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Chapter 29

Epilogue

Ibump into an overgrown flower then turn to Bash, trying to hold back a smile. “Someone needs to take care of this garden.”

“Is that a jab?” He snickers. “It’s not my fault it was neglected all summer.”

“You’re here now!” I give him a playful shove.

He pulls me close and kisses me deeply. I melt against him and enjoy the moment. We barely had two minutes alone during the entire summer break, and soon we’ll have to head inside for the beginning of the school year ceremony to welcome all the new students.

I’m no longer a lowly first-year. Nobody resents me—and even if Earwyn and her dogfish still dislike me, they graduated. I hear her dad gave her a year of hard labor before choosing her career. I’m pretty sure my dad had something to do with that, but I haven’t asked.

Bash pulls back. “What’s so funny?”

“Was I laughing?”

He gives me that crooked grin of his. “Yes.”

“My mind wandered to Earwyn.”

“Who’d have guessed she’d go into construction?” He snickers.

My shell phone rings. I pull it out and read my text.

“Is Halen here?” Bash asks.

I shake my head. “Mom’s just letting me know they made it to their honeymoon. She says the coral is beautiful.” I smile for her. She always wanted to go to Hawaii, but now gets to spend time in its waters, finally married to the love of her life.

A new text comes in. She sent a picture of the scenery. It’s breathtaking. I show Bash, and he gives me a grin, hugging me to him. “We’ll have to go there for our honeymoon.”

I arch a brow. “Is that a proposal, because it’s not at all what I expected. I always pictured—”

“Always a comedian.” He shakes his head. “No. When I propose, you’ll know it. Trust me. But that’ll be after you’ve graduated. I don’t want anyone to accuse me of distracting you.”

“You already do.” I put my hands on either side of his face and bring him in for a kiss. “But before we go to Hawaii’s waters, we’re heading to land so you can see the sights and meet Ivy.”

He smirks at me. “You sure you got rid of my curse?”

I hold back a laugh. “Are you joking?”

“Of course. I couldn’t believe legs formed when you ran the anti-spell.”

“I wasn’t expecting that, either. I’m still figuring out my powers.”

Bash snickers. “Clearly.”

My phone beeps.

He pulls back. “Another text? Tell them it’s your first day and you’re busy.” Bash kisses me again. “Busy making up for lost alone time getting ready for the royal wedding all summer.”

I grin. “It’s not her. That was my alarm reminding me to get to the auditorium.”

He groans. “Already?”

“I’m the student body president, so I can’t be late. What kind of example would that set for the first-years?”

Bash gives me a playful put-out expression. “I guess you’re right. Then you’d have to spend the whole year trying to get them in line.”