"Something wrong?" Burnett asked.

"Just a little nervous," her mom answered. "I mean, I'm just not sure I'm ready to meet any vampires or werewolves."

Burnett glanced at Kylie over her mom's shoulder and Kylie offered him a shrug that said she hadn't informed her mom about who was what. He looked back at her mom and smiled. "Don't worry, they're not nearly as intimidating as you'd think."

"Were any of them at the parents' day meetings?" she asked, sounding hesitant.

"A few," Burnett said.

Kylie rolled her eyes and knew her mom was going to give him hell when she learned what he was.

"So what should we start doing?" her mom asked, looking at Holiday as if wanting to forget the whole supernatural issue. "I mean we're here to help pull off this wedding."

Holiday walked them to where they were going to have the ceremony. Several of the students were already helping to set up chairs.

The first chance Kylie got out of earshot from her mom, she asked Holiday, "Have you heard anything from Lucas yet?"

"No, he called earlier and said the meeting with the Council had been delayed a bit, he'll be here in about an hour. But he can't be late," she said. "He's one of Burnett's groomsmen." For the first time, Holiday's eyes pinched with worry. She reached over her shoulder and twisted her hair. Then she hiccuped.

Holiday glanced over to Kylie's mom. "How is she really doing?"

Kylie spotted her mom chatting with Chris, clueless that she was talking to a vampire. "Better than I thought," she said. "Of course, when she finds out that she's already had conversations with two vampires, she's gonna flip."

Holiday grinned and then grew serious. "How are you doing?"

"Better than I thought, too." Kylie smiled. "But I'll be better when I see Lucas."

"I'll feel better, too," Holiday said.

"Where's Della and Miranda?" Kylie asked, expecting to see them by now.

"They drove into town to pick up the cake and some flowers for the reception. If they get into anargument and drop the cake or something, I'm going to cry. I swear, I've never seen two girls love to fight as much as they do."

Kylie grinned. "Yeah, but they love each other. But enough about everyone else, shouldn't you be soaking in a tub, relaxing for the big event?"

Holiday smiled. "Believe it or not, this whole thing with your mom has been a blessing. I've been more worried about you two than the stressing about the wedding."

The next hour flew by as Kylie and her mom finished helping put out chairs and assisted decorating the dining hall for the reception. Kylie had broken down and texted Lucas, but he hadn't answered. Nor had Kylie seen Della and Miranda, and she was having withdrawals.

Suddenly Kylie heard a couple of squeals. Familiar squeals. Della and Miranda squeals.

Kylie wrapped her arms around her two best friends and it turned into a group hug. "Have I told you how much I love y'all?" she said.

"Yeah," Della said. "And the only reason I'm letting you get mushy now is because I heard you kicked ass the other night."

Kylie pulled back and smiled. "I did kick ass!"

* * *

Kylie, Della, Miranda, and her mom had gone back to get dressed at Kylie's cabin. Kylie had enjoyed sharing Della and Miranda with her mom. Or she would have if she weren't still worrying about Lucas.

Where was he? Fear that he hadn't made it and hadn't wanted to face her filled her heart. Kylie left the bathroom, where they were all putting on their makeup, to check her phone.

"You know a watched phone never rings," Della told her, having followed Kylie out.

Kylie looked up. "I'm just-"

"Worried. I know. But my gut says he's fine."

Kylie looked up at her vamp friend. "Since when are you the positive one?"

"Since I was forced to room with a damn optimist." She grinned.

Kylie laughed and hugged her. A few minutes later, her and her mom and her two best friends started walking to the front. They had told Holiday they'd arrive thirty minutes early to help out with seating.

Kylie had almost texted Holiday and asked if she'd heard from Lucas, but decided not to worry Holiday any more on her wedding day.

The four of them had just turned the last bend when Kylie saw him.

He walked toward them slowly. His blue eyes, dark and hungry, were fixed on her. Obviously dressed for the wedding, he wore a navy suit coat, navy slacks, and a solid white shirt. There wasn't one spot on him that wasn't completely gorgeous.

Kylie hadn't realized she'd stopped walking until her mom leaned down and whispered, "Breathe, Kylie." There was a teasing tone in her voice. "That's your Lucas, isn't it?" she asked.

I sure as hell hope he's mine. Lucas stopped in front of her. "Mom, you remember Lucas, don't you?"

Kylie asked, but she couldn't take her eyes off him.

"Why don't we let these two have a few minutes?" Miranda said.

Kylie's mom looked as if she was nervous. "Sure, as long as ... there's not any vampires or werewolves around."Della coughed to cover up her laugh.

"Don't worry," Lucas said, "I'll protect her."

And he would, Kylie thought. He had protected her. He'd save her life.

"Oh, I was worried about me," her mom said. "Kylie's friends with them. And I'm sure that eventually I'll get used to them, but the thought of it still creeps me out."