Free Evermore by Brenda Pandos

her, or anyone. “Oh, don’t say that.”
    “Look. The mojo is there to smooth it all over and protect the secret. If humans found out about us, it would just be bad. So… you have parents who love you, my parents who love you, your birth mom who loves you, a mate who loves you, and I love you… we all want you to be happy. This is about your dream. Don’t let the timing of a child get in the way.”
    I shook my head. “It’s just a wedding. I don’t need it.”
    “No. It’s not.” Tatchi said sternly. “It’s a commitment. It’s a promise inside of the promise. And it symbolizes your parents’ trust. They’re giving you to Fin, for him to protect and take care of you for life. It’s part of your transition to becoming a mer citizen, too. Believe me. You’re the talk of Natatoria right now. This wedding symbolizes freedom.”
    The pressure felt like too much, and I pinched my eyes shut. “Why does it feel like a lie? Like I’m cheating?”
    “Because in your culture, people don’t rush this. It’s to prevent making a mistake. But you and I both know you’re not making a mistake. You and Fin love each other, and this is a good thing. And having a baby is a totally awesome thing.”
    “Shhh…” I looked around to make sure no one was listening. “I don’t know if I’m ready to be a mom, though.”
    She put her arm around me. “I didn’t either, but you have no idea how much love you have inside of you. It’s powerful, and Nicole isn’t even my flesh and blood.”
    “Yeah, but it’s just a party.”
    “Just a party? Were you not listening just now? It’s not!”
    I sniffed. “I don’t even know how far along I am.”
    “Well, you’re not showing yet, so… we have three weeks.”
    “Three weeks,” I repeated.
    “So we’re doing it?”
    I closed my eyes and sucked in a cleansing breath. I wanted to say yes but worried about what my human friends and family would think. I couldn’t agree. It was just too much.
    “You may not think so, but you need this and it is not selfish,” she whispered.
    “I don’t know.”
    “It’ll be the wedding of the century.”
    My stomach flipped. “I don’t want all that.”
    “Fine, then a small one — a small, magnificent one.” She paused. “What are you afraid of?”
    I smirked. “Why do I feel like you’re proposing to me?”
    Tatchi snorted. “‘Cause I am.”
    In the distance, I could hear a baby cry. “You brought Nicole?”
    Tatchi sighed. “Yes. She’s with my mom. But don’t worry about that. I have it handled.”
    I blew out another breath, still unsure, as the merling wailed louder. If I ever wanted to fulfill my dreams of having a wedding with my human family involved, this would have to be it.
    “Three weeks?”
    Tatchi’s face brightened as she clutched my hand. “Three weeks.”
    I squeezed back. “Okay. Three weeks. Let’s do it.”
    Tatchi jumped up and whooped, doing a little dance.
    I rolled my eyes, and though she always had a way of sweet talking me into doing what she wanted, I wasn’t sure if this was the best timing. But then I was somewhat relieved.
    I was getting married.

TWELVE – FIN – May 20 – 6:00 p.m.
    I waited on the dock, nervous as hell. What were they talking about? Would Tatiana help Ash see reason?
    Badger walked up to me, changed from his work attire back into his kilt. He stopped and clapped me on the back.
    “Aye, Son, what’s troublin’ ya?”
    I scrubbed my hand down my face. “What do you think? Women.”
    He laughed a big belly laugh. “They be trouble, but the best kind in my opinion. Anythin’ I can be helpin’ ya with?”
    “Can you read minds?”
    “Oh, Son. I don’t think you be wantin’ that. If she ain’t talkin’ to ya, it might just be she’s scared. Weddins and funerals bring out the worst in people, I’m tellin’ ya.”
    I swallowed. “She wants to call it off.”
    He jerked his chin down. “Whatcha mean, off?”
    “I don’t know. She just freaked