Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 68040 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68040 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
“I’m so sorry, Mom.” I turn and hug her tightly. “I’m sorry I lashed out and that I was so selfish.”
“You had to be, and I understand. But I’m so happy you’re home where you belong and that you’re happier than I’ve ever seen you. Of course, I think Xander is a wonderful man because he is exactly that. But more than that, he’s for you. You’re both better when you’re together. Trust in each other. No relationship is fifty-fifty. It’s being there for each other when one of you only has twenty percent to give, and the other makes up the remaining eighty. It’s give and take, darling. It’s about choosing love, even when it’s the hardest thing to do.”
“You’re right.” I nod in agreement. “I didn’t choose love when that’s what we both needed more than anything. I’ll remember that. Maybe I’ll put a sign that says CHOOSE LOVE on my mirror so I see it every day.”
“Not a bad idea.” Mom winks at me. “Okay, let’s get you out there to get married to that big hunk of a man.”
“Mom!”
“What? I may be getting older, but I’m not blind, honey. That man is…wow.”
I laugh and pick up my flowers, along with our handfasting cord, and take Mom’s hand in mine as we walk outside.
The decorations are all beautiful, and perfect for Samhain with fall colored flowers, pumpkins and the colors of autumn on the trees around the cottage.
Those we love the most are seated in chairs on the sand. Giles and Jonas stand next to Xander, and Breena and Lucy are already at the front, waiting for me.
And everyone is smiling.
A member of our coven plays the violin beautifully as Mom escorts me to Xander, who watches me with those beautiful black eyes of his. He’s so handsome in his suit, so tall and broad and fierce.
But I know he’s also gentle and kind and so in love with me that he gets stupid about it. I love every facet of this man. Every flaw. Every sexy inch of him.
He takes my hand in his, and I know without a doubt that I’m home.
Epilogue
Agatha Finch
One Year Later
* * *
I’m a grandmother.
My beautiful girl had a daughter this morning with her handsome husband by her side. Of course, I’ve already rocked that child in my arms as she got ready to make her grand entrance into the world.
Lucy will be a wonderful mother.
I just wish I could be with her to guide and help her. But I know that my sisters and Lucy’s cousins will do for her what I am no longer able to do.
“Oh, look at this baby,” Breena coos as she holds little Katie in her arms. Lucy and Jonas named their daughter Katrina Agatha, and I think that’s an absolutely beautiful name. “You’re so beautiful. Yes, you are.”
“Let me see,” Lorelei says as she nudges closer, smiling down at the pink face. “Oh, you’re cute. Of course, your parents are cute, so that makes sense.”
Lucy insisted on a home birth, as long as it was safe to do so, and my sisters were with her, coaching her every step of the way. Even Jonas’s good friend, Louisa, came from Hallows End to help since she has training as a midwife.
Of course, that training is three hundred years old, but some things don’t change too much, even with the passage of centuries.
Hilda looks over to where I’m standing and smiles. She and Astrid can always see me. It’s a pact we made when we were children: That no matter which of us died first, we’d always still see each other.
I’ve held up my end of that bargain.
I know it’ll be many years before my sisters join me here on the other side, and that makes me happy. I want them to enjoy their children and our grandchildren, and live to be very old women. I’ll be here with them through it all.
But…oh, how I miss them all.
Sometimes, I wonder if it’s a blessing or a curse that I can hover just on the outside, seeing their triumphs and struggles and even help them here and there. But it’s not the same as being in the mix of it all or hugging and holding them. Laughing and arguing with them.
I miss it. Especially now that our dear friends Shelly and Sandra have moved back to Salem, completing our friend circle once more. I would love to sit at our table, sip tea, and conjure up all kinds of spells with my favorite women.
Deciding this should be one of those moments when my girl can see me, I step forward and watch as Lucy’s eyes find mine. She smiles.
“You’re here.”
“Of course, I am. This is my first grandchild.” I reach out and drag my finger down Katie’s smooth cheek. “She’s perfect in every way. And she will bless your life for many, many years. She will be a powerful witch, having inherited both of her parents’ gifts.”