Page 57 of Loved By Aphrodite

“So, what are we going to do now?” she asked when their lips broke apart.

“With what?”

“Eros. Us. Everything. I mean, where are we going to live? Should I move in with you?” She sucked in a breath. “Was that presumptuous of me? I didn’t mean…You don’t have to move in if…I’m so sil?—”

“Shush.” He silenced her with a kiss. “You want to be with me, right?”

“Of course.”

“And I want to be with you. Forever.” He kissed the tiny line that appeared between her eyebrows. “Then that’s all that matters. We’ll figure everything out. We can live anywhere. We have eternity to decide.”

“But what about?—”

“No. More. Talking.” He punctuated each word with a kiss. “We have to make up for all the millennia we lost while we were apart.” By this time, the sun was barely visible on the horizon, with only the faintest bit of red and yellow staining the sky. He gestured toward the house. “Now, let’s go inside.”

And sure enough, there were no more words between them for the rest of the evening.

Epilogue

Aphrodite

One Year Later…

“And I promise to love you and cherish you until the end of time.”

Aphrodite had heard the words of love many times over the last year, but it never failed to make her heart flutter. And she knew with every inch of her being that Hephaestus meant every word as he said them in front of their closest friends and family as they declared their love for each other.

While they had agreed to figure everything out, Hephaestus had surprised her by proposing a few months ago. She said yes, of course, and once they made the announcement, Artemis had insisted—in her most exuberant way—on hosting it in their territory. “I’ll take care of everything,” she had said. And she made good on her promise, as aside from the dress, Aphrodite didn’t have to worry about anything. From the guest list to the cake to the reception venue, Artemis had arranged it all andmade it perfect, which she did while juggling being mom to infant twins. While the outdoor ceremony was simple, attended only by a few people, the Alaskan wilderness made a spectacular backdrop.

“Thank you both, for declaring your intentions,” Hestia, who stood in front of Aphrodite and Hephaestus as the officiant, said. She lifted her hands up so her palms were between them, and a flame appeared. “The hearth is the center of the home, essential for providing food, warmth, and offerings. It must be tended to and guarded, given fuel to continue burning and never neglected.” She gave Aphrodite a smile. “You’ve spent your days answering prayers of love, and it’s only fitting that you finally have a hearth of your own.”

Then she turned to Hephaestus. “The fires of the hearth and the forge are not so different. You already know what happens when the flames of a forge weaken—it produces weak steel. Keep that flame strong and bright, and it will serve you well.” The flames grew larger and brighter as she lifted her arms over her head. “Your vows are sealed and blessed. May your love and happiness be bountiful.” Opening up her arms, the fire shot into the sky as the guests clapped and cheered.

Hephaestus slipped his arms around her and pulled her close for a long, deep kiss, much to the delight of the attendees and Hestia, who applauded even louder.

“Hestia didn’t say you may kiss the bride,” she said as soon as they broke the kiss.

“I know. But, this is our ceremony and we can do whatever the hell we want.”

She chuckled. “True.” She looked out at the faces in the small crowd, zeroing in on one in particular—Eros.

He was the reason that they decided to hold their wedding here, because though a year had passed since he received his punishment, he was still earthbound. And unfortunately, fromwhat she had observed and what Artemis and Cade had told her, it didn’t seem like he’d made any progress. Artemis, of course, had tried to sugarcoat the situation, but Cade did not mince words. Eros was still stubborn, refused to obey unless he was commanded, and caused much trouble in the pack.

Still, as their eyes met, Eros’s smile at this moment was genuine, if smug. There was no denying he was happy for her and Hephaestus’s union.

Hephaestus took her hand. “Come, love, let’s start the party.”

They led everyone back to the barn, where the small reception was being held. Garlands of pink, white, and gold flowers had been strung up overhead, and tables were set up with decor in the same color scheme. Soft music played over the speakers and a table was set up on one side with food and drinks.

“I’m so happy for the two of you,” Apollo said as he, Geri, and Adonis greeted them.

Adonis hugged Aphrodite. “You make a beautiful bride.” He was one of the few humans invited. “I’m still mad you didn’t make me your flower boy.”

“This is our second wedding. We didn’t want anything elaborate.”

“Thank you for coming,” Hephaestus said, reaching out to shake his outstretched hand. While it may seem strange that he was there, Hephaestus had said he didn’t mind at all.

“Aphrodite,” Apollo said. “You look gorgeous as always. And I love the hairstyle! It was a good decision to go back to blonde, and the pixie cut is such a bold choice.”

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