letting Emily into their midst. Letting in humans wasn’t done.
“Charm them,” Anthony had told her. “No one can resist you.”
Emily had rolled her eyes. He was always saying things like that, but no one else saw her in as positive a light as he did. Her charms must have worked, though, because the tribe had formally adopted her not long after. She suspected Anthony had done most of the charming, though. Despite the mess with his parents, it was clear that his tribe loved him.
So did Emily.
She wished she had jeans to wipe her sweaty palms on. The night before she must have had a dozen nightmares about tripping on her way down the aisle and looking like an absolute idiot in front of everyone. The bird shifters would have a heyday at her expense.
Emily took a deep breath and puffed out her cheeks. She could do this. If she was brave enough to toss aside her old human life and take up this new one, she was brave enough to walk down that aisle and marry the love of her life.
She stepped out into the anteroom and saw Anthony waiting for her.
“Anthony!” she hissed. “Isn’t it bad luck to see a bride right before you marry her?”
He grinned at her and did a slow once over of her figure.
Emily blushed. She loved it when he looked at her like that.
“Funnily enough, I’m not superstitious,” Anthony said. “I wanted to give you your wedding present a little early. You’re not going to back out on me, are you?” His eyes sparkled.
Emily smiled and took his hand. “Not a chance. You’re stuck with me.”
“Good.” He tugged on her hand. “This is a very special wedding present. Try not to scream.”
Why would she scream? Emily opened her mouth to say something, and then lost her breath as her sister walked into the room wearing a bridesmaid gown. “Mary?” Emily breathed.
Mary looked sheepish. “I’m sorry. I know a lot has happened between us, but I didn’t want to miss your wedding day.” Mary tugged on the large pink bow that belted the dress.
“But, how?” Emily said. “You left. I looked everywhere.”
“I know.” Mary wrapped her arms around herself. “After Mom and Dad died, I couldn’t stop blaming myself. I was the reason they were driving that night, and I wasn’t even in the car with them. I asked them to pick up some stupid nail polish and they died. It should have been me.”
“No.” Emily stepped forward and pulled her sister into her arms for the first time in a year. “It wasn’t your fault. No one knew what was going to happen.”
Mary nodded against her shoulder. When she spoke again, her voice was muffled by Emily’s wedding gown. “I know that now. I spent some time wandering, not getting anywhere, and then I got help. I checked myself into a hospital. The therapists there helped me understand what I was going through. I was getting ready to come looking for you when Anthony found me.” Mary sniffled and smiled up at her sister. “I can’t believe you’re getting married. You’re a beautiful bride. Fuck, I hope I didn’t smudge my makeup.”
Emily laughed and let her sister pull away. “Thank you. This is the best wedding present I could have asked for.”
Anthony wrapped an arm around Emily’s waist and squeezed her close. “I thought it would be.”
She kissed his cheek and let herself relax into her lover’s arms. Anthony knew her better than anyone. He’d become the guiding light of her life. She was so lucky to have run into him in Seattle and taken him up on the one night stand that had turned into a lifetime.
“So,” Emily said, turning to face him. “Shall we get married?”
Anthony linked his arm in hers. “After you.”
“Oh, no, I think the groom goes first.”
Anthony laughed and kissed her nose. “I love you.”
Emily grabbed his face and pulled him in for a proper kiss. She parted her lips and her tongue danced with his. He tasted like cinnamon and wild things growing in the sunshine. She couldn’t wait to be his