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R onnie throws off his apron and pulls on his suit coat. “You’ve got the legs for it, son,” he whispers.

I smile at my father-in-law as I adjust my kilt. “Thanks, Dad. You’ve got a little chocolate on your thumb, careful.”

“Mm,” he licks it off, then wipes his hand on his handkerchief. “I’m glad someone else made the big cake, but no daughter of mine is getting married without a little tiramisu in the mix.”

“It’ll be an amazing reception.”

“Your lips to God’s ears. Joanne’s worried about someone ‘uninvited’ showing up. She didn’t invite her family in case this turns into something other than a wedding,” he sighs.

“Oh. It’ll be fine.” I look out at the chairs in the lawn of White Pines. “There are sixteen Kane dragons in those seats, in addition to my father and brother standing up front with me. Anyone tries anything... Well. I have never seen my father bite someone’s head off, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did today.”

“Good to know. Stay clear of Papa Kane.”

“He’s in a good mood today. Both of his sons are finally hitched, and one is about to have a son. The Kane line lives on—and I have my treasure.”

Ronnie pats my arm and goes to take his place with Angela and Joanne (who I can hear sobbing in the gazebo all the way across the lawn, even without supernatural hearing).

I have my treasure. My Angela. A whirlwind romance that’s now lasted through an entire month, two cross-country moves, two new jobs, and one new set of parents in a town that sometimes makes you feel a little claustrophobic.

And in August, Tiramisu opens. That’s the name of Ronnie and Joanne’s new little restaurant next to the grocery store.

“You okay?” Ian asks me as I take my place by the minister.

“I have my treasure. So many treasures, so fast,” I whisper, shaking my head in disbelief.

“Yeah, well. Here comes your crowning glory, the heart of your hoard,” Ian whispers as Angela’s entrance music plays.

“The heart of my heart,” I reply, and watch my bride walk to me.

***

“I LOVE YOU.” I LOOK up at the man swinging me around the dance floor, his long black hair in a short, glossy braid, every inch of him looking like some beautiful Highland vision in a crisp black jacket and subtly patterned Kane kilt.

“Are you happy?” Graham asks. He asks me every single day, as if he’s worried I’ll change my mind and vanish.

But I won’t. “I’m incredibly happy. After all,” I lean forward and whisper in his ear, “I’m the princess who got the handsome knight— and the dragon.”

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If you enjoyed this story, keep reading for more sneak peeks from

Monster Brides Romance and from S.C. Principale’s Pine Ridge.