by Julia Crane
The woman smiled warmly, and it reached her eyes making her look beautiful. “That would be wonderful.”
“I hate to take your towels and run…”
“Nonsense. You hurry along before you catch a cold.”
“Thanks.” Keegan waved and ran back to their place.
The water was still running when she walked in so she tapped lightly on the door. “I got you a towel. I’m going to throw it in ok?”
He must not have heard her because there was no reply. She opened the door just a crack and threw the towel in.
Standing in front of the fire place, Keegan shimmied out of her jeans and set them back down to dry off. She wrapped the towel around her and waited for Rourk to come out.
She laughed when he entered the room in the pink towel wrapped at his waist. She tried not to stare too long at his broad shoulders—she was fearful of caving in herself.
“Where did you get the towels?”
“Neighbor. She seems nice. I also called Anna. They should be here in a few moments. They were at her apartment so I told them to bring our backpacks.”
Rourk breathed out a sigh of relief. Seeing Keegan almost naked nearly made him come undone. He appreciated the fact that she had defused a situation that could have easily gone a different way. “Thank you.”
“I don’t want you to have any regrets about our first time together.”
“I’m glad you understand.”
“I might not agree, but I understand.”
“We really need to do some shopping.”
“Yes, a kettle is first on our list. I would kill for a cup of tea or cocoa right now.”
Rourk smiled gratefully at her. The change of subjects was most welcome.
“I wonder how long before Anna gets here?”
As if on queue, there was a knock at the door. Keegan ran to open it. Anna looked back and forth between them standing in their towels. “Are we interrupting something?”
“Be quiet and get in here.” Keegan pulled her by the arm into the house. Tommy was right behind her with the two backpacks slung across his shoulders.
Rourk grabbed Keegan’s “You go first.”
“Nice towel.” Tommy smirked.
Rourk looked at him indifferently as he pulled his dry clothes out of bag.
They spent the rest of the afternoon shopping for their place. When they were done, Anna had them all over for dinner. She made sweet and sour chicken and rice, and it was wonderful. After the boys left to go to their apartment, Anna turned on Keegan. “So? Did you do it?”
Keegan laughed. “Do it? How old are you?”
“I could feel the tension when we walked in. It’s been killing me not knowing.”
“No, we didn’t have sex. I’m going to honor his wishes and wait till we’re married.”
Anna sighed. “That is pretty romantic.”
“What about you and Tommy? Anything?”
Anna’s shoulders slumped and she fell into the chair. “Nothing. I was hoping he would try something, but he was a perfect gentlemen. I don’t think he’s into me.”
“Maybe you have to make the first move.”
They stayed up, chatting like the old days, and Keegan was sad that they would be leaving the next day. There was so much to do before they moved to Washington.
Chapter 20
Keegan was really starting to stress out.
She had decided to take a few days off classes and go home to Tennessee with Athena in hopes of finding a dress. Rourk was going to meet her there for the weekend. The wedding was only two weeks away, and she hadn’t found a gown she loved. She really didn’t want to settle with an ok dress. It had to be perfect. She was probably driving her mom and the girls crazy, but she couldn’t help it.
Her grandmother was sitting at the table with her in her mother’s kitchen. “You know, Keegan, in my day we wore blue wedding dresses.”
Keegan crinkled up her nose. “Blue?”
“Yes, it was an Irish tradition.”
“Really? What did your dress look like?” Keegan was so curious about this. Maybe that’s what was wrong in her search for a dress. She was so stuck on finding a white gown that she hadn’t bothered to look at anything else. She knew Rourk loved tradition. Maybe she could surprise him with a blue wedding dress.
“Oh, it was beautiful. Long and flowing. I don’t think I ever felt more beautiful than on my wedding day,” her grandmother said wistfully. “I still have it stored away.”
“You do?” Keegan’s eyes were wide with surprise. “You have to let me see it.”
“We can go see it now if you’d like.”
Keegan jumped up and grabbed the keys to her grandmother’s car. “What are you waiting for?”
Her grandmother chuckled. “You always were so impatient.”
They walked through her grandmother’s door and she automatically turned on the hot water for tea. Her mother did the same thing; it made Keegan smile. Keegan followed her down the narrow hall to her bedroom. “It’s in the closet.”
Keegan waited while her grandmother sorted through the hangers. “Here it is.” She pulled out a long white garment bag.
“May I?” Keegan asked.
“Of course, dear. I’m sure it’s out dated now. It’s been so many years.” Her grandmother looked off in the distance, lost in her memories.
Keegan slowly unzipped the bag. She felt like she had found a buried treasure. Energy coursed through her body. She gasped as she lightly took it out of the bag. “Oh, Nanny. It’s gorgeous.” Keegan held it up to her body and stared at herself in the mirror. “Can I try it on?”
Her grandmother looked her up and down, her eyes scrutinizing her granddaughter. “Sure, I was about your size when I got married. Although I had a little more in the chest department, and you have a little more in the booty department.”
Keegan giggled. “Funny. I’ll be right back. I can’t wait to try this on.”
The kettle whistled, and her grandmother hurried away.
Keegan’s hands shook when she stepped into the gown. She loved that there was history to the dress. When she couldn’t reach to finish zipping the dress, she poked her head from the bedroom and yelled, “Nanny, can you try to zip me up?”
A couple of minutes later, her grandmother walked in to the bathroom. She stopped in her tracks and covered her mouth. “Keegan, you look…magical.” She walked behind her and zipped up the dress. “It’s a bit lose in the top, but nothing I couldn’t fix with thread and a little time.”
Keegan looked at her reflection. The dress was a pale blue, the color of robins’ eggs. Ice blue crossed her mind. The strapless top was flattering to her figure. It was all chiffon, which flowed out on the bottom in soft drapes. A ribbon with a white flower was wrapped twice around her waist.
“Oh Nanny, please let me wear this dress. Nothing else will ever live up to this dress. It’s too perfect for words,” she begged.
Her grandmother smiled sadly. “I had always hoped one of my daughters would ask to wear it. But you know how they are. They are all so strong-minded they wouldn’t think of doing something that wasn’t their idea. I would be honored if you would wear this dress at your wedding.” She wiped a tear away.
Keegan wrapped her arms around her grandmother and gave her a squeeze. “Thank you. I knew there was a reason I wasn’t having any luck finding a dress. There was one waiting for me all along.”
Suddenly, the wedding felt real. She had the dress. In two weeks, she would be a married woman. She couldn’t wait to start her married life with Rourk. When she came back out to the kitchen, her grandmother was gathering knitting supplies.
Keegan reached for the red yarn.
“Of course you would be drawn to the passion cord.” Her grandmother chuckled.
“What are you doing?” Keegan pulled out a chair and sat down.
“Making the handfasting cord.”
Keegan’s eyes widened. “You are making them?”
&nb
sp; “Of course who else is going to make it? Your mother? She couldn’t knit to save her soul.”
“I don’t know. I guess I just thought they were bought or made in bulk.”
“That’s silly! Each one is made specifically for the couple. Once I complete my part, I’ll pass it on to your brother, and he will have it charged with magic for good luck.”
“What does the blue stand for?”
“Loyalty, honor, and patience. All very important in a marriage.”
Elves loved tradition, and handfastings were one of the ways they kept the ancient traditions alive. “What about the broom and sword?”
“We will use a sword of your father’s, of course. And the broom will be the one Rourk’s parents used at their handfasting.”
“Wow.” She was deeply touched that they would be using the same broom that Rourk’s parents had used. Of course, she also loved the idea of using her father’s sword. It would be a beautiful ceremony, and she was genuinely getting anxious for it to arrive.
“What other traditions are there?”
“Oh goodness. Too many to mention. Most of them are small details you wouldn’t even notice if not pointed out.”
“Such as?” Keegan promoted her to continue.
“Lavender in your bouquet for devotion, the veil to ward off evil spirits, coin in the shoe for wealth, tilt your face to the sun after your vows to have beautiful children, bagpipes, braided hair, bells for gifts… I could go on and on.”
Keegan placed her chin in her hands and sighed. “It’s going to be beautiful day, isn’t it?”
“Of course. Why don’t you get back to your mother’s so I can finish up the cords? You can bring the car back tomorrow.”
“I can take a hint.” Keegan smiled at her grandmother. “Thank you. I can’t wait to tell mom about the dress.”
“Well, get out of here. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Her grandmother went back to her knitting, a smile playing across her face.
Keegan rushed into the house. “Mom!”
“Just a minute.” Her mother yelled down the stairs. “I have Warrick in the bathtub.”
She didn’t feel like waiting so she took the stairs two at a time. “I found the dress!”
“Oh Keegan, that’s wonderful I was starting to get concerned. Where is it?” Emerald was perched on the edge of the tub, pouring water over Warrick’s head to rinse out the suds.
“It’s at Nanny’s. She needs to take in the top a little. Well, a lot.”
“Where did you find it? I thought we hit all the local stores?”
“You’ll never believe it. It’s Nanny’s wedding dress. It’s perfect.”
“Oh.”
“Oh? That’s all you have to say?” Keegan raised an eyebrow.
“I guess I’m just a little sad you didn’t ask to try on my dress.”
Keegan laughed. “Nanny said the same thing about you and your sisters.”
“She did?”
“Yep, it hurt her feelings.”
Emerald pulled Warrick out of the tub and toweled him off. He wasn’t very happy about it. “I guess I never thought to ask her either. I was so focused on finding a new dress the thought never crossed my mind. I’m glad you asked her. I’m sure it made her happy, and I know you’ll look stunning.”
Keegan reached for her brother. “I was hoping I could wear your veil. Nanny told me it was to ward off evil sprits. I can’t think of two stronger people than you and dad.”
Her mother’s eyes misted and she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Keegan and Warrick. “I would be honored if you wore my veil. Let’s have some tea and go over the plans. Did you decide what to do about your maid of honor?
“Actually, I did. I’m going to have both of them since Rourk is having Tommy and Thaddeus. I don’t think they need to be labeled. They will be my two best friends standing by my side on one of the most important days of my life.”
“That’s sweet. Surely they have their dresses by now?”
“Yeah, Lauren picked them out in California. She sent me some pictures they are perfect.” Keegan flipped through the photos on her phone, and then handed it to her mother.
“Oh, that is perfect for a fall wedding. Lauren always has the best taste.”
Keegan took the phone back and looked down at the silk taffeta, dark brown dress that fell just above the knee. The ruffled crossover collar was what really made the dress. She looked at Lauren for a moment longer; she was positively glowing in the dress. Keegan was curious to meet her boyfriend—Tristen, the dark fairy.
“I have everything taken care of as far as the food, music, and flowers. It’s going to be a magical day.” Her mother gave a sad smile as she set a cup of tea in front of Keegan. “It’s hard to believe my little girl will be tying the knot soon. Seems like just yesterday you were running around in pigtails and getting into mischief.”
“I don’t think that has changed much—other than the pigtails.” Keegan grinned.
“Oh, that’s not true. You’ve grown up a lot. You will continue to blossom.” Her mother reached out and put her small, warm hand on top of hers. “Rourk brings out the best in you.”
“I definitely feel more centered since the bond has returned.”
Thaddeus strolled into the room and sat down next to Keegan, then nonchalantly asked, “How’s Anna?”
“Fine. Why?” Keegan looked at him curiously. She could never tell what her brother was thinking. She knew he worked with Anna to get his bond back so maybe he was just making small talk. But, she always had to wonder if he had seen a vision.
“Just wondering. I know you met up with her last weekend. Didn’t Rourk bring Tommy?”
Keegan narrowed her eyes. “Yes, is there something I should know about Tommy? Anna was quite taken with him, and I don’t want her to get hurt.”
She watched his face intently to see if he would give anything away. His lip twitched as if he wanted to smile, but was fighting the urge.
“Nothing you should know. I haven’t had any visions of Tommy causing any trouble for Anna.”
Keegan crossed her arms and sat back in the chair. She knew her brother was keeping something from her, but she also knew it was useless to bug him. He never gave away anything he didn’t want to.
“I’m just curious how she’s doing learning the craft. She’s a very powerful witch.”
“Oh, well she’s found a couple of witches to practice with. She has gotten stronger.”
Thaddeus stood up and walked to the counter to grab an apple. “Mom, want me to take Warrick out with me?”
“Where are you going?” Emerald asked.
“Just out in the woods for a walk. I think it’s time I start taking him. Quality time.”
“That’s fine, just be careful. Make sure you have your phone on you.”
Thaddeus rolled his eyes at her and scooped up his brother from floor. “Come on, little guy.” He hoisted him on his shoulders causing him to giggle.
“Have fun,” Keegan yelled after them.
Keegan and her mother shared a smile.
Athena sat at the door and whimpered when the door shut behind them.
Chapter 21
Rourk showed up on Friday, and Keegan was ecstatic to see him. She longed for the day that they would be together every night. Although, she knew that would never be reality. Even after they were married, he would still have to leave for stretches of time because of his work. Once they were both in Washington, it would get easier. They pulled into her parent’s driveway, and Keegan turned towards Rourk.
“Guess what?” She grinned from ear to ear and grabbed him by the arms.
“You found out you have a new power?” Rourk teased.
“Close. I got accepted to the art school in Seattle. I’m changing my major to photography. I’m still going to keep up with my science courses incase I change my mind and want to go back to Biology.”
“Keegan, that’s great news. I’m proud of you.” Rourk leaned ove
r the center console and wrapped his arms around her. “Have you told your parents?”
“Not yet. I keep putting it off. I guess I’ll tell them this weekend.” Truth be told, she was nervous to tell them. She had no idea how they would react.
“I’m sure they will be happy for you.”
“We’ll see…”
“Speaking of parents, my father has been giving me a hard time about not seeing us enough. Do you mind coming to his place tonight for dinner?”
“Of course not. I’m sorry I’m so greedy with my time with you. I didn’t even think about your dad missing you. We should make something to bring over for desert. What’s his favorite?” She loved the idea of cooking something for his father. She was sure he had to be lonely with the house all to himself.
Rourk thought about it for a moment. “I’ve never seen him turn away homemade chocolate chip cookies.”
“Great, that will be easy to make.” Keegan pushed open the door and jumped out of her mom’s Land Rover. She shivered when the cool air hit her face. She was glad they had a weather manipulator on hand. They would be able to turn up the heat a notch for their outdoor wedding.
“What are you smiling at?” Rourk asked.
“Our wedding. I can’t believe we will be married next weekend. It seems too good to be true.” Keegan pushed open the front door and let the warmth of the house seep into her body. Athena ran up, wagging her little stub of a tail. Rourk reached down and picked up the puppy.
“Hot chocolate?” Her mother peeked out of the kitchen.
“Definitely. It got cold early this year.” Keegan hung her jacket on the rack, and Rourk handed off the dog and did the same. She pulled off her winter cap, and her curls bounced out.
“I didn’t notice you cut your hair with it all up in the hat.” Rourk reached up and touched a curl. “It looks cute.”
“I was inspired by Anna’s latest transformation. I’m not quite as daring as her; just went a little shorter.”
“You would look great bald.”
Keegan laughed. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
