I was freshly washed and beautiful. And I had done it fast. When I sauntered downstairs Michael and Quentin were out on the porch. Hayley had just arrived. “You look beautiful, new dress? Do I have to look that good?”

I said, “This? I just threw it on. And you know, life of leisure.” I giggled awkwardly because somehow now I could not get my face to work. Or my lungs. Or my words.

“Still, I should get out of my work suit, back in a jif.” Hayley bustled away.

Hayley's townhouse butted up onto a hill. You couldn't see the ocean from here, as it was lower than the beach, but it was only a block away. She had no yard, but a big, very big deck. With a table and chairs, a beer pong table, a large gas grill, a bar, and lots of railing to lean and perch on.

I sat on the railing and watched Michael and Quentin play beer pong for a few moments until Hayley returned and corralled me into helping shape the hamburger patties. While we were in the kitchen more and more people showed up, heading directly around the house, filling coolers, and joining the game.

To call me nervous was an understatement.

I was back in eighth grade, with Maisy Johnson telling me she was going to kick my ass after school, and then waiting those excruciatingly long four and a half hours. It never happened. She lost interest or whatever.

Maybe, probably, that's how this would work too. Just nothing.

That would be nice.

I was having serious doubts as to whether my conversation with Lady Mairead was even legal. Was it legal to marry someone to help them get citizenship, to establish access to their fortune? Weren't there rules?

I needed to get a grip.

I played a round of beer pong and was very good. Also getting a little buzzed. I needed food. James and Michael were flipping patties on the grill. Hayley opened bags of chips and piled napkins, forks, and plates near the grill. Dinner was about to happen, a perfect ending to a perfectly weird day. Nothing. At least I got a good dress.

The music was loud, Green Day. I was perched on the railing, beside Hayley, who was flirting with Michael, while I teased James about his incompetence as a grill chef.

And then there was the unmistakable sound of hooves coming up the street.

My stomach dropped.

No one else seemed to notice. I tried to pretend like I didn't hear. Did he actually come? Hayley's front door bell rang.

“Weird,” she said, and traipsed through the house to get the door.

I took a large swig of beer and tried to act natural.

A moment later Hayley returned, followed by Magnus.

He looked amazing, handsome, powerful, strong, his eyes swept the deck and landed on me. Hayley announced in her loud voice, “Everyone, this is Magnus, Magnus, everyone.” Most of the party said some form of, “Hi Magnus,” but he was focused on me, walking directly for me.

James intercepted him, with a hearty handshake. Then Michael had to say something. But finally he turned to me, still sitting on the railing, as if I had no idea he was there to see me. Hayley looked from his face to mine.

He asked, “Mistress Kaitlyn, might we go for a walk?”

I said, “Yes.”