Page 51 of Fake Dating an Orc Cowboy

“Inow pronounce you husband and wife,” the woman dressed in a brightly flowered dress said, beaming at Macy and Jacob standing in front of her. “You may kiss the bride.”

Cheers erupted as Jacob dipped Macy back into a kiss that could’ve come straight out of a movie. The sound of the waves crashing beyond them only added to the moment. I couldn't stop grinning. My sister looked absolutely radiant, her curls wild in the ocean breeze and her smile so big it could've lit up the entire coastline. For the first time in weeks, months, even, I didn’t feel that awful twist in my chest when I looked at them together. This was right. This was how it was supposed to be.

Standing beside Macy near the simple wooden arch draped with fluttering ribbons and tropical flowers, I felt like my heart was finally in the right place. Maybe because I wasn’t crushed by the memory of what Jacob and I almost were. Maybe because all I could think about was the orc in the last row of chairs, towering above the rest of the guests even while sitting.

As Jacob lifted his head and Macy gave him a sweet smile, the small group of guests cheered.

“Aw, sweetheart.” Mom and Dad rushed up to the happy couple, doling out hugs.

My gaze sought Ostor's, but he wasn’t staring at me. His eyes were locked on the sand by his feet, the brim of his cowboy hat throwing a shadow across his face. My gorgeous orc cowboy. I couldn’t wait to be with him again.

The officiant’s voice cut through the applause. “Guests, you're invited to make your way to the ocean view dining area for the reception. The wedding party will join you after they’ve taken photographs. Don’t worry, Jacob and Macy will be there in time for dinner. Wedding party and parents? Please remain behind.”

Macy turned toward me, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling. She grabbed my hands, squeezing them as she let out a squeal. “I’m married!” She beamed, like the words themselves were a spell she wanted to recite a billion times.

“You are.” I kissed her cheek. “I’m so happy for you, Mace.” I meant it, with every bit of me.

As the rest of our group began trailing toward the reception area, I caught Ostor’s gaze. My heart softened at the sight of him standing so still, his hands stuffed casually into the pockets of the pants he’d brought just for the wedding. He must’ve run back to the room to shower and change.

I gave him a small nod. It didn’t matter if he wasn’t the loudest, most outgoing person here. It didn’t matter that he didn’t blend neatly into my world. Ostor stood at the center of it all. He didn’t know it yet, but soon? Yes, he would. Last night had carved something new between us, something deep that felt steady and bright and secret all at once. Whatever doubts I might’ve had about us were gone. He was mine, and I was his. The rest was just details. I couldn’t wait to go home and see where those details would take us.

“Rosey, come on, we have photos to take.” Macy tugged on my arm, pulling me toward the wedding party now gathering closer to the arch.

I shot one final glance toward Ostor before letting her drag me along, my fingers brushing over the inside of my wrist where that strange golden imprint still shone—a mark that felt like a promise instead of a mystery. It connected me to him in a way I was eager to explore.

I’d read romance novels. I’d heard of mating marks.

Was that what this was?

I couldn’t wait to ask him.

The photographer, a charming older man with salt-and-pepper hair and boundless energy, herded us into formation. Macy laughed through the whole thing, tossing out instructions of her own while Jacob stood beside her, grinning like he’d won the lottery. Pictures were snapped of the newlyweds, just them first. Poses of them holding hands, looking into each other’s eyes were followed by photos of them with the rest of the wedding party. Mom and Dad.

Peace settled over me. It wasn’t just that today had gone perfectly. It wasn’t just that Macy was ridiculously in love, either. It was the thought of Ostor waiting for me to join him.

Finally, the photographer dismissed us, and we walked to the oceanfront dining room. The late-day sun cast long, golden streaks across the sand, making the entire beach glow like something right out of a postcard. Inside, the tables had been set with white linens, small vases of tropical flowers, and with tiny pink seashells scattered across the surface. Warm light poured through open windows, joined by the distant crash of waves.

Ostor sat near the middle of one of the long tables, a seat pulled out for me beside him. Relief filled his eyes when I joined him, and he slid his hand over mine under the table, his palm warm.

Macy and Jacob had been ushered to their own table at the head of the room, and as the servers brought out glasses of champagne for the toasts, Macy glowed from the inside out.

Waiters swooped in, bringing dish after dish of amazing food I couldn’t wait to taste. But before we could dig in, Macy’s best friend Frannie stood with a champagne glass in hand, lifting it with a big grin. She clinked her knife to the glass. “Alright, alright, everyone. It’s time for toasts.”

Cheers rang out, and everyone lifted their glasses as Frannie began talking. One by one, others stood and took their turn, Jacob’s best man finishing off his speech to a round of applause.

I stood and spoke as well. “To my sister, Macy. To her beloved husband, Jacob. May their lives together be full of sweetness and fire.”

“Yay,” Macy cried out, draining her glass of champagne.

I turned to Ostor, keeping my voice low. “What do you think? Have you seen a human wedding before?”

He startled, though I wasn't sure why. “No, no, I haven’t. It was lovely. I'm happy for them.”

I leaned against his chest. “Yeah, me too.”

“Not sad?”

I shook my head. “Not anymore.” Should I tell him that I'd put that behind me, that I only wanted to focus on him?

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