Page 108 of Flowers Near Me

“She’ll demand the wedding be at the estate,” Laura said.

Persephone looked at Hades, who smiled back and ran his fingers back and forth across her collarbone. “Good. It should be there.”

Hades had texted Charon and Hecate, who both gushed their congratulations. Dozens of notifications popped up from Charon on Persephone’s calendar for wedding planning details. Tastings, meetings with potential vendors, photographers. Meanwhile, Hecate sent her links to her favorite lingerie and sex toy sites.

The evening of the gala,inside Hades’ SUV, Persephone went to wipe the sweat off her hands onto her legs. Hades intercepted her with a handkerchief before she marked her satin dress.

“Fates,I’m nervous,” she said, drying her palms.

Hades held out his hand to take the handkerchief and folded it back into his front pocket. “Trust me, you were made for this.” He leaned over and gave her a kiss on her temple.

“You’re still feeling good about making the announcement tonight? Even with every god and goddess there?” Persephone watched Hades’ face for any hint of hesitation.

Smiling back, Hades skimmed his fingers over her shoulders. “Of course, my love. I don’t want to wait a second longer to let them all know we’re married.”

Persephone nodded. “And you’ll wait until I talk to my mom first, right?”

He dipped his head. “I won’t say a thing until you give me permission.”

Sucking in a slow breath, Persephone straightened in her seat. “Thank you. I’m not sure how she’ll take it.” She turned to Hades. “Do you think your brothers will be angry or not care?”

Hades gave a light laugh. “I think Zeus already knows, and Poseidon will care for all of two seconds before he’s chasing down his next victim.”

“Speaking of Poseidon, has he mentioned anything about us not following up with a get together?”

“Charon followed up with him, but he went quiet after she asked him who his date would be. I don’t think he’s stayed with anyone long enough to schedule more than three days in advance.”

Huffing a laugh, Persephone looked out of the car window and saw the botanical gardens.

“I can’t wait to see it fully decorated.” Persephone loved the lighted flower displays Charon had shown her.

The car stopped in front of a purple carpet strewn across the marble staircase. Lines of reporters edged the velvet ropes and Persephone took another steadying breath. She looked at the three rings on her finger and prayed they weren’t a beacon.

Hades exited first then helped her out of the car. He placed his left hand in his pocket, hiding the obsidian band. His large hand covered hers when they entered, ensuring no onlookers or photographers would notice her new jewelry.

“You look like a princess.”Persephone hugged Helena but mouthed the wordsorryover her niece’s tiny shoulder.

Back when Helena was barely a week old, Laura had cautioned Persephone not to compliment the girl’s appearance as a way of greeting.

She’ll associate her worth with how she looks, and we don’t need to perpetuate that,Laura had said to Persephone as she’d held baby Helena to her chest.

ButPersephone couldn’t help it. Helena, in all her adorable glory, looked regal in the lavender ball gown.

“Shedoeslook like a princess,” Peter agreed and shook Hades’ hand.

“Have you seen Mom?” Laura asked Persephone as they exchanged a quick air kiss.

“Not yet, but I need to find her.” With a reach of her power, she felt around for the familiar hum of Demeter’s magic.

“She doesn’t know yet, right?” Laura nodded at Persephone’s not-so-hidden wedding bands.

“Not yet. And she doesn’t know that I know she was behind the ‘snake bite’ virus.”

Laura’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I’ll keep an eye out for you. Want me to be there when you talk to her?”

Persephone tilted her head. “Why?”

“Morbid curiosity.”

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