She was actually lucky to be alive. “I don’t mind. I’m just grateful I’m here. And I appreciate all of your congratulations. I know I’m not a member of the Wild Hunt.”
“That will change the day you get married,” Herne said. “When anyone gets married into the Wild Hunt, their partner is automatically brought into the agency for protection.” He paused, his smile slipping away. “I just wish we could’ve protected you against what happened with Falcon Smith. I know he hasn’t been found yet. Trust me, we’re keeping an eye out for him. But meanwhile, I hope you don’t have any objection to a tattoo. Everybody belonging to the Hunt gets the same mark.”
Sheila shook her head. “I’m fine with it. I plan on being married to Viktor for a long time. I’ll accept life as the wife of a member of the Wild Hunt without complaint.” She paused, then asked, “Have you set your date yet?”
Herne started to shake his head, but I broke in.
“I want to get married in the autumn, so I’d say probably a year from either this Mabon or Samhain.” I paused, realizing I hadn’t even consulted Herne. I looked at him. “Is that all right with you?”
He nodded, a big goofy grin on his face. “That’s fine with me. It will take some time for all the details to be worked out. So even though we’re photobombing Viktor and Sheila’s engagement party, we won’t be upstaging their wedding.”
Angel poured champagne around while Talia cut the cake.
I stepped forward, holding my glass up. “I’d like to propose a toast. To Viktor, one of the most gentle giants I know—or ogres, rather. And to Sheila, the love of his life. May the two of you have many years together spent in love and laughter, and may you be blessed with peace and health and joy.”
Everybody clapped, and cheered as they clinked their glasses together.
Then Angel stood up. “And I would like to make a toast as well. To the best friend I could ever have, to my sister in arms. We may not share blood, but we share the bonds of sisterhood. From the very first day when I pushed you into the mud, and you dragged me down with you, I realized that you would always fight for what was right. I’ve never been disappointed in you. To you, and to Herne, may you live in joy and magic together. I’m not going to wish you peace because I don’t think that comes with the territory, but certainly joy does.”
My eyes fogged over as tears flecked my lashes. I tried not to cry, but Angel’s words hit deep, and I jumped up and hugged her tightly.
“You know that everything that you said, I want for you, too. You are always and forever my sister.”
She ducked her head, smiling. “I know, but today’s not about me. It’s about Viktor and Sheila, and you and Herne, and that’s as it should be.”
“All right, waterworks off! Let’s eat cake and drink champagne and then, I’m afraid we have to get to work.” Herne cleared his throat, looking suspiciously like he had tears in his eyes as well. But he downed the champagne, and then gave Angel a long hug.
After the cake was two-thirds gone, we moved it off the counter so we could have our morning meeting. Sheila excused herself, heading out to do some shopping.
“Rafé, since you’re here as well, you might as well stay for the briefing. Charlie, can you hear me?” Herne glanced over the laptop where Charlie was watching through the screen. He had Zoned in for the party.
“Loud and clear. Again, congratulations to both you and Ember, and Viktor and Sheila. I only ask that you hold your weddings in the evening so that I can attend?” He gave us a pleading look.
I laughed. “Of course. It wouldn’t be right without you there.”
As we settled down to work, I paused to get myself another piece of cake and to whip up a second iced latte. I edged into the seat next to Herne, and he covered my hand with his, fingering the ring and smiling softly. As everybody shuffled papers and got ready, I lowered my voice and whispered to him.
“Thank you for being patient. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to marry you—”
He slowly pressed one finger against mine. “Hush. I know exactly what it was. And that’s all right. I’d rather have you accept with your whole heart than go