A Magic Redemption

by Tena Stetler

  “Aye…” Several men said in unison.

  He blew out a breath and escorted Synn behind the pub, pulled out his keys, and unlocked the storeroom. His ma bustled in with an arm full of blankets and towels.

  She held out a t-shirt to Synn. “Might be a wee bit big, but it’s dry and clean. Should do you for tonight.”

  His da followed close behind carrying a huge box with a slotted lid. Tim glanced at him and shrugged. He nodded. His ma was a force to be reckoned with when she set her mind to something. Wise men didn’t stand in her way.

  Synn toweled the pup as dry as she could. The pup whined and poked his nose in the air sniffing.

  “Poor thing is probably starved.” Mary looked up as Quinn appeared in the door way of the store room. “Be a good lad and run over to the market. See if they have puppy food. A bag of dry kibble and a couple cans of wet. Then bring them around to the storeroom. You can pour a little kibble in the bowl we’ll have set out for it.”

  Decked out in his rain gear, Quinn nodded. “Stopped by for a pint and see how Bridg’s shopping trip went. Saw all of you headed back here so I followed.” He glanced around. “Where’s Bridget?”

  Tim jerked his chin toward the other entry into the pub. “She’s inside.” He put down the box. “Mary, we may have some of that Mulligan stew left over. I can fix him up a bowl.”

  “Aye and you can clean up after the pup gets the runs from the rich meat. It’s too young to eat that kind of food. Remember the last stray you fed stew to?”

  He took off his hat, rubbed his head, and grimaced. Wrinkling his nose, he replaced the hat. “Aye. ’Twas a god-awful mess.”

  “Hey Gavin, we need a cook. Customers are hungry, and Dan isn’t due in for a couple hours.” Bridget stuck her head in the door from the pub.

  He cursed under his breath, allowed a quick glance in Synn’s direction, and bolted for the door.

  “Today’s specials are simmering on the stove, and loaves of bread are in the warmer.” Mary looked at her watch. “Made fresh cinnamon rolls for dessert. They’re still in the oven. Check ’em. Should be done about half past four. Anything else will have to be made from scratch.”

  He nodded and started through the door.

  “Son, did you confirm the band for tonight?” Tim asked helping Mary arrange a couple blankets in the box.

  “Aye. And Cori is joining the band tonight. Should be a lively set with her on fiddle.” He closed the door behind him before anyone else wanted his time and set to work on the orders stacking up. All though he barely noticed when the others returned to the pub, he was ecstatic to see Dan walk into the kitchen thirty minutes early. “You’re a welcome sight.”

  Dan washed his hands and tied his apron on. “Heavens lad, why didn’t you call me in? Your da is three deep at the bar.”

  “I’ve barely had time to think let alone make a phone call. It’s only going to get worse. We’ve a popular band tonight, and Cori is joining them.” He took off his apron, washed up, and gave Dan a thumbs up sign. He swung through the kitchen doors to help at the bar.

  Bridget had called in the whole regular staff plus part-timers. He stopped to admire Synn as she flew around the tables carrying a tray full of drinks on her shoulder like she was born to it. She delivered the drinks and returned for another tray his da had ready for her. Bridg and Katie were taking and delivering food orders, their motions a blur. An elbow gouged him in the ribs.

  “Quit gawking at the lass and cover your end of the bar. Boyo,” his da instructed glancing toward the stage where the band was setting up.

  Quinn rushed through the door. He waved to Bridget, strode toward the storeroom a bag of puppy food slung over his shoulder and a paper bag in his hand.

  Synn sprinted after Quinn. She held up five fingers and mouthed “Be back. Checking on Storm.”

  He nodded. Apparently the pup had a name. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he closed his eyes for a moment, opened them, then rubbed his temples. The headache didn’t abate. I need a break. Traffic at the bar slowed down, and he glanced around but his da was nowhere in sight. Damnit.

  “Hey, Gavin,” a male voice called in greeting. He swiveled around to see Roger and Tara Neal, the doctor and wife he’d seen on the beach this morning. They were standing at the end of the bar. Roger held a menu in his hand. He waved and scooted over to them. “What you havin’?”

  “A couple pints and two plates of your salmon,” Roger said.

  “Coming right up,” he said cheerfully despite the pounding in his head.

  “Wow, you have quite a crowd. Is it always like this?” Tara motioned to the crowd.

  “Saturday nights are busy, but it’s crazy tonight. Popular band is here, and a talented local fiddle player will be joining in. Makes for an explosive evening.” At the expression on the doctor’s face, Gavin clarified his statement. “In a good way.” He slid the pints across the bar to the doctor and his wife. “Your food will be up shortly. Thanks for coming in.”

  “Oh, it’s our pleasure.” He raised his mug as his wife ducked under his arm and scurried through the crowd to stake a claim at a just vacated booth. Roger took a drink, licked the froth from his lips. “Stout ale as good as promised.” The doctor plopped down cash.

  He pushed the money back. “Of course, but it’s on the house. You saved my life.” He laughed. “I’ll have the waitress bring your dinner to your booth.”

  “I’m paying for the food,” Roger said in a determined voice, then picked up Tara’s glass and made his way to the table she was guarding, turned, and waved.

  A few minutes later, Tim threw up the pass through, ducked in, caught it with one hand, and lowered it in place without a sound. “Your turn.”

  Eager to get fresh air and a couple moments to himself, he slipped under the counter and nearly collided with Katie at the kitchen entrance. “Sorry.” He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, and he exited out the back door. Leaning his back against the building’s exterior, he inhaled deeply of the cool evening air and took a gulp of his water. What a night. He looked forward to Sunday.

  He’d amble over to his parent’s house, enjoy his ma’s cooking, and relax for a bit. I should invite Synn—and the pup. Can’t leave it alone and she won’t come without it. Pleased at his plan, he walked around to the front of the pub and talked with customers who’d stepped out for a breath of fresh air after dancing. The door groaned as he pulled it open and held it for a couple just arriving. Warm fragrant air whooshed out of the pub, along with happy voices and lively music.

  Skirting the dance floor, he saw Synn serve the drinks on her tray and start back to the bar. A man grabbed her arm, and she bent down to talk to him. His mouth was way too close to her ear. Gavin’s hands fisted. She shook her head and straightened. The man’s grip appeared to tighten on her wrist. Jerking her arm out of the man’s hand, she flashed him a triumphant smile and flounced away.

  On a whim, Gavin strode across the floor, playfully grabbed her arm, and took the tray. He handed it to one of the men seated at a close table. Synn peered up at him, her eyes big as saucers.

  “What are you doing?” she hissed.

  “Snatching a quick dance with my girl. Get the blood pumping. It’s good for the heart,” he whispered letting his lips caress the soft outer shell of her ear. At his signal the band segued from a lively jig to a sweet ballad and lowered the lights. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. To his surprise, she rested her head against his chest and curved into him moving with the music. Her long dark eyelashes brushed her cheeks as she closed her eyes. He savored the unexpected moment, then leaned down. “Thought you could use a break.”

  “Thoughtful of you. Now if only I could give my poor feet a rest,” she replied.

  With little effort he lifted her a few inches off the ground and held her to him, still swaying to the music.

  She gave a quiet squeal in surprise. “Gavin. Put me down.” But there was no heat or insistence in her r
equest.

  “After the song.” He lightly brushed his lips over her hair then rested his cheek on the top of her head. The last notes of the song hung in the air a few moments, as if refusing to let go of the mood, then the lights flickered back up.

  He lowered her to her feet and brushed a kiss across her cheek. Wanting more, much more, he sighed, released her, and returned to the bar. In a way he hoped his actions had not gone unnoticed by the men in the crowd, especially Mr. Grabby Hands.

  Chapter Seven

  Another Day Another Adventure—Did She Bite off more than She Could Chew?

  Once again behind the bar, his ma poked him in the side, a sparkle in her eye. “Way to go, boyo.” She slipped out the pass through and returned to the kitchen.

  Finally, the last patrons of the pub said their goodbyes. The band packed up their stuff and carried it out to their vehicle. Mary and Tim talked with Cori for a bit as she set her fiddle in its case before he joined them and tucked a generous amount of money into her case. He thanked her for spending the evening with them.

  “Thank you so much.” She leaned over, kissed him on the cheek and winked. “Looks like you found what you were searching for. Wish you happiness. Enjoyed the evening.” She motioned toward the stage. “A talented, fun bunch of guys to play with.” Mirth shone in her eyes as her grin widened.

  “Not saying a thing to that double entendre.” He snickered and gave her hug. “How about we schedule you for a mid-week gig? Give the customers a pleasant surprise.” He paused. “Say a week from this coming Wednesday night?

  “Sounds good. I’ll add it to my calendar. Nite.”

  Picking up her case, he turned and winked at Synn. “I’ll be right back.” He pushed through the door carrying Cori’s instrument out to her car.

  When he returned, Synn stood next to Mary who was whispering something to her. Synn brightened considerably. Tim looked on, leaning against the bar a slight smile on his lips. He reached for Synn’s hand and leaned into her. “How about joining us for Sunday dinner tomorrow?”

  “Oh, I don’t want to impose,” she said pulling away.

  “No imposition,” Mary said. “Love to have you. Bring your little pup with you.”

  “I couldn’t. She’ll tear up your house.”

  Mary hooted. “We’ve raised two wild girls, pets of all kinds, and Gavin. The house survived it all. I don’t think a wee pup will be a problem. Besides, we’ve a huge crate for her and a fenced back yard. She’ll be fine, dear,” Mary said.

  “Used to use it for Gavin,” Tim said his eyes twinkling.

  When Synn’s eyes rounded and her mouth dropped open, Tim roared with laughter. Wiping his eyes, he gulped in air in an attempt to catch his breath and patted her arm. “Only kidding, lassie.”

  Red patches bloomed on Synn’s cheeks as she continued to stare at Tim. “If you’re sure.”

  “We’re sure,” Tim and Mary chorused.

  Gavin slung an arm around her shoulder. “Tell you what. It’s late. Let me drive you and Storm home. Tomorrow, I’ll pick you two up mid-morning. We can take a walk and enjoy a relaxing day.” Together. He dare not say that out loud, not yet.

  Mary smiled knowingly while Tim wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Nite,” they chorused again.

  Gavin and Synn walked through the pub pausing at the inside entrance to the storeroom. “I’ll lock the outside door after we get the pup,” Gavin called over his shoulder.

  “Thanks.” An answer came from the kitchen where he assumed his parents were locking up for the night then would head home.

  A few minutes later, they opened the storeroom door and a bundle of matted fur with a wiggling tail greeted them.

  “How’d she get out?” Synn asked flipping on the light and picking Storm up. She was wiggling so much that Synn had trouble holding on to her. “Well, you don’t act like you’re sick.”

  The answer was apparent as soon as light flooded the room. The box that had been made into a bed for her had a large hole chewed in the bottom corner.

  “Why would you think she was sick?”

  Synn turned the squirming creature to face him. “Because, look her tongue is black or—” She switched the angle of the pup around. “Purple? It couldn’t be good.”

  He chuckled. “It’s the breed. I’ve not seen one of these in a long time.” He reached over and scratched the pup’s belly. “Chows were bred as guard dogs to the Chinese royalty. Don’t know of anyone that owns or breeds—” he scratched the side of his face “—them around here. But someone must have had a litter of pups. Strange.” Pausing, he shook his head and shrugged, glanced at the box. “Appears she broke out of bed. Want to stop at the house and pick up the crate Ma was talking about? Otherwise, Storm could make a helluva mess of your cottage by morn.” He picked up the box and carried it out to the truck, tossed it in the bed.

  “No… I can handle it. I don’t want to bother Mary any more tonight.” She picked up the old leather belt Mary had given Storm to chew on. It was covered with teeth marks. “Besides she’ll have nowhere to stay at Mary and Tim’s house tomorrow.”

  He took the toy from her. “Guess we better get some chew toys and things in the morning—like a leash—after I pick you up.” Glancing around the storeroom, he reached up, grasped a coil of rope, and held it up. “This will make a temporary leash.”

  Synn nodded in agreement. “It’ll do for tonight.”

  “Okaay. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. By the way, how’d shopping go today?” Opening the vehicle door, he held the pup while Synn climbed inside. He handed the dog back to her. “Make sure you hold on to her tight. Don’t want teeth marks in the upholstery—unless it’s mine.”

  “You don’t—oh, it’s a joke. I get it. I’ve got her.” She paused as he started the engine. “I won’t lie to you. It was a rough start. But the shopping turned out to be really fun. We had a great time—stopped for pizza and wine. There was a lot of girl talk. I was uncomfortable at first. After a while it was easier for me to join in the conversation.” She grinned, and a mischievous sparkle shown in her eye. “There was some talk as to your prowess in the bedroom.”

  He felt his eyebrows shoot up nearly to his hair line. “What?”

  “Well, one of the girls wanted to know if the rumors where true.” She turned her head to look out the window.

  “What did you say?”

  “Nothing, I changed the subject.” She paused shifting in her seat. “I’m not comfortable discussing those kind of things. Besides, I’m not going to confirm or deny that we were intimate.”

  He laughed turning onto the road to her cottage before glancing over at her. “Smart girl. So this shopping…did it involve lingerie of any kind?” A deliberate seductive smile curved his lips.

  “You’ve been talking to Quinn,” she accused.

  Gavin slowed the truck then stopped in front of her cabin. “Maybe. I saw him earlier.”

  “Well, you’ll never know.” She pushed the truck door open without waiting for him and flounced out of the truck. Storm almost wiggled out of her arms. By the time he reached the passenger side of the truck, his outstretched hands caught the puppy as it jumped out of her arms. “Synn, you gotta be careful. She’s only a baby and has no fear.”

  The horror on her face had him rethinking the rest of his lecture.

  “I’m sorry. She’s so wiggly.” She reached for Storm. He took the pup and put her in the back of the pickup.

  “What possessed you to volunteer to take the pup home? You have no idea what it takes to raise a puppy. Heck, you are…” he stopped right there.

  A single tear rolled down her cheek. “She was so scared, cold, wet and needed a home. Someone to love and care for her. I know what that feels like…”

  He reached up cupped her chin and wiped the tear away with his thumb. “Okay. But tomorrow we’re going to get a book on raising a puppy in addition to all the necessities, like a bowl, brush, real bed, and a puppy pen. It will keep her saf
e and your cottage in one piece. Fair enough?” He took her in his arms and held her against him for a couple beats, then brushed his lips over hers backing her up against the side of his vehicle.

  She leaned into the kiss, nibbling on his lips before he covered her mouth hungrily. She moaned and parted her lips for him. He thrust his tongue inside her mouth, stroked, teased, and tasted. She felt so good in his arms, but it was too soon. Her emotions were all over the place, and he didn’t want to push her to do something she’d later regret.

  Slow, steady, and dependable was what she needed right now. As he started to pull away, Storm jumped up, paws on the side of the pickup bed and snagged Synn’s braid with her teeth, barking, growling, and tugging.

  She grabbed hold of her braid while Gavin disengaged the puppy’s paws and teeth. “You’re sure you don’t want me to stay tonight?”

  “I’m sure. We’d…” She blew out a breath. “Not a good idea.” She reached in the bed and scratched the pup’s head.

  “You could model the lingerie you bought—make sure it fits,” he teased.

  She slapped at him. “I already tried it on. It fits fine.”

  He couldn’t hold back the wide grin and smug expression. She hauled off and smacked him.

  He grabbed her arms and kissed the tip of her nose. “I knew it.”

  Her expression changed from frustration to thoughtful in a blink of an eye. “Do you know Gale Boohar? She came along with Bridget, Colleen, and Katie.”

  “Of course. Her family has been here for centuries. She took over the family apothecary business last year when her ma and da retired to travel the world. Why?”

  “Just wondered.”

  Tilting his head, he raised an eyebrow. “Picked up the magic signature—did you? She wouldn’t try to hide it from you.”

  Synn’s eyes widened, and she sucked in a breath. “Would she know what I am?”

  Chapter Eight

  When You Know What is Possible, Seeing a Myth can be Disconcerting. Talking with One May Cause You to Question Your Sanity