Page 243 of Gathered Sparkle

Congratulations to the happy polycule!

I laugh and give Sylus an appreciative smile, but then we all turn at a loud sniffle behind us. Levi and Annabelle are clutching each other, tissues pressed to their eyes. Levi’s dramatic pout is almost comical, but Annabelle’s genuinely misty expression tugs at my heart.

“Stop…” I laugh, shaking my head at her. “You’re going to make me cry.”

Ezra and Michael, standing a bit off to the side, exchange a look that’s equal parts exasperation and amusement at their spouses.

The machine hums again, and this time it spits out a piece of paper. Ace is the one who takes it, presenting it with a flourish.

Certificate of Marriage for Novalee Evans with Sylus Walker, Koen Lane, Nicholas Lane, and Alaric Monroe.

He glances at me with that mischievous gleam in his eyes, like he’s about to make some smart-ass comment, but instead, he hands it to me with, “I believe this is yours, Mrs. Polycule.”

I take the certificate, running my fingers over the words, letting them settle in my mind, my heart. “Perfect,” I whisper, holding the certificate to my chest. “Absolutely perfect.”

Belle pulls me into a tight hug, her baby bump pressing lightly against me. “Perfect is right. Congratulations, Nova.”

Levi and Ezra are there next, clapping the guys on the back and offering their own congratulations.

“This screams for a night out,” Belle announces. “We need to celebrate properly.”

I laugh, glancing pointedly at her bump. “Sorry, I already told you I have classes tomorrow.”

“Classes? You just got married!” she exclaims, throwing her hands up dramatically.

“I know,” I concede with a smile. “But I only came because Koen promised I’d be back in time.”

Levi winks at me. “Don’t worry, girl. Ezra and I are staying for a bit longer. We’ve got party girl here covered.”

Belle raises an eyebrow. “And who’s watching Pebble and the other five hundred pigeons?”

I laugh. “It’s not that many! But our housekeeper is on it. Plus, Good Lookin’ keeps things under control.”

“Housekeeper…” Belle scoffs, shaking her head. “Fucking billionaires.”

Koen glances at his twin. “How long are you staying?”

“Don’t know yet.” Levi shrugs casually. “We’ll call the jet when we’re ready to head back.”

“Right.” I huff a laugh. “Fucking billionaires indeed. That’s so not environmentally friendly.”

Belle snorts, nudging me playfully. “Says the one who jetted out here to marry said billionaires.”

“Oh, shut up,” I say as I pull her into another hug. “I’m gonna miss you.”

“Same,” she whispers, then turns to look at Koen. “I hope your billionaire husband flies you out here when little one arrives?”

“Of course, Annabelle.” Koen gives her a smile. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

With more hugs and a few tears, we say our goodbyes, and as we pile into the car, I glance out the window, watching the familiar neon lights of Vegas flicker to life as if celebrating with us.

By the time we reach the airport and step back onto the private jet, exhaustion starts to seep in. I let myself collapse into one of the plush seats, mywedding dressriding up slightly as I lean back and the guys settle around me.

The captain’s voice crackles over the intercom. “Lady and gentlemen, we’re ready for takeoff.”

As the engines roar to life and the jet lifts into the air, I glance around at the faces of the men Imarried. Sylus is already stretched out, his feet on the table. Koen is flipping through the photos from the machine, his lips twitching into a smile every now and then. Nicholas leans back in his seat, arms crossed. Ace sits next to me, his hand brushing against mine as I lean my head against his shoulder and close my eyes.

Just for a few minutes.

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