I hadn’t realized how much I wanted them here until I saw them. Tessa, Dastien, Adrian, and Chris were actually here.

“I couldn’t get Helen to let Cosette leave underhill, and Claudia, Lucas, and Raphael only just got to Peru. They send their love. But I thought this might help with the nerves.”

I didn’t want to ask, but I wondered about my father and brothers. My mom could fly a kite for all I cared, but Ciara… I didn’t think she’d ever agree to come back here though. Not in a million years.

“Your family will be here,” he said, answering my question before I got up the guts to ask it.

I spun in my seat. “What?”

“They’re not due in until tonight. They got caught up with a few things, but they’ll be here for the ceremony.”

I reached over, grasping his arm. My eyes teared up and I tried to blink them away. “How did you know?”

He raised an eyebrow. “What kind of mate do you take me for? Of course you want your family and friends here. I know we talked about waiting, but just because we moved up the ceremony doesn’t mean you should miss out on what you want.”

This was perfect. Amazingly awesome. “Thank you.”

“It’s my job to make sure you’re well looked after. I’m happy to have done so.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a quick kiss. He laughed, and I jumped out of the car before Donovan had it in Park.

“Oh my God!”

“You’re getting hitched,” Tessa yelled as she ran to me. She used to not be about the touching—with good reason—but I was slowly getting her on board with hugs. It felt special when she gave me one. Like she really trusted me.

I gave her a big one, squealing like a crazy person. “I can’t believe you’re here!” She looked amazing, and I almost didn’t recognize her from the person I’d met a few months ago. The weight she’d carried on her shoulders was gone. Her eyes glittered as she laughed. She was positively glowing. The honeymoon was doing her well.

“Like I’d miss it. Especially after the shit you gave me over my ceremony. I didn’t think I’d hear the end of it.”

“Hey! This is a big deal. Like, bigger than a wedding.”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s kind of exactly like a human wedding, only with a lot more blood.”

“I didn’t think human weddings had blood.”

“They don’t,” she said dryly.

I laughed. “Right.” I gave the guys hugs and then started back to drag Tessa inside. “Boys. Go do boy things. Tessa’s going to help me get ready.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Chris said. “So, Donovan. Any eligible ladies around here? I’m striking out in Texas.”