Winterfall

I sat and waited for Quinn's gentle but firm knock on the door. Ten minutes had gone by before I heard the familiar knock and her voice,

"Maria! Captain told me you wanted to chat?" At least Quinn didn't seem hungover. Perhaps she used a restoration spell as well. Hell, maybe they all did. Whatever the case, she seemed good.

"Sorry for pulling you out of your duties for a bit, but I have an awkward question." I was sure she would take me asking her to be my Maid of Honor for a wedding that was not Theo's and mine.

"If it is anything about last night…." Her face got flushed. Perhaps she saw me peek outside my door.

"It's nothing to do with last night, I swear."

She sighed in relief. "Good. I know I did a few things I shouldn't have, but I couldn't help it." I knew she was referring to sleeping with Jasper, but I wouldn't tell her. "If it is not about last night, what is it?"

"How would you like to be my Maid of Honor?"

I studied her. Her face hardened before she let herself breathe. I knew how she felt about the whole thing. I just hoped she would agree with it. And then someday, she could be my actual Maid of Honor whenever Theo and I get the chance. "I…" she stuttered, something she rarely did. I could tell she was contemplating my question. Weighing the pros and cons. "Part of me feels like I have to say no." She leaned in close to me, "Out of respect for Theo. It's nothing against you." She backed off.

Huh. This may make her change her mind. "He's going to be a part of it too."

Her face. Her reaction. I will remember it for a long time. Her mouth dropped. It dropped. "HE WHAT NOW? Has that boy lost his damn mind?"

"Quinn, keep it down."

"Sorry.. wait, NO." She walked up to me again, stared at me in the eyes, and whispered. "I know you can hear me. Have you lost your damn mind?"

Tell her I'll explain later. Tell her I want her to be a part of it. Theo knew she was talking to him at this point. And boy, was Quinn pissed.

I sighed, "He wants you to be a part of it." I whispered.

"IS that a DAMN ORDER?" She growled.

Yes. Tell her I order her to be your Maid of Honor.

If I had to keep up with this conversation much longer, it would get annoying really fast. I looked her in the eyes and told her the word she dreaded to hear: "Yes."

"For fucks sake. Fine." Quinn stepped back and just glared at me. "When is the damn wedding again?"

"First week of fall."

"Lovely. So I assume I have to wear a stupid dress?"

"Yes. See Caroline before you leave. She will work on it."

"Fine. And Maria. I don't know what you expected out of me. But this is beyond that point. Captain better have a good reason for this."

"He will explain. I swear." I told her. Damn. She was very pissed.

I thought you said she would love that.

Correction, I said she would appreciate that. I should have known she would have been bitter that it was not me. Sorry for putting you in that position. I'll make sure she knows what's up. Once she learns the truth, she'll be back to normal.

"Is there a color palette that I have to choose from for the dress?"

"Anything but black. That color, I claimed as my wedding dress. Pick a color from Winterfall's colors or Summer Crest's."

"Got it." She stormed off behind me and went to speak with Caroline.

A few moments later, I heard the door slam shut, causing me to jump. She really hates this.

She won't once she knows.

I hope so.

Is it okay that I tell her everything?

As long as she can be trusted, yes.

I'll have her return to my office as soon as she gets fitted for a dress.

Good luck. She's pissed.

She'll change her tone. You can count on that.

Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it.

I left the conversation drop. I went up to my father's…my office. Damn it, I got to stop calling it that and shut the door behind me. I relaxed in my chair as I would eavesdrop on Theo and Quinn's conversation. I wondered if he could calm her down and get on board with being my Maid of Honor.