“Wow.” Camilla’s eyes widened.
“Custom made for her,” Caspien said coolly as a response.
When did you even get those? We just had them taken.
I have my methods, and I wanted a photo now – He responded, and I internally rolled my eyes
“That’s beautiful, Willa,” Camilla said.
“Thank you. And thank you for coming, it’s nice to see you all here.”
“Of course.” She tucked a long blonde lock behind her ear. “We appreciate the invite.”
“Go enjoy it, the kids are well looked after, and we have transportation handled no matter where you’re staying.” Thankfully, Cali took care of those arrangements for all the hundreds of people invited.
“Thank you.” She gave me a real smile.
“Hugo, Natalie, Camilla” Caspien slightly nodded at them before he whisked me away.
We spent the next hour in a sea of small talk and strangers.
I was so happy that we kept our ceremony small. This celebration was for others, not for us, and I had to keep remembering that.
Dinner was announced, and Caspien paused when he saw a man with dark hair piled on top of his head and mismatched eyes standing next to a striking young woman.
“I’ll be a minute; why don’t you head to our table?” Caspien whispered his fingers over the exposed skin on my back, making me shiver.”Will you be okay?”
“Believe it or not, I can survive a minute away from you.”
“I’m wounded.” He put his palm over his chest.
It amazed me how much he’s changed since I met him. I would have never envisioned the man that first came into the diner to be someone even capable of a joke. He opened up so much and I loved seeing each version of him.
I turned to find our head table, trying to avoid small talk; I was starving.
I saw Nolan standing at a table studying his drink. I don’t know what possessed me, but it seemed like a good idea to have a conversation. We haven’t had a chance to talk alone, besides our confrontation in the hallway at the conference, since the day that I accepted his rejection.
I could feel Iris internally rolling her eyes at me.
“Hi,” I walked up, placing my glass across from him. He slowly raised his gaze to mine before a sour look crossed his face.
“No entourage?” He asked.
“Don’t be like that, I just wanted to thank you for coming.” I offered a smile.
“You got everything you wanted,” he whispered, looking away.
“So did you,” I said.
He snorted, taking a long drink.
“Thank you for coming, it means a lot to the pack.” I went to turn away, this conversation was stupid.
“Willa?” He asked, “Are you happy?”
“I am,” I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my face. “I have to thank you, you realized our incompatibility well before I did. Obviously, I would have preferred things to end in a different way,” I shrugged, “but it all turned out perfectly so I can’t really fault you.” His lips formed a thin line and he nodded. “I should have done it differently, I panicked. I thought I knew what I wanted. I-“
“It doesn’t matter now, honestly. I appreciate that though.” His words did nothing. I didn’t feel any better, no weight was lifted off me.
I forgave him even though he didn’t ask for it, and I forgave myself too. It was a lifetime ago.
“And the boy?”
“Emmett,” I said, “He is fine, more than fine. You have nothing to worry about there.” It annoyed me a bit that he dared ask about my son, Caspien’s, and my son.
“Good, good.” His look was far away and I had no idea what he was thinking.
“I do hope we can be civil in the future,” I added, and he nodded, looking into his drink.
He opened his mouth to say something but shut it.
“Goodbye, Nolan.”
I turned my back to him and went to find my prince.
“What is he even doing here?” Cali rolled her eyes when I sat down, “We were watching you talk to him.”
“I invited them,” I explained. Caspien sat next to me, placing a fresh drink down.
“He looks like a s.hit stain. Always has.” Holden said scowling.
“He looks like he can’t even wipe his own butt.” Cali smiled at her mate.
“Hey that’s still Emmet’s dad,” Griffen interjected.
“No, he’s not,” Caspiens growled.
“You’re right,” Griffen amended looking down, “He looks like he doesn’t even know where his butt hole is.”
I covered my mouth with my hand. I didn’t feel the need to participate, but I felt Caspien’s annoyance turn to amusement next to me.
I don’t know who let Holden or Cali make speeches. Or Griffen, for that matter, his might have been the worst. At least it was short and succinct.
Thankfully, it was during dinner, so there was other, more interesting, entertainment in the form of incredible food.
“Let’s welcome Prince and Princess Dracos to the dance floor.” That sent butterflies erupting through me.
“Dance with me, princess?” Caspien held out his hand, his eyes churning with what I could only hope was need.
I placed my hand in his and he led me to the dance floor where I was pulled against his warm chest.
“My Willa, my beautiful wife.” He whispered against my lips as we swayed to the music.
“My husband.” My smile met his, “Everything was worth it, for this, for you.”
“It has and will always be us.” My dark prince promised.
Epilogue 5
(Nolan)
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.