Page 58 of A Dead End Wedding

But having them here? It was the icing on a big, wonderful cake of happiness.

And then it got even better. Jack’s Grandpa Jed stood up from the back row, and my father was right there next to him.

“I can’t believe they’re here,” I said, afraid I was going to burst into tears.

“I made sure of it, sweetheart,” Jack told me.

“Today is the best day ever!”

“And every day for the rest of our lives will be just as good,” he vowed. But then we didn’t talk again for a while, because we had so many people to greet and talk to and laugh with and love.

The crowd flowed out into the town square, which was transformed with flowers everywhere. Tables and chairs filled the space, decorated with sparkling crystal and candles and beautiful linens.

“Oh, wow! Aunt Ruby, you and Eleanor and Lorraine did such a beautiful job! Thank you so much!”

A string quartet was even tuning up in the gazebo, which had been restored.

I whirled around and hugged my aunt. “I love you so much. Thank you for making my childhood so happy.”

She started crying and patted my back. “Oh, honey. It was our privilege.”

The evening continued from there, getting better and better and better. Jack and I greeted all our guests. The specially hired servers brought out mounds of food, and the champagne flowed like water.

Every single thing about our special night was absolutely spectacular in every way.

Until the Fae queen appeared and announced the final Trial.

Right there in the middle of my wedding reception.

23

Tess

Saturday: Our wedding reception

And, apparently, our final trial

Aunt Ruby stormed over to stand next to me and Jack, and she pointed a shaking finger at Queen Viviette. “This is a step way too far. You have no right to interrupt my niece’s wedding. And if a single one of your horses even thinks of making a mess …”

The queen blinked, undoubtedly never having faced a mortal in full Mama Bear mode before.

I was tired of it, though, and just wanted the trials to be over. Plus, we really needed that town charter renewal. “Okay, Your Majesty. Here we are. Not sure why we couldn’t have done this last night, but whatever. Who has to do what to prove compassion to you?”

Viviette, dressed beautifully in shades of autumn red and gold, swung down from her horse and approached us. “Tess, Jack, we are pleased to accept your invitation to your wedding.”

“We’re glad you’re here,” I said, trying to mean it. “Would you care for some food? Champagne?”

“We would be delighted to partake of both. And we brought a gift of our own.” She nodded toward the tables, and we saw a bounty of gorgeous fresh fruit and delicate sweets now decorated them. Individually wrapped tiny packages sat at each plate as well.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I protested. “It’s too much. We only wanted you to enjoy our party, not give so much.”

The queen smiled at me—really smiled—as if her whole heart shone in her eyes. “I have one last proclamation for you, if you would lend me your ears and your patience.”

“Of course,” Jack said, because what else could we say?

Viviette delicately stepped onto a small stone that hadn’t been there seconds before, and she held up her arms, catching the attention of everyone in the square. When the party fell silent, she began.

“Dead End, you have completed our Trials with courage and heart. With alliance and kindness. With wisdom and farsightedness. And now, tonight, you show the beauty in your hearts in this celebration of love.”

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