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But it is.

“The rings, please.”

Asshat pushes something into my palm, and Kim does the same for Therese. They’re rings all right—hoop earrings. My eyes dart up to Therese’s ears and see that they’re bare. I smile at her, and there’s a chuckle in my voice as I parrot back vows, trying to sound smooth and sincere.

I’m going off-script. “Therese, you’re amazing. There’s no more beautiful, brilliant woman in the world. I’m lucky I foundyou. It’s my privilege to love, honor, cherish, protect, and respect you.” I fight the urge to look over my shoulder and see what’s happening in the congregation.

This is a show. They’re the audience.

I can’t act!

This is a mission. You’re undercover. You can do that. You were made for that. You’re doing your sacred duty again, and it has been blessed. Let’s see how Therese does.

I say that, but there’s no true question in my mind. In my gut, I know she’s going to be amazing.

I shiver while forcing my body to be still. I’ve never felt like this about anyone, let alone a woman. I trust her as I trusted her ancestors, my life force bound to hers by ancient magic that bullets can not break. I hope my somber expression reads “groom who takes his marriage seriously” as opposed to “bodyguard in conflict.”

“Reggie. The second I met you, I felt so safe and secure. You were the stability I’d been searching for. I’m lucky I found you. It’s my privilege to love, honor, cherish, comfort, and respect you.”

I’m absolutely not tearing up. I’m just impressed as hell, that’s all. Therese didn’t miss a beat. Artie would have been so proud of how brave she is. It’s only that sense of pride that makes me reach to gently cup her cheek. That’s what I tell myself.

She beams at me and catches both of my hands in hers. With a tremulous smile, she pushes one of her hoop earrings over my ring finger. I see her lips twitch as she feels my finger shrink and elongate to fit the hoop.

A wayward part of my brain suddenly wonders if she’d appreciate the way my body can change and shift to suit any purpose. Golems are uniquely malleable. Designed for the needs of those they serve.

I swallow.Do not think of serving her, Reginald. Not like that.

“You may kiss the bride.”

A split-second hesitation is all I can afford. It wouldn’t be normal for a groom to check the room or hesitate in showing affection to the woman he’s just claimed to love and who just claimed him right back.

Doesn’t have to be flashy. Just go for it.

JUST DO. DON’T THINK.

It had to be my imagination, but Reggie looked like he was moved to tears during the strangest wedding in history. No notice, no real bouquets, hoops for rings, and a preacher who was ordained by the Marshals, not the church. Mr. Minegold, oddly enough, seemed to be the most authentic part of it all—except for what I’m feeling in my chest.

And the kiss. The kiss is the only tangible thing that’s real.

My lips slowly lift and press to Reggie's as they sink down. My mind takes a much-needed break from stress.

He’s a really good kisser. Matteo was an absolutelysinfulkisser who made me feel like any minute, public nudity was about to occur. The X-rated movie thrill was nice, but also not my speed when I wasn’t on my third drink. Reggie's mouth is slow, steady, and firm, pressing my lower lip between his and nuzzling into me for a second before we separate.

I want more of that. There’s a startled look in his eyes, like he knows what’s going through my head.

Blushing bride has an entirely new meaning.

“Mazel Tov.” Mr. Minegold places a cloth (I think it’s his pocket square) over a glass—the vase that formerly held fake flowers. I guess vampires really are fast.

He places the cloth-covered glass at Reggie’s feet, and Reggie takes a deep breath and stamps on it.

Everyone claps and rises as Minegold beams and ushers us away from the front of the church. The cheering continues as we walk down the wide center aisle.

Two men in the back get up and leave, and a short, stooped older lady dabs at her eyes with her long, floral sleeve. “A beautiful wedding! God bless!”

“Thank you!” I hope God listens to that old lady. We’re going to need all the help we can get.

Chapter Six