Szereto, Mellanie - Two Pirates to Treasure [Bewitching Desires 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) (14 page)

“If you will forgive me for doubting your honor and loyalty.” She laid her hand over his and reached out to Ethan. “Since we’ve agreed to keep no secrets, there’s something you should know. I’m...I’m pregnant...by both of you. Lujza says a girl and a boy.”

Ethan dropped to his knees in front of her and kissed her still-flat belly. “Our children grow inside you. That is truly wonderful news.”

Trying to gather his thoughts, Grant pressed his lips to her beautiful mouth.
A family. We’re going to be a real family.
“We are blessed, love. The Fates smile upon us.”

Her eyes brightened. “You’re happy?”

Ethan shook his head as he rose. “We shan’t be happy until we are joined with you. Today, as we were meant to. Will you help us locate the matriarch so that she may perform the ceremony?”

* * * *

Tightening her grip on Grant’s and Ethan’s hands, Orsolya avoided looking at the faces watching them enter the parlor. Great Grandmother had promised that no one would consider her fickle for joining with the men she’d earlier tried to refuse. The family had been told about the Protectors and their task, along with the confrontation between Orsolya and Kazmer, but she wasn’t anxious to take on the role of Chosen One.

Romána smiled as they approached. “The hour of this ceremony has arrived as appointed by the Fates. Orsolya and her mates will join this evening after a trying and enlightening day, and Magdolna and Boldizsár will exchange vows after a journey that lasted far too many years. We have seen firsthand the triumph of good over evil and true love over time and circumstances. On the day of the full moon, our magickal powers are at their greatest. Let them give us strength as we move through another cycle in our lives.”

Counting back the days since she’d succeeded at her first spell, Orsolya had to wonder if the Fates had intentionally chosen the first half of the lunar phases for the learning of her craft. Even a single day earlier could’ve meant the difference between defeating Kazmer and failing.

“My daughter, Magdolna, you must forgive Boldizsár in order to join with him. Are you willing and able to absolve him of his offenses against you, whether unintentional or not, and move on to a shared life with your intended mate?”

Magdolna glanced at the elder beside her and nodded. “By no fault of his own did my true love forsake me. I wish to spend what is left of my life with him.”

Cupping her cheek in his palm, Boldizsár smiled. “I have asked for and received forgiveness for my weaknesses. We request the blessing on our joining, matriarch of the Macska clan.”

Romána placed her hand over their linked hands. “The blessing is yours, and may the Goddess grant you many years of happiness together.”

Magdolna’s and Boldizsár’s tender kiss brought tears to Orsolya’s eyes. She couldn’t imagine the joy they must be experiencing after such a long separation.

“Our ceremony continues, children.” Great Grandmother gave each man flanking Orsolya a thorough gaze as she spoke the words. “Ethan Whitmere and Grant Templeton, do you offer your love, loyalty, and protection to Orsolya Horvát, daughter of the Order of the Elements?”

Grant raised Orsolya’s clasped hand to his lips, giving it a gentle kiss. “Of free will, I bestow these gifts upon my mate.”

Mirroring the gesture, Ethan winked at her. “I offer those and more.”

Romána looked into Orsolya’s eyes, demanding the truth from her heart. “Orsolya, do you accept the promises of Grant and Ethan, joining with them in the blessed union?”

“Yes, I choose my Protectors as my life-mates, to love and cherish.” A sense of rightness washed over her. Had the curse lifted with the fulfillment of the failed prophecy? No, only Kazmer’s interference had ended.

For now.

Laugh lines appeared around Great Grandmother’s eyes as she smiled. “Blessings upon these unions, children. Let us celebrate.”

THE END

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