I can look in the mirror, and the small diamonds glisten in the light of the room. “Oh my, thank you for allowing me to borrow these. They are so beautiful and just look at the way they’re sparkling! You would think they were from Cartier with all that fire inside of them.”
“I am glad you approve. It’s rare that anyone knows the difference in gemstones in this part of our new world, but those are Cartier diamonds and they are yours — a new heirloom to pass down to your own children or someone special when your time comes. Most of you were lucky just to escape with the clothes on your backs, let alone a piece of the world you left behind. It lightens my heart when I can give just a little back.”
I grab her hand without thinking about it, and I see her flinch. Keida quickly steps between us. “Let me see them too.” I can see the interference even if Keida did play it off well. Note to self:do not touch the vampire girl.
“Victoria, I don’t know what to say. Thank you so much. I never expected to see anything like this here, let alone wear such beautiful pieces. Heaven knows everything you and your husband have done for Lacie is more than I ever dreamed of.”
“Child, I have more than any one woman could ever need nor want. Designing jewelry has become a new hobby for Tyberius. He takes it upon himself to see just how creative he can be when it comes to jewels and trying to preserve a little piece of home for all of us Earthlings. He will be pleased to see one of his many creations on you.”
“He made these?”
“Sure did … when you live as long as we have, the years get tedious, and you need to find many things to occupy your time. Tyberius has spent the last few years gathering as many jewels and gemstones as he could from all over this galaxy for his creations. He has become quite skilled at manipulating them and recreating the past. It gives both of us joy to see them on others.” She turns her head slightly. “Lacie is getting restless in the other room, so we should probably join her.”
This time when I reach for her hand, I allow her enough time to realize what I’m going to do. “Thank you, I will cherish these always.”
She reaches out and runs her knuckles over my cheek. “I know you will, child. Those beautiful eyes of yours are a window into your soul. You cannot hide much from those who know what to look for.”
CHAPTER 2
BRIAR
I walk in, still slightly stunned by the gift I’m now wearing in my hair. My mind’s trying to process how much something like this would have been on Earth, only for my breath to catch when my eyes land on Lacie standing in the middle of the room.
She looks like a fairy princess in a pale lilac colored, whimsical gown. Layer after layer of fabric is so expertly placed together that she looks like she’s floating across the floor as she walks toward me. Sheer, long-sleeved arms and a plunging, heart-shaped neckline outline her curvy, delicate form, and she looks like she’s glowing. I can’t help but squeal.
“Oh, my God!He’s going to pass out the moment he lays eyes on you. Lacie sweetheart, you’re beyond stunning!”
Her smile is radiant as we clasp hands. “Stop! You’re going to make me cry, and Victoria has worked way too hard on my makeup for me to ruin it now. Have you ever seen anything this beautiful?” She swishes the skirt around playfully.
“No sweetheart, I have not. Stand still and let me walk around you. My goodness, look at all these intricate flowers and all thislace. Lord, the way they’re sparkling, you’d think the flowers were alive. Victoria, I can’t imagine how long this took to make.”
“The time does not matter when the end result is Lacie’s perfection.” It warms my heart to see both of you so happy in a world that has not been easy on either of you. It shows that happiness can happen wherever we choose to find it. Keida and I are going to head down to our seats. I believe the men are ready and simply waiting for the music to start.”
I no more than blink, and both of them disappear.Vampireonce again rolls through my brain.
Lacie’s voice is suddenly full of mischief. “Miss Briar … I’m not the only cutie standing in the room. You are rocking that dress, and the cut makes you look like you have legs for days. Poor BuK will be even more tongue-tied than usual when he sees you.”
“Well, when the designer has a couple hundred years under her belt, she definitely has had the time to figure it out. Wow, and I do mean WOW, Lace! I know I just keep saying that over and over, but honey, you’re absolutely gorgeous. Are you nervous? I mean, I’m sweating like a whore in church over here, and I’m not the one getting hitched.”
“Yes, and no. I feel like my life is a whirlwind, and I’m just running to catch up. But I don’t want to waste another second thinking about yesterday, or the what-ifs of tomorrow. I love MeK and all his growling, and I pray we have a long, chaotic life together.”
Before I can say a word back, I hear music start and someone knocks on the door. I open it, only to find James standing there. Whistling, I act like I’m fanning myself, “If you weren’t alreadytaken, James, I’d steal you away myself. My goodness you clean up well.”
“Miss Briar, you look quite lovely yourself. Now, you’d better get a move on; everyone is waiting, and I’m here for my best girl.”
“She’s ready, but don’t let her drag you down the aisle. Lace, I’ll see you on the other side.”
Quickly, I make my way to where I see Kira and Carla standing with flowers in their hands. Both of them are all smiles and giggles and Kira runs a loving hand along my back.
“Lord Briar, let’s hope you’re not prettier than the bride; Victoria outdid herself with you.”
“Thank you. I do feel pretty in this dress, especially after wearing work clothes for so long.”
Carla hands me a small bouquet. “Here’s your flowers and remember to walk slowly.” The song changes, and she squeezes my arm affectionately. “I’m going to take this other arrangement to Lacie. You wait until Kira and I have gotten to our seats before heading down the aisle.”
