August 18th-

Today, Sam and I called my mother to tell her that I was now a married woman. We had driven down to city hall and made things official according to human laws. We talked about having a big wedding and inviting my million and one relatives, but I decided against it. I didn’t want to have to explain a million times why I was marrying this man only after a few months, nor did I want to explain the healing scar on my neck.

“Ready?” Sam asked, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” The phone started to buzz and then a close-up shot of my mother’s nostrils filled the screen. “Ma!” I say, “Ma, you’ve got the phone too close. Back it up.”

“Katie? Can you hear me?” she said.

“Yes, I can hear you. We’re on a video call. The phone doesn’t have to be so close.”

My mother fainted when I told her the news. After a few nudges from my father, she snapped awake and started peppering us with questions about why we got married so soon. I was grateful that Sam was able to handle my mother’s questions with ease. Despite her protests, I know that my mother is happy that I finally have someone in my life. After twenty-eight years of singledom, I think my mother was certain I’d die alone spinster with my thirty-seven cats. She was close, though. I’d at least be dying with a handsome man by my side and three-hundred or so wolf creatures.

“That was quite the call,” said Sam, tossing my phone onto the nightstand. He flopped down on the king-sized bed and pulled me to his chest. “I can see where you get your spunk from.”

I laughed, well snorted. “Thanks! I love you too.” Sam’s eyes widened like I had accidentally said He-Who-Should-Not-Be-Name’s real name.

“You love me?” he asked in disbelief.

I nodded. My cheeks were hot. I did love the goof. Despite the rocky start to our unconventional relationship, I fell in love. He made me feel seen, for what felt like the first time in my life. “Yeah, I do. I love you.”

“I love you.” Sam kissed me and it was magical. You can imagine what we did for the rest of the afternoon, so I’m not going to bore you with all the details.