Dorothea stood behind Swann shyly as he hugged his old friend. Valentine was a thirty-something year old who had also left Nix's ways nearly a year ago. He and Swann had remained friends over time and planned whatever was going to happen after Nix was destroyed. Dorothea held onto Swann's side, right behind him as she dropped her eyes. Finally Swann turned and smiled before revealing her to Valentine.
"And this is my wife Dorothea."
Valentine looked suspired before Swann laughed.
"It's a long story."
On Valentine's ranch, the two men sat on the back deck drinking beer while Dorothea swam in the pool. Valentine had saved most of his money and finally invested all his accounts after he left the cult. He was a smart thinking man and had all ready joined together with Swann on their plan to make him into a magician. He was putting the money up front and explained it would be a good struggle, but he thought it was the best thing to do after everything had happened. Now they were just going to rely on Swann's magic to help them out. Swann drank the last of his beer and finished the story. Valentine looked amazed at the story and how Nix had finally fallen. Now he glanced over at Dorothea.
"Your wife?"
Swann smiled before shaking his head.
"I love her Valentine, never thought I would say it."
"But she's just a child, you don't know what your thinking…"
"She's more then that…I think there was a reason I saved her."
"Don't be a fool Philip."
"I'm not, I swear I'll take care of her and make sure nothing happens as long as I'm alive, I hope you'll respect that."
Valentine gave a very uneasy look before shaking his head. Opening the file the two began talking about their booked gig in the city.
Five months later.
"That was Philip Swann everyone, give him a big hand!"
The audience began going wild as Swann ran off stage. Dressed in leather pants and an open white shirt he laughed before going into the wings where his manager stood giving the thumbs up.
"You've just been booked in LA my good man, then New York."
Swann looked stunned.
"Are you kidding?"
"Nope, looks like your going to be getting some pretty big contacts, you all ready have three interviews in the morning!" "Your going to be the next big thing kid, just mark my words!"
Swann smiled before high fiving with Valentine who looked just as happy.
"Did you hear that?"
"You were great, few things to work out in the act but it looks real good."
Swann laughed before looking over at Dorothea who stood there clapping. Rushing over he lifted her up as she giggled and kissed her.
"Hear that babe?"
"You were amazing!"
Swann laughed holding her as tight as he could.
"Are dreams are really coming true!"
The last five months had been a lot of work. The three of them stayed at Valentine's ranch while he booked gigs and shows in Vegas. Slowly he started working at night clubs and then theaters. Tickets began selling out and word traveled fast. Dorothea came every night and watched his shows from either the wings or the front row. The look of excitement as Swann amazed the audience with his talent and tricks. These were happy times, as much as Swann worked. He never felt so happy in his entire life. And there was Dorothea, right by his side.
"I got something to give you."
"What?"
There Swan took out a beautiful crystal rock ring. Dorothea's eyes widened before she gasped.
"Philip!"
He slowly slid it on the finger.
"I thought this would do until the next couple of years till the wedding."
Dorothea's eyes filled with tears.
"It's beautiful!"
Swann held onto her and kissed before his manager walked by telling him the press wanted to talk with her. Smiling, Swann pressed his forehead against hers and laughed.