Page 69 of Nanny for the Demon's Twins

"By the gods," Arnon chuckles from his seat near the refreshment table. "Those two are going to be a handful when they're older."

"Going to be?" Karn's deep voice carries across the garden as he makes his way toward us. "Try raising them now." But I catch the pride in his violet eyes as he watches his nieces play.

I turn to see Vashti whispering to the twins. She smiles and nods to them, stepping back, and I turn Karn to look.

A gasp ripples through the crowd as the twins join forces, creating a cascade of floating flower petals that swirl around us in a magical dance. The petals spiral upward, forming shapes - first a heart, then a star, before dissolving into a shower of soft light.

"Show-offs," Karn mutters, but his hand finds mine, fingers intertwining. The touch sends warmth through my entire body, erasing memories of cold chains and darker days.

The floating flowers drift lower, creating a natural arch above us as our community gathers closer for the ceremony. The twins rush over to us.

"It's beautiful, girls," I tell them, taking in the arch. I didn't know Vashti was teaching them this.

Karn's calloused fingers tighten around mine as Elder Voss steps forward. The twins wiggle their way between us, Nova clutching Karn's leg while Luna tugs at my skirt.

"Uncle Karn, up!" Nova lifts her arms.

Without hesitation, Karn scoops her into his massive arms. The sight of this towering demon smith cradling his tiny niece with such gentleness makes my heart swell.

I lift Luna, and she immediately starts playing with my hair. "Pretty Mama," she whispers, making the strands shimmer with her magic.

Elder Voss clears his throat, motioning us forward. "Today we witness not just the joining of two souls, but the binding of a family."

Karn's violet eyes lock with mine. His usual gruff demeanor softens as he speaks, voice rough with emotion. Elder Voss tells Karn he may start.

"Mira, you walked into my forge carrying nothing but determination and hope. You helped me see that being strong isn't about how much weight you can bear alone." He glances at Nova. "You showed me that family isn't about blood or obligation. It's about choice. I choose you, not just as my mate, but as their mother."

Tears blur my vision. Luna pats my cheek, turning my tears into tiny crystals that float away.

"I promise to protect all three of you," Karn continues. "To be the shelter you need, the strength you can lean on. To never let anyone hurt you again." His free hand brushes against my branded wrist.

I take a shaky breath. "Karn, you gave me more than sanctuary when I stumbled into your shop. You gave me purpose." I look at the twins, their copper curls glinting in the sunlight. "You showed me that love doesn't have to be earned or bartered. That sometimes it just is."

Nova reaches across the space between us to grab my hand. "I promise to be the mother these precious girls deserve. To nurture their magic, their mischief, and their hearts. To stand beside you as we guide them, even when they turn the forge tools into thaliverns-"

"That was one time!" Luna protests, making everyone laugh.

"I promise," my voice strengthens, "to build this family with you, day by day, moment by moment. To turn your house into our home, and your love into our legacy."

We set the girls down and they run to Vashti. Turning toward each other, Elder Voss binds our hands with a silken cord infused with protection runes that glow faintly purple against our skin. "By the power of the old ways and new, I declare you mated for life."

Karn's lips crash into mine, fierce and tender all at once. His free hand cups my face like I'm made of precious metal he's crafted. The twins squeal, Luna's magic making sparkles rain down.

"Now, we feast!" Elder Voss announces, and cheers erupt from our gathered friends.

We process down the cobbled street toward the celebration hall, the twins skipping ahead while still holding our hands. Each step feels lighter than air. Nova hums a tune she made up, making the floating flowers from the garden trail behind us like a magical train.

"You're stuck with us now," Karn rumbles, his violet eyes soft as he looks down at me. The scar across his eyebrow crinkles with his smile.

"Promise?" I squeeze his massive hand.

"Mama, look!" Luna points ahead where lanterns float above the feast tables, casting warm light in the growing dusk. The hall's stone walls are draped with shimmering fabrics, and the air smells of roasted meats and sweet pastries.

Karn lifts both girls onto his shoulders with practiced ease, their copper curls matching his own as they giggle above us. "No turning the food different colors tonight," he warns, but his stern tone holds no real bite.

"Not even a little purple?" Nova asks innocently.

"Not even a little."

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