The Vampire Next Door (37 page)

“So, are y’all excited about tonight?” Gwyneth asked.

Morgaine giggled. “I’m beyond excited. I’m a nervous wreck.”

“Well, this here’s the best way to lose some of that nasty tension. Y’all are making what’s needed to keep the bad vampire symptoms away. I still can’t believe y’all are a vampire
and
a witch now.”

“Hey, if anyone can handle being different, I think I can.”

“That’s not what I meant. I’m talkin’ about the nyctophobia. It was funny enough for a witch to be that way, but a vampire afraid of the dark?” Gwyneth burst out laughing.

Morgaine rolled her eyes. “Well, at least you’ve finally learned how to pronounce it.”

The two women grinned as they stomped the grapes, creating a squishy pulp. In minutes Morgaine was relaxed and having fun.

“So, how are things with you and Nathan?” she asked.

“Great. He surprises me almost every day with some thoughtful gesture.”

“I’m so glad. You’ve really brought him out of his shell.”

“Yeah, and he’s taught me a few things too.”

“Like?”

“Like bein’ realistic and acceptin’ things. I don’t get mad so quick anymore.”

Morgaine chuckled. “I thought I noticed a more easygoing cousin. I just thought it was the great sex that relaxed you.”

“Well, that sure don’t hurt none.” Gwyneth winked.

Morgaine sensed a presence on the stairs and glanced over her shoulder. Sly stood there smiling. His eyes glowed—the soft golden glow of love.

“Is it bad luck to see the bride before the handfasting?”

She chuckled. “Not at all. What’s up?”

“I was about to move my stuff up to your apartment. I thought you’d want to be there so we could arrange our things together.”

Morgaine held up one finger. “Hang on a second. I’ll be right with you.”

Her knees pistoned so fast her legs became a blur. The grape juice drained into the smaller vat as fast as it could, but the spigot couldn’t handle that much volume so the juice backed up until she and Gwyneth were standing knee deep in purple liquid.

Gwyneth set her hands on her hips. “Show off.”

Morgaine giggled, then vaulted over the side and landed on the towel she’d spread out on the floor.

As she dried her feet, she said, “Thanks for helping, Gwyneth.”

“Like y’all needed my help.”

Morgaine enjoyed her cousin’s help even if she didn’t need it. “It was good to talk and exercise. I feel much more relaxed now.”

Gwyneth sat on the edge of the vat, swung her feet over the side, and dropped down onto the towel she’d placed on the floor near her exit point. “Well, that’s good. I’m glad. I suppose I won’t see y’all until the handfastin’ tonight.”

“Unless you want to help me with my hair.”

“What are you plannin’ to do? Some big beehive or somethin’?”

Morgaine laughed. “No, silly. I was just planning to brush it until it’s nice and shiny, then weave some flowers around the crown.”

“Sounds beautiful and perfect.”

Morgaine tipped her head slightly. “What do you mean by perfect?”

“Laurie Cabot says we’re sovereign, so y’all wearin’ a crown is perfect.”

“Oh.” Morgaine smiled. “I guess you’re right.”

Turning to her lover, she launched herself into his arms. His split-second reflexes caught her as if he had been just standing there waiting to catch a flying witch. Vampire-witch. Vampitch. Or wampire. She chuckled as she thought up her new designation.

“What’s so funny?” Sly asked.

“Oh, nothing. Let’s get you moved in.” She looked over her shoulder to Gwyneth. “See you tonight, Cousin.”

“With bells on.”

*   *   *   *

The penthouse furniture had been moved aside so the group could stand in a circle in front of the fireplace. The happy couple stood on either side of Lynne, the justice of the peace, who also happened to be a witch trained in performing handfasting ceremonies.

On Morgaine’s left, Gwyneth stood with Nathan beside her. Konrad was on Sly’s right, and Roz next to Konrad. Linking the circle at the back were Jason and Merry. Merry had placed five-and-a-half-month-old Max in his playpen. He looked on, making occasional baby squeals and noises, but other than that, the room was silent. Each guest held a candle.

The JP Lynne, who wore a black robe, spoke. “Friends, let us now gather within a circle of unity to celebrate and commemorate the marital intentions of Sylvestro and Morgaine. As we appreciate the gift of sharing this special evening, we call upon the elements of the ancients to symbolize the blessings that we wish upon this union.”

Lynne stepped to the center and rotated to face the couple. Sly and Morgaine linked hands and smiled at each other. Sly had always thought her beautiful, but tonight she seemed to glow. Her green eyes reflected the soft candlelight, but it wasn’t only that. She had parted her blonde hair in the middle, and it fell in soft waves well past her shoulders. Her long, soft ivory dress and the flowers in her hair conferred an air of Mother Nature herself.
How did I get so lucky?

The JP said, “Would the engaged couple please take a step forward and allow the guests to form a circle around us?” As soon as they had all taken their places, Lynne rotated about 45 degrees. Extending her hand, she said, “As we welcome the elements of the East, we call upon air, and ask that this couple be blessed with understanding and the ability to communicate freely with each other.”

Then she swiveled again and motioned toward the south. “To the elements of the South, we ask that the fire of passion and desire always burn within this couple’s hearts. May they always keep the sacred energy that brought them together.”

She turned toward and gestured to the west. “As we observe the West and its element of water, we ask that this couple’s love and commitment to one another always stays pure. May they find ways to renew the spirit and emotion of love that flows between them.”

Finally, Lynne turned all the way back toward them and said, “To the element of North and in appreciation of the Earth, we ask that Sylvestro and Morgaine be blessed with abundance and fertility.”

Fertility?
Obviously, the good witch didn’t know they were vampires or was unaware that dead sperm don’t swim. Sly still couldn’t believe that Morgaine was willing to give up the possibility of motherhood. They’d be loving guardians and friends to Max and potential future children of all the other couples here, but nothing more.

The JP continued on, “If children are desired, may they be healthy and happy always.”

Yup, she didn’t know
. Oh, well. She didn’t have to. Probably better if she didn’t. How many JPs would show up to a vampire wedding?

Lynne faced them directly and smiled. “Sly and Morgaine, step forward.”

With hands still linked, they took one step forward and stood in front of the JP.

Lynne said, “As we have created balance and harmony here today, we ask that you, as a couple, always enjoy the same. Are you, Morgaine, prepared to pledge yourself to Sylvestro?”

Morgaine responded, “I am,” with no hesitation. She cleared her throat and recited, “I, Morgaine, pledge myself to you, Sly, and our marriage. I will love and cherish you always and never forget the gift of love that you have given me.” She slid a white gold ring with a Celtic knot design on his finger and said, “Accept this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment.”

Sly had been coached the day before the ceremony and responded appropriately, “I will.”

Then Lynne addressed Sly. “Sylvestro, are you prepared to pledge your devotion and love to Morgaine?”

“I am,” he said happily. He kissed Morgaine’s hand, which wasn’t part of the ceremony, but it made everyone smile. “I, Sylvestro, am ready to spend my life with you. I will
always
honor the commitment I make today. I promise to love and care for you forever.”

The group sighed as he placed a matching ring of white gold on her finger. He noticed that she still wore the one he had given her on Yule but she’d placed it on her index finger, leaving her ring finger open for her wedding ring.

He continued his vow with, “Wear this ring as a symbol of the love and devotion I will always have for you.”

Morgaine responded, “I will.”

Lynne smiled. “Through these vows and the exchange of rings, Morgaine and Sylvestro have made their intentions of marriage clear before you, their cherished guests, and their Gods. They have pledged themselves to one another and look forward to a bright future. We join in giving them our blessings.”

Gwyneth said, “Blessed be,” and the others followed suit.

When it was quiet again, Lynne said, “Sylvestro and Morgaine, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you partners in life… husband and wife.” She extended her hands. “The circle is prepared to be closed. Spirits and guardians are released. I send this circle into the cosmos to do our bidding.” She whirled 360 degrees and scooped up the air from the floor to over her head. “The ritual is ended.”

Everyone broke the circle to hug and congratulate the newlyweds.

When Sly returned to Morgaine, he saw her crying. “Honey, what’s the matter?” He opened his arms and she stepped into his embrace.

“Absolutely nothing, I’m just ridiculously happy.”

Then she responded to something he hadn’t heard. “Thanks, Chad.” She stepped back and smirked, “Chad called me a wimp but gave us his best wishes too.”

Sly kissed her nose. “You’re no wimp, woman.” Curious, he asked, “So, Chad’s here. Is that what Lynne meant when she said something about the spirits attending?”

Morgaine smiled. “I doubt she was aware of Chad specifically, but any friendly spirits or elementals that chose to attend were welcome to be part of the ritual.”

Sly glanced around. “Are they still here?”

She chuckled. “No, they were released as the circle was opened.”

“Whew. I’m just getting used to Chad. I don’t think I could handle a whole houseful of spirits.”

“Nope. All you have to do is live with a houseful of me. My apartment’s not the biggest.”

“I’m not worried. It’s bigger than mine, and I never felt crowded with you there—just cozy.”

“What’s going to happen with your apartment now?”

“I listed it in the newspaper as an eclectically furnished one bedroom with a history of happy tenants.”

Merry strolled over. “You can say that again.”

Roz overheard and joined them. “Does anyone have a single friend they’d like to see move into the love shack?”

Morgaine and Sly glanced around the room. Nathan had his arm around Gwyneth’s waist, and she was leaning against his shoulder with a content smile on her face. Jason turned and winked at Merry. Roz blew Konrad a kiss, and he pretended to catch it and put it in his pocket. Then something else passed between them and they chuckled.

Sly shook his head. “I can’t think of anyone I know who needs the magical power of apartment 1B, can you, Morgaine?”

She grinned. “No, I can’t. Isn’t that wonderful?”

“It is indeed.”

Merry smiled. “I guess we’ll let fate decide who needs it next.”

“Might as well.” Morgaine stroked Sly’s cheek. “After all, fate’s been doing a pretty good job so far.”

Sly pulled his beloved into his arms and gave her a tender kiss, looking forward to a very long, very happy life together.