A Very Merry Superhero Wedding (Adventures of Lewis and Clarke) Read Free Page B

to let Tori show him around. She’d probably light up like a Christmas tree herself.
    Sometimes she was very quiet, like she was trying to burrow into herself and hide. But when something caught her attention that she felt was important or that she had a strong opinion about, this vibrant woman appeared. That’s what she was like when he met her on Halloween night. She was strong, tough, beautiful, and funny. He was smitten from the start.
    If only she didn’t have such strong feelings against superheroes. He wanted to find a way to change her mind tonight without spoiling the mood. How could he explain to her that she already knew and loved a superhero? More than one, in fact, though he couldn’t tell other peoples’ secrets.
    They drove past a couple more houses decorated with enough lights and decorations for most entire neighborhoods. “I don’t even want to think about their electric bill,” Joe said, shaking his head. “Just so you know, I’m not ever planning on doing this to our house. We’ll just drive over here every year to look.”
    Tori chuckled and patted his hand. “We’ll see.”
    The next house had a giant air-filled purple menorah in the center of the front lawn. A polar bear dressed in a sweater and knit cap played with a dreidel. Two more bears held a sign that read “Happy Hanukkah.” More menorahs shone inside the windows. A wreath shaped like the Star of David decorated the front door.
    Next came Joe’s favorite house, and the reason for all of the slow-moving traffic. A light show flashed across the lawn, the garage door, and the roof with a loud upbeat mix of holiday songs playing along. The trees flashed on and off in time to the music, and different holiday greetings lit up on the roof and garage, flashing in a lively beat.
    Tori laughed and watched the display for a couple minutes until they moved on. “I can’t imagine how much work that must be, but I love it!”
    She unfastened her seat belt and scooted into the middle of the truck’s bench seat, snuggling up next to Joe. Putting one hand on his chin, she leaned over and kissed his cheek with a loud squeaking sound.
    “You are the best, Joe Clarke. Thank you for all of this.” She cuddled into his side as he put his arm around her shoulders. “This is the best last date I can imagine.”
    Joe chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad you like it. But just because we’re getting married doesn’t mean we aren’t going to do stuff like this anymore.”
    “Good to know,” Tori said, eating the last bite of cheesecake. “If being married to you is at all like dating you, I’m going to be a very happy girl.” She licked her fork. “Fat, but happy.”
    Joe laughed and kissed her. He wanted to kiss her more, but he couldn’t while he was driving. Home. They should go home soon. While he was considering the relative merits of cutting short their night out, he noticed a furtive movement. A dark-clad figure stood in the shadows outside the house on the right. Joe braked as he’d done in front of other houses they’d admired.
    No. Not now. What would he tell Tori ? I need to run out for a minute. Will you get behind the wheel and keep following this line of cars? I’ll catch up to you as soon as I can.
    Right. And then when she pressed for an explanation ? I’ve been meaning to tell you, I’m a superhero. Kind of heir to the leadership, too. Even though you don’t believe in superheroes, you’re still going to marry me, right?
    Joe watched the punk, willing him not to do anything stupid. How did these guys think they could get away with breaking into houses with people around?
    He squeezed Tori tighter. The bigger question might be, how did he think he could continue to keep his secret from her when they were married and living in the same house? He’d promised his parents he would tell Tori before the wedding. Surely she would believe he was one of the good guys, not a poser.
    In Joe’s superhero