Jamie McGuire - Eden

Happily Ever After. That was The End, right? The hard part was over. It was smooth sailing now. I lay in bed next to my handsome, celestial Prince Charming, the tropical breeze blowing through the window screens of our little Caribbean hut, waiting for the sun to rise so I could begin my wedding day.

Funny how Happily Ever After isnt the end after allat least, not when Hell is trying to kill you.

That trivial little fact was easy to ignore with the light rain tapping the tin roof, and the palm fronds brushing against our casita as the wind gently pushed its way through the trees. The first glimmers of sunlight danced along the ceiling as translucent dashes of warmth. Those shuddering, glowing dots above me were the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes. Jared Ryel was the second. He smiled, waiting for my eyes to focus.

Its tomorrow, he whispered.

Splatters of pinks and purples had just breached the windows, and the rain had all but left us for the bigger island, reduced to droplets. The fading purple splotches on Jareds forehead, cheek and chin stood out in the early light, and they brought back a flood of memories from the days before.

He and I had already survived the impossible coming face to face with one of the most frightening beings in Hell and a few hundred of his minions, human and demon alike. Simply celebrating another day would have sufficed. That was the moment realization hit, and Jareds eyes brightened with amusement as my sleepy expression perked.

Its today? I said softly. I reached up to touch his skin, and the residual marks from his skirmish with Shax.

Jared pushed himself onto his elbows, and then leaned his head closer to my stomach. Good morning, little Bean.

Bean? I said, one eyebrow shooting up.

Yes, shes no bigger than a bean. Thats what the book says, anyway.

The book.

Jared reached to the floor, pulling up a thick book, its cover dripping in hideous pastel colors and childish writing.

I thought I should be prepared for anything that might come up. Jared flipped through the pages, and then peered up at me, waiting for approval.

Is there a chapter on balance-disrupting angel babies? I said, grinning when Jareds eyebrows pushed together.

He tossed the book to the floor and then playfully situated himself over me, nuzzling my neck.

Jared! I squealed, making a poor attempt to push him away. Stop!

Ill stop if you say it, he said, his voice muffled against my skin.

Say what? I laughed, wiggling in vain.

Jared lifted his head to look me in the eyes. Bean, he said, his eyes a soft blue-gray.

I pressed my lips together, forming a hard line, but when he tickled me again, I caved. Okay! I pleaded. Bean!

A wide grin spread across his face. I wish Id known how well this tactic of persuasion works on you three years ago. Life would have been somewhat easier.

I swatted at him, knowing he would duck. Not fair.

Jared kissed my lips, his warmth soaking into my skin. It didnt seem as warm as usual, but I attributed it to the tropical heat raising my own temperature.

You know whats not fair? I dont get to see you until this afternoon. He left me alone on the bed, pulling a white T-shirt over his head.

What do you mean? I said, pushing up on my elbows.

Youd better get dressed, sweetheart. Were expecting company in five minutes.

Company?

Jared tossed a tan summer dress to the bed, and I scrambled to put it on, knowing better than anyone that Jared wasnt mistaken about things like time. I pulled my hair into a messy ponytail, and then stood awkwardly while Jared opened the tin door. A line of villagers made their way to our casita, led by a frazzled-looking Beth. She held a white garment bag, and when her eyes met mine, her smile widened to its limit.

Beth! I said, rushing down the steps. Mud squished between my bare toes as I ran to her, enveloping her in my arms. Her auburn hair was damp, plastered to her forehead and cheeks. She was sweaty and red-faced, trying to catch her breath as Chad pulled the garment bag from her fingers.

She wouldnt let anyone else carry it, he said, shaking his head. He held the bag out for Jared, but Beth quickly grabbed it back, smacking his hand away.

Jared cant see it! she said. She held the long bag up, away from the mud, but behind her to protect it from Jareds hands.

Jared was amused. I wont look, Beth. Im going to take Chad to the chapel now. You two have the whole day.

I shouldnt have been surprised Jared could arrange anything but I was speechless. Beth and Chad had arrived just eight hours after us.

How did you? I began.

Jareds smile widened. Weve taken care of everything. I didnt want you stressed.

We? I frowned, more confused.

Mom is waiting for me at the chapel. See you there. He grinned from ear to ear. Id never seen him so happy. He leaned down to kiss my cheek, and then gestured for Chad to follow.

Youve maneuvered a motorcycle before?

Chad paused. Yeah. Why?

Its a bit of a drive. Jared patted Chad on the shoulder, encouraging him along. Poor Chad seemed totally out of his element. Even though the men werent that close, I had full confidence in my husband-to-be to make Chad feel at ease. That responsibility would serve as double duty to soothe Jareds nerves.

Wait til you see this dress! Beth squealed, pulling me inside. She hooked the bag onto a wooden lip above the closet, and then rubbed her sore shoulder. It was a long, muddy walk.

It is, I nodded. Would you like me to get some ice for your shoulder?

Beths eyes lit up again. She pulled down the zipper of the garment bag, turning to me.

I blinked in disbelief. Thats theum

Beths eyes were wild with excitement. The dress from the magazine that you picked out two years ago? Yes!

Buthow is it here? How did he.

Beth couldnt wait for me to spit out the words. I have been hanging on to this thing forever! Can you believe it? Lillian brought it to the apartment. She said you had picked it out, and Jared bought it, and they made me bottle this up for two years! It was awful! Why do you think I hounded you about a wedding date all those times?

Butwhy?

Beth nodded. I know, right? Thats what I said. His mom said he was excited; he wanted to surprise you, blah, blah, blah. I personally think he just wanted to torture me because its been hell.

I couldnt stop staring at the flowing, silky whiteness in front of me. I remembered sitting on our couch in the loft while I healed, thumbing through magazines with Lillian and pausing on a picture, unable to turn the page. It was just days after I was discharged from the hospital, the day Claire left to eliminate all the humans that threatened us. A dress identical to the one I showed a partisan interest in almost two years earlier dangled from a hanger just feet from me.

Beth? I said, still staring at the dress.

Yes?

Youre going to have to take it down a few notches. Im feeling a little overwhelmed.

Beths head bobbed quickly, and then she took a seat in the corner. After a deep breath, she began again, Its beautiful.

I almost asked Beth if she knew why Lillian didnt keep the dress at her house, but it was a foolish question. Beth was safe. No one would blow up her apartment, or bust through her windows in the middle of the night and it would give Jared an extra ally in vying for a wedding date.

Hes brilliant, I said, in awe.

What?

Nothing.

Beth gripped her knees and bit her lip, struggling with every passing second. Are you still overwhelmed?