30

Epilogue

One month later

My grandmother and I sat out in the garden with the sun warming us. "It's so nice to be back home," Gran commented with a sweet smile as she sipped her tea.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with me?" I asked, knowing how fond Gran was of her cousins Stacy and Samantha.

"I'd love to, but I've been away from work for too long."

"Maybe you could come at the end," I suggested, knowing I wasn't the only one who needed a break from Chance Harbor drama.

She nodded. "That would be nice. Let me see what I can wrangle at work."

I looked around the garden, knowing Gran had been working alongside my father to get things in shape. "The garden's looking good."

Gran followed my gaze and sighed. "I can't take all the credit. Your Dad's actually got quite the green thumb."

He was good at a lot of things, and maybe too good at dark magic. "I'm glad that you two are getting along."

Gran made a face. "We're tolerating one another, mostly for your sake."

I squeezed her hand. "Thank you. I know it's hard."

"You have no idea. Knowing what he's done..."

My thoughts flitted to Adam, who said exactly the same thing about Ethan. He was trying to co-exist with his father, even as he knew that Ethan was responsible for his mother's death. Add my mother to the mix, and you had a bitter, emotional stew.

"Trust me, I know," I said, glancing at my phone and seeing it was almost time to leave. Melissa was taking me and Sally to the airport, and she'd be here soon. She'd asked if I wanted Adam to tag along, and I'd uttered an emphatic no.

"It's still weird between us."

Melissa totally got it, and it was even weirder because she was actively dating Adam now. My predictions on them hooking up had come true, and while it was a bitter pill to swallow, I knew she made him happy. He'd tried to talk to me about it, and I'd shut him down.

"You don't have to explain, Adam."

"But I think I do, because I know this is awkward."

If he was expecting jealousy, he wouldn't get it from me. Because I knew something only one other person knew, and I was keeping my secrets close to the vest these days. "It is, but I can handle it. Stop worrying about me, and go have fun with Melissa."

That had been the night of their first date, which progressed to the prom. Everyone but me had gone, and I hadn't much cared. Sally was thick in the prom planning, and though she had begged for my help, I told her I couldn't be there. So the Circle went, and in my mind's eye, I could see them laughing and partying down. Jake had asked me, of course, but I told him to go with Faye and try not to break her heart again.

I heard a honk and knew it was my cue to leave. "My ride's here, Gran."

She hugged me hard. "Take care of yourself, Cassie. Call me when you get there."

"Of course."

I gave one final wave before grabbing my suitcase and shouldering my backpack. Sally and Melissa were leaning against the hood as they waited, and insisted on helping me with my things. My grandmother came out front and waved as we took off, and even my Dad drove up at the last second and nodded as we passed, his eyes hidden behind the shades he'd taken to wearing lately. We'd talked last night, where I'd reminded him about his promise and he assured me he'd follow through.

With that in mind, I turned back to my friends and we chatted happily all the way to Sea-Tac. Melissa hugged me before we hit Security, and her eyes promised she'd watch over things while I was gone. Out of everyone in the Circle, I trusted her the most and knew she'd keep the status quo. Not even the news that Diana was my half sister had phased her much, and she'd gone out of her way to be there in every sense of the word.

The Circle was an emotional landmine, and there wasn't a better time to make my exit. Nobody really wanted me around (except Jake and Melissa), and that was fine with me. I'm sure if I was a better person, I would have hung around to help Diana deal with her newfound powers, but I hadn't really forgiven her for tossing me aside so easily.

She was a big girl and could deal with her own messes from now on. I was moving on, and right now I didn't care about those left behind. For once, I was thinking of myself and what I needed. And that was the solace of England, and a safe place with my cousins.

Gran had reassured me that witches were common in their village, and everyone accepted them without issue. Witch hunters had never set foot there, and no one had ever threatened their peaceful existence. What's more, they were well versed in more advanced magic, and could help me learn to control my dark side. Ultimately, I could pass this on to the Circle before exiting for Oxford in another year.

Wallingford, England was everything I'd imagined it would be, and Sally and I were enchanted by the ancient architecture and bustling market center. We'd arranged to meet my cousins at a cafe for lunch, and they showed up right on time. Stacy was tall with angular features, and Sam was closer to my height with blonde hair and blue eyes. In fact, she looked so much like my mother that I did a double take when she walked up to me.

They hugged me and Sally and greeted us warmly, quickly pointing out the town's highlights before hoisting our bags into the boot of their car. We followed them down the sidewalk to a busy cafe where everyone seemed to know them, and we were seated outside. The day was warm, and I enjoyed the light breeze lifting my hair off my neck. "It's lovely here. Thanks so much for agreeing to let us visit."

Sam beamed at me. "It's our pleasure. We should have done this sooner, but Amelia never wanted to visit."

I could totally understand that. "My Gran might visit later in the summer."

Stacy smiled. "We'd love to see Jane. It's been a long time."

The last time had been the summer before the boatyard fire. Sally was taking in the sights and sounds and her green eyes were alight with curiosity. "This place is really neat. Thanks for letting me tag along."

We chatted about the usual things new acquaintances speak of, including the choice of Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss and the string of beautiful days they'd enjoyed this spring. "Watch, it will rain for the rest of the summer," Sam joked.

I laughed. "Just like Chance Harbor. No wonder I feel so much at home."

The last thing I expected to happen was meeting a cute guy, but this happened almost immediately when we got back to Berkshire Farm. His name was Finn O'Riley, and he worked for my cousins. His green eyes sparkled at me from under a waterfall of raven locks, and I almost melted at his Irish accent. "It's about time we had visitors. Stacy and Sam have been alone for far too long."

Sally nudged me as we followed him into the farmhouse. "He's totally hot."

I kicked her sneaker with my boot. "Ssh, he'll hear you."

Judging from Finn's wide smile, he'd heard every word. As I stepped into the kitchen, he said, "She's right, you know."

HIs comment was so absurd I laughed. "Full of yourself, aren't you?"

"Quite," was his only answer as he hoisted my bag to his shoulder and took the stairs two at a time. Muscles in his arms and legs rippled and I could only imagine the deep well of his chest. Feeling that liquid longing building up, I shuttered my thoughts as he showed us to our room. It was a big square, sunny room with windows on two sides and doors to an external veranda with a beautiful view of the river valley.

"Thanks," I said, opening the French doors and running my hands along the iron railing as I enjoyed the view.

Finn joined me at the railing and I once again felt that undeniable physical pull. "What is it with you?" I asked suddenly, noting the way his eyes traveled up and down my body before coming to rest on my face.

"Besides my animal magnetism? I haven't a clue," Finn said, his moss green eyes twinkling with mischief.

I smiled at his easy confidence, so different from Adam's anxiety. "You're exactly what I need right now," I said.

Sally and I fell into a routine from the moment we arrived, waking at dawn to help on the farm and after a hearty breakfast, working in the farm store with Finn and my cousins. We all got along famously, and often walked into town to catch movies at The Corn Exchange.

My first date with Finn was a week after we arrived, and we dined at The Partridge. He seemed amused that I'd never had French cuisine, but then, Finn always seemed to be laughing at something. It was one of his best qualities, in addition to his ridiculously inflated ego and constant stream of funny stories. But he was also self-deprecating, and many of his tales revolved around his personal mishaps and dustups with the local constabulary.

"So what's your story? I asked Finn, for by now he'd heard my entire life history, complete with destinies, curses, and love gone wrong.

"Oh, I've been here and there and finally hitched a ride with Sam. And I've been here ever since."

That was ten years ago from what they'd told me. "You must have been pretty young." For he didn't look a day over 20.

Finn's only answer was a smile. He reached over and snatched my wineglass, saying, "Let's not have this pinot go to waste."

It was weird being able to legally drink, but I rather liked the freedom I had here. Unlike the constraints of Chance Harbor, not only legally but with the Circle binding my every action, I was suffocating. And though my newly found sister probably felt the same, she didn't know the half of it - yet.

I let him fill my goblet and I savored the delicious wine and the equally yummy guy I had across from me. He'd kissed me once, briefly, and that tiny moment had promised further adventures that caused me to twist and turn in my sleep.

We both knew this would lead nowhere, for my time was limited, but it didn't seem to matter. With Finn, I could just be in the moment, and that was the most important thing in the world to me. So when he kissed me a second time on our third date, I made the next move and deepened it. His large hands twisted in my hair and we were both breathing hard when we came up for air. Finn ran his hands down my sides slowly, brushing the sides of my breasts and smiling when my inevitable shiver happened. Seeming to ask for permission, his fingers skimmed back and when his mouth started traveling up my neck, I let his hands wander where they wanted.

In very short order, we both had our shirts off and he was working on my bra with his teeth. "Maybe we should take this inside," I suggested, barely able to speak when he unlatched the last hook and the front of my bra came open.

"Barn or bed?" Finn lowered his head and let my bra fall away. As his lips, tongue, and hands alternated sides, my legs turned to jelly and he scooped me up easily.

He carried me to the barn and things escalated quickly from there. When we came back to terra firma, we gathered up our clothes and had a repeat performance in his bed. I stayed for the rest of the night, cradled in his strong arms and running my hands over every part of him, from his perfectly sculpted muscles to the mat of hair that ran from stem to stern.

By now, the rest of the house knew we were sleeping together, for we'd kept them up last night with our antics. Sally told me I was loud - really loud, and though she liked to tease me, I knew I had to be a bit more discreet.

But it was easier said than done when Finn constantly had his hands on me, driving me crazy throughout the day. It was Sam who finally told me what he was, and that the effect he had on me was part of his "charms". "Sex magic?" I exclaimed, my body still tingling from my last bout of hot sex in the storage shed.

"Yes. The fey are very good at it."

"Fey?" I echoed oddly.

"That's right."

I nearly jumped a mile at the sight of Finn. "Explain, please."

He twisted a lock of my hair around his finger. "I'm a leprechaun."

My mouth opened slightly, but I couldn't say I was completely surprised. "So where's your pot of gold and your pipe?"

Finn's chuckle made me smile despite myself. "Hiding with my stash of Lucky Charms."

Finn slung his arm around me and we walked outside to fetch eggs from the nearby hen house. I leaned over to get a pail when I sensed someone watching us. But when I turned around, I didn't see anyone. With a shrug, I started to follow in Finn's wake and that's when I saw him.

It was Adam, and he was taking in the entire scene with that look he used to wear whenever Jake was around. I was beyond shocked to see him, and words failed me.

He came up to within a foot of me and said, "I remember, Cassie."

It was slightly weird after that, but Adam was invited to stay for as long as he wanted. "What is that guy to you?"

I considered his question carefully. "He's my friend."

"Define friend." Now his jealousy was obvious, and unfounded.

"Friend with benefits, OK?" I sighed at the hurt expression that flashed over his features.

"You didn't waste any time."

"Neither did you," I shot back, knowing this was getting us nowhere. "Why did you come?"

Adam looked down for a moment as he composed his thoughts. Then he touched the top of my hand and curled his fingers around mine. "I came for you, Cassie."

It was both the most romantic thing he'd ever said to me and the most annoying. Because I had no intention of returning home only a month into my sojourn. "That's sweet, Adam, but I'm staying here for the summer."

"But I thought..."

"That I'd fall willingly into your arms? We both know it's not that simple. I need this time away to clear my head, and you need to respect that."

He sighed. "I do, but we need you...damnit, I need you."

My love for him hadn't diminished a whit, but I had to stay firm. "I'm glad, but that doesn't change my decision."

"Now you're just being selfish."

"Maybe I am."

With another heavy sigh, Adam said, "Is this the way it's going to be from now on?"

"I don't know. That depends."

"On what?"

"You." Adam wasn't ready to understand, and that was OK. Maybe this time apart was just what we both needed, even if he didn't see that right now.

"I'm not following," he said.

"This time away is important. I'm trying to figure out who I'm supposed to be, and what it means to lead. I can't do that if I'm constantly worried about witch hunters and Circle business."

"Don't you think we all deserve a break?"

"Of course."

"Then let me stay here with you."

Right now, Adam was a distraction I couldn't afford. "That's not possible, and your Dad needs you."

He waved his hand dismissively. "He's doing fine on his own."

That's not what Melissa was saying. "Adam, your Dad needs you too. He needs to know that you're there for him, even though he's done some terrible things."

Adam shrugged. "The same is true for your Dad. I know he misses you."

I couldn't say the same. "I talk to him nearly every day. He can handle things without me, but your Dad is more fragile. Please give him a chance."

"Only if you promise to come back soon."

This was emotional blackmail, and Adam was very good at playing me. "All right, I'll come home in early August."

"And you promise to stop seeing that Irish guy?"

"Only if you promise to let Melissa down easy."

He took a step closer. "She broke up with me right after you left."

Melissa hadn't mentioned that little tidbit. "I see."

"So did she, but we're still good friends."

I offered a tiny smile. "I'm glad. Melissa has been really supportive through all this."

"And Diana hasn't."

"Yeah, well, her whole life's been turned upside down."

"She told Grant the truth. He kind of freaked out, but he seems OK with it."

That was certainly a relief. "Good, she's had a hard time of it."

Adam took my hands and the familiar tingle zapped me so hard I nearly fell over. "So is there room for me to stay for a few days?"

"Sure, as long as you don't mind farm work."

He wrinkled his nose. "Do I have to muck out stalls?"

"Naw, just roll in pig slop. Are you game?"

Adam's laugh was unaffected and I gave in to the moment and hugged him. He held on to me so hard I felt his hands shaking. "God, I missed you so much, Cassie."

Tears trickled down my cheeks as I laid my head on his chest. His beloved heartbeat comforted me in a way I hadn't felt in months. "I missed you too. More than you know."

Adam and Finn became fast friends and ended up sharing a room. Finn had us laughing so hard some nights that Adam fell off his chair. I was so glad our little triangle had reformed properly and without mishap. And then it was time for Adam to return home, with me following in two weeks.

We hadn't resumed our former status as lovers, and I was glad Adam was taking it slow this time. Our relationship deserved the time and care it usually took to form a bond, and I found we were better friends than we'd ever been before. We talked every night, and he and Melissa both kept me up to date on what was happening at home.

My grandmother arrived during my last week, and just as I had all summer, I spent many hours learning spellcraft. I could confidently do normal white magic without hurting myself or anyone else. Stacy and Sam informed me that it wasn't dark magic I was using, and I felt better about my innate abilities. They also talked about the dark side, and drilled me on how to control it and when it was OK to use it.

My time in Wallingford came to a close, and I was sad to leave behind my newfound family and my good friend Finn. He promised to visit me around Boxing Day, and I left him behind with a bear hug. "Thanks for everything you've done."

His smile was bittersweet. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat, macushla."

The last I saw of him was a wave and a blown kiss as our taxi took off. "Well, that was fun," I said to Sally and Gran.

Sally touched my arm. "But it's time to go home."

It was more than time, and I couldn't wait to see Adam again.

Adam was waiting for us at Sea-Tac and at his first sight of me, he came running. I started moving toward him, and tripped over my shoelaces before falling straight into his arms. He caught me with a smile, and a split second later, he was kissing me in a way he never had before. There was desperation, love, and months of pent up frustration that he telegraphed to me, and I knew he could feel every bit of my pain and longing.

Then someone was coughing and Gran peered at us with a half smile. "Time to break it up and get home."

Adam helped everyone with their bags and our first stop was Regina's house. She came down the steps and hugged both me and Sally hard. "I've missed my two favorite girls. And that job at my shop is still waiting for you if you want it."

"I'll let you know. Thanks."

We left them behind and then it was back to Gran's. My father was waiting for us with a hot meal, and we all tucked into it gratefully. He withdrew to give me and Adam alone time, and I realized that my Gran had schooled him on how to treat me from now on. I was blessed to have them in my life, even if I didn't always act like it.

Adam and I curled up on the couch and watched the rest of Game of Thrones, and agreed that a drinking game was in order to account for the gore, nudity, and swears. "We'd be drunk all the time," I pronounced after finishing my non-alcoholic hot toddy.

He laughed. "That's kind of the point."

I curled my fingers around his and gave him a long look. "I love you," I said in my unhurried way.

"And I you," Adam replied in an oddly formal way that charmed me.

"I'll never let anyone get between us again."

His answer was a soft kiss on my lips that filled me with warmth. We cocooned for the rest of the night, and he snuck out early to help his Dad open, making me promise to stop by for dinner.

I watched him leave and sleep finally found me. It was hours later when my Gran announced that Melissa, Faye, and Diana were here to save me from myself. I threw on some pants, ran a comb through my hair, and brushed before clopping down the stairs. "It's about time," Melissa said with a grin. "There's a big sale at the mall, and I'm sorry, but you really need some new clothes. Those ratty jeans are not going to cut it."

Diana's smile was more guarded, but as the afternoon progressed, I could sense her coming around. By the time we left heavy laden with bags, it was almost like old times. Before we got in the car, she said, "By the way, you were right about that red dress. Grant loved it on me."

Faye snickered. "More like off her, you mean."

Diana pretended to give her an evil look before joining me in the rear seat. "I'm glad you're back. We have so much to catch up on."

They dropped me at the Boathouse and I was welcomed with a hug from Ethan and something more intimate from Adam. He led me out to the deck, where only one table was set. Candelight danced across every surface, and white lights festooned the dock. "Is all this for me?" I said in wonder.

"That and more."

Ethan served us personally and I inhaled his delectable tenderloin steak. The night air was warm and the breeze carried the scent of salt and sea roses. I leaned my head back and let the night take me for a moment, knowing I would remember this time forever. No matter where my personal road took me, I hoped it would always lead me back to Adam.

The End