Trick or Treat (Silver Spoon Connections)

11. Kat

Chapter 11

Kat

I shuffle through the closet, trying to locate my favorite pair of heels amidst the sprawling array of clothing I’ve managed to unpack over the past few days.

Moving into Tony’s mansion in Silver Spoon Falls has been an adventure in itself. Between the high ceilings, the dozens of rooms, and the winding hallways that practically beg for a rainy-day hide-and-seek session, it’s no wonder Walter, my ever-royal cat, is loving every second. He’s taken to scampering about with an impressive level of enthusiasm, his tiny paws tapping against the polished wooden floors like he’s doing an adorable jig.

The night we started moving my things in, we video-chatted my parents so they could meet Tony. My dad didn’t seem too thrilled to have me move in with someone I just met, but I’m hoping he’ll change his mind once he meets Tony in person.

We’re planning to visit them in Florida once the busiest time of year for Midnight Falls is over.

Today, it’s finally Halloween, my absolute favorite time of year, and the house is all decked out to celebrate. There are cobwebs strung up artfully in the corners and pumpkins lining the drive, their grins flickering with candlelight.

Tonight, Tony's hosting a private bash down at Scared Shotless, the bar’s decadent speakeasy. To say I'm excited is an understatement, and it’s not just because of the party. The whole place feels alive, like it’s humming in anticipation of something grand.

“What about this one?” Cassidy calls out, emerging from the mound of my clothes holding the slinky Catwoman costume I wore the night I met Tony

“Perfect.” I grin, taking it from her. “I’m so excited for tonight.”

Cassidy practically vibrates with excitement. “Me too.”

With our outfits finally sorted, we scramble to get ready, the two of us swapping accessories, giggling over spooky tales, and sipping on last-minute mimosas before the night's festivities truly begin. Walter, meanwhile, perches regally atop the bedspread, observing our human absurdities with that superior air only a cat can master.

“You nervous?” Cassidy asks, handing me a pair of sparkling bat earrings. “It’s your first Halloween after officially living with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Devilish.”

“Nah,” I reply, feeling the flutter in my stomach at the thought of Tony. “It feels right. Like we’ve known each other forever. Plus, Walter has basically claimed the place, so there’s no going back now.”

By the time we’re ready, the stars are twinkling above, and the air has turned brisk. Excitement surges within me, electrifying every nerve. The drive to Trick or Treat is filled with Cassidy’s non-stop chatter.

When we arrive, the fa?ade of Trick or Treat is even more inviting than usual, twinkling with fairy lights and wrapped in soft fog. I can hear the muffled sounds of merriment leaking from inside. Music thrums faintly, shaping the night’s character even before we step through the doors.

The doorman waves us in, and Cassidy and I stride past, stepping into the enchanted bar, ready for some Halloween fun. As soon as we reach the floor-to-ceiling bookcase that hides the stairway down to Scared Shotless, anticipation builds in my chest, spilling over like bubbles in champagne.

“I’m in heaven,” Cass mumbles as we find the speakeasy has been transformed into a Halloween oasis.

I glance around, realizing the room appears to be set up for a wedding, blending the elegance of a speakeasy with the enchanting allure of the spooky season. Intricately carved jack-o'-lanterns border a black silk-lined aisle, their warm flicker casting bewitching shadows across the walls.

“What the heck?” I mumble to myself, wondering what’s going on here.

The room is draped in deep, velvety burgundy and rich, gothic black, with cascading fabrics that give the space an intimate, cocoon-like feel. Above us, strands of twinkling fairy lights weave through faux cobweb-draped chandeliers, imbuing the room with a magical twilight ambiance. Candlelight flickers from every corner, their shadows dancing alongside the rhythm of the festive jazz that serenades and the cobblestone-themed flooring.

There are whimsical bouquets of deep red roses, midnight calla lilies, and silvery-dusted greenery entwined with strands of glittering faux spider webs spread throughout the room, adding an ornate touch to the romantic scene.

In the center of the room, there’s an altar framed by an archway of twisted branches, entwined with tiny white lights and autumn leaves, creating a faux portal. Set against this backdrop, intricate lace and black satin ribbons artfully cascade down, their ends sweeping elegantly against the floor.

The aisle running down the center of the room is surrounded by vintage mahogany chairs, their backs accented with black lace bows and small arrangements of harvest-themed décor with miniature pumpkins and ghost-white leaves.

I gasp, both shocked and delighted to see my mom and dad standing by Tony, smiling widely, looking a little out of place but radiantly happy. There’s a glimpse of Elliot and Henry, too, waving cheerfully, nudging each other like they’re sharing some colossal secret.

“Oh my.” I turn to Cassidy, wide-eyed as my heart flutters in my chest. “Is this my wedding?” I whisper in disbelief.

“I’ll let Tony explain everything to you.” She winks, nudging me toward a small gathering of my favorite people. “Don’t you dare blow this.”

“Thanks for the pep talk, coach,” I mutter as I notice Tony standing there, looking absolutely swoon-worthy in a sleek tux, his smile completely blowing my mind. My heart roars, piecing together what's about to happen. My breath catches, giddy incoherence tangling with unadulterated love as Tony reaches for my hand, pulling me against his warm, muscular body.

“What is all this?” I ask while staring up into his eyes, and it’s easy to see the emotions swirling in their dark depths.

“This is our wedding.” Tony shrugs like planning a surprise wedding is an everyday occurrence.

“But we aren’t even engaged,” I mutter the first words that come to my blown mind.

“I can remedy that.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black ornate little box. When he opens it, I gasp at the unique engagement ring resting on a bed of black velvet.

The stunning round diamond in the center is exquisitely cut in a vintage platinum setting. Tiny pavé-set diamonds flank the center stone, gradually tapering down the sides of the band.

Tony slips the ring on my finger and then brings my hand to his mouth for a kiss. “I love you more than life itself. Now that we’ve taken care of the engagement, will you marry me tonight, kitty?”

“Yes.” I throw my arms around him and pull his head down for a kiss, forgetting about everyone else in the room. He drags me against his hard body, and the kiss nearly gets out of hand.

“That’s enough of that until after the ceremony.” Elliot’s loud voice booms through the room.

“I love you so much,” I tell him as we break apart.

My dad walks over to us. “Kat,” he grins, taking a moment to adjust his glasses and inspect my ring with exaggerated scrutiny, “that’s quite the sparkler you’ve got there.”

“It is, isn’t it?” I can’t help but beam, feeling like I’m glowing from head to toe. There’s this mix of excitement and pure joy radiating from me. I lean into Tony, his arm a comforting weight around my shoulders.

My dad turns his attention to Tony, offering one of those firm, all-encompassing handshakes that seem to be passed down from one generation of our family to the next. It’s a silent mode of communication that says, “I could arm-wrestle an ox if need be.”

“Tony,” Dad starts, his voice carrying the authority of someone who’s spent years keeping two rambunctious boys and a spoiled little girl out of trouble. “I need to have a word with you.”

“Of course, Mr. Wayne,” Tony replies graciously, exuding that effortless charm that won over my stubborn brothers.

Dad looks around, the picture of nonchalance, before speaking in a calm tone that hides surprising precision. “If you ever hurt my daughter,” he says with the sternness of a judge bestowing life sentences, “I’ll help my sons break your kneecaps.”

My heart skips a beat at his faux-threatening delivery. It’s enough to make any man quake. But Tony just chuckles softly, his eyes meeting my father’s with assurance. “I understand your concern,” he states with sincerity. “But I promise you, that’s not something you ever have to worry about. I love Kat way too much to ever hurt her.”

“Good.” Dad nods, his stern fa?ade cracking into a grin. “In that case, welcome to the family. You can call me William.” He shakes Tony’s hand before giving me another kiss on the cheek.

“It’s time to get this show on the road.” Tony kisses my other cheek. “I’m ready to make you mine forever.”

“Let’s do this.” I take a deep breath to calm my suddenly frazzled nerves and follow him over to where the minister stands, dressed in all black.

The ceremony has all my fantasies wrapped up into one Halloween-themed package.

Once the evening comes to an end, I wrap my arms around Tony’s waist and lean up to kiss his lips. “I’m ready to get to the honeymoon.” I wiggle my eyebrows at him. “I seem to remember you promising to knock me up.”

“Fuck yes,” he growls against my lips and lifts me against his chest. “I’ve been dreaming about your juicy lips wrapped around my cock,” he whispers for my ears only.

I wrap my arms around his neck and lean over to place my lips against his ear. “Then knock me up so we can get to it.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice.” He rushes up the stairs with our family and friends catcalling behind us.