Chapter One
MAGIC
He lies awake in the dark bedroom with an almost smile on his perfect lips. Once again his bride is lying on top of him breathing softly and drooling just a little bit. She's all warm and soft. And she smells so sweet. Very gently he tightens his arms around her and closes his eyes. He listens to the sound of the murmuring sea. He listens to the sound of the whispering breeze. He thinks of the day they first met. He thinks of the fear, worry and guilt in her eyes and the chilly rain the day her moron of a skip shot him in the leg. He thinks of the night she tackled him to her living room floor. He thinks of the first night they spent together. He thinks of the night he leaned against the door and watched her sleep in his bed. He thinks of the numb calmness he always felt whenever she went missing.
She's safe now, and she's happy. Once again he tells himself and feels contented.
He always wants to keep Stephanie safe. He always understands what Stephanie thinks and how she feels. He always knows when she's near. He always knows when she's in danger and needs his help. And he always knows everything. Everything. Maybe the stories he heard as a child are true. Maybe his mother's grandfather, the tall quiet man who came from a town near the Schwarzwald, was really a wizard. Maybe he does have magic in his blood. Or maybe he's just smart and a very good observer. Ranger's smile deepens as he grasps hold of Stephanie's hand and his finger tip finds her ring.
Tomorrow they will leave this island and return to Trenton. And yes, he knows they will be happy. Ever after.