vampires of san francisco 07 - suckers lost and found (33 page)

BOOK: vampires of san francisco 07 - suckers lost and found

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The string quartet starts up and that’s our cue. After Sebastian carries Mattie down the aisle he will take his place next to Aidan and Diel. Whoever saw that coming?

We carefully walk down the petal-strewn aisle and I look up to see Aidan staring at Manda, and Sebastian with eyes only for me.

This is one of the happiest days of my life. My dear friend now has the chance at the happiness that he helped me attain.

The minister says his words and Manda and Aidan repeat when necessary. Sebastian keeps giving me hungry eyes. Oh my, we haven’t had much of that since Mathilda was born. Maybe we can find a quiet place…

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Aidan takes Manda’s face in his hands and kisses her so sweetly that every female there sighs. Then they are walking down the aisle and it’s me and Sebastian’s turn.

“Cherie… do you think it would be rude to find someplace secluded and ravish each other?”

“I was thinking the same thing. Helena has Mattie and she’s been fed. We need to be quick, my love.”

“Follow me,” Sebastian says sternly, like a man on a mission. He drags me past the happy couple mumbling his congratulations. Aidan winks at me and laughter bubbles out of me.

Sebastian finds a shed and we slip to the far side of it.

He’s pulling my dress up above my garters and cursing in French.

“Garters, Mon Dieu, I love garters.”

“I know,” I whisper in his ear. Then I take it and graze my fangs over it. He shudders.

I undo his pants and then we are together in one of the best ways Sebastian and I can be. He kisses me deeply and nuzzles my neck. I kiss him back with everything in me. I love him so much.

We are straightening out our clothes when we hear Aidan.

“Mathilda, love. I know we’ve given your parents enough time. I heard your momma. Let’s see how disheveled we find them.”

He strolls around the shed as I put the finishing touches on my outfit. He bursts out laughing.

“Only you two would disappear five seconds after the end of a wedding. Good to know you haven’t lost your touch, Sebastian. Or your voice, Lilith.”

“Just wait until your little one is born, Aidan. You will take every chance you can, too,” Sebastian says grinning. He’s not ashamed at all.

“I’m so sorry, Aidan…”

He waves at me. “Don’t apologize. I love you both just the way you are. Besides, Manda is going to be screaming all night if I have any say in it.”

Sebastian bursts out laughing. He takes my hand and we all walk back to the party. Everyone gives us a knowing look. Basilio looks a little perturbed. He still hasn’t given up his suit. Aidan hands him Mattie and he is an instant pile of goo.

“I have to be part of this picture-taking nonsense you two set up,” Aidan says pointing at me.

“You’ll thank me later when you have an amazing wedding book,” I shout after him. He just waves his hand at me and I feel a pat on the butt that can only have come from him. Damn djinn.

“Lily, bella, this child is perfect. I would love a picture of her and me. Is that possible?” Basilio asks and looks to Sebastian for approval.

“Of course, Your Majesty. Let me find Andrew. He is as good as any of these professionals.”

“Grazie.” Basilio kisses Mattie on the head. “She looks like her beautiful mother except she didn’t get her lovely red hair. It’s a shame.”

“Nah, this way I get to stay the only redhead in the family,” I say and wink at the King.

He laughs and kisses my cheek.

“Oh, bella, how I have wished this for you and me. I wished I had met you first. That we could have had a child. The Heir to Italy’s throne and her Queen.”

“Basilio, you shouldn’t say such things. But you do me a great honor in thinking them.” I smile at him and reach up on tippytoes to kiss his cheek. Who wouldn’t be flattered about someone wanting to make them a Queen?

Sebastian arrives with Andrew. Both with grim faces. They didn’t approve of my kiss, it appears. Tough, they’re not the boss of me.

Andrew takes a few shots and then Basilio insists that I am in the picture too. Sebastian really gets a sour face now. I smile and wink at him and he smiles back. Kinda a forced smile, but a smile all the same.

We look at the photos and Basilio picks the ones he wants. Andrew promises to get them printed before Basilio leaves.

We head to the reception. Manda wanted it outside. A dance floor is laid out and the orchestra is still playing. A big band is coming in a half an hour so the real dancing can start. Everyone is enjoying wine and champagne. Manda is taking advantage of the champagne since Aidan plans on giving her a miracle tonight and she won’t be able to drink for a while.

When the big band starts everyone dances. Aidan asks me to dance and winks at the band. They play Fever by Ella Fitzgerald. A song Aidan and I once danced to. It’s so hot and he dances just as intimately as he did the first time. I think this will always be our song.

When Sebastian comes to collect me after the song, Aidan points at the band and Stormy Weather starts. Same old tricks and Sebastian laughs as he pulls me close.

The night winds down with twinkly lights through the trees and stars above. We are all content and relaxed. The newlyweds left about an hour ago to start their honeymoon. Aidan is taking Manda to Bali. She’s always wanted to go.

Sebastian is dancing with Mattie and Hannah and Diel are dancing with Finn and Fiona. I only have eyes for my family.

My family. My life. My love.

THE END

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book was a hard one to write. Knowing it was the last in the series made me work harder and when I got to the end it was bitter sweet. I hope it meets everyone’s expectations. I tried to solve all the questions I had still and give a hint to the future. I have a strong feeling there may be a novella or two still before I am done telling this story. Keep an eye out for them.

Much thanks goes to my writing partners Reina Williams and Marik Berghs. They critique, edit and egg me on. To my family that continues to be my steady anchor.

A special, heartfelt thank you to all of you that have read the books. I love hearing from you. If you liked this one, please consider leaving a review. It’s what keeps us indie authors going.

Jessica

Author’s Bio

Jessica McBrayer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She's been writing her whole life and is published through Mess of Geckos Publishing. Jessica has done everything from marketing, social work, public speaking and stay at home mom. She is a member of Romance Writers of America.
Contact her at:
www.jessicamcbrayer.com

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As an Indie author I appreciate any and all feedback. If you feel so inclined, please consider leaving a review. Thank you for reading!