Page 96 of Magic Touch
Sara Beth hands a silver goblet to Prudence, who waves a hand over the cup. "Wine to bring you joy and abundance." She hands it to me.
I take a sip of the rich wine before handing it to William.
His eyes have not left mine. It feels as if he sees my soul and loves what he sees. He sips the wine then passes it to Henry, who drinks and passes the goblet on for all to drink of our happiness.
Minerva places a broom on the floor in front of us. We're both wearing the silliest grins as William takes my other hand and we jump over the broom.
The wedding guests cheer, and we're surrounded by well-wishers who hug and kiss us.
With the end of the magic that tied it, the ribbon slips away, but William snatches it before it can tumble underfoot. Gaze still fixed on mine, he presses his lips to the satin and tucks it into his coat pocket.
It's such a small gesture, but tears prick my eyes.
Wilma takes my hand and pulls me into a hug before a pianoforte is rolled in and Sylvia begins playing a lively tune.
Townsfolk wander in, and everyone dances.
Laughing and twirling around the room, I catch a movement at the edge of my vision. At the back of the room, Trina is curled up on the stairs peering through the spindles like a lost child.
It takes some maneuvering, but I extricate myself from the dancing and go to the steps. "You're welcome to join the party, Trina."
She's clean and fresh-faced in a simple cream dress. Her hair is tucked under a sweet bonnet, but she won't meet my gaze. "You cannot wish me at your celebration, Miss Esme. After all I did, you must hate me."
I hate the catch in her voice. "Neither I, nor Sir William hate you. We'd not have helped you if that were so. He risked quite a lot to pull you from that dark place. Do you think he would have done so for someone he didn't care about?"
Lifting her chin, she cocks her head and finally looks me in the eye. "I think your husband is too good and would risk his life for most people. That's why he was a war hero and that's why he saved this coven from Orin. Where others fear, he jumps in and stands firm. You are very lucky to have won his heart."
I love the sound of "your husband," and I can't disagree with anything she said. William is the bravest person I've ever known. I reach out toward her. "Come and join the dancing."
She shakes her head. "After how I behaved in the country, and the evil you saw inside me, I cannot." She buries her face in her hands.
Sitting a step below her, I take her hands from her face. "That was not you. You were harmed by someone as surely as William's drowning. You were taken and used in a terrible way, but that was not you, Trina. This coven will stand by you and see you well again. It will take time to heal your heart and mind, but you will be whole again." I cup her cheek and brush a tear away with my thumb.
"Do you think so?" Doubt laces her question.
"I know it. I felt the healing begin this morning. William and I will help you if you let us." I have no need to ask him, I know his heart.
"How shall I ever face him?" Her cheeks burn bright red. "I acted like a trollop then became a monster."
William must have sought me out and heard the nature of our conversation. He reaches out both hands. "Two beauties like you shouldn't be sitting like wallflowers. Come and dance with me."
Love overflowing, I take his hand and stand beside him.
Staring at her feet, Trina shakes her head violently.
William kneels so that he can see her downcast face. "Trina, will you not dance with your friend and the groom?"
"I don't know how you can call me friend." Her tears drip on the stairs.
He places a finger under her chin and lifts her gaze to his. "I have been in your heart, Trina, and you have been in mine. I know you are good and kind. We are friends in a way that most people can never understand."
Wide-eyed, she looks ready to jump into his arms like a child. Instead, she nods and takes his hand. "I will dance with you and your bride."
The other witches are happy to see Trina join the party. A young man from town looks particularly happy to see her. His sandy blond hair is overly long and shadows one brown eye, but the other is focused on Trina.
In William's arms as the music slows, I feel at home. "There will be a battle to come."
"Yes." He kisses the top of my head.
