Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(102)

Oh my God. I love it when he’s passionate and demanding, but I’d prefer to keep it behind closed doors. But his fingers are tangled in my hair, and no way can I match his strength, so all I can do is go along with it. I certainly don’t want to create a scene trying to push him away.

Just as I’m getting worried that a security guard might appear and yell at us for the public display, he lets me go. I give him an exasperated look, but he only smirks.

“Come along, love. I cannot wait to experience the incredible flying iron bird.”



* * *



On the plane, we concoct a fabricated background for Edward, in case the guests wonder who he is and where he came from. I continue explaining to him things about our modern world, all the way from the takeoff until we land in Vancouver. Paige had emailed the address in Vancouver, and once I give the taxi driver the address, we get there without any difficulties. Edward marvels how beautiful and clean and well-kept the city is.

“It looks like a sleeker, cleaner version of our capital. If I didn’t have obligations back in Athelia, I wouldn’t mind coming here and living with you.”

“I’d rather not.”

He raises his eyebrows.

“Because if you stay in my world, then I won’t be special to you anymore. You’ll find that the women here are similar to me. You might fall in love with someone else.”

He looks like he’s going to kiss me again if I dare to oppose him. “You honestly believe that?”

Not wanting to cause another scene, I quickly shake my head. “No.”

“We’re here.” The taxi driver announces.

Once the door opens, Paige flies at me and gives me a giant hug.

“Oh Kat!” She wipes a tear and looks at me closely. “Oh my God, it really is you!”

She looks past me, and her eyes bulge when she sees Edward.

“Hey,” she says, holding out her hand and acting like he is just any ordinary guy. “You must be my brother-in-law. I’m Paige.”

Thankfully, Edward doesn’t bow and kiss Paige’s hand. Instead he gives her a hearty handshake, as if she were a man in Athelia. “I am glad we finally meet. Kat has told me so much about you.”

She giggles and blushes. “Come in, both of you. Mom and Ryan have gone to pick up his parents from the airport, but they’ll be back soon.”

She introduce us to her boyfriend, David, who seems a decent guy and totally enamored of my sister. While David engages Edward in conversation in the living room, Paige pulls me aside and whispers, “Holy smokes, Kat. He really is as dreamy as you described. Ten times over.”

“I just hope he won’t be too shocked coming here. You should have seen his face when he was at the airport.”

“Professor Bartlett said you can only stay for two days. Can’t you stay at least a week?”

My heart sinks. Making sure that we aren’t overheard, I whisper, “There isn’t going to be a next time.”

“What are you talking about? Are you living on the moon?”

“Remember that I told you I couldn’t survive in Athelia because of the oxygen? Well, Edward and I were only able to come because of some rare magic. After that, the passage between our world and Athelia will be sealed off. The goblin king has decided that no one should be able to pass through the two worlds.”

“You’re joking.”

When I don’t say anything, she puts a hand to her mouth. “Truly, Kat? I’ll never see you again?”

Tears run down my cheek and this time I’m the one to throw my arms around her. “I’ll miss you,” I whisper in her hair.



* * *



When Mom and Ryan return from the airport, I drag Edward away from the television. He’s been glued to the screen, his eyes wide in wonder.

“Mom, this is Edward. My husband in…well, you know.”

“My lady mother.” He performs a magnificent bow. “I am honored to meet you at last.”

I don’t know whether to laugh or nag him for the dramatic show, but Mom blushes and smiles. Once I had told Edward that Mom would love his princely behavior—yup, she’s totally fallen for his charm. Like me. “You’re just in time for the wedding. How long are you staying?”

Edward and I look at each other. “The day after tomorrow,” I say. “We need to catch the plane back to Cornwall.”

“But that’s too short!” She exclaims. “It’s the first time you brought your husband with you, Kat!”

“Mom, we already booked the tickets.”

“Can’t you extend them?”

“We have to get back.”

She looks disappointed, but then brightens. “Well, then you’d better stay longer next time. Ryan has bought a new house by the sea; you should see the views from the second floor.” She smiles and pats Edward’s shoulder. “I’m sure you will love it, even when you’re used to living in a castle.”

“It’s a palace,” I say. In Athelia, castles are relics of the past—huge, stone fortresses built with a drawbridge and moat. Such as the one in Enrilth. “Actually, Mom, we can’t…”

Ryan happens to call for Mom at the moment.

“I’ll be right there!” Mom shouts back, then turns to me. “Sorry, dear, what were you saying?”