Page 109 of Midnight Sanctuary

I’m getting married. I have to repeat it to myself a couple of times before it starts to sink in.

I’m getting married.

I’m gettingmarried.

I’m gettingmarried!

While Uri’s on the phone with the florist, organizing flowers for the hospital chapel, I call Elle. “Hey, you,” she chirps. “I was wondering where—”

“Elle, I have big news.”

“Your life is a freaking movie at this point, isn’t it?”

A burst of laughter escapes my lips. Considering the choice I was faced with this morning, I didn’t think I’d experience this kind of blissful euphoria on the same day. Life’s not a movie—it’s a roller coaster with the brakes removed.

“First off, I’m in the hospital.”

There’s a beat of silence. “Okay, now, the happiness makes a lot less sense.” I don’t blame her; she knows how much I hate hospitals. “Is everything alright?”

“Well, I mean, yes and no. It’s… complicated.”

“Isn’t it always?”

She has a point. I take a breath and launch into my explanation. “My pregnancy is high-risk. One of the babies isn’t developing as fast as the other.”

“Oh my God—”

“But it’s okay,” I cut in with renewed determination. “Because I’m going to keep these babies inside of me long enough to make sure they can survive outside of me.Bothof them.”

“Is that what the doctors are recommending?”

“It’s whatI’vedecided, Elle.”

“Hon—”

“Listen, Elle, I love you to death, but I’m not calling for your approval or your advice. I’ve made my decision. I’m calling because I’m getting married in an hour and I want you to be my maid of honor. I know it’s short notice but it would mean the world to me if you were here.” The silence stretches on for ages and ages.“Um… Elle?”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but did you say you were gettingmarried?!”

“Er, yes, that’s correct.”

“To Uri?”

“No. To Prince William. Duh,of courseto Uri.”

“JesusChrist!” Elle exclaims.

I laugh. “Is that a ‘yes, I’d gladly be your maid of honor?’”

“Yes! Yes! Yes, I’d gladly be your maid of honor.”

“Awesome,” I squeal. “I’m at St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital. Floor seven, ward three, room seventeen.”

“Oh my God,” Elle breathes. I can hear her pacing around anxiously. “I’m all tingly. I can’t believe this is happening.”

“That makes two of us.”

“An hour?”

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