Page 61 of The Incubus's Angel
Ignoring the oohs and aahs from the others, Maisie cuddles into me. “Hi,” she whispers back and follows it with another chaste kiss.
Calixta clears her throat. “So, will Beryl and I get a special shout-out at the wedding for our matchmaking skills?”
My brows pull down and I look to Maisie for an answer, but she’s equally as confused.
When it’s clear neither of us knows what she’s talking about, Calixta continues, “At Tilly and Bodin’s ceremony, we may have suggested Maisie meet you.”
Maisie giggles. “Oh, yeah, I guess. They insinuated that I stole tangerines from your grove.”
Tilting my head to the side, I wait for more of an explanation. “And?”
Calixta spreads her arms graciously. “We basically planted the seed for your love to grow. You’re welcome,” she says magnanimously.
Chuckling, Bodin palms the back of Tilly’s neck. “That’s a bit of a stretch, but nice try. Those two would’ve found each other regardless. The ones who are meant to be together, always find a way.”
From my other side, Beck sighs out. “One can only hope.”
Chapter 23
Maisie
It feels like I’m floating. I’m delirious with joy at how today has turned out. I’ve received so much praise that my heart feels like it might burst.
But the biggest cherry onmycake is Ren. Where I thought he might be anxious about the crowd, he’s surprised me with how relaxed he is. Sitting in his lap while we chat with everyone feels like second nature.
My heart has never felt this full.
I don’t care how I’m going to make it happen, but I want to live here, with my friends and my Ren. Even if I have to commute to Cape Easton every day, I’mwilling to do that. I’ll wake up early all the time, become best friends with the ocean I’d have to cross daily, do a job I don’t even like, as long as it means I get to have more ofthis.
Every so often, Ren’s hand wanders up the side of my ribcage, lightly brushing against the side of my breasts in an almost barely there tease. His tail stays coiled around my leg almost possessively while still remaining politely appropriate around our friends. Knowing what that tail can do and what’s to come tonight, I can’t help the flutter of anticipation that starts in my stomach and settles a bit further south.
Just when I’m about to start squirming in his lap, Aunt Annamae appears at our bonfire looking almost ethereal with an extraordinary coronet of green and white foliage, and vines of flowers woven down her knee-length hair. “Flower crown time. Who’s first?”
Calixta’s hand shoots into the air. “Me, please. Do you take requests for the flowers?”
With a serene smile stretched across her lips, Aunt Annamae says, “Of course. Each crown should suit the wearer.”
Calixta’s eyes light up and she sits forward in her seat. Her hands reach up around her horns, indicating where she thinks each flower should go. “In that case, I’d like black roses that’ll match my lips and nails, deep-red dahlias that complement my skin, a couple of dark hellebores, and a whimsical dash of burgundy petunias.”
My aunt conjures up exactly what Calixta asked for and it’s a gothic piece of art. She makes Beryl’s next: an understated olive wreath with magnolia leaves and jasmine, before going around the circle until each of our friends has a crown of their own.
When she gets to Ren’s, she doesn’t wait for a request, simply makes him a slightly more masculine version of the one she made for me. His wreath of white daisies, gypsophila, and mini orange gerberas looks rather charming settled around his horns and I can’t help but think back to our picnic.
He smiles up at me and we share another moderately appropriate kiss, so many emotions coursing through me that I’m unable to find the words.
When the sun is truly gone and the stars are bright above us, and after many laughs and countless stories shared with our friends, all the partygoers are called to the main table to listen to Doc Calla’s speech.
I stand in front of Ren, his arms wrapped around my shoulders and tail around my leg, as we watch Doc Calla in the center and her children and their partners on either side of her.
Doc Calla is handed a mic and she steps onto a platform so the crowd can see her more easily. “Thank you all for joining us today on Kraken Cove. I know this is supposed to be a celebration of my centennial, but I’d like to take a moment to celebrate this town too. This is where I found a welcoming community many years ago when goblins weren’t as easily accepted in the world. This is where I was encouraged to study and fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor. This is where I met my children and had the privilege of raising them with the help of an incredible support system. And this is where they met their partners too.”
The couples in question cuddle closer to her and many in the crowd hum with understanding. My head also bobs inagreement, a lump forming in my throat at how much this town means to everyone, how much of a safe haven it is for all.
I settle more deeply into Ren and curl my fingers around his forearms, my heart drumming a steady refrain of, “I love you, I love you, I love you.”
Doc Calla continues, “Starry Hill is family, and Starry Hill welcomes all. If it’s for a short visit, a lengthened stay, or wishing to find a forever home here, you’re welcome. Creatures of all kinds, be they goblin, orc, succubus, or human, you’re welcome.”
Through the crowd I spot Arran leaning against a rock, sans sunscreen, and he nods approvingly at Doc Calla.
