L. Banks: My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding

corrupt Kate's new life. That was justice indeed."

". . . if any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace."

An expectant, almost painful hush descended over the nave of St. Bertram's-in-the-Fens. Kate and Edward, kneeling at the altar, did not move a muscle. No one spoke.

The bishop released a gusty breath and rushed through the re­mainder of the ceremony at record speed.

"With this ring I thee worship," Edward intoned, his face radiant with happiness. "With my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow."

The congregation bowed its collective head in prayer. As the final hymn reached its conclusion, Olivia took Kit's hand.

"I think very well of Edward for putting love above every other consideration," she said. "In the end, he brought his family to see things his way. And now it is done, all right and proper."

"I doubt very much," Kit said wryly, "that those two are contem­plating propriety at the moment."

"Why, Kit!" Olivia smiled, noting the twinkle in his eye. "I never knew one could have such unseemly thoughts."

"Oh, I have them often enough." He cleared his throat. "The world would be a much happier place if love could overcome every obstacle in its path."

"But it can, my dear. Who should know that better than the world's most formidable canine?" "Woof," he said with a grin. "Woof," she said, taking his hand.

SUSAN KRINARD is the author of fourteen fantasy romance novels, several novellas, and two epic fantasy novels. Susan graduated from the California College of Arts and Crafts with the intention of be­coming a science fiction cover artist, but fate led her in another direc­tion when her first manuscript was acquired by a major publisher. Born and raised in the California Bay Area, Susan now makes her home in the "Land of Enchantment," New Mexico, with her hus­band, three mixed-breed dogs, and a cat named Jefferson.