"Thank you, Liam." She held the glitter he'd given her next to her heart. "I know I can reach Cody."
***
Cody's eyes went back and forth between the shaft of golden light and the stark white one. Both called to him. He struggled to make sense of them, the only thing he knew for sure was that either choice would be better than the darkness. His brain was exhausted, his spirit weak, but he knew it was time to make a choice. His eyes went back to the white one. Just looking at it filled him with relief. If he chose the white light, he wouldn't hurt anymore. It would keep him out of the pain's reach. And there was so much pain.
He looked at the gold light again. When he did, there wasn't the peace that the white promised him, but the gold warmed him straight through to his heart. It was as if it offered him a golden sword, one he could reach out and grasp so that he could fight his way through the pain.
He closed his eyes, too tired to think any longer.
***
"It's nothing short of a miracle." A team of three doctors faced Bethany, Tessa and Liam, who stood on either side of Fiona. The lead doctor handed a chart to a nurse. "I can't even pretend to explain how Cody survived, let alone how his brain function is testing so high. None of us have ever seen anything like it."
Fiona glanced over at the bed where Cody slept. He slept a lot, which the doctors assured them was normal and necessary. They bandied the word 'total recovery' around in awed tones, which was the way mortals usually spoke of miracles. There was no more talk of paralysis. Fiona knew, even if they didn't just yet, that Cody's physical rehabilitation would be swift. His recovery would soon be complete, which meant it was time for her leave.
After the conference, Fiona pulled Bethany aside. "Can I have a moment alone with Cody? I want to say goodbye."
Bethany's shock was clear. "Where are you going? Wait, why are you going?" She reached out and grabbed Fiona's hand. "Cody's going to want to see you when he wakes up." Her eyes filled with tears. "You've been by his side from the start. We're all so beholden to you."
Which was exactly why Fiona had to leave before Cody woke up and heard from his family and the nursing staff about what he 'owed' her. She squeezed Bethany's hand and then pulled away gently. "No one is beholden to me, certainly not Cody. I was here with him because I wanted to be." She took a deep steadying breath. "He's going to be fine now. And I am so, so happy about that."
"Fiona, I know you love my brother." Bethany's voice was gentle. "Does he feel the same way about you?"
Fiona shook her head. "I don't know." She thought of the way his kiss had made her feel. It hurt to remember. It seemed so long ago that they'd set out for Tucson, far longer than the five weeks it'd been. "But I do know I have to go."
When Bethany finally left them alone, Fiona took Cody's hand in hers. His skin was warm and his color was good. It just looked as if he were asleep. "Oh, Cody, I'm so happy that you're going to be okay." She brushed a gentle kiss across his knuckles. "Be happy." It was hard for her to find words powerful enough to express the way her heart felt. "Be safe. But most of all be happy." She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "I love you."
And then she turned and left the hospital, knowing full well that her heart remained behind with the cowboy who'd stolen it.
Chapter Fourteen
"So, I think that covers everything for today." Fiona slipped the agenda and meeting minutes into her binder. She smiled at the assembled group of volunteers that were the lifeblood of her new life's work, a nonprofit she'd named 'Magic Wand Ranch'. "I think we're in good shape for our first event next month. The budget looks healthy and our plans solid. I want you all to know how deeply grateful I am, and the families we're helping will be as well."
After a motion to adjourn was made and seconded, those assembled filtered out of Fiona's house and, one by one, began to depart. Just as she was saying goodbye to the last member of the group, she saw an unfamiliar pickup truck pull into the driveway. She held a hand up to block out the sun's glare but the only thing she could make out clearly was that it was hauling a horse trailer.
"Are we expecting someone?" she asked her office manager.
"The only thing I could think of is that it's the horse that someone wanted to donate. They could be delivering it a few days early. You want me to hang around?"
Fiona shook her head. "Nope, I can handle it. You go get your weekend started and I'll see you on Monday."
Fiona leaned against the front porch pillar and watched as the driver pulled the truck aside so that her manager could pass by before it continued up the long gravel drive. She never imagined that in six short months she'd have had as much success getting her non-profit off the ground as she'd had. Not that she'd done it alone. The generous response from her new neighbors and friends in Las Cruces had gone a long way to making her feel that she could make her venture successful. But the true kudos went to her former colleagues at Fairy Godmother, Inc. who had showered Fiona with an outpouring of kindness and support after she'd turned in her wand. She'd lost her magic, lost her wings, and lost her heart to Cody, but she'd been given the great gift of knowing he'd recovered. Despite the massive upheaval to her life, she'd not regretted her choice for a single second. Now that she had a new mission in life to bring terminally ill children and their families to the ranch for a week of rest and relaxation, she was busy. Busy enough that she only thought of Cody every other second.
As the truck grew closer she saw that it was a pearly white color and clearly showroom new. The driver was the only person in the cab but he was wearing a cowboy hat that hid his face. But it was the lettering on the truck doors and trailer that caught her attention. The words 'Magic Wand Ranch' were spelled out in sparkly gold letters. A delighted grin stretched across Fiona's face. But who on earth had arranged such an amazing surprise?
She walked down the porch steps as the truck drew to a stop. She went over to the passenger door and ran her fingers reverently over the glittery letters.
The driver's side door opened and she looked up to see who had brought her such an unexpected gift. When the driver took off his hat and met her eyes, Fiona gasped.
Cody.
She couldn't move but her eyes greedily drank in every detail of his appearance. He looked healthy, strong, and more perfect than she could have ever hoped for. When he came around the front of the truck, she was delighted to see that he walked without even the suggestion of a limp.
Cody set his hat on the hood of the truck and held his arms open wide.
Fiona didn't hesitate.
He closed his arms around her and swung her around twice before he set her gently down, but he didn't release his hold on her hands. "Hello, Fiona."
"Cody, what are you doing here?" Was he really here? She hadn't even dared dream that he'd come find her.
"I brought you a gift. Two gifts, actually." He motioned to the horse trailer with his head. "The truck and also the world's most gentle Palomino mare. I thought your guests might like riding Glitter Girl."
"Glitter Girl?"
He smiled, his eyes twinkling. "I named her after you."
"I don't understand."
Instead of answering, he twirled her around so that her back was to him. He ran his hands lightly over her shoulders where her wings used to be. He sucked in his breath. "So it's true."
She whirled back around and took a step back. "What are you talking about?"
"Fiona, I know." His smile was tender. "Your friends told me about your life before we met. I know what you gave up for me."
She shook her head. There was no way that Liam would ever betray her trust that way. "My friends?"
"It wasn't Liam. I couldn't get anything out of him, but his wife sang like a caged canary."
Fiona reeled from the shock of Tessa's betrayal. She'd never for a moment thought she'd see Cody again, let alone stand and face him knowing that he knew her secret. She felt exposed, vulnerable, in a way she'd never imagined possible.
"Fiona."
Cody gently took her hands in his, "I owe you my life."
"No." She shook her head. "Your medical team was amazing. I didn't do anything."
"Yes, you did. You were the golden light. You were what I came back for."
This was what she'd dreaded, the reason she'd left before he regained consciousness. "I did what I had to do and I'm happier than I can say to see you looking so perfectly healthy and strong."
"I know I don't have the right to ask this of you, but I need a few more things from you." His eyes searched hers before he continued speaking. "Will you hear me out?"
She nodded. She hadn't a single idea what he was going to say but if it meant she had one more moment to listen to his voice, and to look into his eyes before he left, she'd take it.
"I sold the ranch."
Her eyes widened. This was the last thing she'd expected to hear. "Why?"
His eyes didn't leave hers. "I was going to go to London."
Fiona wanted to laugh and cry at the same time but she struggled to maintain her composure. "Why didn't you?"
"Because the girl I love wasn't there." He grinned. "It took me awhile but I tracked her down, sold everything, packed up my horse and here I am."
And here he was. This had to be a dream. But if it was, she didn't want to wake up. "So, what are your plans now?"
Cody grinned. "Well, that all depends on you. I'll always be a cowboy, but my bronc riding days are over. I have a pretty lucrative deal thanks to you-"
"No, that was all Tessa."
"Well, I'm grateful to have enough money to start over. I wondered if you'd hired a ranch manager yet?"
Her mind scrambled to understand what he was asking of her. "You want to stay here?"
He nodded. "But only if I can stay forever."
Oh, what that one little word did to her heart, but she needed to be sure she understood him. "Forever?"
"Do you remember that day at the rodeo, right before the competition started? When I tipped my hat-"
"And touched your heart."
"And touched my heart," he repeated. "That was the moment when I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you."
She barely dared hope that she understood him. "Cody, I have to know. You aren't here because you feel like you owe me something?"
He reached out and caressed her cheek. "I do owe you my life, but I'd already decided before I rode that day that I wanted to marry you. If you'll have me, that is. I don't have much of anything to offer but-"
Fiona didn't let him finish. She threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly to her.
He laughed. "Is that a yes?"
She nodded. "Yes, it's a yes." She smiled up at him through her tears.
When Cody lowered his lips to hers and kissed her, Fiona recognized their love for what it was.
Pure magic.
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A note from Caroline:
Thank you so much for reading 'Magic Wand Ranch'. I had fun writing it and I hope you enjoyed reading it too. Please consider leaving a review on the site where you purchased this e-book and/or on Goodreads. Reviews are incredibly helpful to authors because they help readers find our books. I also encourage you to sign up below for my VIP Reader Newsletter list if you'd like to hear when I have a new release out or when I'm running a contest. Lastly, in case you haven't read 'Witch Weigh' and aren't familiar with the story of how Liam and Tessa met, I'm including a sneak peek of Witch Weigh. Enjoy!
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Please continue reading for a sneak peek of Witch Weigh.
Chapter One of Witch Weigh
“Hey, lady, anyone ever tell you you’re a real witch?”
“More times than you can imagine.” Contessa Von Hellengaard, Tessa to her few friends and many enemies alike, eyed the obstinate construction worker who blocked the path of her sleek black Mercedes.
She wondered how this mere mortal would like being turned into a fluffy skunk. Her fingers itched to work their magic, but she kept them gripped on the steering wheel. She was already in enough trouble with the Upper Hallows Witch Council without casting what they would consider another unnecessary spell. If she was detained any longer she’d be late for her meeting with said council. Tessa knew they were already ticked off enough without her adding another infraction to their precious list.
She leaned out the window. “Remove your overfed self from my way immediately. I need to use this road and I don’t have time for your ridiculous detour.”
“Guess you should’ve used your broomstick then because there ain’t no way I’m letting your car get through here.” He crossed his beefy arms over his chest.
He seemed altogether too amused with his juvenile humor for Tessa’s liking. Broomstick indeed. She revved the motor to let him know she meant business.
He couldn’t say he hadn’t been warned.
She pushed up her black lace sleeves and pointed to the orange and white barricade. “Last warning. Remove yourself and that thing from my way.”
He laughed at her. Laughed. At her.
She narrowed her eyes. This sorry excuse for a government employee was not going to make her late for her meeting. Removing him from her path, she decided, was a very necessary act indeed. She could make the council members understand. But only if she got there on time.
With the tip of her red lacquered fingernail she traced a circle in her palm, silently reciting the spell that would get her what she wanted. A small, satisfied smile tugged at her lips as the man in front of her began to levitate. She stroked her index finger sideways to help direct his ascension. His shocked expression and angry torrent of curse words bothered her not at all. He continued to fuss and kick even after he was hooked on to the high crane by the back of his overalls. At over forty feet above the ground she could barely make out his foul words.
Tessa flicked her finger across her palm with one last quick swipe and waited while the barricade went flying to the side of the road and crashed on a pile of rocks.
She waved farewell to the construction worker as she slipped her Mercedes into drive. The fool would be wise to quit struggling or he’d soon have a painful wedgie.
Silly mortal. He had no reason to panic. Someone would be along to get him down. Eventually.
***
Fifteen sinful minutes late, Tessa swung the Mercedes into a circle drive with only a minimal amount of flying gravel to announce her arrival. She grabbed her black leather satchel and eyed the occupant of the passenger seat.
“No, you may not come. I’m tired of you following me everywhere I go.” She half closed the door and then hesitated before flinging it open. “Oh, come on then. You’d better watch yourself though or you’ll end up as annoying as a dog.”
She slammed the car door as soon as Jinx, her sleek black short hair cat, jumped out and made his all too entitled way to the front door of the Tudor home where the council met. The cat was the least of her problems this morning.
Tessa sailed down the hallway. The interior was dim and over-decorated, paying homage to the Victorian style that her Aunt Trudy so loved. Much of Tessa’s childhood had been spent in this very home and she knew it, and failed to appreciate it, the same way she did her own.
She stopped in front of the heavily carved oak doors and took a steadying breath. She wanted this to go well. She needed this to go well. The Council needed to approve her application to the United Paranormal Council as a visiting scholar slash expert on silent spells. Her life was staid, boring and so predictable that even her yawns were planned. But, oh, Europe awaited her. If she could just manage to get there she’d be able to associate with the sort of sophisticated, urban witches and warlocks that she knew she was meant to. She’d happily bid a hasty farewell to the lumpy and dumpy witches she’d grown up around.
With one last flick of her auburn hair over her shoulder, Tessa pushed open the doors and stepped into the Upper Hallows Council meeting room.
The din of casual chatter stopped immediately and the gathered crones turned to her expectantly. To her immense surprise, she realized she was the tiniest bit nervous, but only because the stakes were so high. There was nothing for it but to seize the moment and take control of her own destiny.
“The door, Tessa,” her Aunt Trudy reminded her.
Well, hello to you too, you old witch, Tessa managed not to say. She kicked the door closed with her foot.
At the same moment that she opened her mouth to speak, a horrific screech filled the air.
Tessa froze.
“The cat, Tessa.” Somehow, above the commotion, she recognized her Aunt’s voice.
Jinx. Damn.
When she turned she saw she was too late to rescue her feline companion. Jinx already lay snuggled in Amelia Fairweather’s arms.
“Poor darling little kitty,” Amelia crooned, cuddling the cat even closer to her ample bosom. “You poor neglected angel.”
Tessa watched the love fest, unable to speak a single word in her own defense. She certainly hadn’t planned for the first words out of her mouth to be uttered in self-defense.
And Jinx appeared to be enjoying the attention all too much. His green eyes met hers and they held a self-satisfied gleam. Match point Jinx.
She cleared her throat. “Perhaps you could all take your seats so we can begin.” She ignored the glares the assembled witches sent her way, grateful they were casting dirty looks and not spells.
Tessa balled her hands into fists. Her hands were usually the first things to get her in trouble. They always had been. It was her curse. Like the other witches in the room, her fingers did the work of words when casting spells.
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