Kathy Love - Truth or Demon

She looked pointedly at him, and the girls giggled. Then he remembered for the first time he was wearing only a towel. Thankfully, it covered the crucial bits.

He smiled too, but then sobered, thinking, realizing he didn’t have much. He had wealth, but that didn’t seem so important now. He had stuff, but that would be no sacrifice to leave behind. Nothing was more important that her, and he’d do anything to be with her.

He shrugged, feeling helpless. “I don’t know what I have to sacrifice, but I know I would die for you.”

As soon as he said the words, darkness enveloped him again.

Poppy watched as Killian collapsed to the ground. She vaguely heard the girls’ cries and gasps, but all she could focus on was Killian.

She ran to him, falling on her knees beside him. She touched his face, his hair. His skin was cold. His skin a terrible gray color.

“No,” she cried. Liquid dripped onto his motionless face and she realized vaguely it was her own tears. She moved to cradle his head in her lap.

This wasn’t fair. She’d lost enough, not Killian too. Not him. Not when she’d just gotten him back.

Then she felt him shudder. At least, she thought she did. No, maybe it was her own body, heaving, wracked with sobs.

Then she felt him move again.

“He just moved,” one of the girls said as if to confirm her own wishful thoughts.

“I saw it too.”

Poppy cupped his cheek, turning him toward her. “Killian. Killian?”

Just when she’d thought they’d all imagined the movement, his eyes fluttered open. His beautiful golden eyes.

“Poppy,” he said, his voice raspy.

More tears spilled down her cheeks as she kissed him. He reached a hand around her head and kissed her back.

Behind them the girls cheered.

When they parted, Poppy said, “Don’t do that again.”

Killian smiled, albeit weakly. “I don’t plan to.” Then his expression grew serious. “All I’ve wanted was to get back here to you, to tell you I love you.”

She smiled, more tears filling her eyes. “I love you too.”

Cheers rose up around them along with Abba’s “I Do, I Do, I Do,” an homage to Killian’s first “fiancée.” The newly married couple turned to beam at their guests.

“So when we came here that first day,” Killian said, referring to the park, “you never guessed you’d be marrying me.”

Poppy leaned toward Killian and whispered, “No, I didn’t. But then I never guessed I’d be married to a demon either.”

“Ex-demon,” he said as he always did when she mentioned being in love with a demon. He stole another kiss, to all of their wedding guests’ approval.

Daisy appeared, hugging them both. “You look so happy.”

Poppy squeezed her sister, who looked beautiful in her red bridesmaid gown. “Thanks to you.”

Daisy’s brown eyes were a little teary, even as she grinned.

Madison and Emma, Poppy’s other bridesmaids, came forward to hug them too. Emma, of course, got emotional, but even too-cool Madison looked a little verklempt.

“Well, I can see why you were looking for this guy,” Ginger said, coming up to congratulate the new couple. “And believe me, none of my cousins are this handsome.” She winked at Killian.

Killian smiled back. “Thanks, Ginny.”

Ginger looked a little confused, but let the nickname go. Killian had that effect on women.

“Mrs. Mahoney,” Poppy greeted the older woman who was with Ginger, “I’m so glad you made the wedding. I wasn’t sure if you would. When did you get back?”

The old woman nodded. “Got back a couple days ago. Strangest thing. I swear someone was staying in my apartment.”

“Really?” Poppy glanced at Killian, who managed to look totally innocent.

The old woman nodded. “Yes, things were moved all around, and Sweetness hasn’t been acting right since I got back.”

“That cat is Satan. And I would know,” Killian muttered as soon as the old lady tottered away. “And even her dress is covered in flowers.”

“Behave.” Poppy kissed him.

“I’m not that much of an ex-demon.”

Another guest approached the couple. This was Mr. McCarthy, Poppy’s boss from the legal publishing firm.

“Frank,” she said. “I’m glad you could come.”

He smiled, hugging Poppy and then shaking Killian’s hand. “I hear we are celebrating more than a wedding today.”

Poppy grinned. “Yes. Little Red School House Press offered to buy my book. Thank you so much for mentioning me to the editor.”

Poppy had received a call yesterday from an editor who wanted to publish her first children’s book, Lily and the Demon.

“No problem. Congratulations to you. Both.”

Killian hugged Poppy to him, his pride clear for all to see.

“Married to my soul mate and a published author,” she sighed. “Life is perfect.”

“It is,” he agreed.

She couldn’t help asking, “But don’t you miss being immortal?”

He shook his head. “Not at all. Even if we only had one hour, I’d take that over an eternity without you.”

Poppy smiled at him, knowing he meant it. She also knew life was too precious to spend time guarding herself against hurt and loss. She’d done that, and had been lonely and sad.

Now she planned to live every moment. With her family by her side.