Page 114 of Bound By Blood

“I was hoping Andrei would come,” Kaitlyn said, hugging her grandmother and her uncle.

“They wanted to be here,” Drake said, “but, all things considered, I did not think it wise for them to leave the Fortress. Ciprian and Liam are taking Liliana’s place at the Italian Fortress until she returns. If you want to postpone the wedding …”

“No!” Kaitlyn said emphatically. “I am not waiting any longer.”

Zack winked at her. “That’s my girl.”

Elena, ever the peacemaker, said, “All right, then. What do you say we all get dressed and meet at the church at midnight? Zack, can you find a room somewhere else? It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, you know.”

“Sure, Elena. A friend of mine is staying here, at Harrah’s. I can dress in her room. Liliana, I booked you and Stefan rooms here, too.”

“Sounds like you’ve taken care of everything,” Elena said. “Let’s go.”

Kaitlyn stood in front of the full-length mirror in the bathroom while her mother brushed her hair.

“You look lovely, sweetheart,” Elena said. “I’ve never seen you looking happier.”

“I’ve never been happier. I love Zack so much. When you fell in love with Dad, did you just know he was the right one?”

“Yes. My life might have been easier in some ways if I’d fallen in love with a human instead of a vampire. But hearts don’t care about things like that.”

Setting the brush aside, Elena picked up the veil and set it in place. “You look like an angel.”

“Thanks, Mom, for everything.”

“I can’t believe my little girl is getting married.” Elena shook her head. “Where did the years go? Seems like only yesterday I was holding you in my arms, and now look at you. All grown up and about to become a wife.”

“Mom, don’t cry.”

“I can’t help it. Besides, they’re happy tears. You’ve everything a mother could ever hope for in her daughter. I’m so proud of you.”

“Oh, Mom.” Blinking back her own tears, Kaitlyn hugged her mother.

“Careful, sweetie, you’re crushing your gown.”

“I don’t care.”

Elena pulled a hanky from her pocket. “Here, dry your eyes. We don’t want Zack to see you crying.”

Kaitlyn smiled at the mention of his name, then glanced over her shoulder as her father knocked on the bedroom door and peeked inside.

“It’s almost midnight. Are you …” His words trailed off when he saw Kaitlyn.

“Dad, are you all right?” she asked anxiously.

“I just realized I am losing my little girl.”

“Oh, Daddy, I’ll always be your little girl.”

He held out his arms and she went to him, sighing as his arms wrapped around her. He would always be her first love. He had kissed her hurts, chased away the monster under the bed, taught her to value herself and those around her. “I love you, Daddy.”

“I know. I love you, too.” Putting his finger under her chin, he lifted her head. “Are you sure he is the one?”

“Without a doubt.”

“We’d better go,” Elena said. “We don’t want the groom to think the bride changed her mind at the last minute.”

Another round of hugs, and they left the hotel.

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