by T K Eldridge
“Well, there was a bag left at Sin’s place and one at mine. It would have only hurt shifters, and they’re dusting the bags and such for prints, but who knows? I mean, Micah didn’t know about it and Nico took two muffins for himself, so if he knew they were poisoned why would he do that? Anyway, the SPD is looking into it, so we’ll have to see what they find.”
“You and Nico, hmm?” Mom gave me a knowing smile.
“I know, we’re sort of related, but not by blood. And it’s not serious. But it was good and it’d been a while and ohmygod I’m talking about sex with you when I swore I wouldn’t do that ever again after Bobby Reingold.”
We both laughed and Mom leaned over to murmur, “Just be careful, my lovely,” then patted my knee. “Let’s get going with that dinner. Your father will be home from work soon.”
“How’s Dad doing, being in charge of the Academy?”
“Well, when Cosette told him she didn’t want to be stuck behind a desk yet, they came to an agreement. He’s running it and, I daresay, enjoying getting it cleaned up and back on track. Sett comes by when he needs another pair of eyes on a problem, but for the most part, it’s just him and the board they’re setting up.”
“Are there still problems there from Lord James?”
Mom choked on a laugh and shook her head. “There are some issues, still, with those who have the whole purity mindset ingrained in them – but he’s weeding them out as time goes on.”
“That’s good to hear. After spending so much time talking to Grampa Walsh, I firmly believe the idea of the Academy and the need it fulfills has to be clear and well-stated. We need people who understand the supernatural world and can keep small things from becoming big things.”
“You’re right, oh beautiful daughter of mine,” Dad said as he came in from the garage. “And what is that delicious smell?”
I turned and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek after he’d kissed Mom hello. “Hi, Daddy. I brought stuff to make shrimp and linguine, garlic bread, and a salad. Mom and I had a chat first, so she’s helping. You want to find us a wine?”
“Are you old enough to be drinking?” Dad teased me as he winked at Mom.
We all laughed as he went into the butler’s pantry to get the wine and Mom leaned over to whisper to me. “He’s so much happier now. It’s wonderful.”
“You both are so much happier now. And you look positively radiant,” I told her.
Dad came out with the wine and uncorked it, then pulled down two glasses. “Dad, I am old enough to drink wine. Get three?”
“No, two is good. I’m not having any,” Mom said.
“Oh, okay,” I replied and handed him a nice tumbler for Mom to have her tea or whatever.
With three of us, dinner was soon ready and we sat at the little table in the kitchen alcove.
“I’m really glad I came by to see you guys. I’ve missed you and with work being so crazy, I hadn’t realized how much time had passed since we’ve actually sat down and talked.”
“We’ve missed you and Sin too. How are things going at the farm?” Dad asked.
“Well, Sin’s adjusting to family life with Mira and Ethan. They all seem really happy. Grandma and Grampa Walsh are spending a lot of time together. There have been a few hiccups with Micah and Nico, but Grampa’s settling things there…” I let my voice trail off and looked at Mom. She grinned, then took a big bite of garlic bread so she couldn’t comment.
“I’m glad Liam Walsh is around and helping out. Takes some of the worry off of me and makes me feel like you kids are getting a good mentor to boot,” Dad replied. “I’m sorry my father was such a bad example and mentor. He damaged you in ways I hope Liam can help fix, and he nearly killed your brother and myself. That, I will do my best to apologize for, for the rest of my life.”
I reached over and curled my hand around Dad’s hand. “You do not have to apologize for him, Dad. You were not the reason he did what he did. Don’t take that burden on. Just be our Dad and know that we love you and appreciate you for who you are.”
“I’ll be the best father I can be to all of my children,” Dad said as he looked at Mom.
“Both of your children,” I corrected absently as I took a sip of wine.
“All of my children,” Dad corrected me back and reached out and took Mom’s hand.
I choked on the wine I was swallowing and grabbed my napkin. “Tell me. Don’t make me look like an idiot while I guess. You’re pregnant, Mom?”
Dad lifted Mom’s hand and kissed her fingers. “Yes, we’re expecting a boy.”
“You’re going to have a brother in about five months. We wanted to wait until we could tell if it would stick. There have been a couple of miscarriages over the years, but this one seems to be determined to arrive,” Mom said.
“Have you told Sin yet?”
“Not yet. We were going to tell you together, but your surprise visit has changed that. It’s okay, we can call him tonight and let him know, or you can tell him and he can call us. I know you two don’t keep secrets,” Mom said.
“Do you need anything, Mom? Are you feeling okay?” I looked her over. She looked like a woman in her mid thirties. Dark hair, tanned skin with a rosy hue, no gray in her locks and just a few fine lines on her face. Yet, she was probably in her late seventies at this point. The benefit of a supernatural lifespan meant one lived for a couple of centuries naturally, and women were fertile until they were close to their first century.
“I feel great, Siddie. I’m in the second trimester, so I’ve got all the energy now that I won’t have at the end. I’ve got this beautiful house and your father isn’t traveling the world or being assigned patrols in the middle of the night, so he’ll be here if I need him. Your grandmother and the rest of the family are nearby if I have to call on you for help. And yes, I will ask for help if I need it.”
I stood up and went to give Mom a hug, then Dad. “So, a brother, huh?” My head was spinning, but this wasn’t uncommon in supernatural families. Just not something I’d ever thought about with my own parents because of all the trouble they had with us.
“Yes, a brother. We’re naming him Rohan,” Dad said.
I sat down to finish my meal, when we heard the door open and Sin’s voice call out, “Anyone home?”
“Kitchen, Sin,” Dad replied and looked at us. “Well, guess we get to tell him now, too.”
Sin walked in with Mira, both of them looking like they had the best secret in the world to share. I just started laughing. Like, cover my face with my napkin because tears were streaming down my cheeks.
Sin looked at me and rolled his eyes, then turned to our parents. “Mira and I wanted to tell you as soon as we had it confirmed. We’ll have a daughter in about seven months.”
I was gasping for breath, but managed a thumbs up to my brother and his fiancee. My parents started to chuckle and Sin finally lost it.
“What? What are you all laughing about? A baby is good news!” Sin yelled.
“Yes, it is. And we’re sharing your news. About two months before your daughter arrives, your brother will be here,” Dad said.
Sin looked confused while Mira laughed and went to give my Mom a hug. Dad pulled out chairs for the two new arrivals and I slid dishes around so they could join us. Sin dropped into a chair and I handed him my wine glass which he promptly drained.
“I know, it’s a lot. Mom and Dad just told me about our brother, Rohan, joining us in five months. Then you and Mira joined in with your daughter coming. Have you told Ethan?” I asked.
“Not yet, we wanted to tell you guys first. And Reina Marguerite is the name we’ve chosen for her,” Sin said, eyes locked on Mira. “Reina for our ancestor and Marguerite for Mira’s mom and also a nod towards Queen Grandma.”
“Hey Mom,” I interrupted her chatter with Mira. “You’re getting your Rohan and Reina.”
She had told me, back when she was still trying to recuperate at Grams after being kidnapped and poisoned, that Si
n and I were almost named Rohan and Reina.
Mom nodded to me, tears shining in her eyes as she leaned in to kiss Mira’s cheek. “Sounds like we need to get you two handfasted sooner rather than later. How about this weekend? We can get ahold of the Fae folk through Finn and have it out back in our newly consecrated circle. We’ll take care of the catering and all, you just tell me what you want and we’ll do it.”
Mira turned to Sin and they both let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Mom,” they both said.
“I was worried about how to manage it,” Mira told us. “I didn’t show for months with Ethan, but with a second, I’m told I’ll show much more quickly. I would like to be able to wear my mother’s gown. My cousin, Lyric, had saved it for me. I won’t fit into it if I start showing.”
“Then this weekend it is. I’ll go make some phone calls. Sin? Call Finn and get things moving. Mira, call your cousin and you both need to get a couple of folks to act as official witnesses,” Mom started spewing orders like a General. I just got up and cleared the table while everyone got crazy.
Sin came over to me and nudged me with his shoulder. “Would you be my best man?”
“Don’t you want Erik or Stumpy or someone?”
“No, I want you to stand up with me. You’ve always had my back, and I want you to know that even though I’m marrying Mira, you’re not alone, Sid.”
“Never alone, Sin. And sure, I’d be honored. But let Erik do your bachelor party. I’m not taking you to see strippers,” I teased.
We hugged and he went to tell Mira I was going to stand up with him. Mom was on the phone, Dad was on the phone, Mira was on the phone, Sin was holding Mira’s hand – and I felt more alone at that moment than I’d ever felt in my whole life.
Chapter Eight
Sin
I stood in my tuxedo, a sprig of orange blossom in my lapel. Beside me, Sid wore a silvery-gray halter dress that brushed her knees and silver stilettos. Her hair was braided with flowers and she looked beautiful. Her smile was warm, but her eyes seemed sad. I suppose I’d find it a little sad too, if she were marrying and leaving me behind.
The garden behind the Boudreau Estate was really nice. Mom and Dad had changed it up and put down a new Circle and had it consecrated, so we were the first actual ceremony other than the consecration, to happen here. An arch of flowers was at the north point and a table held a beautiful embroidered cloth, a chalice, a candle, a plate with a small cake, a braided ribbon, two smaller candles – it was all for the handfasting ceremony and it looked nice.
I kept tugging on my vest and Sid reached out and put a hand on my arm. “Breathe, Sin. You’re ready for this. More than ready.”
I patted her hand and took a slow breath in, then let it out just as slowly. The sounds of a violin started up and I looked behind me to see Queen Margaret, my great-grandmother, take her place at the altar. She would be officiating the marriage for us.
Grampa Walsh escorted Mira down the aisle in a gown that had clearly come from Faery crafting. Lace and shimmering cloth wrapped her from shoulders to toes, the skirt floating around her with each step. A veil of spider-fine lace covered her long hair, the colors a rainbow as she moved through the sunlight. Grampa kissed her cheek and stepped back to take his seat, then the music faded into silence.
The Queen lifted her chin and spoke in a clear, warm voice. “We have come together in celebration of the joining of Mirabella and Sinclair. Sin and Mira are pleased you could all be here to share in their joy, and ask us to remember others that are present in spirit.”
There were about four rows of chairs on either side of the aisle and most were filled with family and friends. I couldn’t look away from the woman I was about to call my wife for all of eternity. About her throat she wore the strand of colored stones I gave her as a wedding gift. Peridot, citrine, blue tourmaline, garnet, amethyst, set like a rainbow ribbon in beds of gold. The wedding band matched the necklace, channel set stones in yellow gold. My band was wider than hers, with the same stones inset. We were a blending of all of the races, so it seemed fitting to display that in our rings.
“Others would ask, at this time, who gives this bride in marriage? Yet, a woman is not property to be given and taken, so I ask simply, Mirabella, do you come of your own free will and accord?”
“Yes, I do,” Mira said.
“And you, Sinclair?”
“Yes, I do,” I said.
“Please join hands and listen to my words. Above you are the stars, below you are the stones. As time doth pass, remember. Like a stone should your love be firm, like a star should your love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage. Let the strength of your wills bind you together. Let the power of your love and passion make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass. Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, for the Powers that Be are with you always.”
The Queen turned her gaze to each of us in turn and spoke again. “Sinclair, I have not the right to bind thee to Mirabella, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time, and place this ring on her finger.”
Sid handed the ring to the Queen, who whispered a blessing over it, then she handed it to me. I looked at Mira and took her left hand. As I slid the ring on her finger, I gave her my vow.
“I, Sinclair James Boudreau, in the name of the spirit that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood, and the love that resides within my heart, take thee, Mirabella Alaina Serenity Langlois, to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. To desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee. I promise to love thee with a pure and faithful heart. Wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty—I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself.”
Mira took her blessed ring from the Queen, with Leah standing beside her, and repeated the vow as she slid it onto my hand. We fed each other a bite of the little cake, and helped each other sip the grape juice from the goblet, to show our wish for love and life. We each took a small candle, lit by the Queen with magic, then lit the pillar on the altar together, to symbolize the light of our lives joined to create a new entity. Then the tying of the braided ribbons around our joined hands, and our hands slid out of the bond with the knot still in place, to symbolize our love made fast.
“By the power vested in me by the deities above and below, the elements around us, and the laws of the land, I now pronounce you partners in all ways. May your light and love be a blessing to all,” the Queen said.
I pulled Mira close and she wrapped her arms around me as we shared our first kiss as a wedded couple. The crowd stood and cheered as my bride and I turned, hands entwined.
“May I present, Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair and Mirabella Boudreau,” Queen Margaret shouted and a rain of flower petals cascaded over us. We headed down the aisle, stopping to kiss and hug before we were led away for photos.
The reception was held in the ballroom of the house, with flowers and music, laughter and good food for everyone. At one point, we took Ethan and went into the study, where the Queen and Grampa Walsh stood.
“I did some calling in of favors, so this could happen today as well,” Grampa said. “I hope you appreciate this gift.”
He handed us some papers, and Mira and I read them before she looked up at Grampa. “This can be done this quickly? Really?”
“Yes, Granddaughter. This quickly. You both sign, Margaret witnesses and I notarize them. I’ll drop them off with Judge McKinnon on the way home and they’ll be registered and filed tomorrow,” Grampa said.
I grabbed a pen from the desk and proceeded to sign my name where the little tabs had been m
arked. Mira took the pen from me and did the same.
Ethan wandered the room until I crouched down and called him over. “Ethan, would you like to be my son? Legally and in all ways?”
Ethan looked up at me, then over to his mother. “I thought you was now that you got ‘fasted to Mama.”
“Well, I’m her husband, but we signed papers to make you my son, too. Legally. But the Judge needs to know if you want that, too,” I said.
“Duh, yeah. You’re my Papa. You been my Papa for a whiles now,” Ethan said, so matter of fact in his tone I had to smile.
“Then, I’m happy to be your Papa. Ethan Finnegan Langlois Boudreau.”
Grampa took an imprinter out of his bag, then sealed and signed the documents. He then wrote his statement about witnessing Ethan’s agreement. Queen Margaret signed her witness statement and handed the forms back to Grampa, who slid them into his leather bag.
“Congratulations, Boudreau family. Go celebrate!” Grampa said.
Ethan yelled “Hooray! Cake and dancing!” and ran out of the room to the sound of our laughter.
I went over and gave Grampa a hug. “Thank you for this. Everything happened so quickly with the wedding, I didn’t have time to take care of this yet. You’ve made me a very happy man, Grampa.”
“And I’m beyond proud of you, Sinclair. Go dance with your bride and your son. It’s a day to be joyful.”
Mira hugged the Queen, I took her hand and led her from the room. I heard them talking behind us – yay shifter hearing.
The Queen said, “They make a beautiful family. I’m so glad things worked out for Mirabella. I just wish I could’ve saved her parents.”
Grampa sighed, “We do our best and hope our crimes don’t come down on their heads. I think, though, we’re all going to have to pay the piper for Lamontaine’s fury if we can’t get him to back down.”
We passed out of range and I pulled Mira close. I took note of that comment of Grampa’s and I would be sure to ask him about it, later.