“I appreciate the offer from both of you, but I can pay for my—our wedding,” David said.
“With what? Your allowance?” Claire frowned at him. “David, please…”
Galilea snorted. I lowered my head and hid my smile from my mom. She had no idea David had his own money.
“We’ll split the expense,” Nyx said. “Claire will pay one part, and we’ll pay the rest.”
“Now that sounds like a plan.” Claire picked up her plate and burger. “Is it okay if we move the party indoors? If I donate any more blood to these insects, I’m going to pass out.”
“I second that,” Eileen said, picking up her drink and plate. “I thought Texas-sized mosquitos were a myth.”
Claire led the way to the back door, and we followed after her.
I’d eaten a third of the burger without incident, but I decided not to push my luck. I set my leftovers on the kitchen counter and covered the plate with a napkin. I didn’t want Claire fussing over how little I’d eaten. I headed to the living room, David following behind me.
“Hey, where do you two think you’re going?” Claire lowered her burger. “We’re not done discussing the preparations.”
“Mom, there’s no need to discuss anything. I just want us to go to the courthouse, get married, and have a couple of pizzas at home.” Nyx and Claire glanced at each other, and then back at me. “You don’t like the plan?”
“P-pizza?” Galilea scoffed. “You can’t eat pizza on your wedding day.” She turned to Nyx and Claire. “Tell her she can’t.”
“Galilea, they get to choose how to celebrate, not us. I think you’re forgetting it’s their wedding,” Eileen said.
“Exactly.” Galilea waved a hand. “It’s a wedding, not a six-year-old’s birthday party.”
“She has a point. I mean, pizza?” Claire scrunched her nose at me. “Really?”
“So, okay, fine. No pizza.” I looked at David. “Maybe we should talk about this later. Just you and me?”
David nodded.
“We’ll get back to you,” I said to Claire.
“Don’t take too long,” she said as I turned to leave the kitchen.
In the living room, I plopped down on a bulky seat. David sat on the arm of the chair. I should’ve felt happy that everyone was so supportive of David and me. Instead, I was irritated they were so focused on us. I didn’t have time to be thinking about a wedding. Not now. And I didn’t want to add to the plate piled high with the rest of the problems in my life.
“Why didn’t you finish your food?” he asked. “Are you feeling ill?”
“Yeah. I mean, no, I’m fine,” I told him. “The burgers were good. Great, actually. I didn’t want to press my luck, is all.”
“If you get sick, you can always blame it on morning sickness.”
“I know, but if I can avoid it…”
“True. I’d rather you keep in what little you eat, than nothing at all.” He traced the lines on the palm of my hand with a finger. “So, about this wedding, why don’t you want to celebrate it?”
“I never said I didn’t want to celebrate. I don’t want to make it into a big deal, which is different.”
“Well, it’s a big deal to our parents. And it’s an even bigger deal to me.”
I noted the change in tone in David’s voice and looked up at him. I didn’t know how to decipher the look on his face. Was he upset or hurt? Maybe both.
“That came out wrong. I didn’t mean it wasn’t a big deal. It’s a big deal to me too. I meant I don’t want a big, fancy event—a formal ceremony, a huge reception. People I don’t know…”
“So you don’t want to wear the white dress, dance our first dance, eat wedding cake?”
“I do. I want those things. But I…it’s…” I sighed. “It’s hard.”
“What is?” he asked. I looked down at our clasped hands. He lifted my face. “Tell me what’s upsetting you. Otherwise, I can’t fix it.”
The hard truth was he couldn’t fix this. No one could.
“David, I don’t have a…” A ball formed in my throat. “My dad died, so he can’t walk me down the aisle. I won’t have,” I sniffed, “a father-daughter dance.” I wiped the tears away from my eyes. “You know, I used to practice dancing with him when I was a kid? And he used to tell me he would dread the day he’d have to walk me down the aisle. But he’s no longer here to do it. And I need him, now. Not just for this, but for so many things.”
“Isis.” David wiped the moisture on my cheek with his thumb. “It’s all right, love.” He put his arms around me. “I can only imagine how hard it must be for you. We don’t have to have a formal ceremony. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. If you don’t want a fancy celebration, then we’ll keep it simple. All I want is to see you happy.”
“What about our parents?” I mumbled into his chest. “They won’t like it.”
“They’ll have to deal with it.” He took my face in both his hands. “If on our wedding day all you want to do is eat pizza, we’ll eat pizza. Okay? I happen to like pizza.”
“I don’t actually want to eat that on our wedding day.” I half cried, half laughed. “I only said it because I panicked, and it was the first thing I thought of.”
“I’m glad to hear it because the idea of pizza pies at a wedding feast,” he made a face, “wasn’t appealing to me, either.”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“I told you; I just want you to be happy.” He rose from the side of the chair and leaned into me, a hand on either of the chair’s arms. He whispered, “We could always elope.”
I thought about it for a moment. I shook my head. “There’s a matter of demons hunting me. We’re safer here.”
“Well, so much for romance.” He sighed. “So what can I do to make you happy?”
“There’s one thing I can think of,” I said. “I don’t want to organize this wedding.”
“Consider it done.” He crouched, sitting back on his heels in front of me. “We’ll hire an events planner and tell them to keep it as simple as you want it to be.”
“Really? And you’d be okay with that—with letting someone else do the planning?”
He nodded. “It’ll be like a surprise for us both.”
“Sometimes I think you love me too much.”
“Well, you’re wrong,” he said. He lifted my hand and kissed it. “I love you more than too much. And my objective is to convince you of it.”
My heart.
“You already have,” I said.
CHAPTER 17
Claire was less than thrilled about David’s and my decision to hire an events planner. It was Nyx and Galilea who convinced her it was a good idea since David and I set the wedding date for a month later—September 17th— and it would be utter chaos putting it together so quickly.
“I want to pay for the wedding-planner fees. My gift to the bride and groom,” Galilea said, sitting on the oversized sofa in her living room. “I can do that, can’t I?” She looked at Eileen.
“Of course,” Eileen said. “If the bride and groom say it’s okay.”
“Ugh! I can’t win with you.” Galilea threw her hands up. She looked at David and me. “So can I—pay for the planner?”
“Yes,” I said. “It’s really nice of you to offer. Thank you.”
“No problem,” Galilea said.
“I hate to eat and run, but it’s getting late, and I have an early start tomorrow,” Claire said, fishing her car keys out of her purse. “Galilea, your house is gorgeous. Alezzander, the burgers were delicious. And thanks to everyone for a great evening.” She turned to David and me. “We’re doing the same sleeping arrangement as last night, I’m guessing?”
“If it’s not too much trouble,” David said. “Our furniture is being moved back into the house from storage. But it could take two or three days, so I may have to inconvenience you a few more nights.”
“It’s no inconvenience,” Claire said, and then ga
ve me a one-armed hug. “You’ll give me more days to accept it’s time for my baby bird to fly away from the nest.”
“There’s a whole month left until that happens,” I said. “I’m not going anywhere. Not now, anyway.”
“Oh?” Claire said, raising her brows. “I assumed you’d want to move in together.”
“You did?” I asked, puzzled.
“Actually, I contemplated the idea, but I didn’t think you’d agree, Mrs. Martin,” David said. “We aren’t married, so…”
“I’ll admit I’m not ready to let Isis go, but I don’t have a problem with her moving in with you. Unless your parents,” Claire looked at Alezzander and Nyx, “object.”
Who is this woman and what has she done with my mother?
“No objections here,” Alezzander said. “Dear?”
“It’s fine,” Nyx agreed.
“Mom,” I said. “There’s no rush. I don’t have to move out yet.”
“Yes, you do,” Galilea said. “I mean…uh…if I were you, I would. You know, because you’re pregnant, and Claire can’t look after you if she’s at work all day. Plus, it puts less pressure on me…um…I mean, on her.”
“I am worried about you.” Claire nodded. “Isis, you ate maybe three bites of your burger. Don’t think I didn’t notice. But it doesn’t mean you have to leave, honey. I’m not kicking you out,” Claire said. “Talk it over with David. You need to get used to making decisions together.” She stood. “Anyway, I’ll be going now. I’m dying for a bubble bath.”
“We’ll be home later,” I said. “You don’t have to wait up.”
“Oh, I didn’t plan to,” she said. Eileen and Nyx saw her out the door. “Say goodbye to your husband for me,” she told Eileen as she stepped out of the door. “It was nice to meet you both.”
“Likewise. Drive safe,” Eileen said.
“Night, everyone,” Claire said as she stepped out the door.
Eileen had just shut the door and headed out to the lab to join her husband when the doorbell rang.
“It’s probably my mom,” I said. “She must’ve forgotten something.”
Galilea stood and opened the front door. She stared at whoever was standing on the other side. She put a hand on her hip and slammed the door shut.
“Who was it?” I asked.
“No one,” she said, walking toward the kitchen. “I’m going to clean up.”
Hard knocks shook the door. David was the one who answered this time. He stepped aside, and Galen and Eryx walked in.
“Evening,” Eryx said to no one in particular. He gave me a curt nod. “Isis.”
“Hi, Eryx,” I said.
“I’m glad you’re here. Late, but here,” Alezzander said. “Gunn needs that scalpel.”
“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” David said to the twins.
“Have you been to the estate yet?” Nyx asked. “If you’re planning to stay, it’ll have to be at a hotel. There’s no furniture, and the electricity was suspended this morning. David’s put in a request to have it reconnected.”
“Father mentioned it when he called,” Galen said. He stuck his hand in his pants pocket and produced a small cylinder. He handed it to David. “But he forgot to mention Isis is pregnant. I’m not sure if I should congratulate you or buy you a funeral casket, David.”
I gritted my teeth at Galen’s comment.
“Galen,” Nyx said. “That’s a horrible thing to say to your brother.”
“Congratulations,” Eryx said to me. He kissed my cheeks. “Welcome to our family.”
Does this mean he doesn’t hate me? I could barely dare to hope it was true.
“Thank you,” I said.
“Galen, don’t you have anything to say to Isis?” Alezzander asked.
Galen studied me. “You’re too thin, and you wear too much mascara.”
“Try again,” Alezzander said.
“Again? Okay,” Galen said. “Let’s see… You looked better with long hair.” Galen cocked his head. “Although, I don’t hate the new look.”
“Galen,” Alezzander said, his nostrils flaring, his tone an octave lower. “Try. Again.”
“He doesn’t have to say anything,” I said. “He’s never liked me anyway. I don’t see why anything should be different now.”
“But it is different. You’re part of this family.” David said, eyeing Galen. “And Galen will respect you as my wife.”
A moment of silence followed as David and Galen stared each other down.
“Oh, all right. Fine.” Galen gave in first. “I’m very happy you’re part of our family, Isis. Congratulations on your wedding.” He kissed his fingers and touched my cheek with them. “And congratulations on the beautiful, rabid fetus growing inside you. Now, where is my Galilea?”
“Thanks, jerk.” I pointed with my thumb to the wall with the archway entrance. “She’s in the kitchen.”
Galen strutted out of the living room.
“What is wrong with your son?” Alezzander looked at Nyx. “He doesn’t get it from me.”
“Are you kidding? Have you met yourself?” Eryx said. “Anyhow…” Eryx dismissed Alezzander’s reprimanding stare. “On the phone you said you had to speak with us?”
“We’ll fill you in later,” Alezzander said. “It’s a long story.”
Galilea walked into the living room, a dish towel in her hand. She turned the corner and headed down the hallway to her room.
“Gally, would you stop?” Galen chased after her. “I’m not done talking to you.” I heard a door slam. Galen walked into the living room. “Galilea isn’t feeling well. She has a headache.”
“Are you sure it’s not a pain in the butt named Galen?” Eryx teased.
“Oh my…” Galen put his hand on his chest. “Hardy-har-har. I can’t contain my laughter. You’re so hilarious.”
“I don’t have the energy for this right now. I’m tired,” Nyx said. “Are you ready to leave, Alezzander?”
“Yes.” Alezzander stood up. “And let’s take the idiot boy with us.”
“I resent that,” Galen said. “But if you buy me dinner, I’ll forgive you.”
“I’ll drive,” Eryx said. “No offense, Father, but you drive slower than Galen thinks.”
Alezzander and Galen scoffed.
“You’ll call us once Tobias has the results of your blood cultures,” Nyx said to David. It was a request, not a question.
“I will.” David nodded.
Eileen and Dr. Gunn walked into the house from the side door.
“Ah, there you two are,” Alezzander handed Nyx her scarf. “I was about to go tell you we were leaving.” He turned to the twins. “Eryx, Galen, you remember Dr. and Mrs. Gunn.”
“Yes. Good evening, Doctors,” Eryx said.
“Hello, Gunn,” Galen said. “And Eileen…” He walked over to her. “You’re looking much too beautiful tonight.” He kissed her cheeks. “As always.”
“Why, thank you.” Eileen blushed.
“Do you have anything to eat?” Galen asked. “I’m famished.”
“I don’t think we have leftovers from the cookout, but I can make you someth—”
“Don’t listen to him,” Nyx said. “He’s joking.”
“No, I’m not.”
Nyx slapped Galen on the arm. He pouted like a reprimanded toddler.
“I have the Lutetium blade, Dr. Gunn,” David said. He showed the scientist the glass vile. “We’re set.”
“Wonderful news.” Gunn adjusted his glasses and took the clear tube from David’s hand. He studied the blade inside. “Should we get started or do you have to leave, as well?”
“We have time,” David said.
“It may be a while. Gathering the samples shouldn’t take longer than a minute. The first round of results is generated in about ten minutes. But the rest—the more in-depth analysis—those could take anywhere from two to five hours.”
“Do you mind waiting?” David asked me.
&n
bsp; “Not at all.”
I saw Galen sneak away. He headed down the hallway.
“We’ll be waiting to hear the results.” Alezzander put a hand on his wife’s waist. “Shall we, dear?”
Nyx nodded. “Good night, Eileen and Tobias. Thank you for having us today.”
“Our pleasure,” Eileen said, walking them to the door.
“Wait. We’re a person with half a brain short,” Eryx said. “Where’s Galen?”
“I’ll get him,” I told him. “Pretty sure I know where he is.”
I walked down the hall to Galilea’s room. The door was cracked open.
“…and I have a boyfriend,” I heard Galilea say. “Did you think I would wait around for you forever?”
“Is that so?” Galen said. “What’s this boyfriend’s name?”
“Frederick.”
When did she get a new boyfriend? Maybe Galilea was lying to make Galen jealous. But if this Frederick was real, why didn’t she tell me about him? If she had, I was such a bad friend I hadn’t been paying her any attention.
I saw Galilea walk past the door. I stepped to the side to avoid being seen. I felt guilty listening in, but Galilea listened in on my conversations all the time. Not that it was right that I did it to her in turn. But I was curious about what she was saying to Galen, and, after all, the door was open.
“He’s lovely,” Galilea said, “And I’m going on holiday with him to Cabo as soon as I get the chance.”
“Cabo? That’s our vacation spot.”
“Was,” Galilea said. “Sadly. For you, I mean. I’m not the one groveling.”
“Is this what you want from me—to get down on my knees and beg you to take me back?” Galen asked her. “Because I will.”
“I couldn’t care less what you do. But before you make a fool of yourself, you should know it would be in vain. I don’t want you anymore.”
“I don’t believe you.” Galen walked to her. “You love me, Galilea.”
“Do I? More importantly, have you ever loved me?”
“How can ask me that?” Galen asked, indignity in his voice. “You know I do.”
“Funny. I don’t remember hearing you say the words ‘I love you’. Like ever.”
“Galilea, don’t be melodramatic. I’ve always shown…”