Best Friends (New Species #15)(64)

Mel released Mary and walked to him, going up on her tiptoes. “Plant one on me. I can’t wait to see you in a suit. Sorry for making you get ready somewhere else.”

“I don’t mind.” Snow gave her a chaste kiss on the lips. “I can’t wait to say vows to you and get our wedding picture taken.”

“Me too.”

“You two are too cute.”

Mel beamed at Mary over the compliment. “I know, right?” She backed away from Snow. “I’ll hurry. See you soon!” She hooked Mary’s arm and pushed the button for the freight elevator.

“How much trouble was it for everyone here to avoid me?”

“It’s worth it. Everyone has fears, Mary. Some are terrified of spiders or snakes. Some are terrified of flying. Or heights. Yours are about animals. Are you feeling better? Safer?”

“Yes.” She took a deep breath. “Does everyone think I’m insane?”

“Never.” Mel bumped her arm. “They’re worried about scaring you. No one wants that.”

“Boy, you’re a master with the guilt.”

“It got you here. I’m not one bit sorry.” The elevator doors opened on the second floor. Mel took her directly to her and Snow’s home, pushing the door open after using the keycard to unlock it. “Tada! Home sweet home!”

Mary released her and walked into the living space. “Wow. Nice. Look at that kitchen!”

“I know. He’s got a fancy microwave and a dishwasher. I’m stepping up in the world,” she joked.

“Can I check out the rest of it?”

“Sure. The bedroom and bathroom is that way. Snow even made the bed, since my dress is hanging in there.”

Mary strolled into the other section of the apartment and whistled. “Damn. That’s a big bed.”

“Snow is a big guy.”

Mary turned, grinning. “Nice.” Then she went into the bathroom, flipping on the light. “No wonder you wanted to move right in with him. I would, too.” Then she walked out. “Show me the dress. I bet it looks even better than the pictures we saw on my phone.”

Mel got it out from the closet. Snow had removed his weapons and uniforms, since Mary would be there. It hadn’t upset Mel when she’d found out he had a mini arsenal in there. All of it was currently being stored in the unit next door. She withdrew the gown bag where it hung and took it to the bed.

“Are you nervous at all?”

“Nope. I love Snow. I’m one hundred percent in this for life.” She took the dress out carefully and peered at Mary. “What do you think?”

Tears filled her eyes. “It’s beautiful. Not too lacy or puffy, like many wedding dresses tend to be. You chose well, my friend. It’s elegant but casual enough to be comfortable. Put it on!”

Mel filled with excitement. “I can’t wait to have Snow put a ring on it.” She held up her hand. “Right here. Mrs. Snow’s mate!”

Mary chuckled. “Is that your new legal name?”

“No.” Mel began to strip out of her clothes.

“Does Snow have a last name?”

Mel paused and met her gaze. “I don’t know. I didn’t think to ask. The paperwork we signed just had his first name and his canine classification. It doesn’t matter. I’m his mate.”

“You really love him, don’t you?”

“Yes, Mary. Snow is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Mel faced her. “You’re not going to try to talk me out of this, are you? We’re already mated, and I’m not changing my mind.”

“I only have one thing to say.” Mary held up her hand and gave a thumbs-up. “Congratulations.”

Mel hugged her.

Mary laughed. “Hey, save throwing your mostly naked body at your husband.”

“Whoops. Sorry.” Mel laughed too as she released her. “Help me put this on, and then I need you to do my hair. You’re good at that.”

*

Snow kept fiddling with the suit. It wasn’t the most comfortable outfit to wear but he wanted Mel to have every part of a human wedding. His gaze kept going to the doorway. Beside him, Brass spoke softly to the minister, who had flown from Homeland that morning. The older human male was nice, and he seemed happy to perform the ceremony.

Jaded walked up to him. “Stop running your hands over your jacket. You’ll create wrinkles.”

“Do you ever get used to wearing these things?”

“Eventually. It’s only for a few hours.” Jaded ran a critical eye over his suit. “You look exceedingly handsome. For a male.”

“Thank you. I hope Mel thinks so.”

“She will. That female is in love with you.”

“I know.” His heart swelled with happiness. “I love being mated.”

Jaded chuckled. “I’m glad, since you signed mate papers.”

“Do you wish to find a mate?”

Jaded shrugged. “Eventually, if I’m lucky enough to find a female who I feel intense attraction to…and who doesn’t annoy me.”

Torrent suddenly made a slight noise and pointed toward the doors. He touched the earpiece and met Snow’s gaze. “They are on their way down. Places.”