by Mary Ting
I chuckled lightly. “I guess I’m going to have to remember what I said and say it again when we exchange our vows.”
“Nah, you’ll have to come up with new ones. It won’t have the same effect.”
I wiped her tears before they fell. “You drive a hard bargain.”
“I do. I expect nothing but the best from you. So, where should we get married?”
“I already have the place settled.”
Sky arched her eyebrows. “What do you mean you have the place?”
“Hades and I came up with a plan. All you need to do is pick the date.”
“What? You and Hades? I thought you didn’t like him.” She crossed her arms and bit her bottom lip.
I tugged on her bottom lip.
She frowned.
“Don’t do that. I’ll do stuff to you that will blind Mason.”
She perked her lips, trying not to smile. “You didn’t answer me.”
I got off the bed. Mason flew off the bed too. “Hades is growing on me. We’re not best friends or anything. I knew he would be there for you. There is something about Hades. I favor him over his brothers. Maybe he’s more relatable. I have no idea.”
Sky slid off the bed, revealing her long legs and my T-shirt she wore to bed. I licked my lips and eyed her body lustfully. She blushed. It didn’t matter how many times I had seen her without clothes, her cheeks turned red. It was one of the things I loved about her.
“Why are you out of bed?” she asked, brushing her sexy, messy hair away from her face.
I opened the door. “To make us breakfast. We have to practice getting up early if we want children.”
“Children? How many?”
“A dozen. Each dog should have an owner. Of course we can start after we get married.”
“Maybe we should wait and take a vacation around the world.”
“I would love that, soon-to-be Mrs. Grand.”
Sky smiled, showing me her beautiful teeth. “I love the sound of my name on you.”
“So do I.”
Mason barked.
“Do you want breakfast, Mason?” I asked.
Mason barked again.
“You can come help us or sleep more if you like,” I said.
“I’m coming.”
I couldn’t help myself. “That’s what you said last night.”
Sky threw a pillow at me.
I used my power to stop it in midair. Mason barked at it. “Do you want to play rough, Sky? Or are you going to be nice?”
Sky crisscrossed her arms and took off her T-shirt. “I think I’ll be rough and then nice. What do you want?”
Sky had changed into someone confident and a lot more playful than before. I picked up Mason’s toy ball and tossed it down the hallway. “You can’t be in here. It’s time for Mommy and Daddy to play.” Then my body sizzled and lit up. “I’m going to light up every inch of the sky for you, Sky. And not only am I going to short circuit the neighborhood, it’s going to happen to the whole freakin’ city.”
Chapter 32
Skylar
A Month Later
“Sky, you look so beautiful.” Mom choked up, rubbing the teardrop that had fallen down her cheek.
I had already told Mom how gorgeous she looked. With a long, lavender dress hugging her bump, a pregnant woman never looked so hot.
“Thank you, Mom.” I smiled, taking in a long deep breath, holding back the tears. “Please don’t cry. You’ll get me started.” I caressed her arm.
She wiped more tears. “I can’t help it. I know I’m not losing a daughter but gaining a son, but this is one of the most important stages in your life, and I’m so grateful that I’m here, that’s all. This pregnancy hormone is making me sensitive.”
I knew what Mom meant. She had almost lost her life. We’d all been in danger from Eris and the Titans.
“You’re here. That’s all that matters to me. You don’t have to stand with me. Why don’t you sit on the bed or the loveseat and get off your feet?”
Mason had instructed me to get dressed and stay in our bedroom. He also told me Zara would come get me when it was time. We had agreed not to see each other for a week. Mason stayed at Nick’s, and I got the house to myself. I was also instructed not to show up at Bella Amore. The restaurant had finally opened, but Mason struggled to get back to the swing of normal life.
“I think I’ll do that.” Mom sat on the sofa and stretched her legs. The morning sickness had dissipated and she was feeling better.
I gazed back at my reflection in the mirror. The white dress was strapless, elegant, yet simple. Hera had loaned me the gold bracelet that snaked around my upper arm, and the baby’s breath adorning my up-do hair made me look spectacular, I had to admit. I looked like a true goddess.
“Skylar.” Kayla rested her arm around my waist, trying not to touch my long veil. “I just need to make sure. Something borrowed is Hera’s bracelet. Something new is your dress. Something blue is?”
“My garter.” I winked.
“The one I got you?”
I nodded.
Mom, Kelly, and Kayla had thrown me a bridal shower a week before at a small, quaint restaurant where many bridal showers were held. Though I didn’t have many friends to invite, some of the goddess were there, including, Hera, Athena, and the Oracles.
Kayla assessed me in our reflection. “Mason won’t be able to handle himself around you. He’s going to want to rip of your clothes…” She stopped, smiling sheepishly at my mom. “I meant he’s going to love your dress.”
Mom waved her hand. “Oh, Kayla. You’re free to say whatever you want. I’m not going to judge you. I was a teenager once. If you knew half the things I did, you would be shocked, but you’ll never find out. And yes, I do know Mason and Sky are active.” She cleared her throat. “So, he better want to rip off her clothes, the way she looks.”
Kayla and I giggled with our eyes locked on each other and jaws dropped. Her long, strapless purple dress swayed a little with her laughter. The bridesmaids’ dresses looked identical to mine. I had never seen Kayla look more beautiful. She too had baby’s breath on her up-do hair.
“Do you know where the wedding is taking place?” I asked.
“Of course I do. I’m the mom.” Mom snorted.
“And I know you do,” I said to Kayla.
Kayla shrugged and pressed her glossy red lips together. “You can’t ask me anything. I promised to keep it a secret. Besides, it’s your special day. You should be surprised.”
“Most—wait, I take it back. All brides know where their weddings will be taking place. I’m the only one in the entire universe who doesn’t. So is one of you going to let me know?”
“I will.”
I flashed my head to the sound of the voice coming by the door. “Zara.”
Zara wore a fluffy, purple, queen-like dress. With a high collar, shaping her upper curves, and glitter all over, she looked like she always had, like a fairy tale come true.
“Skylar, you look absolutely dashing. I’ve never seen you look more spectacular.”
“Thank you, Zara. Is it time?” My heart skipped a beat. It was happening. Oh my God! I’m getting married to the most amazing man. Even with my dress and my makeup and hairdo, it hadn’t hit me, but once we were going to the ceremony, I froze. Sweat dampened my palms and my frenzied heartbeat wouldn’t relent no matter how many breaths I took.
“Sky.” Mom placed her hand on my back. “Are you okay? Take deep breaths. You’re just excited, nervous, and happy. It happens to all of us.”
Kayla placed her hand on my back too. “We’ve got you.”
“And I’ve got all of you. You all look nervous. I’ll get the portal open,” Zara said.
It hadn’t crossed my mind that Mount Olympus was one of the possibilities. Hades must have brought it up. Mason would never have asked. Regardless, Olympus’s beauty before couldn’t compare to how it looked for my wedding. I nearly fainted from the transformation.<
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Zara allowed me to take a peek, as I promised I wouldn’t let anyone see me. The center fountain let me know we were in the garden, but a statue of Mason and me holding hands replaced the statue of the gods. I choked up at the sight. Lavender flowers drooped from the weeping willow trees to line either side of the long white cloth, marking the walkway, filling my heart with serenity. When the instrumental music filled the air, my heart soared.
“Everyone is seated. It’s time.” Zara guided me through a door to my dad.
“Dad.” I greeted him with a smile, my hands trembling.
“Sky. My beautiful Sky.” Dad embraced me and let go. Then he linked his arm to mine. “I can’t believe we’ve come to this moment. I had faith one day we would reunite and you would forgive me for all those missing years, and here we are. I couldn’t be happier. I have my family back.” Dad’s eyes glistened with pooled tears under the sunlight. “It would have killed me to have missed this special day if I wasn’t in your life. I’m thankful for happy endings.”
Please don’t cry, Dad. I’m going to lose it. I kissed his cheek and rested my head on his shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re back, Daddy. I love you so much.”
“I love you more, my baby girl. And that’s heart’s honor.”
“Heart’s honor,” I repeated.
Zara cleared her throat. “Are we having a wedding today?”
Dad and I smiled. Then the wedding song rang. One step at a time, my lacy train brushed over the red roses scattered on the white cloth. A huge archway decorated with gold trimmings, and all sorts of flowers awaited.
About halfway, faces became clear and recognizable—Aphrodite, Ares, Athena, Tara, Cara, and others I hadn’t had the pleasure of getting to know better. Mona and Jack winked at me. Auntie Kelly looked beautiful but overwhelmed. The gods would make her think the wedding reception was at a hotel. In the front row sat Hera, Poseidon, Persephone, Hades, and Mom. Mom’s tears were contagious. On the other side sat Aaron, Colin, Sarah, and countless descendants whose names I had yet to memorize.
In front, by the podium, stood Nick and Everett, the groomsmen, and Kayla and Amanda on the bride’s side. Then my eyes rested on Mason. Too afraid I would burst into tears, I avoided looking at him until it was time. Mason’s eyes beamed, and his smile warmed the depth of my soul. His love for me poured out from his expression, and no ounce of nervousness showed on his handsome face.
Mason took a couple steps down. Sporting a black tux and purple bowtie, he was anything but short of hotness. He’d slicked back his dark hair, and his ocean-blue eyes glowed at the sight of me.
“Sky forever belongs to you now. Her life is yours. Your life is hers.” Dad gave me a kiss on the cheek and guided my hand to Mason.
The instant we touched, a spark flashed between our hands. I picked up the side of my dress as Mason guided me to the arch where Zeus and Zara awaited us, side by side. Zeus and Zara had the power to hold the ceremony according to the gods’ law; however, Mason and I would have to marry again in the human realm.
Unlike Poseidon and Hades, who sported dark suits like humans, Zeus wore his long, white toga, embellished with intricate gold designs, and Zara wore an elegant, white toga decorated with crystals that sparkled like diamonds.
Zeus opened his arms. “Fellow gods, we’ve gathered to celebrate the union of Mason Grand and Skylar Rome.”
As Zeus and Zara did their speeches, Mason and I lovingly gazed into each other’s eyes. All the memories from the moment we met fluttered in my head. I loved this man who had shown me what love meant. Depending on what Zeus and Zara said, Mason would arch his brows, twitch his lips, wrinkle his nose, or simply nod with a smile. We weren’t paying attention. Mason and I were in our own little world, going through the motions. In body, mind, and heart, we were already married.
Mason and I lit the two candles, and then together kindled the bigger one in the center of the table between Zeus and Zara. We stepped back and watched the flame in the center candle ignite the other candles around Mason and me, symbolizing protection and unity.
After we exchanged rings, Zara snaked a white ribbon between Mason’s and my wrists. “In the eyes of witnesses, you have proclaimed your love. May no being or gods break this seal. Let it be known to all from this day forth, Mason and Sky are one, even in death. You may kiss the bride to make it official.”
Mason dipped me and planted his lips on mine. Every one cheered and whistled.
“Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Grand.”
The sound of clapping slowly faded as Mason and I strolled farther down the white cloth and under another arch to a room. Mason yanked me into his hold and seized my lips passionately.
“What was that for?” I murmured, feeling the ground tilt as I pulled away.
“A proper kiss, Mrs. Grand. The kind of kiss I reserve for my wife in private.”
“Well, then. I’m glad you’re my wife.” I shook my head. “No, I meant I’m glad I’m your wife.”
“Hey, are you trying to do something naughty here?” Nick showed up with his arms around Kayla. “If you know a good spot, let me know.”
Kayla smacked him lightly. “Don’t be a bad influence. But I go where you go.”
“That’s my girl.” Nick winked, nipping at her neck, making her squirm.
Everyone else made their way to us.
“Congratulations, little one.” Hades smacked Mason, knocking him forward.
Mason frowned, but shortly his expression softened. Then Hades picked me up, twirled me around, and put me down.
“Congratulations, little sis.”
“Thanks,” I said. “And thanks for helping Mason.”
He wrapped his arm around Mason’s shoulder. “Anything for my little sis. We had fun, didn’t we?”
Mason chuckled. “We sure did. Remind me never to drink with you again.”
“Drink?” I questioned.
“You should know by now, little sis. The gods love to drink and celebrate.”
“Bachelor party.” He shrugged. “It really wasn’t a bachelor party but more of a get together.”
Regardless of what it was, I didn’t mind. I was glad they were getting along.
“Ready for dinner?” Mom asked, Dad beside her.
I didn’t have a chance to answer. The grand double door opened.
“You enter when the music starts.” Hades gripped my shoulders lightly. “You stay. We go now.”
“Yes, caveman.” Mason chuckled, holding my hand, staying behind as instructed.
Chapter 33
Mason
“Wow,” Skylar exclaimed, walking in hand in hand with me when the music began.
We had never been to that dining hall before; in fact, we’d never officially had a tour of Mount Olympus after it had been remodeled. We had only been in the garden where the portal was. When Hades had told me he would take care of the reception with the help from his brothers and the Oracles, he wasn’t kidding, and he had outdone himself. Darkness covered the room. White lights hung from wall to wall. Sparkling lights dotted the ceiling, making them glow like the stars.
Everywhere I turned, red, purple, and white roses were not only scattered on the linen-covered tables, but on the floor as well. Red represented love. Purple represented forever. And white meant unity. Lacy, purple net-like material draped around the circular tables, producing an elegant look. Thick white candles glowed in the center of the tables.
As Sky and I wove around the tables already occupied by our guests, we approached the center of the room where a table had been set for two, and a spotlight had shone upon us.
I raised my hand to hush the music, and everyone fell silent. “Sky and I would like to thank you for celebrating our union with us. It wouldn’t have been the same without you. We’re humbled by all the time spent planning and hard labor work to make this day special for us. We definitely felt the love from all of you.” I raised my glass filled with wine, and then others followed. “To family and friends.�
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“To family and friends,” everyone echoed.
Nick stood, raising his glass. “To Mason and Sky.”
“To Mason and Sky,” everyone sang.
I clinked my glass with Sky’s, and we took a sip. After the delicious buffet style dinner, the couple dance was next in line. I took Sky’s hand and led her to the dance floor. Everyone’s eyes locked on us as we swayed to the soft instrumental music. I twirled Sky away from me and then brought her back to me. This unexpected move surprised her.
“You continue that and I might have to give you my love shock,” Sky said with a playful tone just as the song ended.
“I can’t wait.” I winked. “I’m already envisioning you doing it in my head.”
Sky blushed.
Everyone clapped.
“Time to cut the cake,” Zeus suggested. “I’ve been waiting.”
Laughter vibrated through the room.
I took Sky to the tall, beautiful cake set on the table. With white frosting and purple roses decorating the top, it looked too pretty to eat. Zara handed us the cake knife. Sky and I held it together. Looking into each other’s eyes, we sawed the top layer. Sky took a small piece and fed it to me. I smeared a bite size morsel on her lips and greedily ate my piece off her. She blushed, but everyone else sang with “ooh and ah.” After we had cake, some went to the dance floor, while others stayed at their tables to mingle.
“Your wedding will be a tale to tell,” Hera said, tracing her long gold bracelet snaking up her arm. Wearing a red dress showing off her womanly curves, she was stunning.
Zeus placed his hand on Hera’s waist. “I thought ours was.” He kissed her cheek.
She twitched her lips. “It was, once upon a time. We are ancient after all. They are the descendants. Their stories will be written, passed down to generations and beyond.”
“We will never be forgotten.” Hades patted Zeus on his arm. His other arm held steady around Persephone’s waist. “Did you know they have many books written about us?” He snorted. “And when you search our names on the internet, they have pages and pages of information about us. It’s kind of spooky and fascinating at the same time.”