Page 243 of Nanny and the Beast

“Oh yeah, he’s become a big ball of sunshine ever since he met Emma,” Alaric says. “He even gives hugs and shows affection now.”

“Thank you,” Sera says, reaching for me and squeezing my hand. “For giving my brother back to us.”

“I didn’t do anything,” I say, looking up at Klaus. “We just found each other at the right time.”

“I’m truly so happy for you guys,” Sera says, grinning at the diamond ring on my finger. “I finally get to plan his wedding.”

“Planning parties is my sister’s love language,” Klaus tells me.

“I just like celebrating things,” she says. “And your wedding is going to be the biggest celebration of all.”

“I’m surprised he’s not throwing up at the idea of a big party,” Alaric says.

“What can I say?” Klaus says, looking at me. “The little things don’t matter anymore.”

“I’m going to invite everyone I know,” Alaric threatens. “Everyone.”

“Do your worst,” Klaus says, lifting my hand to kiss it again.

Even though we’re not alone right now,Klaus has a way of making me feel like we’re the only two people in the world. It’s something about the way he looks at me—like he’s trying to get his fill of me. Like I’m the only one who ever had his heart.

“Oh, my God,” Alaric says, pointing up at the sky.

Streaks of white and silver cut through the inky darkness, making the world glow a little brighter. It’s a meteor shower.

We stare at the sky in awe until the display ends.

“After all these years,” Klaus says.

“That was everything I hoped it would be and more,” Alaric says.

“Dude, are you crying?” Sera asks.

“Leave me alone,” Alaric sniffles.

Sera catches my eye.

“It was their thing,” she tells me. “As kids, they used to sit up on the rooftop with enough snacks to feed a small village. And then they would wait for the skies to dazzle them.”

“You make it sound like we were amateurs,” Alaric says. “We were subscribed to NASA’s newsletter and everything.”

“Oh yeah, you were real professionals,” Sera says. “You used to fall asleep after eating too many Twinkies.”

“I think it’s still not too late for me to study astronomy,” Alaric muses out loud.

“Go for it,” Sera says. “Maybe you’ll be the one to find extraterrestrial life.”

“You’re the only one who ever believed in me, Sera,” Alaric says. “I missed you so much.”

I lean on Klaus’s shoulder.

Being with Klaus’s sister and best friend feels so natural. I didn’t know any of these people a few months ago, but they feel like family now.

Klaus slides his hand down to my hip, holding me possessively.

I look up at him. He tucks a stray curl behind my ear and leans down to kiss me.

When I close my eyes, I see meteor showers at the back of my eyes. I see pure magic and blinding lights. I see all the way down to this man’s soul and how it glows so brightly.

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