Cinder and Kai were waiting outside the kitchen to apologize. They were being nosy, partly because they wanted to make sure their friends were happy, but also because they were living vicariously through them.
Cress and Thorne graciously understood, but the conversations of that day led to some serious discussions later.
"Are you sure? This is going to be a big responsibility. Do you think we can handle it?"
"Yes, I'm sure! I'm ready. I am so ready. I know it's soon, but I think it is the right choice."
"Then it's agreed. We get married on the final day of the festival next week." Kai and Cinder sat in Cinder's reading room discussing their future together. They had moved the wedding up by four months, but they just couldn't wait any longer.
Torin stood behind Kai's chair, checking the schedule of the festival. "There is an opening Friday afternoon that would allow everyone who wanted to be there to join you and not miss any festivities.
Cinder leaned in to kiss Kai. "That sounds wonderful."
"Perfect," Kai whispered back. Whether he was talking about the wedding date or his soon-to-be bride, I'll let you decide.