Marigold danced excitedly, waiting for Jaime’s reply. When it did come, she listened very intently. “I don’t mind, you’re beautiful when you’re happy. Tell me something, Mari. What can I do as your soulmate to make you happier?” At yet another use of her nickname, Mari grinned. All the compliments were quite nice, too. She thought about Jaime’s last words. “Well, let’s see. I know soulmates typically make each other happy, and so far we seem to be doing that.” She paused. “I . . . I would really like children, but we definitely don’t know each other well enough yet for that, so maybe put that off? I would be absolutely jazzed to get to know you.” She attempted to meet his eyes. “Maybe tell each other about ourselves? So far all we really do know is that you’re Jaime, and I’m Marigold. And you’re a Felis.” She cleared her throat. “If you were wondering, by the way, I’m an ice Elemental.” She smiled softly. Marigold’s heart was beating madly, in tune to her excited breathing. She was attempting to tone it down. That was only working a little bit; if her heart was thumping like a rabbit’s she must really be pumped. This man in front of her, with his lion’s mane and his impeccable manners and kind disposition, was making her go crazy.

“All you ever did was wreck me-yeah you, you wreck me . . .”