Page 101 of Monstrosity

True to their request, there are multiple cakes.

Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and what appears to be some kind of rainbow creation that has Cali's name all over it.

Each one is decorated differently—by Aziza’s bakery, and some even have her flare put on them.

"It's perfect," I tell Rio as we take it all in.

"You're perfect," he counters, spinning me into a dance even though the music hasn't officially started. "My wife."

"Say it again," I request, echoing that night in our bedroom.

"My wife," he growls, pulling me closer. "Mine."

"Get a room!" someone shouts—definitely Tor.

"Later!" Rio shoots back, making everyone laugh. "Much later!"

The reception flows beautifully.

Speeches are made—Emil's is surprisingly eloquent for a man of few words, talking about brotherhood and second chances.

He actually makes a joke about Rio finally getting his act together, which gets a huge laugh.

Meghan's is equal parts funny and touching, threatening Rio with bodily harm if he ever hurts me while also welcoming him officially to the best friend's husband club.

"But seriously," Meghan says, raising her glass, "I've watched these two dance around each other for years. Watched Dasha light up every time Rio walked into the coffee shop. Watched Rio find excuses to need coffee five times a day. They were so obvious everyone had a betting pool on when they'd finally get together."

"Who won?" someone calls out.

"Starla," Meghan admits. "She had faith it would happen eventually."

More laughter and clinking glasses.

The girls perform a dance they choreographed themselves, which mostly involves spinning and jumping but is absolutely perfect.

They rope other kids into joining, and soon there's a small mob of children doing what can only be described as interpretive wedding dancing.

During a quieter moment, I find myself at a table with Saga while the crowd watches Rio dance with both girls standing on his feet.

He's laughing as they direct him where to step, looking happier than I've ever seen him.

"They're good together," Saga observes. "All of you. A real family."

"We are," I agree, then decide to probe a little. "Speaking of together, I saw you at the store yesterday with Emil."

She stiffens slightly. "We just ran into each other. He was getting parts for his bike."

"Uh huh. And that guy who was hitting on you?"

"What about him?" But her cheeks are pink.

"Emil looked ready to kill the guy. I thought he was going to throw the guy through the window when he touched your arm."

"He's protective of everyone," she deflects. "It's his nature."

"Saga," I say gently, "I've seen Emil protective. This was different. This was... personal. The way he stepped between you and that guy, the way his hand went to your back to guide you away..."

"Nothing," she insists. "It was nothing. Emil and I are nothing."