“I’ll speak to him.”
“Nooo.” I patted his chest, still staring at the ring. “Let me do that.”
“Silvie, where love and destiny meet, where two hearts beat, so shall the giver adore. Where sacrifice is made, where fire and magic are laid, only one shall be restored. Her name shall be Moyer, with golden fingers and a heart so pure. Her man will bow down, and shall never go hungry before her.” He pulled me into his arms. “I wish I could see my father, and thank him for his spell. It’s one now etched on my heart.”
“One day you will.” I held onto him for dear life. “I love you, Guy, and I’ll never be parted from you as your father has been.”
“I’ll never allow it, either. I promise you that.” Then he sealed his promise with the deepest kiss, one that stole the last thought from my mind.
13
Guy ’ported us into the formal dining room. My sheer happiness gave way to thumping panic in a blink. Four staff members moved around the grand table, aligning stemware and cutlery, making last little changes. “Where is everyone?”
“We’re a couple of minutes early.” A waiter in black tie stepped forward with a tray and Guy accepted two fluted glasses. Once the man moved away, Guy leaned in, whispering, “I love you.”
“I love you too.” I rolled my shoulders in an attempt to relax then took one of the glasses Guy offered. The sparkling fruity concoction tingled against my tongue as I sipped. “I can do this.”
“Your heart is pure. Of course you can.” He led me farther away, where we wouldn’t be overheard.
“Wincrest’s heart isn’t though, Guy. It’s as black as can be, and he’s a loose cannon waiting to fire.”
“I’m here.” Faith raced through the engraved oak double doors in a one-shoulder amethyst lace gown. Her lips were pinched, her anxiety clear as she skidded to a stop before us. “Mum’s right behind me. She knows everything. Dad doesn’t keep secrets from her, not anymore.”
“Everything, everything? Kate must hate me then.” The secrets I’d kept from both Faith and her. Argh, mind-blowing.
“Silvie.” Kate burst into the room then swamped me in layers of fine, pale blue chiffon, her hug fierce. “I’ve missed you.”
“You have?” Okay, maybe she didn’t hate me.
“Yes,” she murmured, “I felt deceived at first, but then I came to understand. Nothing’s ever come in the way of yours and Faith’s friendship, and that’s the most important part of all. Even now you stand by her side. I love you for it.”
“I’ve missed you too.” I hugged her back, my relief enormous. Kate was as easy to love as Faith, and had mothered me as wonderfully my own mum had.
“Tomorrow we’ll talk more.” Her brown eyes sparkled, and her long chestnut-brown hair streaked with blond swayed as she nodded. “Come riding with the girls and me. We’re still trying to get Faith on a horse, although having you there might help.”
Faith groaned. “Or not. I don’t like those thingies.”
“They’re not thingies.” I tweaked her nose. “And you’re coming since your mother asked so nicely. We stick together.”
“We need to set some boundaries on this sticking together deal. Horse riding shouldn’t be on it, not when teleportation eliminates my need for them.”
“Did someone mention horse riding? I’m up for that.” Hope hurried across wearing a figure-hugging gown of royal blue. Another well-dressed young woman followed close behind her. Hope tugged the blond haired woman to her side. “Silvie, meet my aunt, Goldwyn Wincrest. Goldie, Silvie.”
Goldie sighed and shook my hand, mumbling, “Another Carver. I can’t believe there’re two of you. Silas is bad enough on his own.”
“She’s a Moyer now.” Hope nudged Goldie’s shoulder. “Be good, okay?”
“I’m just about a saint with how good I’ve been lately.” Goldie extended her hand to me and I shook it. “Alexo has foreseen you’re of no immediate harm to us. Although, look after Guy and steer clear of Dralion business, and we’ll get along just fine.”
“I can’t guarantee a thing.” There wasn’t a chance I’d steer clear of Dralion business, not now it was mine too.
She snorted. “Yep, you’re clearly related to Silas. What is this world coming to?”
“Ladies.” Maslin, impressively decked in a navy suit, joined us.
Hope linked her arm through his. “Hey you. What do you think about putting Faith into the mustering team? Then she’d really learn how to ride a horse.”
“What?” Faith flicked Hope’s arm. “Don’t try and turn this conversation back toward me.”
“I have to distract Goldie somehow.”
Maslin stroked Hope’s hand. “Mustering is a great idea. Faith would surely learn to ride if she joined one of the teams. If that’s what you’d like, I’ll organize it.”
Oh, his adoring act was good.