The Ice Twins - Nikki Jefford Page 0,47

Melody began talking a mile a minute while Melarue clutched her chest and sighed happily.

“I’ll go get the bubbly wine.” Lyklor sprinted around the cottage.

As soon as the twins and I got to our feet, the rest of the family crowded in.

“Congratulations.” Ryo gave me a hug. “And welcome to the family.”

“Zelie’s always been a part of the family.” Melarue grinned widely. “But now she can give me grandchildren.”

Heat flared in my cheeks. “Um.” I looked to Reed and Ronin for help, but they kept their comments, and cooling magic, to themselves on this one. Matching smiles lifted their cheeks. Ryo hugged each twin in turn.

Lyklor returned with a bottle of bubbly wine in one hand and three long-stemmed glasses in the other. He set them carefully on the blanket. “Be right back with more.” He dashed to the cottage.

Ryo popped the cork on the bottle and filled the first three glasses, handing them to me, Reed, and Ronin. We waited for Lyklor to return before toasting.

“If only Lark and Crispin were here,” Melarue said. “Someone should portal over to Dahlquist and have them come over to join our celebration.”

“Mom, no,” Ronin groaned.

Reed picked his fork up off the blanket and clinked it against his glass. “Ahem, I would like to propose a toast to my future mate, a beautiful, talented, creative, and amazing female my brother and I have loved in secret for many years.” Ronin smiled and nodded. “Zelie, I know I speak for myself and my brother when I say that you have made us the happiest we’ve ever felt, and we are committed to treasuring you for the rest of our days.”

I blinked several times. Was this really Reed speaking? It felt unreal hearing him admit to such strong feelings.

Melody surprised us all by bursting into tears.

“Melody?” Lyklor hurried to her side.

“Why can’t a male love me like that?” Melody sniffed.

Melarue sighed. “Sky help me, you’re only twelve.”

Melody’s tears seemed to dry up in an instant when she glared at her mother.

“This is a joyful day for all of us,” Ryo spoke up, lifting his glass of bubbly wine. “I couldn’t be happier that my sons found such a wonderful female to spend their lives with. Cheers to love and to Zelie officially joining the Elmray family.”

We lifted our glasses and drank. As soon as I was able to get a private moment with Melody, I nudged her toe with mine and smiled. “Hey,” I said. “I’m super happy we’re going to be sisters.”

Melody smiled. “Me too.”

I glanced over at the twins, talking to their mom and dads, then returned my attention to Melody. “One day, you’ll find your Kristoff.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Zelie

Dear Mom and Dad,

I hope this letter finds you safe and sound. I wish I could tell you my big news in person, but I imagine you would prefer to hear it by post rather than months from now. I am engaged!

I know what you’re thinking: Ren finally popped the question. But no, that’s not what happened. Ren split up with me as you were leaving for Elkcan. Fraya, Melody, Reed, and Ronin helped cheer me up. The breakup hurt, but I think I knew all along that Ren and I were not a good fit.

I know this news will surprise you, as I was never expecting it myself, but I am engaged to Reed and Ronin Elmray. The twins and I have become very close and found that our feelings went beyond friendship.

I know that it will be an unconventional marriage, but I care for them both deeply. I hope you will embrace the males into our family with the same love and support that Melarue, Ryo, and Lyklor have shown me.

I look forward to celebrating this news with you in person after you return home. In the meantime, stay safe and take care.

All my love,

Zelie

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Reed

I dreamed I was teetering on the edge of a cliff. Gravity pulled at my consciousness. I woke to find myself nearly falling off the edge of Zelie’s small bed.

I leaned my weight away from the edge, but there wasn’t anywhere to go unless I climbed on top of Zelie.

Not a terrible idea.

I resisted temptation. My future mate looked so peaceful with her eyes closed, chest rising and falling gently—her highlighted waves of copper, gold, and brunette hair spread over the pillow. Ronin spooned her from behind, his arms wrapped around her middle as he dozed with a happy grin on his lips.

I slipped quietly out of bed, showered,