Annie's Song

by Cate Dean

  “I don’t like him!” He jerked free, avoided her when she tried to take his hand. “And I don’t trust him. He’s not human, Mom.”

  Claire swallowed. “Zach—”

  “Don’t lie to me. I don’t understand how I know, but I do. What is he?”

  Sighing, she stepped into her bedroom, knowing Zach would follow. He dropped on the bed, arms crossed, looking defiant, and scared. It was the fear that had her sitting beside him. Before he could evade again she took his hand.

  “Marcus is a Jinn.” Zach’s eyes widened. “Do I need to elaborate?”

  “How old?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never asked, Zach.” Because I knew I would be older. Centuries older. Yet another secret she kept from him. “And I do trust him. He saved my life, more than I can ever repay—”

  “Do you love him?”

  She brushed her hand over his hair, the deep, golden brown like old gold in the lamplight. “Yes, Zach. But I want you to hear this, and believe it. You are now, and will always be, first in my life. Do you understand?” Those clear blue eyes studied her, as if trying to decide to believe her. “You are my son, Zach. You are my heart.”

  She heard her voice break, fought the tears that threatened.

  “Mom.” He buried his face against her shoulder, wrapped his arms around her. Claire hugged him, rubbing his back, pressing her lips against his hair. “I don’t want to lose you—”

  “Never.” She pulled away, looked into his eyes. Tears slipped down his face, silent, wrenching. “You will never lose me.” She wiped at the tears, fought her own. “Oh, Zach. I don’t want you to suffer over this. It breaks me.”

  “I just—” He took in a shaky breath, cleared his throat. “I was afraid you’d pick him.”

  “I may decide to share part of my life with him—and I would discuss it with you before I ever made that decision. But I already picked you. You’ll just have to accept the burden of being the love of my life.”

  He let out a watery laugh. “Okay.”

  “Are we good?”

  “Yeah. We’re good.”

  Claire kissed his forehead, pulled him to his feet. “Then get your loved self into bed. I don’t want to resort to torture waking you up tomorrow.”

  He shuffled to the doorway. “Mom?”

  “Yes, sweetheart.”

  “I love you, too.”

  He ran down the hall before she could open her mouth to answer.

  Claire sat on the bed, let the tears come. Zach would never know how those words touched her, how he made her feel complete, human, real. She would let go of any obstacle that came between them, with no regrets.

  The phone rang, jerking her out of her thoughts. She picked it up, smiling as she recognized the caller id.

  “Hello, Annie. How’s England?”

  “Surprising.”

  “You sound exhausted. What time is it there?”

  “Early morning.” Annie paused. “Are you sitting down?”

  Panic licked at her. “I could be. Why do I need to—”

  “We’re having a baby.” Claire nearly dropped the phone. “Honey—are you okay? I know it’s a shock. I’m still getting used to it myself . . . Claire?”

  “Here.” She cleared her throat. “I’m here.”

  “Mom!” Zach burst through the door, clutching his amethyst, his face pale. “What’s wrong? Are you all right?” He took a breath, scanning every inch of her. “Who’s on the phone?” The panic in his voice yanked her out of her stupor. “Mom—”

  “It’s Annie. I’m fine, Zach. Just—surprised. Come here.” She held out her hand, Annie’s frantic voice pouring out of the phone. “Yes, Annie, I’m here, and so is Zach. Will you tell him the good news? He’s a bit worried about me.”

  She gave him the phone, watched the concern for her fade as his mouth dropped open. Smiling, she eased the phone out of his hand.

  “—someone talk to me!”

  “Still absorbing here.” Claire rubbed Zach’s arm. “Congratulations, sweetheart. How is Eric doing?”

  “Sleeping off our celebration. He’s thrilled, Claire, and I’m terrified. God, I wish you were here.”

  “We’ll be there soon enough, and celebrate in person. You will be a great mother.” Claire heard the panic, kept her own voice soft, even. “Why don’t you get some sleep? You sound exhausted.”

  “Yeah.” Annie let out a sigh. “Eric’s always poking at me to rest. As if I haven’t already been doing that the last two weeks.”

  With an effort, Claire kept the laughter out of her voice. “He’s worried about you, and he loves you.”

  “Yeah, he does. I still want the wedding here—that’s okay for you? I really want you and Zach here. And Marcus, if he has to be here.”

  “You know he would want to be part of it. And yes, I am more than okay with it. Zach is already half packed, and creating a list of places he wants to go, since we’ll already be in England. How could I say no to that hopeful look,” she winked at Zach, “which I swear he practices in the mirror.”

  A grin spread across his face.

  “I love that kid.” Claire could hear the smile in her voice. “How are things there?”

  “Nothing new.” She tucked Zach into her side, put the phone on speaker. “Just missing both of you. Zach wants to say hi.”

  He shook his head, let out a sigh when Claire raised her eyebrow. “Hey, Annie. Congrats on the, um, baby thing. Can I go now, Mom?”

  Laughter burst out of the phone. “Thanks, Zach. Let him go, Claire, before he explodes with embarrassment.” Claire smiled as she watched him bolt. She took the phone off speaker and lay back on the bed as Annie continued. “You’ve got one fantastic kid there.”

  “I know it.”

  “Okay—what gives? And don’t say nothing—I hear it in your voice.”

  Claire rubbed her face, suddenly exhausted. “He’s asking more questions.”

  “Ah. No answers yet, I take it.”

  “I just—God above, I don’t know what to say to him, Annie. To top it all off, he resents Marcus. I feel like I’m in quicksand up to my chin.”

  “Hang in, honey—and you call if you need to talk.” Annie yawned. “Sorry—being up all night is finally hitting me. Get some sleep, and I’ll do the same. Call me tomorrow. By then this whole baby thing will have sunk in, and I’ll be in full panic mode.”

  “You will be fine. Celebrate this, Annie. No one deserves happiness more.”

  She heard sniffling on the other end. “Man, I love you.”

  “I love you back. Now go to bed.”

  “Okay. Good night, Claire.”

  “Good morning, sweetheart. Say hello to Eric.”

  After another goodbye Annie hung up. Claire stared at the phone, still processing the announcement. Their lives were about to change in a big way. Again.

  *

  Claire waited until after morning mass to approach Simon.

  He wasn’t in the rectory, so for the first time since he took over as priest, she stood in front of the small church.

  There’s no reason to be afraid. She wasn’t a demon—not anymore. Demons did not have a soul. There was no reason she couldn’t simply step over the threshold like any normal person.

  Shaking out her hands, she took a deep breath and walked inside.

  The scent of incense and candle wax greeted her.

  “What do you know—I didn’t burst into flames.”

  “What are you doing here, Claire.”

  She spun at the angry voice. Simon stood near a stairway at the back of the church, in the shadow of the balcony overhang.

  “I have a request.”

  He stepped forward, his face carefully blank. “You know I want nothing—”

  “It’s for Annie.” Surprise broke through the blank facade. “I wouldn’t come to you for myself, but I thought you might want the chance to choose, so I’m asking.”

  He sighed. “Asking me what?”

 
; “If you would attend her wedding. Zach—” Simon flinched at the name, and the anger she promised to keep in check flared. “Zach and I are leaving today to join her.”

  “I am happy for Annie, and Eric.” He rubbed his face, regret in the clear green eyes when he finally looked at her. “I can’t go.”

  “Fine.” That anger turned cold. “You sit here and stew in your self-righteousness.” She stalked forward and caught the front of his shirt. “They are your friends, and this is an important moment, for both of them. They fought hard to reach this point, to find each other. And now they are going to be a family. Annie’s pregnant.” His eyes widened, but she kept talking before he could say anything. “I thought you might want to be part of it. I thought you might care.” Letting him go, she clenched her fists, put distance between them, afraid she might use one of those fists. “I see now I was wrong.”

  “Claire—”

  “No, Simon.” The anguish on his face cracked her anger, broke through the wall around her heart. “You made your choice. Now I make mine. As far as I’m concerned, you no longer exist.”

  She turned, all but ran out of the church before she could change her mind. Simon caught up with her before she got past the portico. Strong hands closed over her wrists, hands that had saved her, more than once.

  “Claire—no,” he said, tightening his grip when she tried to yank herself free. “You had your say. Now it’s time for mine.”

  “I don’t want to listen to—”

  “I miss you.” He took in a ragged breath, let her go. “All of you are family, people who understand what I can do, what I am, and don’t look at me sideways because of it. God help me, I miss you, Claire.” She stared at him, grief locking her throat. “I walked away, and I thought I’d be able to put you aside. I was wrong. I’m so sorry.”

  “Simon.” She reached for him, froze when he retreated.

  “I can’t. As much as I want to be part of your life, I chose this path, this church. I can’t turn away from it, any more than you could turn away from Zach.”

  His words tore at her. Claire thought she couldn’t be hurt by him, not again. But this raw confession left her aching.

  “I wanted to hate you, Simon, when you walked away from me. I just couldn’t. Forgive me, for putting you between two impossible choices. I have to go.”

  “Zach is remarkable.” His quiet words halted her. “I was wrong about him.”

  “Thank you for that.” She stared down at her hands. “I can’t remember what my life was like before him. He gives focus to everything.” Before she could say what she really wanted, and destroy the fragile truce, Claire moved to her car. “Take care, Simon.”

  “Claire.” She clutched the open car door, kept it between them. “Stay out of trouble.”

  Laughter burst out of her, surprised them both. “I’ll do my best. Goodbye, Simon.”

  A weight lifted off her heart as she got in the car, drove away.

  Maybe she had not lost Simon after all.

  EIGHT

  Annie dragged Eric along the high street, admiring each store they passed. Briarton charmed her, and it was surprising, because she didn’t expect to be so affected by this place. But since she stepped off the plane she felt—different. Stronger, more alive. And Eric certainly wasn’t complaining.

  She stopped on front of the store. “Here it is.”

  “Why don’t you go in on your own? It’s such a nice day, I think I’ll . . . what?”

  She couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “If you’re afraid to go inside, I won’t think any less of you.”

  “I’m not.” He took her hand. “You know I love you, Annie.”

  “But you’re not in love with the accessories.” She patted his cheek. “You accept what I am, and that’s huge for me. You don’t have to be comfortable with this,” she gestured to the store. “I certainly wouldn’t want to wander through a Vets R Us outlet.”

  Eric laughed. “They are not called that.”

  “You know what I mean.” Leaning in, she kissed him. “Stay out here, enjoy the sun. I shouldn’t be too long.”

  “Right.” His smile took the sting out. “I’ll go have a coffee, or three. Take your time.” He brushed his hand over her curls. “Go enjoy your candy store, kid.”

  Annie watched him walk across the street, loving the way he moved. She just loved everything about him, period. And thanked God every day that he was in her life.

  One hand on her stomach, she studied the store. Two Witches and a Broomstick spread across the wide front window in gilt cursive. Under it, a cauldron turned on its side spilled a sampling of what could be found inside, spread over a seriously gorgeous length of star stitched blue velvet.

  Annie pushed the door open, and was announced by an ethereal chiming.

  “Good afternoon, how can I help—Annie.” Penn smiled as she came forward, a rainbow of scarves over one arm. Annie had serious envy over the gorgeous black dress she wore, the hem brushing her lace up boots. “Welcome to Two Witches. You’re looking much better.”

  “Feeling much better. You do a good business here?”

  Penn smiled. “You mean in this quaint English town? There are several covens in the area, and we are close enough to Glastonbury to be a stopover. So, yes. But a couple of Yanks opening a shop like this—that took some time.” She took Annie’s hand, led her through the store. “You can ogle to your heart’s content in a minute. I want you to meet my partner, and my best friend. Michelle, this is Annie.”

  A tall woman turned around, gold streaked brown hair swinging over her shoulders. The kind of hair Annie wanted, coveted, for years. Michelle smiled, striding forward, looking crisp in a white blouse and grey pants. “It’s good to meet you, Annie. How is the baby?”

  Annie managed not to roll her eyes. “I didn’t try to throw up my stomach lining this morning, so that’s an improvement. Great store.”

  “Thank you,” Michelle said. “It’s taken some work. Penn is more stubborn than I am, and she helped me push through when I wanted to give up.” Annie studied them, standing together, smiling, and it hit her. They were her and Claire, England version. No wonder she trusted Penn right away. “Take your time, have a look around. And please, choose a gift, to welcome the baby into your life, and you into ours. No argument,” she said, before Annie could open her mouth to do just that. “A new life is a blessing. A new friendship, so far from home, is a rare gift.”

  “Claire,” Annie muttered.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Nothing. You just—remind me of a friend of mine. She would have said pretty much the same thing, and mean it. So I will accept your generosity.” Annie shook Michelle’s hand, surprised by the low hum of her power. She didn’t have a lot, but the ley lines obviously amplified what she did have. “And do my best not to take advantage.”

  Michelle laughed. “You are so much like Penn. No wonder she connected with you.” Michelle let go of her. “Enjoy your stay, Annie. I hope you can entice your fiancé to visit. I’d love to meet him.”

  “Maybe if I pour some Guinness in him first. He’s not really comfortable with all this yet.”

  “But he loves you enough to try. That’s one good man you have.”

  “Yeah. Thanks, Michelle. Nice to meet you.” She glanced around. “Now I’m going to covet your store—and steal some of your ideas for my own.”

  Michelle’s laughter followed her, and she smiled, enjoying the companionship of other witches. Back home it was pretty much just Claire. Now she couldn’t wait to introduce Claire to them. It would be a lively session, and she had a feeling they could exchange some interesting stories—

  The shriek of tires had her turning to the front window. And her heart stopped.

  The out of control car sideswiped Eric before it lurched up on the sidewalk.

  Annie sprinted across the store, slapping the door open, her heart pounding so hard she could barely breathe. The world ceased to exist—except for Eric, sprawle
d over the curb. She dropped to her knees, hand shaking as she reached for him. And he groaned.

  “Oh, God,” she whispered. The world roared into life around her. “Eric—”

  “I never saw him!” The tiny old man stumbled toward them. He smelled like a mobile brewery. “I swear to the sweet Lord above I never saw the boy.”

  “Lester.” A cop stepped out of his car, catching the old man under one elbow. “Sit yourself down, now, and we will sort this out.” He lowered Lester to the curb, then crouched next to Annie. “An ambulance is already on the way. May I? I’ve a bit of medical training.”

  “Okay.” Her throat so dry she couldn’t squeeze out another word, she watched him examine Eric. The damage seemed to be restricted to his left leg.

  “His ankle took the worst of it, and may be broken, and he is more than a bit banged up. But he should be fine.” The cop glanced up at her. “I apologize for Lester. Most days he lacks the motor skills to operate his hands, never mind a vehicle.”

  “Then why does he have one? If you know he’s a menace, why don’t you—”

  “The car belongs to his wife. And Lester is harmless, most days.”

  “Obviously this isn’t one of those days.”

  “Annie.” Eric’s whisper had her leaning over him. “Leave him alone, blondie. It was an accident.”

  “He ran you over—”

  “He caught me with his bumper.” His hand closed over hers. “I saw him just before we collided. He was trying to turn the wheel to avoid me.”

  “Damn it.” She closed her eyes briefly, took in a breath. “You’re going to let him go.”

  “I won’t press charges.”

  The cop cleared his throat. “We will see to his punishment, miss. And his wife will be informed, her car impounded until we find a better solution. I promise you, Lester will not sit behind the wheel again.”

  He stood, gentle as he pulled Lester up, leading him to the car. Sirens announced the ambulance, and Eric was moved to a gurney, strapped in and transported to the ambulance so fast Annie had to run after the paramedic as he opened the driver’s door.

  “I want to go with him.”

  “Sorry, miss. No civilians in the ambulance. He’ll be taken to Briarton Clinic.”