**Spell Master**

Logan carried Dani up to their chamber and tucked her into bed.  He was worried that she was dangerously low on energy.  They were centuries away from the discovery of electricity, and he didn't know if there would be a decent medieval substitute.  He brushed a wayward curl from her forehead and sighed.  He needed to find Merlin.  He heard people in the hall, and caught Jesse's scent.  Before anyone had a chance to knock, Logan invited them in.

"Come on in, Jesse," Logan said.

"I'll never get used to that," Jesse said as he strode in with Arthur and Merlin.

"How is she?" Arthur asked.

"She's sleeping, but I need to get her home.  She's not like most people, Merlin, she needs care that you can't give," Logan tried to explain.

"You're not like most people either, Sir Logan," Arthur said as he pointed at his hands.  "Or perhaps everyone in Canada has blades in their hands?"

"No, just me," Logan said.  "Most people don't like me much after they see them."  Logan watched the King to see what he had to say about that.

"I'll wager most people have not seen your valor in a just battle," Arthur said.  "Nor have they seen how gentle you are with yonder sleeping lady."

Logan didn't expect that.  He'd expected to be called a freak and burned at the stake or something.  Arthur was much more open minded than he'd have thought. 

"You think she's low on energy?" Jesse asked.

"She's sleeping like the dead, Jesse.  What do you think?" Logan said in frustration.  Dani's mutation was high maintenance. 

"Explain this energy," Merlin said.

"It's like the lightening in a rain storm," Jesse said.  "She needs it to live."

Logan frowned at the bluntness of that statement.  It put the situation into frightening perspective.  He didn't like it.

"We saved the day, now send us home," Logan said.

"You did not kill the sorceress, and now there are three of you," Merlin said.  "I will have to prepare a different spell to get you home."

Logan growled.  That was not the answer he wanted to hear.  "Listen here, wizard, you kidnapped us from our home.  The longer my wife is away from our home, the weaker she becomes.  She could die.  You will make this right, and you will do it now."  Logan spoke slowly and deliberately, leaving no room for misunderstanding.  It was a definite ultimatum.

"Merlin," Arthur said.  "I was under the impression that your champions were here of their own accord."

Merlin feigned an innocent expression.  "He found his wife, did he not?  He should be thankful."

Logan growled and took a step forward, but Jesse laid a hand on his shoulder and spoke up.  "How long will your new spell take?"

"At least a few hours," Merlin said.  "Manipulating time is not to be rushed."

"What do you require?" Arthur asked.  "We must return our heroes safely to their home, it is the least we can do in repayment of their aid."

"I require only quiet solitude in the tower.  I must study on this," Merlin said.

"Then I suggest you get thee hence, good spell master," Arthur said with a smile.  "The sooner begun the sooner done."

Merlin smiled warmly at his King.  He gave a respectful bow and headed for the door.  "Whatever you say Wart," he said with a chuckle as he headed out the door.

When he'd left, Logan turned to Arthur and asked, "Wart?"

Arthur sighed, "An old nickname I had as a child.  Whenever I start ordering him around, he likes to remind me I was not always a king.  He thinks it his duty to keep me humble."

Logan and Jesse chuckled.  Arthur was a rather likable man, and was obviously a caring king.  It was no wonder he was so well remembered.

"We all carry names we would like to forget," Logan said laughing.  "But I have to admit, 'Wart' is a rather unflattering nickname."

"Yes, well, the folly of youth," Arthur said dryly.  "I will leave you and your lady to your rest.  I must see to the removal of the slain trolls that are currently defiling my dining hall."  Arthur gave a gracious nod to Logan and Jesse and left.

"Well," Jesse said thoughtfully. "I learned something new today."

"Yeah," Logan commented.  "If you're going to be named after a blemish, I suppose a wart is better than a zit."

Jesse chuckled.  "Nice," he said sarcastically, "very charming."

*****

Merlin was pouring over ancient texts containing some of the most powerful spells in existence.  He read through some of the limitations for time spells.  He didn't like changing his plans.  It requires too much work.  He stroked his long grey beard thoughtfully.  The pool of time would be a simpler and safer way, but he would have to get there first.  It wasn't that far of a journey, but it was in the enchanted wood, full of mischievous spirits.  He sighed at the thought of his last encounter there with an ill-mannered dragon.  He would have to convince Sir Logan that it was a necessary journey.  His own spell for sending them home would be an untested one, and mistakes in time travel could be unfixable, and often fatal. 

Merlin closed the large volume and gathered up some of his notes.  Logan's wife would not make the journey in her current state.  Her magic was nearly spent, and she was too weak.  He would have to heal her first, and that would take some considerable spell casting.  He gathered his quill and inkwell and a fresh piece of parchment…

Lady Sorceress, gentle flower,

Assailed by Morgan's Fairy power

Now lying broken in her tower

Could perish yet this very hour,

But I in haste do cast a spell

To sustain the magic lady well

Her enchanted heart to swell

And thus prevent a morbid knell.

Merlin penned the words quickly, and then went to his mirror.  He delved deeply into his memory for the appropriate herbs and incense.  It wasn't everyday he went around healing enchanted beings, and he wanted to do right by Sir Logan's lady.  He sorted through his jars for the right combination and set to work with his mortar and pestle.  When he was satisfied, he retrieved his silver basin, and set it in front of the mirror. 

Merlin casually waved his hand and the mirror revealed a view of Lady Danielle peacefully sleeping, with Sir Logan keeping watch.  With no one around, Sir Logan's usually unpleasant demeanor was gone.  He was simply a man desperately concerned for his ailing wife.  Merlin smiled.  She would be fine in a few moments.

Merlin poured a little water in the basin and then the crushed herbs.  He started reciting his spell and produced a ball of violet flames in his hand.  The flames burned brighter in his hand with each line spoke until he concluded.  At the last line, he threw the ball of flames into the basin, and there was a great flash of white light…

*****

She looked so small and helpless lying there.  Logan forgot how hard it was those first few weeks Dani was at the institute.  Her powers had been so different; it took time to understand why she was so weak.  Once they figured out how to recharge her battery, there had been no stopping her.  Logan smiled when he remembered just how powerful Dani had become after that.  She was his sweet little Supernova. He'd missed her so much. 

For years after she'd disappeared he thought the ache in his chest would never go away.  She had so filled the empty places in his heart that years of anger and loneliness had created, that her loss had been devastating.  Only their daughter had been able to keep him at the institute.  He had stayed for her.  Then he stayed for her family, and his first granddaughter.  Every generation had kept him grounded and gave him purpose.  He was their guardian, never very far away.  He had kept his promise to Dani about that.  But in his mind it was never enough.  He had broken his promise to protect his wife.  In a thousand lifetimes he could not forgive himself for that.

Logan sighed and bent down to kiss his wife's forehead.  He got up and walked to the fireplace and popped a claw out, *snikt!* to stoke the fire.  He stood back up and turned to face his wife just in time to see a huge bolt of purple lightening crash through the open window and strike his wife.  Instantly, the rest of his claws burst through his knuckles…*snikt!* There was something fishy about that lightening.  It didn't hit and then disappear, it lingered.  Dani was glowing bright white and seemed to be absorbing the energy.

Jesse burst through the door and stared gaping at the purple energy pouring into the room.  "I heard a loud crash, and…what the hell?"

Logan's body relaxed and he sheathed his claws.  He shook his head and muttered, "Damned Wizard!"

After a few moments, Dani woke up, and the energy disappeared.  "What happened?"

"You were out for the count, baby," Logan said.  "I think old Merlin fixed ya."

Dani sat up.  She'd stopped glowing everywhere but her eyes.  Jesse could never get used to that.  It made her look like something out of a horror movie.  He glanced at Logan and then back at Dani.  They were giving each other that bedroom look, so Jesse decided to make himself scarce. 

"Uh …goodnight," Jesse said and made a hasty retreat.

Logan just stared at his wife.  He'd dreamed of her so often and now she was really here.  It was so perfect; he was just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"Aren't you coming to bed?" Dani asked.

Logan closed his eyes at the sound of that question and the promise of pleasure twinkling in her eyes.  "It's been so long," Logan said.

"All the more reason to hurry up and get over here," Dani said with a giggle.

Logan growled and stalked over to the bed.  "You're brave to tempt a man who has two hundred and fifty years worth of fantasies floating around in his head."

"Hmmm," Dani said thoughtfully.  "You'll have to show me."

Logan growled again and jumped onto the bed next to her.  He pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately.  "You are going to be spending a lot of time in bed then," he said huskily, "Because I intend to show you every single one."

Dani was still breathless from that kiss.  She looked into his hazel eyes now burning with passion.  She smiled coyly and said, "I was hoping you would feel that way."

*****

Merlin smiled to himself as he waved his hand in front of the mirror again.  He didn't need to see any more to know that his spell had worked.  The Lady would be fine if her husband didn't wear her out again, Merlin thought with a chuckle.  A Sorceress and War God… what an interesting alliance.

*****

It was still early when Logan woke.  Dani was curled up in a tight fetal position, and he was wrapped protectively around her.  He took a deep breath, drinking in the wonderful scent of her.  He nuzzled her neck and she turned her head to glance back at him.  He kissed her cheek.

"Mornin Darlin," he said.

"Good morning," Dani said.  "I'm starving, when do they serve breakfast?"

Logan chuckled and hugged her closer.  "Pretty much all morning," Logan said.

"So, we have a few minutes?" Dani asked suggestively.

Logan smiled and nuzzled her again as he growled softly.  "We got lots of time…"

*****

When Dani and Logan entered the hall for breakfast, it was nearly midmorning.  Jesse tried not to laugh when he saw them.  They still looked a little flushed.

"About time you got to breakfast," Jesse said.  "Dani, have you met Sir Gaheris and Sir Lavaine?"

"We have not yet had the pleasure," Sir Lavaine said as he stood and bowed.  "Are you feeling better my lady?"

"Yes thank you," Dani said.

After everyone was seated again, Logan noticed that both men kept glancing at his hands.  He rolled his eyes and decided to get this over with.  "Go ahead and ask," Logan said.

"The blades," Sir Gaheris said delicately.  "They are…magic?"

"No," Logan said.  "They are just blades."

"Then, how do you…?" Sir Lavaine asked as he stared at his knuckles.

"They are in my arm until I need them," Logan tied to explain in the simplest possible terms.

Dani just shook her head.  "Just show them, Logan," she said.

Logan sighed and *snikt!* popped the claws out of his right hand.  The two knights were quickly joined by several others who came over to see Sir Logan's weapons.  Sir Lancelot looked at them and gave Logan a hurt look.

"No wonder your fists felt like iron," Lancelot said.

Logan chuckled.  "You asked for it," he said.

Lancelot just smiled.  "Yes, I did, fool that I was."

The knights all laughed at that. 

Gawain spoke up with a question.  "You were born this way?"

Dani could see that Logan had enough of this line of questioning and intervened.  "Sir Logan is a one of a kind knight," she said and laid a hand on his gently to remind him to put his claws away.  "Now, if you would excuse him, gentlemen, his claws are a personal matter."

"Yes, of course," Sir Gawain said. "Forgive my rudeness, Sir Logan."

"Forget it," Logan said as he sheathed his claws. 

While the knights returned to their seats, Merlin walked up to the table with a stricken expression.  Logan took one look at the old man and sighed. 

"Don't look now, but here comes bad news," Logan said.

*****

Patience.  When had that word become a part of his vocabulary?  He should have ripped the old guy's head off when he said, 'We need to go to the pool of time to get you home…'  That was just what he needed, another delay.  Logan scowled at the scenery.  There were beautiful trees and flowers, and all the necessary cliché terrain necessary to make it the perfect setting for some fairy tale.  But this was no damned fairy tale.

Logan glanced over at Dani, and she was enjoying the quiet ride in the forest.  Jesse was busy chatting with Merlin, and Lancelot and Arthur were having some sort of political debate.  Logan tried to relax and enjoy himself, but he just knew something was going to go wrong.  Logan wasn't superstitious or pessimistic, but this trip had been one thing after another.  The only good thing was finding Dani.  Apart from that, it was a blur of crazy magic nonsense. 

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Dani asked him.

Why do women always ask that?  Can't a guy keep some things to himself?  Overwhelming annoyance at his situation was not something he needed to discuss with her.  He just needed it to be fixed.  The inexplicable desire to dismember a certain wizard would not be a polite subject either.  He quickly fabricated an acceptable topic and answered her query.

"Just wondering how you'll like 2258," Logan said.

"What do you do there now?" Dani asked.

"Would you believe I moved back into the mansion?" Logan asked with a chuckle.

"The Museum?" Dani exclaimed with a smile.  "Don't tell me you're a tour guide!"

"Not hardly! Jesse and his family live there," Logan began.  "I guess you turned me into a die hard family man."

"I wish I had been there," Dani said sadly.

"Oh, Dani, you were there.  I could see a little of you in every one of those kids," Logan said seriously.  "It made it easier on me to look after them.  It was like I was looking after you."

"You're the most amazing man in the world," Dani said.  "How'd a little lab experiment like me wind up with a guy like you?"

"I was a lab rat, too you know," Logan said.

"Not quite the same thing," Dani reminded.

"Doesn't matter," Logan said.  "I am the lucky one.  Not many people have a second chance for happiness."

"I love you, Logan," Dani said shakily through the lump in her throat.

Logan reached over and took her hand.  "Nothing, Baby, not even death," Logan said. 

He had no idea how prophetic those wedding vows had been.  When he spoke those vows, he had wanted to be romantic, but the words had been so true.  He never married again.  He never felt for anyone what he had felt for Dani.  He'd gone on a handful of dates, out of loneliness more than anything else, but he'd always gone away feeling guilty for being with someone else. 

In the end, he realized he'd been right, not even her death had taken his heart from her.  Looking back, he wouldn't have had it any other way.  She had given him so much in those few short years.  She loved him completely and unconditionally.  From the first moment, she had tamed the wild beast inside of him by simply accepting that it was there and loving him anyway.  He would never get over that.  Dani was beyond amazing and she was right, their love was timeless.

"So what makes this forest enchanted?" Jesse asked Merlin.

"There are all sorts of magical beings that call this wood their home, Water Wizard," Merlin said.

"Like fairies?" Jesse asked.

"And Dragons and sprites and goblins and trolls…" Arthur jumped into the conversation.

"Sir Jesse should go down to the lair and get a look at old Red," Lancelot said.

"Nay, Sir Lancelot," Merlin said.  "Sir Jesse has seen a dragon already since he has been here, and he wants to get home to his wife."

"And daughter," Jesse added with a wistful smile.

"You have a daughter?" Arthur asked in surprise.

"She's three, all blonde curls and big blue eyes," Jesse said proudly.

Dani glanced over at Logan and asked quietly, "What's her name?"

Logan blushed slightly, "Dani."

Dani blushed at that.  "Whose idea was that?"

"Nikki's," Logan said.  "She's a great mom, that Nikki.  You'll like her."

"Is she a…" Dani started to ask.

"Yeah," Logan chuckled.  "We've got another elemental mutant in the family.  She can alter any element, changes the molecular structure.  I still find it disturbing to watch."

Dani sighed, "I love our family."

Logan looked at her dreamy expression and smiled.  That family she loved was all her, one way or another.  He loved them too.

The company came into a clearing and there was a glen with a meadow and a pond.  It was boxed in by exceptionally tall trees on one side and a rocky cliff on the other side.  If you did not know it was here, you would ride right by and never see it.  Logan looked at the little pond and immediately wondered if there were any Koi in it.  It just looked like it belonged in someone's backyard.

"Let me guess," Logan said sarcastically.  "The puddle of time?"

Jesse stifled his laugh, but Arthur and Lancelot started roaring with laughter.

Merlin turned and gave them all an indignant look.  "You swing the swords around, and I'll handle the magic," he said smugly.

"So where's all the mortal dangers you were so worried about?" Logan asked Merlin.

"The mortal dangers are in there," Merlin said pointing to the entrance to a cave that no one had noticed until he showed them.

"What's in there?" Dani asked nervously.

"The guardian of the pool," Merlin said.  "He may not be inclined to allow me to use the pool today.  He can be…moody."

"Are you sure the guardian is a guy?  Sounds more like a woman," Jesse said with a grin.

"Jesse, you are treading on thin ice," Dani said with a hint of annoyance.

"That's okay, I am a Water Wizard after all," Jesse retorted.

Everyone laughed at that except Dani, who was feeling outnumbered.  "All right, weren't you going to send us home?"

Merlin wiped a tear from the corner of his eye as he tried to regain his composure.  "Yes, my Lady," Merlin said.  "Let us hope the guardian is asleep."  He dismounted and stood facing the pool.  "We are about to find out."

Logan jumped off his horse and helped Dani down from hers.  Lancelot led the horses to a tree and tied them up while everyone else walked over to join Merlin by the water.  Merlin frowned.

"Would you kindly give a wizard a little room?" he said impatiently.

Arthur cocked a brow at his old friend.  He wasn't usually so short tempered.  Arthur glanced back at the entrance to the cave and wondered what the guardian was like if it made Merlin so nervous.

Merlin stretched his arms out wide and started speaking some sort of spell.  The water started glowing and bubbling.  Dani's eyes were huge.  She was remembering the pool now.  Morgan had brought her here using the pool.  She quickly looked back at the cave.  She remembered seeing the guardian when she arrived.  Her body shivered uncontrollably at the memory.  She did not want to see it again.

Logan felt her shudder.  "What's wrong?" he asked quietly.

"I remember seeing the guardian," she said.  "He was not friendly."

"Just what is the guardian?" Logan asked her with a curious expression.

Dani didn't have to answer; the guardian came out of the forest.  He had the head, wings and talons of an eagle, the body and hind quarters of a lion.  He was carrying a freshly killed deer in his beak.  The ten foot tall griffin glared down at Merlin and growled.  He looked at the strangers standing around his watering hole and tossed his lunch aside.

"Merlin!" the guardian said angrily.  "You are not welcome here."

Merlin cringed.  The guardian was hungry; he would be difficult to deal with.  "Deckion, forgive this intrusion," Merlin said politely.  "I had hoped this errand would not disturb you.  These three have been brought here from another time.  The pool is the only way to return them."

Deckion looked them over smugly.  Then he saw Dani.  "The woman belongs to Morgan," he said as he pointed at her with a massive talon.  "You are a trespasser and a thief, wizard."

"I belong to no one but myself," Dani said angrily.  "Morgan kidnapped me from my home.  I only wish to return."

Deckion moved closer to the group, and Logan put a protective arm around Dani.  "That one seems to think you are his," Deckion said as he glared at Logan.

"He is my husband," Dani said.

Deckion growled in annoyance.  He didn't like people in his meadow.  "And that one?" Deckion asked as he pointed at Jesse.

"I'm part of the family," Jesse said simply.

Deckion sniffed him, and decided he wasn't lying.  "You may pass," he said finally.  "Be quick, wizard."

Merlin let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding and continued his spell.  He closed his eyes and concentrated on the place and time he had brought them from.  The pool started glowing again, and bubbling.  His words rose in volume as he stretched his hands out wide again.  Soon, very soon…

*****

Arthur was used to Merlin's power, but he was still amazed by the things he saw.  Merlin was satisfied with his spell and glanced over at the three travelers. 

"Go swimming," Merlin said to them.  "Quickly, and when you get to the middle, dive."

Logan frowned.  Adamantium skeletons and swimming doesn't mix.  He looked at Jesse who understood his concern.  Jesse gave him a nod.  He knew he could use his power to help compensate for Logan's lack of buoyancy.  The three swam out into the pond and glanced back at Merlin when they were in the center of the glowing bubbly center of the pool.

"Fare thee well, my friends," Arthur said.

"Hurry," Merlin said.

Logan grabbed Dani's hand.  "Come on, let's go home," he said. And the trio dove under the water…

*****

Jesse woke up in his bed with little Dani shaking him.  "Daddy!" she said in excitement.  "Unca Logan is going to take me fishing!  You have to come with us!"

Jesse shot right up and looked around the room.  He covered his face with his hands.  A dream?  No way!  That had all been too real.  Oh, dear God, and Danielle and Logan.  Oh, he hoped it wasn't just a dream.  He wanted to see them happy again.  He looked down at the curly haired angel and picked her up.  He wrapped his arms around her and sighed contentedly.

"I love you, Dani," he said to her.

"I love you too, Daddy," she said.  "Now get up!"  Jesse released her and she ran from the room.

Jesse chuckled.  Wow.  Deja vous!

*****

Logan woke with a start.  He heard the tiny feet running down the hall toward his room and smiled.  A bright eyed three year old burst through his door and shrieked in excitement when she saw he was awake.

"Unca Logan!" she said with excitement.  "Get up!  We have to go down to the lake!  You promised!"

Logan sat up cautiously and mulled this over in his head.  He had just had the most vivid dream ever, and here he was having this horrible deja vous experience.  He didn't feel right.  He looked at the little angel that was waiting expectantly for him to get up and just smiled at her.

"Hey, kid.  Why don't you go get your dad?" he said.

"Okay, he's already up," she said, hinting that Unca Logan should hurry up.

There was a knock at the door and Logan looked up to see Jesse standing there looking very confused.  "Um, Logan?" he said.

"You have any weird dreams?" Logan asked.

Jesse's eyes got big.  "How'd you know?"

"Been there, done that," Logan said.  "Tell me about your dream."

"Well, I remember going fishing, and then we were in Camelot," Jesse said.  "And no, I am not crazy."

"Tell me, kid," Logan said.  "Do you remember anything else?"  Logan was afraid it was just a dream, but if Jesse remembered it, then maybe there was hope.

"Dani was there," Jesse said quietly.

"Kid that was no dream!" Logan said quickly.  He sent little Dani out of the room and then got out of bed.  "If we're here, then where is Dani?"

"I don't know?" Jesse said in confusion.  "Maybe she was here, and got up."

"No kid," Logan said.  "I can't smell her."

"Oh, right."

Logan frowned and grabbed a shirt and headed out the door with Jesse on his heels.  When they got to the kitchen, it was just like before.

"Did she wake you up?" Nikki asked them as they came into the kitchen.

"We were up," Logan said as he poured a cup of coffee.

Jesse went to the pantry for the fishing gear.  He sighed and looked at Logan who was obviously upset.  "You don't have to go if you don't want to."

"No," Logan said.  "Unca Logan keeps his promises."

*****

Jett looked at his son and the old man and didn't know what to say.  They were both brooding about something.  They hadn't acted normal all morning.

"All right, what's up with you two?" Jett demanded when he decided he couldn't take it anymore.

"Nothing, Pop," Jesse said.

Logan just grunted and bit down a little harder on the cigar he was smoking.

There was a long awkward silence between the three men, but little Dani was humming away happily.  She was just ecstatic to have the three most important men in her life out here fishing with her.

The silence was suddenly pierced by a shriek.  "I got one!" Dani exclaimed.

Jett dropped his line and went to help his granddaughter with hers.  It was heavy, and he wasn't sure her little snoopy fishing pole could handle it.

"Jesse, it's really big," Jett said.  "How about a hand here."

Jesse manipulated the water to force the fish to the surface, but gasped when he saw it.  It was no fish, it was a person.

Jett was shocked.  "It's…oh, my god!" he ran into the water and reached for the body. 

Logan was paralyzed.  He recognized the lavender pajamas and his chest suddenly clenched tightly around his lungs making it hard to breathe.  He closed his eyes, and could almost smell the fire and debris of that sentinel as he relived those horrifying moments so long ago.  He prayed.

Jett carried her up to the bank and laid her down.  Jesse recognized her immediately.  It was Dani, and she was blue.

"Logan," Jesse barely croaked out.

Logan was at her side in flash, and he put his hand on her neck searching for any signs of life.  He felt a very faint pulse.  He immediately started CPR and prayed.  Dani started coughing, and Logan rolled her to her side to help her clear her lungs.  Her body temperature was dangerously low, and she was weak, but she was alive.

"Dani?" Logan said desperately.

"Logan?" came the weak reply.

"What do you remember?" Logan asked.

"That damned wizard must've screwed up," Dani said softly.  "I think I just got blown up by a sentinel."

Logan laughed and pulled her into his arms.  "Oh, Dani, I thought I'd lost you again."

"No, Logan," Dani said.  "I was just drowning in the pool of time."

Jett looked at the three of them, obviously all on the same page here, and he felt lost.  "Does somebody want to bring me up to speed here?"

Logan hoisted his wife up and headed back to the mansion.  "You can fill him in, kid.  I gotta take care of Dani," Logan said.

Jett looked at his son with a cocked eyebrow and crossed arms.  "Let's hear it," Jett said in a very authoritative fatherly voice.

"Pop, have you ever seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail?" Jesse asked humorously.

*****

Logan had her all bundled up and lying in bed.  Nikki had given her a set of sweats, and Logan put two pairs of his socks on her feet.  She was still shivering, but he could tell she was improving.  He was lying next to her with his arm around her and he was gently stroking her cheek with his finger.  He'd missed just being with her.

Nikki brought in a cup of hot tea.  She couldn't believe it.  Her husband's family matriarch was here.  She was only about two hundred and seventy odd years old!

"Here Dani," Nikki said as she handed her the mug.

"Thank you Nikki," Dani said.

"Yeah, thanks kid," Logan said.  "Now amscray!"

Nikki chuckled.  "Later Unca," Nikki said as she headed out of the door.

"You were right, Logan," Dani said.  "I like her."

Logan sighed.  "What happened?"

"I don't know," Dani said.  "Maybe because I wasn't from here, he couldn't sent me back here."

"Hard to say, but you weren't under water all that time.  You're here now, so something must have gone right," Logan said.

"Who cares how or why, I'm just glad I'm home."

"Yeah, Darlin," Logan said.  "Me too.  And from now on, you aren't going anywhere without me."

"You're the Boss," Dani said.

"Damned straight," Logan said, and then kissed her.  She was home, in his arms, and he would make sure she stayed there.  Life didn't get any better than this.