Yasmine Galenorn - Chintz 'n China 01
Page 27
“What happened? What’s going on? Why are you in a cast?” Kip darted from one side of my chair to the other in a frenzy of motion. He grabbed me around the neck and planted a big kiss on my cheek.
As I stared at my children, it hit me just what I would have lost if Joshua had won. I could be sleeping forever in the basement of that old house. Shivering, I brushed my hand across my eyes, glad that I was sitting down. There had been too much death recently, I’d seen too many twisted sides to the soul—both in body and in spirit. I pulled Kip and Miranda close, smelling their hair, holding them safe.
“Mom? Mom, what’s wrong?” Kip looked at me, worry creasing his forehead. I wanted to speak, to tell him how much I loved him, but I couldn’t find the words. I buried my face in their hair and kissed the top of their heads. Overwhelmed, I cast a glance at Murray. She nodded, reading my expression, and motioned for them to come over to her. “How about if we decorate the tree so your mother has something pretty to look at? She’s had a rough day.”
They cheered as Andrew helped her carry in the blue spruce. I told Murray where to find the decorations, and she brought them out. They strung the lights first, then the sparkling garlands of beads, and after that the kids took over. As they chattered away, their moods lifted with each glimmering orb they hung on the tree. Andrew retreated to the kitchen and returned carrying a tray of hot cocoa and sugar cookies.
Murray poured the cocoa. By the time everyone held a cup, I had managed to get my emotions under control. I lifted my mug in salute. “I propose a toast. May all our spirits—and all the spirits—be joyful this Christmas.” I nodded to Kip. “Turn on the lights, hon.” As he plugged them in, the tree lit up in a shimmering rainbow of colors. The silver and gold globes reflected the dazzling array. I drew in a slow breath.
Randa ran over to kneel beside my chair, her head resting on my lap. “Thank you, thank you, Mom. It’s so pretty.”
Murray rested her hands on Kip’s shoulders as he stared up at the glittering tree. “This is prettier than any tree we ever had,” he said, his whisper hushed and reverent.
He was right. The tree was the prettiest one we ever had. Andrew and Murray excused themselves to make dinner, taking the kids with them. I leaned back in the chair, watching the lights twinkle. Samantha jumped into my lap, nesting in a circle before she curled up to purr. I thought about calling Randa in to tell her that she was going to Space Camp, but decided to put it off until after dinner. She would be okay not knowing for another thirty minutes, and I needed the time to sort out the whirlwind of feelings racing through my heart.
Snow was falling again, illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights. I leaned back in the recliner, clinging to the peace that had descended on the house, when I got the sensation that I was being watched. A glance around the room found Susan peeking out from behind the Christmas tree. Behind her stood the pale shade of another woman. It was Diana, with the shyest of smiles.
Susan’s eyes sparkled, reflecting the lights. We looked at one another—I in my world and she in her shadowy realm—and a tremendous wave of relief washed over me. She would find her peace, and so would her daughter, and I was responsible for helping light their way. Susan held up her hand and they faded from sight.
Just then, Miranda came racing in from the kitchen. “Mom, this was on the kitchen table—it’s got your name on it.” She handed me a gift-wrapped package. I frowned, wondering who it was from as I unwrapped it. The paper fell away to reveal a thick volume—a copy of Susan’s last novel. I opened the volume. Blinking back tears, I stared at the title page. In bold, looping letters, it read:
To Emerald O’Brien,
a woman who sparkles brighter than jewels,
Yours in eternal gratitude,
Susan Mitchell.
* * *
Mystic Moon Protection Charm
6-inch circle of purple satin or felt
1 yard of green satin ribbon
2 drops of lavender essential oil 1/2 cup of dried rose petals
1/2 teaspoon of each (dried):
Sage
Lavender
Black peppercorns
Spearmint
If edges of material are ragged, you might want to hem them using a very small seam allowance. Mix the dried herbs and rose petals; mound in the center of the satin or felt. Add the drops of lavender oil on top of the herbs. Bring the sides of the satin or felt together to enclose the herbs; then wind the ribbon around the neck of the sachet nine times while you focus on the energy of protection surrounding your home or car (depending on where you want to keep the charm). Tie the ribbon together with three firm knots and keep in your bedroom or your car. And always remember: Use your common sense. Lock your doors and keep an eye on your purse, because all the magic in the world won’t do any good if you haven’t taken practical measures first.