Page 19 of Bigfoot's Bride

The live band consists of a group of Sasquatches playing some sort of instruments that look like a cross between oversized fiddles and oversized banjos. They’re playing a lively tune.

But it's the dancing that really catches my eye. I never would have pegged Sasquatches for the square dancing type, but there they are, swinging their partners, do-si-do-ing, and promenading. Their movements are surprisingly graceful for such large creatures, and the joy on their faces is infectious.

Bambi verbalizes what all four of us are thinking when she chokes out, "Un-freaking-believable."

Chapter 12

Gruffydd

My fur gleams, every strand in perfect place thanks to my state-of-the-art fur-fluffing machine. I want to look my best tonight since I'm about to embark on my second date with my beautiful mate.

How many dates does human courtship entail? Three? Five? Fifty-seven? I should've Googled it. This whole courting business is uncharted territory for me.

As my eyes scan the Hub, I notice Olwydd over by the punchbowl. Is he...is he actually flexing? Subtle. Real subtle.

I keep my eyes glued to the door waiting for my Kiki to arrive.

Taredd saunters over, his chest puffed out like he's trying to appear more impressive. We’re all posturing, it would seem.

"Well, well, well," Taredd grins as he approaches. "If it isn't the hairy romancer himself. How's the courtship going?"

I roll my eyes. "Ha ha. Very funny."

Colwynn ambles up beside me, elbowing me playfully. "No, seriously. Give us the scoop. How many romantic walks through Eden have you taken? Have you written her any poetry yet?"

"Poetry?" I scoff but play along good naturedly. "Please. I'm more of an interpretive dance kind of guy."

They burst into laughter, and I can't help but join in. I don’t mind joking around, even if I am the butt of their teasing. I know it stems from envy. Their soulstones haven’t sung like mine has.

"Hey," I say, looking around. "Where's Dafydd tonight?"

Taredd wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. "Where do you think? He's already holed up with one of the humans. That Squatch moves fast."

"Seriously?" I'm impressed. Here I am, agonizing over how many dates constitute a proper courtship, and Dafydd's already sealed the deal.

"So, come on," Olwydd prods. "Tell us about your human. What's she like?"

I can't help the goofy grin that spreads across my face. "She's amazing. Smart, funny, beautiful. And she's got this sass, you know? Keeps me on my toes."

"Aww, our little Gruffydd's all grown up and in love," Taredd coos, pretending to wipe away a tear.

I swat him. "Shut up. I'm courting her.” When they both stare at me questioningly, I go on to explain, “It's apparently a human custom before agreeing to mate."

Olwydd perks up at this. "Courting, huh? I'll do anything it takes. I’ve got my eye on one of them..."

"Which one," Taredd growls, his demeanor flipping on a dime from teasing to I’ll-rip-your-head-off.

“She has long hair and emerald eyes and…” As Olwydd launches into a detailed description of his potential love interest, my mind drifts back to Kiki. I wonder if she’s as excited about tonight as I am.

"Earth to Gruffydd," Taredd's voice cuts through my thoughts.

I blink, realizing I've completely zoned out. "Sorry, what?"

"I was asking if anyone else's soulstone has sung yet," he repeats patiently.

I shake my head. "Not that I know of. Just mine."

"Lucky bastard," Olwydd mutters.

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