Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 102166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
“Finn lied to me,” Iris admitted.
“Smart man,” Shelly, standing beside Juna, declared with a nod.
Iris wasn’t sure what had gotten into the queen to allow all three of the Marivelle sisters to be on land at the same time, but she was over the moon to be able to spend some time with her siblings.
“I still can’t get used to seeing you guys with legs,” Iris admitted.
“I still can’t get used to having them,” Juna admitted.
“My feet hurt all the time,” Shelly said.
“That’s where fiancés come in handy,” Iris said, leaning her head into Finn’s shoulder.
As if on cue, Osiren came bounding over, his legs as enormous as the rest of his body, handing each of them their lanyard badges.
“Ugh, no thanks,” Shelly said, lip curling.
“Remind me to introduce you to my friend Selene,” Iris said, shooting her baby sister a smile as Finn slipped her badge over her head.
“Ready?” he asked, practically bouncing on his feet.
Iris watched her sisters disappear into the building. “Abso—”
“Mr. Westrock!” a voice called, making Iris fight to keep a smile on her lips. She knew a paparazzo trying to get Finn’s attention when she heard one.
“Richard,” Finn said, his professional voice and posture taking over.
Iris felt her belly tighten.
But then Finn’s arm slipped around her lower back, pulling her close.
“Right now, I’m off the clock and spending time with someone special,” he said, giving Iris a small smile. “But I’ll be happy to answer your questions at the press conference tomorrow night. Or you can send them to my office for a statement.” Richard looked disappointed, but Finn’s next words made it hard for him to press. “I really appreciate you giving us a little space.”
With that, he turned and led Iris into the building.
Her heart was a balloon in her chest, pumped up to full volume, making her feel like she was floating.
Sure, he’d already made it clear to Henry that he wouldn’t tolerate any more interference in his personal life, that there were some matters in which he didn’t want his campaign manager’s input.
But this felt different.
He’d set the boundary with an outsider.
He’d prioritized her and them.
“No way,” Finn said, stopping dead and staring up at something hanging from the high ceiling.
Iris followed his gaze, finding a two-story poster for a new action and mystery movie.
Featuring none other than Montague Featherington, wings flared, tuxedo flapping. And just beneath, the dramatic tagline: JUSTICE TAKES FLIGHT!
Iris’s smile spread until her cheeks hurt.
“He always said he was going to be a star,” she said.
“Looks like he got his wish.”
Iris leaned into Finn.
Yes, he had.
But so had she.
Epilogue
Election Night
Iris
“I heard you’re the mermaid to talk to about the best book club around,” someone said behind Iris as she grabbed a flute of champagne off the platter of a passing server.
Turning, Iris saw a tall, lithe woman with long sable hair and two small horns poking out of her forehead. Clearly some kind of shifter, though Iris had yet to figure out an appropriate way to ask someone that particular question.
“I’m Fawn. You knocked me over at yoga once.”
“Oh, oops. Yeah, I’m still getting used to walking on two legs. Doing yoga on them was probably a bad idea. I hope I didn’t do any damage.”
“Wasn’t the first time I took a tumble in class. And won’t be the last. At least I could blame you for that one. So, this book club. I heard Montague does readings at them …”
Oh, Monty.
He would be insufferably delighted to know how many rooms his name was spoken in these days.
“He does. He does voices and everything.”
“Do you have room for one more?”
They were going to have to move the book club from Selene’s store to an event venue if too many more readers got wind.
But Iris was happy to extend her circle.
Her gaze scanned the room, smiling when she saw Caprica Coraline talking to Willow near the buffet table.
Monty was fashionably late, as always. I can’t show up on time, like some common pigeon.
Both Arden and Selene were suspiciously absent. And Iris secretly hoped they were off making out behind a floral arrangement or something.
“Of course we do. We’re reading that new vampire thriller that just shot up the charts.”
“I’m so excited. I can bring a cheese board.”
“Excuse me,” Finn said, moving in at their sides. “Mind if I steal my wife away for a dance?”
“Of course!” Fawn said, beaming at Finn. “I just know you’re going to win tonight,” she said.
“Either way, we will have a great party,” Finn, ever the diplomat, said. “Have a great time.”
With that, Iris was swept into his arms and out onto the dance floor.
“I have to give it to Arden,” Iris said, glancing around the room, “he can really pull together any kind of party, can’t he? It’s beautiful.”
Not as beautiful as their wedding, all beachy and surrounded by their loved ones, but, again, she was a little partial to that event.