Chapter 38
Marina
In lieu of house shopping, we all end up at Gil’s place where there’s plenty of room to plan our next move—though Grams seems less interested in planning and more interested in Bert—Gil’s Grampy who she’s been holding the hand of since we arrived.
“They’ve been out there for hours,” I say, glancing out the large screen door to catch a glimpse of Grams and Gil’s Grampy on the dock—sitting close, her head on his shoulder.
“That was a surprise, huh? Grams always talked about having happy memories from camp—and humored my stories. I never would have guessed she had some of her own.”
“And Grampy has had a soft spot for the mortal realm—and humans.”
“It might not turn into anything serious—” I begin, but
it’s Magnus who rises to check the window.
“They are kissing again.” He says, leaning on the doorframe.
“Do you think this is how we come off to people?” Gil asks.
“We didn’t move that fast—” I begin, and am once again cut off by the vampire king.
“I think you, in fact, did,” Magnus says, crossing his arms. “Be honest with yourselves at the very least.”
“You’re jealous.” I tease, which is ironic considering a few months ago, I was jealous of him.
“Yes,” Magnus says, despite still being covered in lipstick. “And I have the good sense to admit it.”
He’s right—we are mirror images of the two of them, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
The sliding glass door opens, and the two of them are giggling—it’s like getting a peek into what we might have been like if it took us longer to find each other.
But love is love, no matter the season, and they’re grinning ear to ear.
“Ya’ll alright if we step out for a while?” Grampy asks. His arm is around Grams, and she might as well have hearts in her eyes.
“And don’t wait up—” Grams says with a wink, and dear god they’re not just like us—they’re worse.
“Bring her home before curfew!” I mock-shout before falling back on the couch, feeling Gil’s arms pull around me.
“I guess we have some double dates in our future, hm?” Gil says with a laugh. “Maybe even a double wedding…”
That’s a future I certainly wouldn’t say no to. But Magnus huffs, flopping onto the seat next to us.
“I suppose I will have to practice catching a bouquet.” He chuckles, Gil gives me a look, and I wonder if Grams and I are going to get roped into being unofficial advisors to his otherworldly problems…
Gil squeezes my hand, Clawrece nuzzles up to my leg, and after waiting my whole life, I’m home.