I sat again. “Of course I want to, but you have to want it, too. And it has to be for the right reasons.”

“I’d do anything for you—to keep you safe.”

His words were sweet, but he wasn’t getting it. Tears of disappointment filled my eyes, and he kept going.

“When I think of what those sons of Thamuz could’ve done—”

“Wrong reason,” I whispered. “We can’t do this.” I tried to pull my hands away, but he wouldn’t let me.

“Anna—”

“Let me go, Kai.” I didn’t want to bawl in front of him.

“No, please. God . . . I’m just not good at this, luv. Any of it.”

I closed my eyes and let my head fall back against the tall seat.

“I know this is something you’ve always wanted,” he said.

I shook my head. “That was a long time ago. When I thought I was normal. I never wanted it to be like this.”

Kaidan was so tense. I wished I knew what he was thinking. I hated this whole stupid situation. The pressure. The rush. The unknown.

“That’s what I tried to tell your father,” Kaidan said. “We’ve no time to plan a fancy ceremony or to have a gown tailored—”

“Whoa, stop.” I held up a hand. “I don’t need any of that fairy-tale stuff. It’s the marriage that matters to me, not the wedding. As long as our hearts are in the right place, we could be in pajamas for all I care.”

A mass of tension seemed to roll away from him. His eyes softened as he looked at me. “But . . . I wanted to give you all that.”

Sparks of love lit up behind my eyes. I tried to gauge the jumble of emotions inside me—but it was hope that rose up and caught wind.

I’d always thought marriage was special—a partnership of challenge and love. What Dad was proposing was a secret wedding. A bond between us that no one would know about except our small group and the Maker Himself.

A tingle of joy circled my soul as the possibility of it all became real.

“Kai, please, tell me what you’re thinking right now. We don’t have much time, and we have to make a decision.” He knew I wanted it, so the ball was in his court.

He froze. “I . . .” Then, as he searched my face with wonder, he slid from his seat and down to one knee. “My sweet, lovely Anna. I love you . . . and I want to marry you. But only if you want to. Do you? I mean, will you? Marry me?”

Be still my heart. His proposal was so adorably awkward that I had to laugh, sliding out of my chair so I could face him on my knees, too. I grabbed his face and kissed him for saying exactly what I needed to hear. We kissed once, twice, three times before he pulled back.

“Does it always take this long for someone to answer? It’s making me bloody nervous.”

I looked into his eyes. “Yes, Kai. I’ll marry you.”

And as we kissed again, a cheer rose up outside of the door, making us laugh.

“So much for privacy,” Kaidan said with a grin.

His genuine happiness sealed the deal for me, and I was warming to the thought of marrying him. Okay, I was pretty much hot for it. This was Kaidan Rowe on his knees for me. This was my desire—our mutual love and devotion.

We stood when Marna came bouncing into the room, throwing her skinny arms around our necks.

“Brilliant!” she said.

Blake and Ginger came in behind her. Blake slapped his palm into Kaidan’s, and they shared a back-clapping hug.

“Man,” Blake said, “you almost screwed it up. I thought you were smoother than that.”

Kaidan gave him a shove and said, “Shut it.” But they kept grinning.

Ginger was the only one not smiling. I felt bad celebrating when everything in her life was falling apart. She crossed her arms, appearing anxious. Time to get back to business.

“Where’s my dad?” I asked.

“He’s scouting the area,” Blake said. “He’ll be back.”

And sure enough he flew down into the room from above, sending my heart into pounding mode.

All clear, Dad said, speaking telepathically to all of us. I’ve worked out the details with the son of Melchom. We all looked at Blake, who gave us a wink as Dad continued. You’ll need to go somewhere remote this evening, and then head back to your individual homes tomorrow to avoid further suspicion.

Only one night? Well, we’d have to make the most of it.

My insides flipped in nervous anticipation.

Everything has been prepared. I must leave now.

“Thank you for everything,” I whispered to him.

Dad moved forward, wrapping his wings around me and bringing his head down as if to kiss my head. Though I couldn’t physically feel him, my soul felt whole and full.

I raised my hand and signed, I Love You, and a smile lit up his otherwise frightening face. He kept his eyes on me as he flew up and away.

“All right,” Blake said, motioning us into a circle. “I’ve got some things to take care of. Let’s meet at the regional airport in three hours.”

Nerves zipped through me again. “Where are we going?” I asked.

“You’re getting married in the sky,” Blake said. “Courtesy of moi.”

“You mean . . . ,” I started.

“You’re flying us?” Marna finished, looking doubtful.

“He’s got a pilot license,” Ginger said proudly.

“That’s right.” Blake beamed. “I’ve been shopping for a small jet the past few months, and I’ve got one waiting on me now. It’s a beauty.”