Page 103 of Waltzing With Witches

Abe pulls me close, bringing his lips to my ear. “And this is the last time I will ever make a decision without you,” he murmurs. “I should have done this so long ago, Morgan.”

My eyes go wide as I try to understand what he’s saying. He’s quitting?! After we finally beat Wesley?!

He peers around the room, and the Evertons fall silent again. Once they do, he turns his focus back to me.

“Morgan Anne Hector, I have loved you since the day we met. And when I thought I couldn’t be what you needed, I pushed you away. But so much has happened since then.” His smile grows soft and thoughtful. “You’ve burrowed your way under my skin and into my life and absolutely destroyed my daily schedule.”

Someone chuckles in the audience as my cheeks heat.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he states. “I have served my people for nearly a hundred years. It’s time for me to turn my attention to you. I want to visit other havens with you, take you to sights you’ll never believe. I want to show you this incredible, wide world through a new lens, and I want you to do the same for me.

“I was an asshole, and this is my grovel,” he states, reaching into his back pocket.

“Holy shit!” Thea whisper-hisses from the front row.

Coherent thoughts don’t form in my brain when he drops to a knee and takes out a box. Elegant fingers lift the top to reveal a frankly enormous diamond ring.

“I bought this the night we met,” he whispers. “There are vampire traditions, but the giving of an engagement ring is beautifully human. There’s never been a man who loved a woman as much as I love you, and I can’t let another day go by where you aren’t my only focus. Marry me, Morgan.” His voice wavers at the end of the declaration.

My face is on fire, my heart pounding so loud, I can barely understand. All I can do is blubber and nod as I throw myself into his arms, wrapping mine around his neck.

“Yes!” I whisper as he gracefully rises with me clinging to him like a spider monkey.

He presses his forehead to mine, whispering something low enough that only I can hear it. “You look shocked but happy. Did I grovel correctly? Ohken helped…”

“Perfect,” I sob, pressing my lips to his. “Absolutely perfect.”

The room erupts into chaos then, and the cheers hit the floor and ceiling, bouncing around until it sounds like we’re in a concert of joy.

Abe slants his mouth over mine and kisses me, and although the whole town is watching, I don’t notice. Because, for the first time, we’re free. Free of the weight of responsibility. Free of the virus that wanted to take him. We’re free to simply love, and I can’t wait for that.

When we finally part, I turn to face Arkan and Hana, pointing a finger at my new friend. “You sneaky thing. You knew about this, didn’t you?”

Hana shrugs but grins and looks at the sky with faux guilt. “So what if I did? Would you have me discourage this most excellent public proposal?”

“No.” I laugh as Abe slings his arm around me.

The room is silent, and I find myself wondering what they think of this whole thing.

Arkan steps forward, bringing his arms wide. “Evertons, please know that Hana and I will strive to live up to the incredible reputation of your Keeper. We have big shoes to fill, and we are excited to do so. A lovely little cottage sprang up next to the community garden this morning, and it called to Hana, so it appears this is truly meant to be.”

Oh God, that means Ever believes it has a new resident. When my sisters and I came to Ever, Catherine shared how homes spring up for new residents who need them. I can’t wait to meet the new house. My eyes fill with tears as I rest my cheek on Abe’s shoulder.

Arkan smiles at the crowd. “Let’s take a moment to share our appreciation for the Keeper, shall we? If anyone would like to say a few words, please do so…”

Richard rises from the crowd, a huge grin on his face. “Thank you, Abemet,” is all he says as he begins to slowly clap.

Alba, the purple-haired centaur who owns the Galloping Green Bean, stands and cheers loudly. Her nephew Taylor trots in place next to her, his face a mask of joy. One by one, the entire auditorium rises to their feet, shouting their thanks until the noise is absolutely thunderous. When I glance up at Abe, a single red tear slowly tracks down his face. He’s grinning, though, so I squeeze his waist and plant a tender kiss on his shoulder.

I find my sisters and Lou in the crowd. They’re all sobbing, clapping as they huddle together. When I look around, I’m surprised to see a tall figure standing in the auditorium doorway.

It can only be Betmal. He looks almost exactly like Abe save for silver streaks that start at his temples. He wears a proud expression as he claps along with the townspeople.

Abe nudges me, looking down with a smile. “Arkan’s going to take questions about what happened. We should probably stay for that. But afterward, we have lunch reservations at Herschel’s to celebrate.”

“I suppose it was a bit of a foregone conclusion that I’d say yes?” I question with a grumble.

“Ben assured me you would,” Abe says with a laugh, slipping his fingers underneath the hem of my shirt to stroke my side. “And so did Hana.”

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