My mother put her hands on her hips. “You sound pretty confident, Mr….”

“Teegan,” he supplied.

“Mr. Teegan. What would you say if I served spider soup and dung beetle pie?”

He glanced at me before replying. “Opal’s been telling us how yummy your cooking is. So I would say, ‘give me extra helpings please.’”

Mother chuckled. “And what would your sister say?”

“Reema would tell me to eat it first. Then she’d wait to see if I got sick before trying it.”

My mother nodded in approval. “A smart girl and a brave young man. Your children are wonderful, Devlen.”

“They are,” he agreed.

I drew in a deep breath. “They’re not his or mine. Well, not yet. We’re still waiting on the official adoption papers.”

Again my mother showed impressive restraint over her emotions. Her voice only squeaked a little. “Adoption?”

Teegan answered in a rush. “Our mom died and we were on our own, which was okay. I mean, we were doing fine, but then I had trouble with magic and Opal saved us.”

“She did?” My mother wiped her clean hands on her apron over and over—a danger signal.

I jumped in before Teegan could expound. “Actually, they saved me. And they’re the reason I went to the Citadel. I’ll tell you all about it during supper.”

The mention of a meal propelled her into host mode. “Where are my manners? You’re hot and thirsty from your trip. Go relax in the living room. It’s cooler in there and I’ll bring drinks and a snack.” Mother shooed us out of her kitchen.

The room was ten degrees cooler. I sprawled on the couch, propping my feet up on the ottoman. Reema and Teegan explored the space, found the bookshelf and happily sorted through the selection, making a pile to read. Devlen settled next to me and automatically tucked me under his arm.

“That went well,” he said.

“I’ll suffer for it later. Her interrogation techniques would crack a hardened criminal in seconds.”

“I think you’re exaggerating. She’s very sweet.”

“Uh-huh. Then why didn’t you tell her you’re my husband?”

He had the decency to look chagrined. “I didn’t want to overwhelm her. She just met me and the children. It’s a lot to absorb. We’ll explain it to her later.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Besides, I’m going to ask her to plan and organize a big beautiful wedding for you.”

“Interesting strategy. Bribe her first, then blindside her. Good luck with that.”

He laughed. “I’m sure she will be thrilled since she missed our tiny ceremony. And I want your family and friends to be able to share in our joy.”

I rested my head on his chest, remembering what had led to the simple service in the Keep’s formal garden with Reema and Teegan. Leif and Mara acted as our witnesses. In order for both of us to adopt the children legally we had to be married. I still marveled at Devlen’s instant acceptance of the siblings in our lives. He had meant what he said before. To be with me regardless. Although he wouldn’t let me procrastinate and delay this trip to introduce everyone to my parents and brother.

Once Nic and Eve sorted out the paperwork and officially released Devlen from Dawnwood, Devlen had asked me to marry him.

My left hand rested on his lap. Smiling, I played with the ring on my finger. The proposal hadn’t been a surprise, but his betrothal gift had brought tears to my eyes. Set in an elegant gold band, the two-carat black stone glinted with flecks of red and orange. A fire opal.

We married in the early morning to avoid the heat. Master Irys Jewelrose officiated the ceremony near the Fire Memorial. She wore her formal robes made with purple silk. I wore a simple cream-colored gown. Devlen chose to don the Sandseed’s ceremonial attire—a long-sleeved black tunic with animal shapes and geometrical symbols embroidered in silver thread, a black leather belt, gray pants and black boots.

After we exchanged vows, I presented Devlen with my wedding gift to him—a scimitar with a simple leather hilt and Ixian battle symbols etched into the blade. The symbols matched the vows we had just spoken aloud. I offer my heart, entrust my soul and give my life to you. And they matched the marks on my switchblade.

He beamed at me and presented his gift. A vial full of blood. Magic clung to the glass, preserving the contents.

Shock ripped through me. “Whose?”

“Yours.” He curled my fingers around the barrel. “Blood is very powerful, I only needed to use one of your syringes on Galen. The other I saved for you.”

“But I don’t—”

“It’s yours. Use it, keep it or throw it out. It’s your choice.”

After the ceremony, our little family celebrated by having a picnic in the garden. We left soon after for my parents’ house in Booruby.

Having no desire to reclaim my magic at this time, I placed the vial in a box and secured it. Then I gave it to Irys, asking her to lock it in the Keep’s safe. I might need it someday.

But not today. Not as I sat next to Devlen with happiness welling inside me. I pivoted and kissed him deeply. Reema and Teegan made yuck noises. Devlen and I hadn’t had any privacy during the trip to Booruby. I was about to suggest to my husband a private tour of the guest room upstairs when my father and brother burst into the living room. Loud and welcoming and full of questions, they embraced my new family without hesitation. My mother followed them, carrying a tray overflowing with enough food and drinks for twenty people. She appeared to be recovered from the shock of our arrival and beamed at Reema and Teegan. Probably realizing they would soon be her grandchildren.