Redemption (2 page)

“Hey, hey, hey!” Savitar snapped. “You’re jumping ahead, woman. It’s your turn to make a vow.”

She kept her hand on his cheek as she stared up into the steel- blue eyes that had stolen her heart and changed her life in ways she’d have never thought possible. “When I was a child, I learned a poem that was read to me by my mother. Since she couldn’t be here today, it seems only fitting that I quote it in memory of her...

“Love is patient. Love is kind.

“It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud.

“It is not rude. It is not self‑seeking.

“It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs.

“Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.

“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

She bit her lips before she recited her own words to him. “While I lived a life without you, I no longer can imagine one that doesn’t begin and end with seeing your face. My heart beats only for you and forever I will stand by your side. No matter the challenge or enemy, I am, and will always be, yours.”

Seth couldn’t breathe as he heard her oath. Nothing had ever touched him more.

Savitar made a sound of disgust. “Yeah, okay, beings... now you kiss.”

Seth lifted her veil, then cupped her face in his hands. He took a moment to savor the beauty of her features before he kissed her. Her stomach brushed against his an instant before their baby kicked. Laughing, he pulled back to touch her belly. “I hope that was an approval.”

She returned his smile. “Definitely.”

Savitar clapped his hands together. “All right then, to the handful here, let me present Mr. and Mrs. Demigod Jackal Beings... you know it would be so much easier if some of us had last names.”

Ma’at tossed a flower at Savitar. “Would you stop ruining this for them?”

“I’m not ruining it, Mennie. I’m making it memorable.”

Ignoring them, Lydia grabbed Seth’s hand and started toward the door.

“Where are you going?” her father asked.

Lydia looked at Seth and bit her lip as heat scorched her cheeks. She glanced back at all of them. “I have a promise to keep.”

Seth’s eyebrows shot up in hopeful expectation.

Wrinkling her nose impishly, she nodded. “Yes, it’s
that
one.”