Page 237 of Solanum

Maya rushed us, Vivian's hand held tight in hers. Her radiant grin, twinkling eyes, and bouncing steps matched the excitement of her wife.

"Nor," she burst forth on bated breath. "Can we borrow your room?"

A laugh escaped me, and Vivian jumped up and down behind Maya, both of them giggling messes.

"In the middle of your wedding?" Nora snickered and hugged them both. "Yes. Of course."

"Distract everyone for us." Vivian flicked her fingers at me. "You know how."

"That we do." I grinned at the two of them. "Get outta here, ya crazy kids."

"Bye!" Maya squealed and the two of them, sans shoes, raced through the crowds of their friends.

Vivian's veil and dress fluttered behind her, leaving waves of laughter in their wake.

"Oh my God." Nora chuckled while gazing after them. "They're so cute."

"They are." I took her hand and spun her back around to face me when the band kicked up the music.

No one missed a beat diving into food and dancing, as if they all flourished under the rush of the newlyweds' energy. Nora stumbled a few steps when I spun her in a circle, nearly colliding with Maggie on her way over.

"Car!" She laughed, tossing her arms around my neck again. "Silly."

"Hmm. Just like you." I kissed her softly and she lifted to her toes.

"Yo, lovebirds. Quit peckin' at each other. Where are the brides?" Sali jogged up from behind.

"Fucking in the belfry." I nodded toward the house.

Maggie grinned and her hand fell to Nora's shoulder. "Your kid takes after you?"

"Shut up, Mags." Nora snickered when she repeated Sali's signature phrase.

"Oh, Nora." Anita's singsong voice pierced the vocals of the teenager bolting a punk pop tune.

We turned to see her approach, her smile broadening while she held Marita's hand.

"Hi, Neets." Nora pulled her into a one-armed hug. "Marita, that was a beautiful ceremony. Thank you for doing it."

"Of course." Marita grinned, her gaze flickering over the group of us. "How about another?"

Anita smiled, Sali's brows lifted, and Maggie's bright grin rounded her cheeks as she gazed at Nora.

"Another what?"

"Aw, c'mon, Beast." Sali punched my arm. "Let's make it a twofer."

"Little shithead." I shoved her and she laughed. "Don't bust our balls."

Realization seemed to settle over Nora when she understood the nature of their teasing. Her expression fell and she took her bottom lip between her teeth when her gaze met mine. Thick, rolling warmth rushed me, setting my nerves on fire as I gazed at my girl. Nora's shy reaction told me more than her words ever could.

I shifted away from Sali to pull Nora back into my arms, my hands held firmly on her hips. She draped her arms over my shoulders, and a coy smile tugged the corners of her mouth.

"I see you, Nora Brody," I whispered against her lips.

Her face flushed, matching the heat bustling inside me. "You always see me…"

"I do." I flicked my tongue over her lips, then said, "How's tomorrow looking for you, Kitten?"

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