Rushing Calm

By Stephanie Amox

The sins of the father...

Back in the haven of Aunt Gail’s house in Emory, Caitlin dreams of peace and quiet and a desperately needed vacation. Like a fairy godfather, Lyrr sweeps in and whisks the entire family away for a lavish trip to celebrate a major surprise event.

Just as she begins to relax ,the past comes back to haunt her and once again threatens the safety of not only her flower, but Leah’s as well. Talon’s dark past rears its ugly head and adds another layer of danger and intrigue.

Will he be able to fight off his inner darkness? Can Caitlin overcome her reluctance to embrace her birthright and find a way to stop a war? They must look to an ancient prophecy try to save them all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Amox
• Release date: Dec 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310783814

Stephanie Amox

Stephanie Amox attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where she met her husband. Her life did an about-face in January 2009 and the future of her career looked bleak. Her husband encouraged her to follow her dream and finally write the story which had been buzzing around in her head for a number of years, thus The Lumina Saga was born.These days she spends her time in Flower Mound, Texas with her husband, two children and a couple of crazy Jack Russell Terriers. When she's not writing she enjoys spending time watching her son play hockey or visiting her daughter at Oklahoma State University.

Book preview

Rushing Calm

STEPHANIE AMOX

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, place and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are use factiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, organizations, or persons – living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

CENA Publishing

Flower Mound, TX

Copyright © 2014 Stephanie Amox

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 1505561663

ISBN-13: 978-1505561661

CENA Publishing, December 2014

Other books:

Painfully Ordinary

Family Secrets

New Beginnings

Secret Royal (written as S.C.Wise)

DEDICATION

As with all my books, I have to start with thanking my kids. I always say – everything I do, I do for you. You guys serve as an endless supply of inspiration. You constantly astound me with what you are able to accomplish and the fact you refuse to give up. You make me proud every single day.

All of these books wouldn’t be possible without my husband, and best friend, Mike. You are what makes it possible for me to continue to tell the story of Caitlin, Talon and the Ethereals. You are the one always standing behind me and keeping me pointed in the right direction when I want to run and hide. I couldn’t do any of it without you. Love you more!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my editor extraordinaire, Julie. Thank you for keeping me on the straight and narrow and reminding me that people can’t read my mind. I’ve been honored to call you friend for the last 12 years. The original mystic and the one I go to whenever I have writers block.

To Nikki Nichols Photography – Nikki you continue to blow me away with your ability to catch the very essence of Caitlin and bring out the ethereal qualities chronicled in the series. Thank you for making the cover photography exceptional.

PLAYLIST

I Want Crazy – Hunter Hayes

Three Little Birds – Bob Marley & The Wailers

Under The Bridge – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Between the Raindrops - Lifehouse

Marry Me - Train

Sound of Madness - Shinedown

Dark Horse – Katy Perry

Blank Space – Taylor Swift

Dead But Rising - Volbeat

When I Was Your Man – Bruno Mars

Maps – Maroon 5

Ball and Chain – Social Distortion

Breaking the Girl – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Carry On My Wayward Son - Kansas

Come Out and Play – The Offspring

Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston

East Bound And Down – Jerry Reed

Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley & The Wailers

Here Comes Goodbye – Rascal Flatts

Don’t – Ed Sheeran

1 THE BEGINNING

I crept into the kitchen, still exhausted even though several days had passed since our final altercation with Egan. I tried not to show anyone how tired I really felt by pushing myself to smile and act normal. There were moments like this, however, early in the morning when I could let my guard down. I reached for the coffee pot and silently thanked whoever had invented the auto-brew function. I poured a cup and cradled it in my hands, inhaling deeply. Sliding around the breakfast bar, I lowered myself onto one of the barstools and allowed my shoulders to slump as I sipped at my coffee in solitude.

Ves’tacha. Talon’s voice rose barely above a whisper, but it startled me enough to slosh coffee onto the counter. My husband had entered the room without a sound, which was a real feat for a man who stood well over six feet tall in his bare feet. As stressed as I was, my heart still raced hearing him call me his beloved – even if it was in a language I didn’t even know existed until a short while ago.

Sorry. I mumbled. I tried to be really quiet. I hope I didn’t wake you up. I grabbed a napkin from the holder and wiped at the counter.

My love, don’t apologize. Your very presence calls out to me; it’s not something you can control.

I smiled and leaned my head against his arm.

So, how long are you going to try to hide how utterly exhausted you are? I was willing to let it slide for a day or two since you’ve been through so much. However, it’s gone on for far too long. Is there something wrong? I mean other than just being tired. He stroked my hair.

I sighed. I always seemed to forget how in tune Talon was to my emotions. I should’ve known he would see through my act, even when no one else did.

"No, I feel fine other than being really tired. We’ve been hit with one crisis after another for so long — I think it’s finally caught up with me. It would be great if we could manage a real vacation."

There was way more to it than that, but I wasn’t ready to deal with those particular feelings quite yet. Talon gathered me into his arms and pressed a kiss on the top of my head.

Funny you should say that, my child. Aeval sauntered into the kitchen, her strawberry-blonde curls bouncing around her shoulders. My grandmother looked more like my mother than my grandmother.

I jumped in Talon’s arms. I hadn’t even heard her enter the room; my observation skills were slipping.

What do you have up your sleeve, Aeval? Talon chuckled.

He’s got you figured out already. Lyrr laughed and wrapped his arms around Aeval. I like him more and more every day.

The ability to sneak up on me really seemed to run in the family. My grandfather, who was every bit as large as Talon, had managed to slide into the room behind my grandmother. I hadn’t seen or heard him until his head had appeared over her shoulder. I couldn’t help but notice a change in my grandfather when she was around; it was clear that the powerful king was wrapped around the tiny woman’s fingers, and he liked it that way.

Oh, hush. She waved at him before returning her attention to Talon and me. "Once everyone is awake and had some breakfast, I have an announcement to make. We’re all about to get some much-needed rest and relaxation."

My eyebrows shot skyward. Grandmother, call me only cautiously optimistic, since every so-called vacation we’ve had has resulted in some sort of catastrophe.

Not this time, my child, I can promise you. Lyrr assured me.

Grandfather, I’m going to hold you to that. I caught his gaze and held it. I so desperately wanted to believe it.

He released my grandmother and put his hands on either side of my face before kissing my forehead. Not to worry, I think you will be pleased with what your grandmother has to say. Now, if we can just get everyone out of bed.

I shrugged one shoulder. I’m in no hurry for them to wake up— it’s so nice and quiet.

So we sat together and simply enjoyed each other’s company while we waited for the others; we didn’t have to do much talking, which was just fine with me. I was too worn out to try to make polite conversation. I suspected Jace, Talon’s brother-in-arms, would do everything he could to get Leah to sleep in, considering that my best friend was now in the very early stages of her pregnancy. I had no idea how the recent stress would affect my parents, my brother, or all my aunts and uncles. I was more than happy just to hang on to the comfortable silence I had found in the early morning hours.

Once breakfast was done and cleared away, the entire family moved outside to gather around the perimeter of the fire pit. It seemed all the important family announcements were made that way, and I briefly wondered how far back that custom dated. We all settled in to hear what my grandmother had to say, reclining around the circle with the exception of my mother, Marne; my father, Johr; Ciro, my dad’s former competition for Mom’s affection and Renetta, my mother’s best friend who stood at Aeval’s side. I glanced to my right at Leah and raised one eyebrow. My curiosity quickly overcame my reticence.

Aeval held up her arms to get everyone’s attention. Quiet down, let’s get started. You are all probably wondering why you’ve been called here.

What did Caitlin do this time? My cousin Todd quipped.

"Don’t make me get up and come over there. I promise you are going to hate it." I winked at him.

Another cousin, Scott, snickered at the verbal banter between the two of us.

Don’t you two start. Pops warned.

Sorry. Todd mumbled. I giggled. I wasn’t about to apologize since I wasn’t remotely sorry and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Anyway, Aeval continued, we have a couple of big announcements that are going to affect you all.

Affect us how? Leah surprised me by piping up. I guess she’d had enough surprises; I know I certainly had.

Well, to start, it’s going to provide everyone with a real vacation. Johr replied.

Go on; you have my full attention now. I grinned.

Talon rubbed my back with a shaky hand, and I could tell he was holding back laughter.

Aeval stepped forward. "We are happy to announce the Joining of Marne and Johr and Ciro and Renetta. We will have a double-Joining ceremony in just a few short days."

The group burst into cheers and applause, and I felt a warm tear slide down my cheek. I was so incredibly happy for the two couples, finally together after so many years. Brady jumped up from the circle and threw himself at our parents.

Woo-hoo! Finally, you’ll be around all the time. We can play Xbox any time we want!

I’m all yours, bud. Johr said, hugging him tightly. I wasn’t sure if Dad realized it, but there had never been a time when he didn’t belong to Brady. I caught my father’s gaze and touched my fingers to my lips. They deserved to be happy after so many lost years.

It’s about time. Pops, my favorite uncle, declared. So, where will this double ceremony be held?

Well, that’s where you guys come in. Mom smiled. We wanted to get your thoughts on where we should have the ceremony since we’re going to extend the stay and have a large family vacation.

I glanced quickly at Talon, and he nodded in response; he knew exactly what I was going to suggest. I stepped forward and raised one hand, facing my mother and father. I know one place that would be adequate for such a special wedding and would also provide us all with the rest and relaxation we so desperately need.

My ears are open, little one. Lyrr responded.

Leah bounced in her seat and clapped her hands together. I strongly suspected she knew exactly what I was going to say.

"I think you should let Leah and me create a portal, and the whole family should head straight for Maui. We should go back to the Grand Wailea and have the Joining there; it’s impossible not to relax while you’re there. Everyone would be able to have their own suites for privacy, but the family could stay close together." I grinned and let my gaze travel around the circle, gauging their reactions.

Todd leapt to his feet, picked me up and swung me in a wide circle. "Now that’s what I’m talking about!" He crowed.

I staggered as he set me back on my feet. As if our recent epic battle wasn’t enough to make me exhausted, my equilibrium was still off; I was beginning to wonder if it would ever return to normal. I hadn’t gained any weight since we had learned of our own little spark, but I certainly felt thicker. It’s amazing how your mind can create its own reality.

Talon reached out with one hand to steady me. You look beautiful, ’tacha. He assured me. I grimaced. He would say that no matter what; he was a little biased when it came to me.

Ciro clapped his hands together with a bang. Caiti, if you are talking about the same place where Kairos originally found you, then Renetta and I are in. It looked beautiful.

Kairos glanced at Talon sheepishly and shrugged his shoulders. I could tell he hated to be reminded of the things he’d done while under the control of the Noita, although no one held it against him. Under their control he had tried to Join with me, even though I was already Joined with Talon. Unfortunately the plan had backfired when the Sidonta Band, the Ethereals version of a wedding band, had locked on his arm binding him to me – but not me to him. That same fact had allowed him to whisk Brady and me from danger when the Noita had taken Talon. Now, he was just part of our extended family – even though Talon hadn’t entirely warmed up to him yet.

The Noita. I sighed. Every time I thought of them, the image of little Rahm’s face as Lyllyth had dragged her son away blossomed full in my mind’s eye. He had been devastated to leave his father, even though his father hardly gave him the time of day. I couldn’t imagine how he must’ve taken the news of his father’s death — assuming he even knew. My protective spell had left behind nothing but a pile of charred ash. There wasn’t even enough to identify.

Caiti, stop beating yourself up. Leah’s voice rang clear in my head. I turned to smile at her. She knew me all too well, but I knew myself well enough to know it would probably always haunt me.

All right. All right. Everyone settle down. Lyrr commanded. He surveyed the perimeter of the circle. Do I really even need to take a vote on this? Something tells me the decision has already been made. He shrugged his shoulders. Here we go: Who is for holding the ceremony in Maui?

Thunderous applause erupted throughout the clearing.

OK. He chuckled. Anyone opposed?

The silence was deafening.

Well, ladies. Lyrr gestured to Marne and Renetta. It looks like you have some planning to do. Make sure you reserve enough rooms for everyone, and I’ll take care of the bill.

His statement earned another round of applause and some wild cheering.

Mom had already dug her phone out of her pocket and was studying the screen intently. There are so many hotels. Caiti, which one was it? Mom asked, never looking up from her phone.

The Grand Wailea. Talon, Jace, Leah, and I said in unison.

Well OK then. Mom glanced up and giggled before her focus returned to her phone. Oh, Renetta, look at this! She squealed. They have a resort within the resort.

Renetta rushed to her side. What do you mean?

Look. They have a section of luxury villas. Some of them are even three bedrooms, which is perfect for those of us who will be traveling with kiddos. They have enough villas for all of us. We need to call and see how many we can reserve.

I spoke up quickly. Actually, the four of us would prefer to stay at the main hotel. Can we get a couple of deluxe ocean-view suites that connect? Call me sentimental, but it’s where we stayed before. I pleaded.

I guess so, if you’re sure that’s what you want. Mom’s voice sounded hesitant as she and Renetta headed inside.

There was no way I was going to let her talk me into staying with the rest of the group. I had been promised a real vacation, and I intended to take advantage of every single moment. Talon nodded his approval and gestured for me to sit at his side, where he proceeded to massage the tension from my shoulders. By the time Mom and Renetta rejoined the group, I was more relaxed than I had been in a very long time.

Everything is all set and ready to go; they were more than happy to accommodate us. I thought we would leave tonight after the girls have a chance to take a long nap. Creating a portal large enough for a group this size will take a tremendous amount of energy. Everyone is set up in a villa except for Caiti and Leah. You ladies have connecting suites like you asked.

Ocean-view? My voice rose an octave. I was ready to throw a temper fit if needed.

Yes, ocean-view. She assured me.

A slow smile spread across Leah’s face. I knew exactly how she felt. I would enjoy the time spent with my family in such beautiful surroundings, but instinctively I knew it would get overwhelming after a while, so staying at the main building was a blessing. I was really looking forward to being able to lounge around and relax.

Talon leaned over and whispered into my ear. I promise I’ll reserve the oceanside lounges as soon as we get there.

Jace put an arm around Talon’s shoulder. I’m going to hold you to that promise too. I couldn’t help but giggle. Jace and his super-sensitive hearing, I thought. It’s almost impossible to keep anything from him. Half of the time I didn’t know whether to love him or smack him. Somehow I suspected he’d be happy either way.

I sighed contentedly. Just knowing I was headed back to Maui made me happy. We no longer had to worry about the Triada or the Accendersi, so we could truly relax. I might even find the courage to go back to the spa. It was such a spectacular place — I didn’t want the memory of my almost-abduction to ruin it for me permanently. But remembering our time in Maui brought everything flooding back.

It seemed like a million years had passed since we had attended high school like normal 17-year-olds. ‘Normal’ is such a relative term. Although we’d never known it, Leah and I weren’t ‘normal’ — we were Feydall, an ancient fairy-like race, and royal at that. Talon was Varyo — another ancient Ethereal race known for their ability as warriors and older than I cared to consider —while Jace was Lykaois and could shift into any number of animals. Like I said, normal is totally in the eye of the beholder. But I can’t say I missed our old life. For one, I no longer had to worry about my high-school nemesis, Tami, and her little band of Alley Cats — not to mention Ryan, the worst ex-boyfriend ever. We also didn’t have to deal with the tedium of homework and standardized tests. Our previous life now seemed so trivial and shallow. On the flip side, we frequently seemed to be in mortal danger from some sort of creature or entity that we hadn’t previously known existed.

That wasn’t all that had changed. Now we were Joined with Talon and Jace; it was like being married but a whole lot more permanent. Things were complicated even further now that Leah and I were carrying children of our own. I referred to mine as my little spark; each time I thought of the baby, that’s what I saw in my mind’s eye. Thankfully things worked very differently with a Feydall pregnancy; no one could tell by looking at us, since we weren’t showing at all. We had only recently learned of our condition, and it had been a bit of a shock. The main sign, if you want to call it that, that alerts you to a Feydall pregnancy is a sequence of three dreams featuring a blooming flower. Each flower is a unique reflection of the two people who had created it. That was about all we knew. Leah and I had no idea how long it would take or if it was even remotely like a human pregnancy. We had faced one catastrophe after another, so we hadn’t had a chance to ask any of the women of our family what we could expect. I was going to use this trip to Maui to get all the women together so Leah and I could get answers to all of our questions, and believe me, I had a lot of them. The whole idea of having to endure the pain I’d heard so many women describe scared the hell out of me. But I had to face the fact that I simply wasn’t a child or even a teenager; in the world of my people, I was a grown adult and would be treated as such.

I glanced around at the ring of familiar faces. They had all waged war to ensure my safe return home; the least they deserved was a few days in paradise. I shook my head and chuckled. I wasn’t sure that the Grand Wailea would ever be the same after this crew of misfits. Who knew what antics Pops and his crew would pull, and the women of our family are not the most demure; we tend to say what’s on our minds and are just as likely to get into trouble as the men.

Talon’s hand covered mine and gently squeezed. Were my thoughts that obvious? He’d been very protective since we learned of our little spark, more so than normal. I could only hope he would be able to relax and enjoy some time with the boys. I didn’t want him to feel like he was required to sit by my side and wait on me hand and foot the entire time we were there. However, I did have every intention on spending some quality time with him, Leah and Jace.

I leaned in closer to Talon. What are the chances that we might be able to get a Jeep again? I’d really like to take another drive to Hana and actually spend some time up there instead of having to run away. You know? I want to do the whole tourist thing — get out of the car and go look at all the waterfalls.

He raised my hand to his lips and kissed just beneath my rings. Of course you can have a Jeep, and we will spend as much time there as you want. Just let me know when you girls want to go once we get there.

Leah pivoted in her seat. "Did I just hear my Caiti score us a Jeep for the trip? Heck yes! I’m with you; I’d like to see a bit of the island this time — maybe even the sunrise over Haleakala. You know, since we aren’t running for our lives this time." She giggled.

Jace threw an arm around her shoulders and squeezed until she squealed.

You make it sound like we aren’t capable of protecting you two. My feelings are hurt. His face was crestfallen.

Leah studied him seriously before realizing he was messing with her, and she dissolved into laughter. Somehow I think you are going to survive. She grinned.

I don’t know. He pouted. I may need even more attention than normal.

I shook my head. Jace, how is that even possible? I threw my hands in the air before gesturing toward Talon and him. How could either one of you get any more attention than normal? You have our undivided attention almost all the time.

Almost? Talon’s eyebrow rose.

"Yes. The rest of the time we’re hyper-focused on the women who are desperately trying to get your attention or touch you. I seriously think that Leah and I need to start carrying a baseball bat with us everywhere we go — especially the places where you two might feel the need to remove your shirts. You practically start a riot every single time."

We do not. Jace said indignantly. We might’ve thought he was serious except for the slight twitching around his mouth.

Leah crossed her arms over her chest. Do we need to remind you of the last time we were in Maui? The blondes in bikinis who jumped into our lounges with you as soon as Caitlin and I went to the bathroom? They were like a couple of velociraptors, just waiting in the wings, looking for their chance to strike.

I erupted into laughter. Only Leah could make a comparison like that.

Talon wrapped one finger around a strand of my hair. "Well, we never had anyone fall at our feet in the middle of the lobby and beg us to spend time with them." Talon’s eyes pulsed at the memory.

Leah exhaled quickly in surprise. I wondered how she was going to top that one.

"Oh, yeah? Well we never made anyone pee their pants in public." Her chin stuck out defiantly.

We all burst into laughter at the memory. I could still picture Jace holding the guy several inches off the ground while a dark stain spread across the front of his swim trunks. It was the first time I had seen Talon really angry, and it had scared me.

I pulled out of my daydream to find fingers snapping in my face. Hel-lo, Caitlin? Mom was trying to get my attention.

What? It was difficult for me to keep the irritation out of my voice. She knew I hated it when she did that.

We need to leave in three or four hours. You girls seriously need to take a nap.

A nap? What, are we four years old? I rolled my eyes at her.

You’re acting like it. She shot back.

You’re not the boss of me anymore. Be nice to me or I’ll portal everyone else to Maui and leave you here. I winked.

Mom sighed. Talon, I know Johr and I can trust you to make sure she gets some rest. Someone else depends on her being in good health now. She threw a pointed glance at my midsection, patted his shoulder, and returned to my father’s side.

That was a cheap shot, Mom! I called after her.

"She’s right though. You and Leah need to get some rest. I won’t have you endangering your health or that of our little spark. He grinned. Anyway, it would be really sad if we got to Maui, and you and Leah were so tired you had to head straight to bed and go to sleep. I guess Jace and I could go down the beach and surf so that we wouldn’t disturb you while you rested."

Over my dead body. Leah and I said in unison.

The minute you two do that, I swear I’m going to look for the skimpiest bikini I can find and then I’m going to strut down the beach. I challenged.

I was immediately staring into twin points of sapphire light. Perhaps that was a pretty reckless challenge to issue; all too often my mouth worked faster than my brain. But Talon just pulled me into his arms and kissed me hard before releasing me.

Jace raised an eyebrow before chuckling. "Well that will show her, huh?"

I crept into the kitchen, still exhausted even though several days had passed since our final altercation with Egan. I tried not to show anyone how tired I really felt by pushing myself to smile and act normal. There were moments like this, however, early in the morning when I could let my guard down. I reached for the coffee pot and silently thanked whoever had invented the auto-brew function. I poured a cup and cradled it in my hands, inhaling deeply. Sliding around the breakfast bar, I lowered myself onto one of the barstools and allowed my shoulders to slump as I sipped at my coffee in solitude.

Ves’tacha. Talon’s voice rose barely above a whisper, but it startled me enough to slosh coffee onto the counter. My husband had entered the room without a sound, which was a real feat for a man who stood well over six feet tall in his bare feet. As stressed as I was, my heart still raced hearing him call me his beloved – even if it was in a language I didn’t even know existed until a short while ago.

Sorry. I mumbled. I tried to be really quiet. I hope I didn’t wake you up. I grabbed a napkin from the holder and wiped at the counter.

My love, don’t apologize. Your very presence calls out to me; it’s not something you can control.

I smiled and leaned my head against his arm.

So, how long are you going to try to hide how utterly exhausted you are? I was willing to let it slide for a day or two since you’ve been through so much. However, it’s gone on for far too long. Is there something wrong? I mean other than just being tired. He stroked my hair.

I sighed. I always seemed to forget how in tune Talon was to my emotions. I should’ve known he would see through my act, even when no one else did.

"No, I feel fine other than being really tired. We’ve been hit with one crisis after another for so long — I think it’s finally caught up with me. It would be great if we could manage a real vacation."

There was way more to it than that, but I wasn’t ready to deal with those particular feelings quite yet. Talon gathered me into his arms and pressed a kiss on the top of my head.

Funny you should say that, my child. Aeval sauntered into the kitchen, her strawberry-blonde curls bouncing around her shoulders. My grandmother looked more like my mother than my grandmother.

I jumped in Talon’s arms. I hadn’t even heard her enter the room; my observation skills were slipping.

What do you have up your sleeve, Aeval? Talon chuckled.

He’s got you figured out already. Lyrr laughed and wrapped his arms around Aeval. I like him more and more every day.

The ability to sneak up on me really seemed to run in the family. My grandfather, who was every bit as large as Talon, had managed to slide into the room behind my grandmother. I hadn’t seen or heard him until his head had appeared over her shoulder. I couldn’t help but notice a change in my grandfather when she was around; it was clear that the powerful king was wrapped around the tiny woman’s fingers, and he liked it that way.

Oh, hush. She waved at him before returning her attention to Talon and me. "Once everyone is awake and had some breakfast, I have an announcement to make. We’re all about to get some much-needed rest and relaxation."

My eyebrows shot skyward. Grandmother, call me only cautiously optimistic, since every so-called vacation we’ve had has resulted in some sort of catastrophe.

Not this time, my child, I can promise you. Lyrr assured me.

Grandfather, I’m going to hold you to that. I caught his gaze and held it. I so desperately wanted to believe it.

He released my grandmother and put his hands on either side of my face before kissing my forehead. Not to worry, I think you will be pleased with what your grandmother has to say. Now, if we can just get everyone out of bed.

I shrugged one shoulder. I’m in no hurry for them to wake up— it’s so nice and quiet.

So we sat together and simply enjoyed each other’s company while we waited for the others; we didn’t have to do much talking, which was just fine with me. I was too worn out to try to make polite conversation. I suspected Jace, Talon’s brother-in-arms, would do everything he could to get Leah to sleep in, considering that my best friend was now in the very early stages of her pregnancy. I had no idea how the recent stress would affect my parents, my brother, or all my aunts and uncles. I was more than happy just to hang on to the comfortable silence I had found in the early morning hours.

Once breakfast was done and cleared away, the entire family moved outside to gather around the perimeter of the fire pit. It seemed all the important family announcements were made that way, and I briefly wondered how far back that custom dated. We all settled in to hear what my grandmother had to say, reclining around the circle with the exception of my mother, Marne; my father, Johr; Ciro, my dad’s former competition for Mom’s affection and Renetta, my mother’s best friend who stood at Aeval’s side. I glanced to my right at Leah and raised one eyebrow. My curiosity quickly overcame my reticence.

Aeval held up her arms to get everyone’s attention. Quiet down, let’s get started. You are all probably wondering why you’ve been called here.

What did Caitlin do this time? My cousin Todd quipped.

"Don’t make me get up and come over there. I promise you are going to hate it." I winked at him.

Another cousin, Scott, snickered at the verbal banter between the two of us.

Don’t you two start. Pops warned.

Sorry. Todd mumbled. I giggled. I wasn’t about to apologize since I wasn’t remotely sorry and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Anyway, Aeval continued, we have a couple of big announcements that are going to affect you all.

Affect us how? Leah surprised me by piping up. I guess she’d had enough surprises; I know I certainly had.

Well, to start, it’s going to provide everyone with a real vacation. Johr replied.

Go on; you have my full attention now. I grinned.

Talon rubbed my back with a shaky hand, and I could tell he was holding back laughter.

Aeval stepped forward. "We are happy to announce the Joining of Marne and Johr and Ciro and Renetta. We will have a double-Joining ceremony in just a few short days."

The group burst into cheers and applause, and I felt a warm tear slide down my cheek. I was so incredibly happy for the two couples, finally together after so many years. Brady jumped up from the circle and threw himself at our parents.

Woo-hoo! Finally, you’ll be around all the time. We can play Xbox any time we want!

I’m all yours, bud. Johr said, hugging him tightly. I wasn’t sure if Dad realized it, but there had never been a time when he didn’t belong to Brady. I caught my father’s gaze and touched my fingers to my lips. They deserved to be happy after so many lost years.

It’s about time. Pops, my favorite uncle, declared. So, where will this double ceremony be held?

Well, that’s where you guys come in. Mom smiled. We wanted to get your thoughts on where we should have the ceremony since we’re going to extend the stay and have a large family vacation.

I glanced quickly at Talon, and he nodded in response; he knew exactly what I was going to suggest. I stepped forward and raised one hand, facing my mother and father. I know one place that would be adequate for such a special wedding and would also provide us all with the rest and relaxation we so desperately need.

My ears are open, little one. Lyrr responded.

Leah bounced in her seat and clapped her hands together. I strongly suspected she knew exactly what I was going to say.

"I think you should let Leah and me create a portal, and the whole family should head straight for Maui. We should go back to the Grand Wailea and have the Joining there; it’s impossible not to relax while you’re there. Everyone would be able to have their own suites for privacy, but the family could stay close