Chapter Three
Krys had her normal sober prep-dress on and got the tables covered, the linen organized, and all the dishes and serving sets wrapped and ready. Guests would begin arriving by five in the evening, which was when the babysitters would come to take care of any little ones who were at the event.
She got a tray of food and brought it up to the bride’s room and the groom’s room.
Krys knocked on the door. “I have snacks.” She used her elbow to open the door and eased inside.
Amy was getting her hair done, and Vaia was playing with Nylora’s baby. Well, it was less playing and more holding the newborn as if she were glass.
Nylora was grinning. “Solor and I need to hold one of these things at a neutral venue. The first wedding was rushed, and only shifters were invited. It sort of fell flat, even for the guys. So, we have been looking for a place to throw a decent party. I am going to keep my eyes on things tonight.”
Krys set the food and beverages down. “Great. No pressure.”
Nylora said, “You really have babysitters?”
“Of course. Winnie is excellent with infants as well.” Krys finished fiddling with the tray. “She’s already on site if you want to talk with her to make sure.”
Nylora winced. “Could I? It will help me plan our evening more fully if I am comfortable with the babysitter.”
Krys lifted her walkie and said, “Hey, Anders, can you send Winnie up to the bride’s getting-ready room?”
There was a squawk and agreement.
Vaia looked up. “Winnie?”
“Adopted cousin. Half cousin, actually.”
Vaia grinned. “So, a lot of family works for you?”
“Depfords have big families and not all of them have a use for all the kids. I can usually find something for them to do.” She held up the second tray and said, “I am just going to drop this in the groom’s room. I will be right back.”
Azreen was getting information from his father and Solor, who was acting as his best man. They had known each other for years.
“Here are some snacks. It’s a long day, and you want to keep fortified, Azreen.” She looked at him as Solor reached for the sandwich, paused, shrugged, and grabbed one. Azreen and his father got some as well.
The older dragon looked at the sandwich and said, “Is this what you consider appropriate food?”
“No, that is what I consider to be staff lunch, but you should get something into you before the evening kicks off. Things will go quickly. So, we eat so we can focus, and you should eat so you can focus. There is much, much more elaborate food later. Hundreds of pounds of protein, a separate bar for allergens and vegetarians, you will see. If you don’t like it, feel free to let me know.
” She grinned. “Off I go. Azreen, you know how to call me.”
She left the three men with their sports drinks and green tea.
Winnie was wearing her server gear when she stopped near the bride’s getting-ready room.
Krys smiled and knocked softly before opening the door. She walked in, and Winnie followed her. It was nearly two, and Vaia was getting her hair and makeup done. In an hour, she and Azreen would be dressed and getting photos done.
She made the introductions in a low tone. “Nylora, this is the babysitter. She has a clean criminal history, is proficient in children’s first aid, and has a food-handling certificate. Not particularly interesting, but she doesn’t adhere to the five-second rule.”
Winnie stepped forward. “I am also a part-time musician and dancer. And part-time everything else.”
Nylora looked at her and smiled. “Winnie, this is Soryn; Soryn, this is Winnie.”
“Does he mind dark energy?”
“Nope. He’s great with it. I do shadow puppets for him all the time. Here, take him.”
Winnie smiled, and there were some squeaking grunts before Soryn settled in her arms. She beamed. “We are going to get along fine. Will you be coming up to feed him, or is he on formula?”
“I will be coming up here when my dress is in danger.”
“I can bring him down as well if you want to stay close to the party.” The baby was clinging to her finger.
Nylora looked to Krys. “Is there another babysitter?”
“Yes, two for the older ones. Winnie is just here for Soryn, and frankly, she is the most reasonable expense at this party.” Krys grinned. “Winnie, you can change into your babysitting gear if Nylora wants you to start now. I am going to head back to the melee. Ladies, have a relaxing time.”
She left Winnie standing there with her midnight hair in a ponytail that didn’t allow the dark purple highlights to shine.
Before she left, Vaia said, “Krys, don’t forget to come back here before we go for pictures.
I have a special dress that is very washable, and it should let you move around easily. ”
“Of course, Miss Depford.” Krys inclined her head and returned to the prep. The florist was setting up, and that usually required a bit of wrangling.
She went down and saw that everything was in hand. Krys headed to the kitchen and grabbed a sandwich. It was going to be a long day.
The dress was black and gold and fit everywhere. It was off-the-shoulder, but a sort of sleeve hung down off each shoulder piece and fluttered when she moved.
Vaia was holding the bouquet and smiling at her. “You look lovely. Now, let your hair down, and we will get this show on the road.”
Amy was grinning and glorious in her deep blue gown, and her long hair curled softly around her. Her smaller bouquet was all in whites, silver, and blues. The wedding didn’t have a colour scheme. It was just what went best with everyone.
“Your photographer is here, but if you want to do a first look, I can wrap us in mist as we head down the stairs. He won’t see you, but we can see through.”
Vaia smiled shyly. “Yes, please. I am nervous all of a sudden.”
Krys squeezed her hand. “Because you have chosen a life with him this time. Eyes open and heart wide. And he chose you right back.”
Vaia stopped and fanned her eyes before they all laughed. Nylora and the baby were downstairs with Winnie on standby. Krys eased out and looked both ways, making sure that the guys were downstairs already. “Okay, let’s walk with you.”
She picked up her walkie. “We are heading down with the bride for the first look. Ready, Dia?”
“Standing by. Groom will be on his own.”
“Okay, we are a big column of mist.”
“Classy.”
They headed out, and Krys kept them concealed as they made their way. The ladies made their way down the hall and proceeded down the stairs. Krys led them outside and walked them toward Azreen in his formal tunic and trousers, waiting for Vaia.
Vaia’s breathing evened, and she walked toward him, out of the mist, and Dia was getting all the pictures.
Krys smiled and waited until the first pictures were done and then dismissed the mist.
Amy smiled. “They look so happy.”
“They do. So, your new dads are going to be here tonight?”
“Yeah. Pretty much every clan head or head of any type of race or species in town is going to be here. And some of Vaia’s friends.”
“And family. Like you. Well, you are my cousin, and I am her cousin, so you have a link.”
“Via my adoption.”
“It counts. I say it counts, and I am the planner, so it counts.”
Amy laughed and headed forward, while Dia called out to her for pictures.
The event had begun.
Sable stood near her as the ceremony began with Krys’s mom coaxing them through the vows. Dia took pictures, the videographer moved around, and Yasina played the harp quietly.
Vaia and Azreen leaned in for their kiss, and the crowd had to wait until it was over. Good-natured laughter continued, and when they parted, Vaia reached up and wiped the lipstick from his lips. He snorted some fire, and they were introduced and then left for some more photos.
Azreen spoke as they passed. “Come with us.”
Her mother was behind them. “No questions, just come on.”
Krys said, “Cocktail hour is about to begin. Enjoy the gardens.”
She was dragged along, Vaia wrapped her in a hug, and Dia snapped pictures. There were a few pictures with more dignity and a few with laughter.
When she was done, she kissed Vaia’s cheek and went to do her job. Sable was making sure that the guests were aware of the well-appointed restrooms with amenities.
Krys went to check on the food, and the servers were making their rounds with appetizers.
The bars were busy but not too far behind. The sunset was turning purple, and it was time to light up the yard.
Krys focused, and the trees and bushes all flickered to light with tiny bursts of brightness. There was soft applause, and most folks were getting to their tables. The live band was ready, and when Dia gave the signal, Krys took the mic and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, Vaia and Azreen!”
Cheers and applause were plentiful, and the happy couple went to their sweetheart table. Vaia’s dress wasn’t her work, but it was lovely. Fitted around her torso and dripping with crystals, she looked beautiful and every inch the bride.
Krys got a ping and answered from inside, where she couldn’t be overheard. “What is it?”
“There are some folks out here who say they are the bride’s family.”
“On my way.”
Krys walked to the front door and stared at her aunt, uncle, and cousin.
She closed the door behind her. “Yes?”
Her aunt hissed, “Krys-Alys, my daughter is getting married.”
“Yes, I also know that you are not on the list.”
Her uncle growled. “Let us through.”
“No. This is Vaia’s day. Not yours. You sold her once and kept all the funds her husband sent her.
I am guessing you are here because you realized that the financial windfall has ended.
No more payments. No more stolen money, and you should have gotten the notice for the diversion of funds.
So, whatever will you do? You won’t be coming through here.
This place is not for the likes of you.”