Page 101 of Wind and Water
Shrugging, she says, “Maybe. Why do you ask?”
“You will be happier if your mother is near.” I could stay like this for all my days. However, wishing a war were not happening won’t make it so. The battle is coming.
“She would be safer in Texas.”
“I suppose she’ll decide for herself, but I want you to know there will always be a place for her in our home.”
Pressing her lips to mine, she sighs against my mouth and sucks my bottom lip between hers. The kiss is soft and slow with none of the desperation of our earlier lovemaking. “You are the best man I have ever known. I’ll tell her and also ask her to go home until this war is over.”
From her tone, she already knows Birdie will not leave. I have to agree. From what I know of Birdie, she’s not one to run for safety. “Perhaps it would be wise to give her some training with a blade.”
Wren’s warm laughter fills me with joy. “It’s a good idea.”
We remain by the fountain until voices find their way toward us. The ballroom begins to empty into the garden as Mother commands the fireworks to start.
Bright colors fill the sky and reflect in Wren’s upturned eyes. It’s the most mesmerizing sight I’ve ever beheld. Even without the pyrotechnics, I feel the same way every time I look at my perfect human mate.
Epilogue
Wren
Memories of the ball float through my mind as I return from training with the oracle. I pat Fior’s thick neck. Liam’s mother gave me the beautiful gray horse as a gift. The mare’s hair is the color of a storm cloud while her mane and tail are jet black. Maybe I should have refused her, but I was already in love with her.
“Are you gathering wool, or is it something serious?” Harper asks as she rides beside me on her white horse.
I like my new friend from New Jersey. I don’t imagine we ever would have crossed paths if not for our elves. “I was thinking that the ball was a beautiful affair. My first since senior prom.”
“Mine too. I would have thought you southern girls have debutante balls all the time.”
We round the final bend, and the castle rises, shining bright white in the late-day sun. In the east, dark clouds gather. It looks as if we’ve returned just in time to stay out of the storm. “I’m not that kind of southern girl. Momma and I live modestly on property that’s been in our family for generations.”
Harper points toward the coming weather. “Looks like we’d better dash for the barn or we’ll be soaked through.”
Thinking the same thing, I follow her at a gallop to the yard in front of the elaborate stone barn. A groom waits. He’s tall and thin with long black hair and an easy smile.
I toss him my reins and jump to the ground. “Thank you, Dane.”
Harper and I make a dash for the door on the side of the castle nearest us and make it just as the sky opens up. We’re giggling like girls as we continue to run down the hallway.
“I didn’t think we’d make it.” Harper fixes the ribbon holding her hair back. “If I ever go home, I’m bringing scrunchies back by the dozen.”
Ahead, there are several voices in the foyer. As we step through the door under the stairs, the voices stop.
Liam, Elspeth, Niamh, and Fancor all stare at us as if they’ve been caught with their hands in the cookie jar.
“What are you all up to?” I ask.
Momma rushes in from the far door. “Are we ready?” She looks up, sees me, and presses her hand to her mouth.
I look at the guilty expression on all their faces and know something is going on.
Liam grins. “We thought we’d have a few more minutes.”
“We had to run to avoid the rain.” I take his offered hand. “What’s going on?”
He kisses my fingers. “I have a surprise for you. Everyone here helped make it happen.”
Despite the strange behavior of everyone besides Liam, I feel the rush of excitement building inside me. “What surprise? I don’t need anything.”
