"It was better than anything I could have imagined, H. Thanks for doing your part to make it happen."
Edward gives H a quick scratch between his wings, conveying his gratitude as well. Standing together — our little, magical family — makes my heart sing with joy.
H lands at my feet and walks the rest of the way to the party with us. Edward and I are swept into embraces and a chorus of congratulations mixed in with requests to see the ring. I make sure to kiss Dominic on the cheek, thanking him for his help.
No sooner are we past the welcoming committee than we find out more surprises are in store for us. Although this is the wrap party for the cast and crew, Harold arranged invites for a few extra special guests. Standing together are mine and Edward's parents, all chatting with Harry and her husband, Rob. My grandfather is a step behind them, beaming with pride. Kate, Bartie, Mathilde, and Trevor are spinning around the dance floor. Edward wasn't kidding that day when he said this would be an event I wouldn't soon forget.
The first hour of the party speeds past as Edward and I work our way from one group to another, sharing our news and showing off the ring. My mum raps my father on the arm for keeping the ring a secret, making us all laugh.
Mathilde and Kate sweep me into a double hug, practically jumping up and down with excitement.
"You'll let us help you plan the wedding, right?" Mathilde asks, rubbing her hands together.
"Better than that," I assure her. "I'd like you and Kate to both be bridesmaids, and Harry to be my matron of honour."
Kate rushes off to grab Harry, pulling her into our fold so I can make my request. Harry tears up, smiling from ear to ear.
"I had a feeling something would spark between you two. That's why I assigned you the flat in Edward's building," Harry proclaims.
I roll my eyes and laugh as I reply, "You assigned me the flat before you even met me. How could you possibly have known that Edward and I would be a fit?"
Harry quirks up an eyebrow and gives me a long look. "Magic, my dear."
That shuts me up.
Finally, Edward and I manage to extricate ourselves long enough to get a plate of food, retreating to the tables for a quick bite. Although it hasn't even been two hours since Edward proposed, I'm already bubbling over with ideas for the ceremony and reception. "Obviously, we'll need to have the wedding here in Oxford, so Bartie and H and my grandfather can attend. Maybe we could rent the Convocation House at the Bodleian?"
Chuckling, Edward holds up a hand to stop me. "We can get married wherever you want, Nat. As long as you and I are there, along with our friends and family, we can get married in the middle of a field, for all that I care."
I pretend to consider his suggestion, murmuring, "There is that field by the Arboretum where I had a lovely chat with a couple of sheep… I wonder if the owner would let us rent it for a day…"
Edward barks a laugh, sending me into a fit of giggles.
❖
The band eventually announces they are taking a break, promising to return shortly before turning the microphone over to my uncle. Harold stands centerstage, looking out at the crowd. He invites everyone to make their way to the dance floor for a special presentation. I glance at Edward, but he shrugs, as clueless as I am.
We gather with our friends and family, standing on the edge of the temporary floor. Gideon pushes Vivian's wheelchair to the front of the crowd, making sure she can see. I scan the sea of people, spying Sam from Craft Services holding hands with a woman who must be his wife. Nearby is the camera crew and sound team. Even Donald, the security guard, is enjoying the night. Mixed in with the cast and crew are their partners and close friends.
I look around, wondering where Will and Jill have disappeared, finally finding them off to the side of the stage. They are standing behind a couple of computers, watching my uncle for their cues.
"If I could have your attention, please," Harold speaks into the microphone. "As you all know, when I pitched the idea for this show to the executives, I had planned it as a mini-series. Historical fiction is at the height of popularity, but the executives were skeptical about whether a show about a bunch of early scientists and philosophers would do well."
The crowd nods, smiling at the memory.
"Thanks to your incredible work, your passion and your creativity, the mini-series was a success. The executives ordered more episodes, which allowed us to come here to Oxford, to film in the very rooms where our historical figures lived and breathed. I have purposely kept the evening reviews of the daily takes limited to an extremely small group." Harold pauses, pointing to Andy and the other members of the camera crew.
"Before we came to Oxford, I would not have said it was possible. But somehow, something in the air has inspired you all into the performance of a lifetime. I could not be prouder of what we have accomplished here, and I look forward to sharing the end results with you all in a few weeks at a proper screening."
Harold is forced to stop as we break into applause. Mathilde, Kate, and I exchange knowing glances, all of us sure that the magic of Oxford played its own role in the filming.
When the applause dies down, Harold raises his microphone again. "However, a wrap party would not be the same without some reference to our hard work. Tonight, in a very special, exclusive showing, we've prepared a highlight reel for your viewing… our best moments together. Don't expect to see yourself reading your lines. We've got something different in store for you."
With that, Harold nods at Will and Jill, and the screen behind the band instruments goes to black. An old-fashioned movie countdown signals the start of the show.
The film starts with a speed-motion display of the crew setting up at the Botanic Garden, the team running around like ants as they lay out equipment and roll in the trailers. Soon, we see the cast arrive. The cameraman has caught Caleb marching around the garden paths, getting into character as Sir Christopher Wren. We see Gideon laughing with Sam near the Craft Services trailer. Vivian and Joe wave from inside the hair and make-up trailer. On and on it goes, making sure every single member of the cast, crew and even the extras are captured. Kate gasps when they show her straightening a portrait in the dining hall, and Mathilde laughs when another clip reveals her hidden away, reading in the Somerset library.
Before long, we see the back of my head, sitting at one of the picnic tables with Ilaria and Marcello. The Italian couple are mid-story, talking as much with their hands as their mouths. I find Ilaria in the crowd and she gives me a wink.
Just when I'm beginning to think I got off scot-free, I groan as I spot a familiar costume swish onto the screen. My cheeks flame as the film cycles through my best bloopers. There is the time I nearly dumped a tray of teacups onto Gideon, followed by a montage of my attempts to cross the room in my wide skirt. Edward nudges me and kisses my forehead, looking proudly at his future wife. As for me, I thank heavens I never dreamt of a career in film or television and manage to laugh along with everyone else.
The screen goes black again, leaving us to think the film is over, but then flickers back to life, displaying a line of text.
"And now, for the real star of the show…"
Everyone looks around, wondering who it could possibly be. After all, we've seen everyone make an appearance.
The screen brightens further, unveiling a familiar scene. I'm there, in my costume and heavy make-up, holding an old-fashioned broom made of sticks. Standing in front of me is a certain black cat with white patches on his side.
"H!" I gasp, and I hear Mathilde, Kate and Harry say the same.
The memory surfaces. It was the day H and Molly showed up, coaching my performance from the sideline. Although there was no cat mentioned in the script, H had darted in front of me, taunting me as he swished his tail.
The scene begins. I scowl at the cat and threaten him with my broom, my annoyance very much real. H dances out of the way, stopping just beyond my reach. The camera zooms in close, tightening in until H is sitting alone
in the middle of the screen.
Right as it seems the film will end, H looks deep into the camera and gives an exaggerated wink, looking very satisfied with himself.
The cast and crew cheer and roar with laughter, several people calling out questions about when they got a budget for special effects. The video ends with a thank you to everyone followed by a long list of credits. H flies up beside me in time to see his own name identified within the list.
"Do ya think I'll win a BAFTA fer my acting, Nat?" he asks, polishing his talons against his chest.
"I wouldn't be surprised in the least if you did, H." I sneakily press a quick kiss on his snout before he can stop me.
Shortly thereafter the band returns. I check in with Will and Jill, asking whether they need any help. They chase me off, telling me to let loose and enjoy myself.
The night wears on, my friends and I dancing to Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive, singing along at the top of our lungs. That song is always a party favourite, but tonight it takes on a special meaning. We throw our hands in the air and shake our heads, swinging our hips in time to the music.
When a slower song comes on, we pair off into our couples, spinning around the dance floor. Kate and Bartie are lost in one another, while Mathilde and Trevor show all the signs of a budding love. Mine and Edward's parents are there, but I can't find Harry anywhere. Her husband is sitting alone at one of the tables, so where could she be?
I start to worry but then she twirls past me, dancing cheek to cheek with none other than Caleb Farrow himself. I guide Edward close to Mathilde and Kate, making sure they don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime vision of Harry dancing with her favourite celebrity. Mathilde pulls out her phone and snaps a picture of Harry's historical moment.
Before the song ends, I notice that my grandfather has joined in, looking like a professional dancer with Molly in his arms. The pair spin and dip in perfect time to the music, looking like something off one of the dance reality shows. It's a shame only a handful of us can see them.
When the night draws to a close, Molly invites H to stay with her at Somerset, promising him she knows where the catering company will store the leftovers. After we say our goodbyes, Edward and I link our arms and begin making our way back home.
The moon hangs high in the sky, the full circle lighting the pavement better than any streetlight could do. Cars pass by, few and far between. My ring sparkles in the moonlight, where my hand rests on Edward's arm.
We walk in a comfortable silence, not needing to fill the space with words. Instead, we leave ourselves free to soak in the memories of the occasion. I don't know about Edward, but I don't want to forget a single moment of it.
Soon enough, we turn onto our street, our doorway lit by the overhead light. Edward takes the key from his pocket but stops before putting it into the lock. He pulls me into a close embrace.
"Did you have a good time, Nat?" he asks, gazing into my eyes.
"One of the best nights of my life, Edward," I reply, meaning every word.
Edward smiles, his gaze softening. He takes a hand and strokes my cheek.
"Let's see if we can't make it even better."
Chapter Nineteen
I wake up to find Edward looking at me, his head propped up on his hand.
"Good morning, future Mrs Natalie Thomas," he says with a smile.
"Good morning, my love," I reply, smiling. I blink the sleep from my eyes and then correct him. "You know I'm keeping my own name, right?"
He winks, reaching out a hand to brush my hair from my face. "A man can dream… But yes, you should do whatever makes you happy."
My alarm buzzes interrupting our conversation. I push back the covers and climb out of bed, reminding Edward, "Everyone is coming over this morning for brunch, so you'd better get a move on it. I need you to run out for muffins and croissants from the bakery in Jericho."
"And a double order of sausage rolls for H, I know," Edward grumbles as he sits up, but I can tell he doesn't mean it. While he showers, I wander around the upstairs bedrooms, looking over the drawings taped to the doors of each room.
I knew Dominic wouldn't be able to resist the challenge of decorating my new house. While I was spending my days at Somerset with Uncle Harold, I gave Dominic my spare key and invited him to pop over anytime he needed a break from the canal boat they'd rented.
Dominic knows me well enough to read between the lines of my open invitation. With the upstairs bedrooms and baths still a blank canvas, he couldn't resist putting a few of his ideas down on paper. The result was a series of sketches, complete with recommendations for paint colours and furnishings.
I pause outside the back bedroom. It is the smallest of the lot since we took part its square footage to add a master bath to the floor plan. I told Dominic I wanted to convert it into a small office, and he followed my instructions. However, he also produced a second sketch, which he tacked up underneath without any further comments.
In one version, the walls are lined with shelves, a built-in desk sitting in the middle. A comfortable armchair is placed in front of the window, waiting for me to curl up with a good book. In the second version, the shelves and desk are replaced with a cot and changing table, and my armchair has become a wooden rocker.
"Cheeky bugger!" I whisper to myself as I peel the tape from the door. I start to toss the sketch away, but something stops me. Instead, I take it back into my bedroom and put it on the top shelf of my cupboard. "Someday!" I think wistfully, "but not anytime soon."
Edward steps out of the bathroom, sending a cloud of steam rolling into the hallway and putting a stop to my daydreaming. "Your turn, Nat. I made sure to leave you some hot water."
Half an hour later, I'm clean, dressed, and ready to greet our guests.
Kate arrives with Bartie, followed quickly by Mathilde and Trevor. We're no sooner seated in the front room than Harry rings the doorbell. My grandfather and H let themselves in through the garden door and walk through the house to join us.
Although this is the first time we've included Trevor in our group get together, he settles comfortably on the sofa next to Mathilde, Kate and Bartie. It is amazing how quickly he has acclimated to living with magic. A week ago, he was running, terrified by my fire-breathing wyvern. Now, he is giving H a high five. Once Mathilde convinced him magic is real, that was all it took. He shifted from fear to acceptance and launched into questions about how it all works.
Trevor wraps an arm around Mathilde's shoulders, and she shifts over, snuggling up against his side. I don't know how their relationship will turn out, but so far so good. I hope it works out for them.
Edward takes charge of passing around plates and food while I show off my ring again. The women ooh and aah suitably while the men shift uncomfortably in their chairs. The topic of marriage somehow always makes a single man sweat a little, no matter how new or unusual his relationship might be.
"I've barely begun planning the big event," I begin, addressing the group.
My grandfather coughs, interrupting me. "He only asked you last night, dear. I'm surprised you've had time to plan anything."
Harry holds up a hand to stop him. "Alfred, this is Nat we're talking about. The role of the groom might be new, but I'm sure Nat's been envisioning her wedding day for most of her life."
"Ahem," I say, as the rest of the group snickers. "As I was saying, I don't know when or where the wedding will be held, because that will depend on all of you. Edward and I would like you to be in our wedding party." I turn to the women. "Kate, Mathilde and Harry, you've already said yes to being bridesmaids."
"Matron of Honour," Harry clarifies, sitting up straight and patting her white pageboy cut.
"Of course," I agree, looking suitably chastised. I shift sideways so I can better see my grandfather. "Grandfather, would you walk me down the aisle? Along with dad, that is."
My grandfather nods, too choked up to speak. I leap to my feet and rush over to give him a hug.
Edward
steps in, giving us a moment to collect ourselves. "Bartie and Trevor, I wondered whether you'd stand beside me, as groomsmen?"
Both men agree, looking chuffed to be asked. Edward reassures Bartie that the ceremony will be in Oxford, where he can use the magic to make himself visible.
Lost in our conversations, I almost forget about our last role. "H? Where are you, mate?" I hunt around the room, finally locating him curled in his cat bed, looking despondent.
"You didn't think we'd leave you out?" I ask.
H shrugs, sending a puff of black smoke from his nostrils.
"Your role is the most important one of all. Without your help, we can't complete the ceremony," I explain. H perks up, looking hopeful. "H, we would like you to be our ring bearer. What do you you say?"
H flies up and turns somersaults in the air. "Ring bearer! I'd be 'onoured. Wait til Princess Fluffy sees me in a bowtie. She'll lose her loaf, fer sure."
"I'll mark you down for a plus one," I promise, giving H a wink.
Not long after, we exhaust wedding talk and move onto other topics.
"It's strange, you know," Bartie says, looking around at our group. "Every other time we've gotten together like this, it has been to discuss our problems with the magic."
"That's true," Kate admits, frowning. "After spending so many months trying to figure out who was stealing the magic and then how to stop them, it seems like we should be having more of a celebration."
"I, for one, am thrilled to have closed several open cases this past week," Trevor remarks, looking pleased. "If you all hadn't brought me into the group and told me about the existence of the magic, we would never have identified Beadle as our thief, arsonist and murderer."
"Now that the magical border has been re-established, the wave of small crimes should dry up," Bartie reassures Trevor. "We Eternals have always found a way to see justice served quickly."
Trevor considers Bartie's remark, rubbing his chin. "I wonder… if I brought over some of our cold case files from the city, do you think you and the other Eternals could have a look? Maybe one of you might have an insight which would be helpful."
Sabotage at Somerset: A charmingly fun paranormal cozy mystery (Oxford Key Mysteries Book 4) Page 25