Page 68 of Spooks & Specters

Hudson raised an eyebrow. “And what is that?”

Kit got his cell out. “Hold on just a sec, and I’ll show you.”

Hudson waited patiently as Kit scrolled. He knew what a channel setting was, but there was also a hundred different ways of achieving that look. And sure enough, when Kit handed his phone over to Hudson, that was not what he had in mind.

“Is it me, or does that look like the stones are in an X and O design?”

“Really?” Connie asked, holding his hand out. “I want to see.”

Hudson handed Kit’s cell to Connie.

“Oh, wow, it does look like that. Doesn’t XOXO mean kisses or something?”

“The X represents a kiss, while the O represents a hug,” Kit said. “Supposedly the X is a stylized way of showing two mouths kissing, and the O looks like two pairs of arms connecting for a hug. XOXO is a symbol of love.”

“That’s perfect,” Connie breathed as he handed Kit’s phone back to him. “I never in a hundred years would’ve thought of that. I love the idea.”

“It’s very fitting,” Hudson said.

“But is the design too feminine looking for you guys?” Kit asked, biting his lip. “Maybe we should just get the normal everyday channel set rings.”

“Absolutely not. As Connie said, it’s perfect. It fits us, Kit. The ring you showed us has diamonds, though. Do you want that too?” Hudson asked.

“Yeah, if you don’t mind. We need a stone to represent the Os part of it.”

“I agree,” Connie said, then looked at Hudson.

“Yes, I will supply the gemstones. Of course,” Hudson said.

“I’ll supply the gold,” Connie volunteered. “That way the ring is made out of something from both mine and Hudson’s hoard.”

“And I picked the design we’re going to use—something from all three of us.” Smiling happily, Kit looked back at his cell phone. “It really is perfect, isn’t it?”

“It really is,” Hudson said. “Tell us what you have in mind for the roses.”

Kit cackled. “Red roses everywhere—the centerpieces for the tables, on the wedding cake, the several arches I want, the tables. Any and all columns wrapped in red roses. I want them everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Of course, that means it’s going to cost a fortune.”

“Not a problem,” Hudson said.

“I hope you feel the same when you see the bill.”

Hudson didn’t bother mentioning how if Kit couldn’t get the wedding date he wanted, Hudson would threaten to buy the damn hotel they were doing this at. He was pretty sure he could afford the roses.

“Also, usually a wedding party has bridesmaids and groomsmen. And a maid of honor and a best man who stand with whoever is getting married. I don’t know if you guys want to do that but be thinking about it. The thing is, I honestly don’t have anybody to stand with me who is in the know, outside of Austin.”

“I read about that too,” Connie said.

“We can worry about that later, though. It doesn’thaveto be done. It could just be the three of us up there. And I’mperfectly fine with that,” Kit said. “Now, clothing.” Kit rubbed his hands together. “I’m wearing white, of course. Already have in mind what I want.”

“Are we not getting a hint?” Hudson asked.

Connie snickered.

“Oh, my love, you arenot,” Kit exclaimed. “I guess nobody’s told you, but you’re not supposed to see the bride before the wedding. I’m the bride, by the way.”

Hudson raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, good luck with that.” Connie outright laughed. “What do you want us to wear, though?”

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