Page 94 of Hunters and Hydrangeas

I laugh. “No.”

“We’ll figure it out.”

The sun finally sinks. Sophia sighs, delighted, and tosses the umbrella aside. She’s wearing a tea-length linen dress in sagegreen, paired with tan sandals that look like they must have cost a fortune.

I’m not sure if she escaped Alfred’s hotel suite with her luggage, or if she convinced Cassian to take her shopping before the wedding.

“You look so lovely,” she says to me, her eyes misty like we’re old friends. “Don’t worry—I’ll takelotsof pictures, and I’ll get a video with Cassian’s phone.”

“Thank you,” I say, not sure what to do with her yet.

Though I expected her and Cassian to fall into each other’s arms, it’s obvious that hasn’t happened. But they’ve been reunited for less than twenty-four hours, so I suppose I shouldn’t rush things.

The two vampires are friendly, but they’re giving each other a fair amount of space—like they’re not quite sure how to interact anymore.

But now is not the time to worry about their relationship.

Cassian stands with his back to the ocean, facing the shore so that when Sophia takes our pictures, we’ll have the water as our backdrop.

“Piper,” Noah says before I take my place, producing a bouquet of roses and orchids, all in snowy white.

I inhale, startled. “You got me flowers?”

“It seemed right.”

“Noah…” Suddenly, the reality of the situation hits me. We’re standing on a sunset beach, about to exchange vows. We’re getting married. Actually married.

My eyes begin to sting, and I’m worried I might not hold it together.

“Thank you,” I say softly.

He takes my hand, leading me to our spots in front of Cassian. A few tourists realize what’s going on, and they stopto watch. It’s a little awkward, but right now, the whole of my attention is on Noah. Let them gather.

“Let’s begin,” Cassian says.

I’ve arranged flowers for dozens of weddings and been in a few of my friends’ bridal parties. They were never like this—quiet, intimate.

Cassian speaks of forever. Of love and trust. Commitment and loyalty.

Noah nods, his eyes on my face and a smile on his lips.

We promise to cherish and love each other, to remain loyal for life despite hardships. Not once does Noah waver—not once does he look unsure.

“And now you will exchange rings,” Cassian says.

“We don’t have rings,” I whisper, a little self-conscious of the crowd we’ve drawn. It’s large now.

“We do.” Noah produces a gold band from his trouser pocket.

“Go ahead, Noah,” Cassian instructs.

“This ring is a symbol of my promise,” Noah says, looking a little nervous now. “I will stand by you for as long as I live, honored to have you by my side. I love you, Piper.”

He slides the ring onto my finger, and I’m done for. A tear runs down my cheek, but there’s nothing I can do about it.

Cassian produces Noah’s band from his own pocket and hands it to me. “It’s your turn, Piper. Would you like to repeat the traditional script?”

“No, I’ve got this.” I dab my eyes with the handkerchief Sophia gave me and then take Noah’s hand. “Noah, this ring is a symbol of my promise. Wear it knowing that I will honor our vows and the house you’re adopting me into.” My voice breaks, and I drop it to a whisper. “I love you so much.”

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