“That sounds nice,” Clarissa said, patting Dani’s hand. “Do you get to visit home very often? Your grandparents must miss you.”

“Not as often as I like,” Dani said, glancing toward Jillian’s hand and spotting a rather large diamond ring set in a gold band etched with dragon scales. “What the hell is that?!”

“Oh, yes.” Jillian stretched out her fingers, admiring her ring, and trying to sound casual. “Bael proposed.”

Clarissa squealed. “Oh, honey, I’m so happy for you!”

“Thanks. It means a lot. Since Bael’s family isn’t really talking to him, you and Bael and Mel are going to be the only family we have at the wedding. It’s not like I can invite my parents here. It’s not like I would want to.”

“Are you going to have the full dragon bonding ceremony?” Clarissa asked.

“I don’t even know what that means. I think my wedding planning is going to involve more research than the average ceremony.”

“Congratulations, Jillian,” Dani said. “Was it one of those flash mob proposals with surprisingly organized singing and dancing?”

“No, he just took me out to the water and showed me the ring and…” Jillian’s cheeks went pink. “Said some pretty mushy stuff. I’ll spare you the details. And he asked me to marry him.”

“What kind of stone is that?” Dani asked. “It’s sort of gray for a diamond.”

Jillian frowned. “You know, he didn’t say…”

“I’m sorry we don’t have champagne for a toast,” said Dani.

“Homemade applesauce is a much cozier substitute,” Jillian replied.

Clarissa moaned around her spoon. “It is really good.”

“If you’re nice to me, I’ll make you an apple crumble.” Dani scooped a spoonful of applesauce into her mouth.

“Does not mentioning the fact that you’re banging my son count as nice?”

Dani coughed, splattering applesauce down the side of Jillian’s face.

“Ew.” Jillian wiped her face with a napkin as Clarissa cackled. “Is this some sort of shifter congratulatory ritual I didn’t know about?”

“Sorry. Not cool, Clarissa,” Dani said.

Clarissa snickered as she took another bite of applesauce. “I’m so sorry, but your face!”

“Okay, you want to play that game?” Dani responded. “Let’s talk about your sex life with Mel.”

Clarissa spluttered, sending another mouthful of applesauce at Jillian, who shouted, “Oh, come on!”

11

Zed

Zed answered the door wrapped in a towel, holding a rubber fish.

It was his house and he would answer the door any way he pleased.

Of course, his house was more of a stone mound, a sturdy tin roof and a large steel door. But still, he would answer that steel door any way he pleased. And he found Dani waiting for him on the other side. He smiled at her, ridiculously happy to see his favorite girl on his porch.

“Um, did I interrupt something?” she asked.