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“Fine.” Jazz shakes her head. “I’ve been on bed rest lately, so I hired someone as a manager till the baby comes. How’s the clinic going?”

“I love being a vet,” I beam. “And the fact that it’s right next to the shelter helps a lot. I can go to Ricky for advice whenever I want.”

“How’s your sister?”

“Arabella?” I muse. “Last I heard, she was somewhere in the south of France. She sent me a postcard, plus some bottles of wine and a wheel of cheese.”

“I’m glad things are working out between you two,” Jazz says softly.

“Me too,” I reply warmly. “She opened a clothing line for kids after Brandon was born. She regularly sends clothes for both him and Angie. I think she likes the idea of being an aunt. I’m anticipating a visit soon.”

The music begins, and we stop talking.

Maria, Harry’s long-time girlfriend, walks down the aisle with Morris. I see Robert beaming at Harry, and my lips curve into a smile.

The ceremony is short but beautiful and is followed by a reception under the October night sky, a cool wind blowing. I watch Robert dance with Aisha, both of them trying to out-idiot the other. Aisha’s mate decides to cut in. Harry is dancing with Brandon and Angie as Maria cheers them on.

According to what we discovered in the journals, Jean and Lucian had several children. They outlived them all, except for their oldest, Lillith. Their children weren’t half-breeds by any means. They were born either a vampire or a shifter. The shifters joined their father’s pack, while those who were born as vampires joined their mother’s clan.

It was a relief to hear that, but it also concerned me during my pregnancies, not wanting such stark differences in my children that might spark resentment between them in the future. Angie ended up being born a vampire, and Brandon is a shifter. We hope to guide them to cherish their sibling bond so that they know they can always lean on each other.

Their births were celebrated by the allied clans in the form of extravagant gifts. It seems that even the vampires got tired of all the fighting. They can now conduct business happily, and the wolves have made an effort to put their grievances aside.

All three packs came together for this wedding.

Cynthia is sitting with her friend, Maya. Maya’s husband is dancing with Riya, Cynthia and Adam’s older daughter. Their twins are running around with Toby, Aisha’s son. Packmates are dancing, drinking, and eating. It’s a loud, rowdy affair, and I’m enjoying it.

“Still mad at me?” Robert pops up suddenly with a plate of food. “I brought bribes. Prawns.”

“That was my favorite dress, you know.” I look at my husband stonily.

He leans down to kiss my cheek. “And I’m your favorite mate.”

“You’re my only mate,” I remind him, amused.

“Exactly. Dresses come and go. Mates are for life.”

“You’re preposterous!” I burst into incredulous laughter. “Absolutely shameless.”

“I know,” he grins. “And you still love me.”

“I do,” I admit. “But I also wanted to wear that dress.”

“And you will,” Robert declares. “For our anniversary dinner. You’ll be the most beautiful woman there. I might just have to marry you all over again.”

I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for a kiss. “Alright, you’re forgiven.”

Robert deepens the kiss before pulling away slightly and caressing my cheek with the back of his hand. “Want to go dance?”

Helpless against his charm, I let him guide me to the dance floor. And as I do, I hope he never changes, the love in my heart for this man, a constant thing, growing and expanding. Robert changed my life. He taught me how to love, how to laugh, and how to be happy.

As I slide into his arms, I smile. “I love you. Every day with every breath.”

He presses his forehead against mine, smiling. “With every heartbeat.”

I close my eyes, feeling content. Let every day be like this, full of joy and laughter and love.

The End