Born to be Witchy - A.J. Macey Page 0,16

modern mom, her love language shared through motivating talks and encouragement, but no less important. Where Lyra taught me I was worthy of a mother’s love, Josephina empowered me to be a better person, and there was something so wonderful about that.

“That sounds amazing. Next time you guys have a gathering here, we can go check it out,” Josephina said, letting out a happy sigh as she glanced around the room.

“Well, we haven’t discussed it, but maybe we could have family holidays here,” I mused, loving the idea of hosting big parties and making even more amazing memories within these walls.

Plus, with a witchling on the way, we need to start making some more happy memories in this home.

“I love that idea,” Lyra said, pulling me in for a hug, the smell of vanilla and cinnamon filling my senses and making me emotional. I’d blame it on my crazy baby hormones, but I knew it was just me, truly appreciating I had a family to call my own.

And tomorrow I’ll have five husbands to spend my life with. Yup, life is good.

June 3rd

Saturday Morning

Aris

Today’s the day!

I nearly squealed in excitement as I walked the halls with Mr. Stripes curled in my arms. Thankfully, the nausea that had plagued me first thing this morning had passed quickly, so I could get up and enjoy such a major day without too many worries. I had about ten minutes before I had to start getting ready. The house was bustling with a flurry of activity around me as family members went through the pre-wedding steps like dressing, hair, and makeup. The chef Xan’s parents had hired was already preparing the food in the kitchen, while several other people fluttered around, taking care of various touches for the reception. With all the craziness, I couldn’t seem to find the one I was looking for until I walked outside.

“Miri!” I called out to the photographer who was taking pictures of the ceremony area and lake.

“Good morning, Miss Bride,” she teased. Miri was a family friend of Caspian and Torryn, who had happily agreed to photograph the wedding. Her weathered face held a bright smile, and her gray hair was styled in an elegant twisted up-do that stayed in place as her long skirt billowed in the breeze. “What can I do for you? About to start getting ready?”

“Yeah, but I wanted to talk to you about something real quick before we go in for that,” I whispered, the excitement I was feeling bubbling over into my words. “I have an announcement for my guys after the ceremony while we’re getting photos taken, and I wanted to have it documented.”

“Oooh, I love surprise announcements!” she cooed, doing a little excited dance. “You just give me a wink when you’re about to tell them, and I’ll be ready.”

“Perfect, thank you! If you could get them to face away from me, I’ll magic up a little sign to announce it,” I gushed. Miri jumped up and down in anticipation, nodding enthusiastically.

“Aris, honey! Time for hair, makeup, and all that fun stuff!” Lyra called from the door.

“Go on, I’ll be in shortly to take photos,” Miri urged, waving me into the house. With one final ‘thank you,’ I made my way in to get ready for the biggest day of my life.

Well… biggest day of my life so far. In nine short months, there’ll be an even more precious day.

I can’t wait!

Caspian

My hands shook as I tried and failed over and over to fix my tie. Being nervous wasn’t usually my thing, but today was such a big deal, and I was afraid I’d mess it up somehow. I was so lost in my own spiraling thoughts, I didn’t notice anyone had walked up until hands were brushing mine aside, taking over to expertly fix my tie.

“Calm down, little brother. She loves you, and you love her. That’s what today is about,” he reminded me, giving my shoulder a pat before walking away. I collapsed back on the bed and let out a long breath before thinking of Aris. She had been looking forward to today, and we’d done our best to make it perfect. I couldn’t wait to see her walk down the aisle toward us. She was going to be breathtaking.

“Alright, there’s way too much tension in this room,” Drayce called out. “Gather round, boys!”

“I have the perfect thing!” Torryn said, pulling out his favorite liquor, a strong vodka with a strawberry aftertaste. I had a feeling