Legacy of Magic

by Denise Carbo

  Finn smiled down at Addy. “No, it’s a boy. I named him Bat.”

  “Oh, that’s a nice name. Because he’s solid black, I suppose.”

  Before he could reply, Cory drove into the driveway.

  “Oh look, Coralea is home.”

  “And he’s off.” The puppy raced across the lawn to investigate the new arrival. Finn shook his head and followed suit, not knowing what mischief the dog would get into, or how Cory felt about dogs. Although who could resist a puppy?

  Cory bent down as the little black bullet rounded the back corner of her car and captured him in her arms. Bat wiggled all over and licked every inch of her he could reach. Finn couldn’t fault the little guy’s taste.

  “Aren’t you the most precious little bundle. Yes, yes, you are.”

  Finn raised an eyebrow as her words reached him. Ballbuster Bishop had a soft spot for puppies. “I see you’ve met Bat.”

  Cory glanced over at him before returning her attention to the black furry mass in her arms determined to give her a bath. “You named him Bat?”

  “Because he’s all black. Hello, dear. Isn’t he simply adorable? I’ve invited Finn for dinner. It should be ready shortly. You two play with Bat a while longer.” Aunt Addy disappeared inside.

  “What’s the real reason?”

  Finn grinned. “It’s short for Bat Shit Crazy. The dog rolls in and eats the most disgusting things he can find. You would not believe the sheer number of baths I’ve given him in the week I’ve had him.”

  Cory wrinkled her nose and chuckled. “Is that true you little cutie?”

  Bat yipped twice and squirmed to get down. She put him on the ground, and he ran off to chase a butterfly around the garden.

  The smile widened across her face as she watched the puppy play. Her dark blue eyes twinkled with laughter. Wisps of auburn had escaped the braid holding back her hair and caressed her neck. Her sleeveless pink blouse skimmed over her curves. His gaze tracked downward to the white shorts topping a fabulous pair of legs.

  “Done?”

  His gaze finished cataloguing her stellar attributes before returning to her frowning face. “For now.”

  She shook her head and folded her arms across her abdomen.

  At least Cory hadn’t disappeared inside yet. He counted that as a plus since every time he’d caught a glimpse of her in the past several weeks she quickly made herself scarce. Also on the plus side, he knew from Addy that Sebastian hadn’t captured anymore of her attention either. Despite the flowers that had been delivered at least twice that he was aware of. How original was that? She worked in a greenhouse surrounded by flowers. Finn didn’t take her for a woman easily impressed or swayed by the standard ploys.

  “How’s the job going? Addy says you’re flourishing.”

  Cory smiled and met his gaze. “It’s going great. I’ve really learned a lot. I could bore you to tears with all the plant names I’ve learned.”

  “That’s quite all right, I’m good. Unless you want to discuss it over dinner? We could take turns boring each other with our knowledge. Mine of cars and yours of flowers.”

  “I don’t know how interesting Aunt Addy will find that dinner conversation, but sure. Speaking of which, she said it should be ready shortly so I better go wash up, and it looks like you better go catch Bat before you need to wash him up.” She jerked her head in the puppy’s direction as she turned to go.

  Finn opened his mouth about to correct her deliberate, he was sure, misinterpretation when he glanced over to see his dog making a run for the pile of mulch by the garage.

  “That mulch is mixed with manure for fertilizer.” Cory chuckled while she sauntered up the stairs to the back door.

  “Damn it!” Finn broke into a run after the dog.

  ****

  Cory laughed outright. Finn carried the wiggling puppy with arms straight out in front of him.

  He hadn’t beaten him to the mulch pile.

  Finn disappeared around the back of his house, and she headed for her bathroom to wash up.

  A week had passed since she had unlocked her powers.

  She hesitantly tested them at work while no one watched. She was able to make the plants flourish, but so far that had been the extent of her abilities. The power existed inside her, but the knowledge of how to access it, or even if she should, escaped her. Downloading books on witches and spell craft made her feel silly. They also provided little help. There was a lot of craziness out there.

  The lingering fear from Josephine’s warnings and what had happened with the tree branch made her want to be careful. The danger that had stalked Josephine should be long gone after so many years, but how could she be sure? The incident with Finn made caution a necessity. She never wanted to be responsible for hurting someone.

  Staring at her reflection, she wondered if she looked different. Maybe it was her imagination, or her perception of the world now, but she could see a glow that surrounded her. The aura was faint, but present. Perhaps it was what those who claimed to see auras referred to, but it didn’t change color as far as she could tell. The incandescent shimmer remained a steady white, and it didn’t change with her moods.

  She finished braiding her hair into a thick French braid which covered her birthmark sufficiently. She had since given up wearing her hair in a pony tail to work for fear someone would notice the tree on the back of her neck. She wondered if Josephine had had the same symbol on her nape.

  “Coralea? Dinner is ready,” Aunt Addy’s melodic voice drifted up the stairs.

  “Be right there,” she called down. Cory jogged down the stairs and walked into the kitchen. Her aunt stood at the stove. “Sorry, I meant to be down earlier to help. What can I do?”

  “Oh, don’t worry dear. If you could carry this roast to the table that would be helpful. It’s a bit heavy, so be careful.”

  A sharp rap of knuckles knocked on the back door as Cory placed the platter on the table.

  Finn stood at the door. How could she have forgotten even for an instant he was coming to dinner?

  “Perfect timing. Would you let him in, dear?”

  “Of course.” She opened the door and waved her arm for him to enter. He winked at her as he brushed past her without a word. The scent of masculine soap tickled her nose, and she took a deep breath while scanning him from head to toe. His hair was damp, from a shower she surmised. Apparently, Bat wasn’t the only one affected by his foray into the mulch. “Where’s Bat?”

  Finn glanced back at her over his shoulder as he bent to kiss her aunt on the cheek. “He’s contemplating the errors of his ways.”

  “He’s a puppy.”

  “Relax princess, I didn’t beat him or anything. He’s in his crate. I didn’t think anyone would appreciate the smell of wet dog accompanying dinner. Which smells amazing, Addy.”

  She smiled at him while he took the bowl of vegetables from her and carried it to the table. Cory grabbed the rolls and followed them. “It really does, but then again it always does when you do the cooking.”

  They filled their plates and started eating.

  “Thank you. You know in my younger years I fancied turning this house into a bed and breakfast, so I would have more people to cook for.”

  “Really? I never knew that. Why didn’t you?”

  “Oh, well, it never seemed the right time, and then it was too late. I suppose if it had been something I really wanted, then I would have pursued it more. Besides, now I do have people to cook for and without having strangers in my home.”

  “Feel free to cook for me anytime. This is one of the best meals I’ve had.”

  Her aunt beamed at Finn. “You know you’re always welcome, Finnigan. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help this year.”

  Finn shrugged. “I haven’t done all that much. If you need anything though, let me know. This meal is worth whatever you need.”

  “You have done a great deal. You’re being too modest. You’ve fixed so many thin
gs around the house for me. You’ve shoveled the snow even when I told you I could hire someone. Mowed my lawn. I could go on, but I can see I’m making you uncomfortable. Just know you have my gratitude.”

  Cory stared at Finn with widened eyes. His cheekbones held a reddish tint. He was embarrassed. She hadn’t realized just how much he’d been helping her aunt. She never saw who mowed the lawn, she had assumed a neighborhood kid or landscaping service was hired to do the job.

  “Only takes a few moments more when I’m already taking care of my own. Doesn’t make any sense for you to hire someone to do the job.”

  “I can take over mowing the lawn. I never even thought about doing the chore.”

  He sliced a frown accompanied by a glare in her direction. “It’s no big deal. I’ve got it.”

  Okay, sore point. Well if he wanted to mow the lawn, she wasn’t going to argue.

  “There’s lemon meringue pie for dessert. I hope that appeals to you both?” Aunt Addy gazed at them expectantly.

  Cory returned her smile. “Of course, though I better not take a second helping of dinner then.”

  “No worries, I have plenty of room. Anything with pie in the description is appealing to me.” Finn added more to his plate.

  Cory relaxed back in her seat and absently listened as her aunt and Finn discussed some upcoming town events. She glanced back and forth between the two.

  Neither had a glow or aura which she could see. Why did she see one around herself? Could it be because she possessed power? She didn’t recall reading anything referencing that in the research she’d been doing.

  “What do you think, Coralea?”

  “Um, sorry, my mind was wandering. What do I think about what?”

  Finn chuckled, and she sent him a narrow-eyed glare.

  “There’s a town fair this weekend, and I thought it would be nice to go together.”

  “Of course, that sounds great.”

  “Wonderful. I think you will really enjoy the festivities. You’ve been working too hard lately. I know you enjoy your work, but you still need some play time too.”

  “Going to the fair sounds like fun. I haven’t been to one since I was a kid.”

  Finn stood up and started gathering plates. Before Aunt Addy could stand, he waved her back down. “You cooked, the least I can do is clean up.”

  Cory helped clear away the dishes. “Does anyone want coffee with the pie?”

  “No, but I will have some tea if you don’t mind, dear.”

  She filled the tea kettle and set it on the stove. “Of course not. Finn, what about you?”

  “I’ll have a coffee if you’re making some.” He carried the pie to the table while Cory made the coffee and tea.

  Her aunt started slicing and serving the pie. “It’s not the big fair they do in the Fall, but it still has plenty to do. There’s various booths people sell their local wares at, rides, and of course, food.”

  Cory carried over the tea and coffee before taking her seat. “This pie looks delicious.”

  “It’s the recipe I used to win at the pie contest one year at the fair.”

  Finn took a large bite. “I believe it. You should enter again. I’ll be your guinea pig for whatever practice you want to do.”

  She tittered briefly. “Maybe next year. It’s too late to enter this year.”

  Cory closed her eyes in bliss after tasting the pie. The sweet meringue and lemon custard were the perfect combination of tart and sweet. “You have a gift, Aunt Addy.”

  “I don’t know about that, but I do enjoy baking. You must be sure to check out all the baked goods at the fair and bring me something home.” Her aunt sipped her tea.

  Cory frowned. “Bring you something home? I thought we were going together?”

  “Oh no, all that walking around is too much for me. The fair is for young people, like you and Finnegan.”

  She glanced at Finn. He was busy shoveling pie into his mouth. She looked back to her aunt calmly sipping her tea. Had she agreed to go to the fair with Finn? Had she been manipulated again?

  “You and Finnegan will have a lovely time, dear. I’ll look forward to hearing all about it when you get home while we enjoy whatever treat you find.”

  She smiled tightly. “I’m sure Finn would rather go with someone else. There’s no reason to go together. I’ll pick up a treat for you and me to share.”

  Her aunt’s crestfallen expression made her cringe. She glanced at Finn hoping for some assistance. He met her gaze and smirked.

  “I appreciate your consideration, but there’s no one else I care to go with. Be happy to escort you.”

  She curled her toes to prevent herself from kicking him under the table.

  “There, I’m glad that’s settled.” Aunt Addy stood up and carried her cup and plate to the sink.

  “I am not going on another date with you,” Cory whispered in a harsh tone.

  Finn fired back, “Scared?”

  Cory glanced behind her at her aunt who seemed oblivious to the undercurrents in the kitchen. She leaned forward again. “Of you? Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “Then what’s the problem? We go to the fair together and make Addy happy.”

  “The problem is I don’t want you getting any ideas. I am not dating you.”

  Finn shrugged. “Message received, princess. Don’t call it a date. We’ll be two neighbors carpooling to the fair, okay? Stop making such a big deal about it.” He stood up and cleared the table.

  Damn it. Now she felt like a drama queen. Was she overreacting? As long he was clear this wasn’t a date, what did it matter if they attended together? The fair did sound like fun, and it would make her aunt happy. It would be more fun than going alone. They could be friends.

  Couldn’t they?

  Chapter Twelve

  The bright, colorful lights and the cacophony of sounds transported Cory back to her childhood joy attending a fair. The heavy aroma of fried foods and sweets permeated the air. People milled about sampling the fare, inspecting the goods for sale, or enjoying the thrill of a carnival ride.

  Finn had arrived promptly after dinner to escort her to the fair. They chitchatted on the way about fairs they had attended as children and about Aunt Addy’s refusal to go. They each had tried to sway her once again before leaving.

  The darkening sky provided the perfect backdrop for the strings of lights lining the paths between booths and stalls and the kaleidoscope of lights showcasing the rides.

  They wandered down a path peering at the various items. Leather goods, paintings, wood carvings, toys, souvenirs, an endless variety just waiting for someone to buy. Cory couldn’t help but smile when she stopped to look at a small wooden puppy. “Look, it looks just like Bat.”

  Finn picked up the wooden carving and smiled. “You’re right, it does.” He looked at the salesperson. “How much?”

  The woman named a price, and Finn started plucking bills out of his wallet while the woman wrapped the puppy up and put it in a bag.

  As they walked away from the booth, Cory couldn’t help but ask, “No haggling? I would’ve bargained for a lower price. It’s expected.”

  Finn chuckled. “Yeah, I’m sure you would, but it seemed like a fair price to me. How about something to eat?”

  “I just ate dinner a little while ago.”

  “So? There has to be something that tempts you.”

  Cory pondered that as she looked around. “Fried dough.”

  “Excellent start. Now are you a purist and want it plain, or do you prefer the toppings?” He spotted a food truck in the next row with a sign for fried dough and grabbed her hand. “This way.”

  She laughed as she was tugged along. “Does powdered sugar count?”

  “Coming up.” They reached the truck and stood in line for a moment. Finn glanced down at her with that one eyebrow of his raised. “You’re going to share, right?”

  “Well, that depends, when you say share does that mean you’re going to eat half of
it before I can even take a bite?”

  “No, we’ll split it. I need room to sample everything else.”

  “I have a feeling I’m going to have a stomachache after this.”

  “It’s all about pacing. We’ll have the dough, then a drink, some more shopping, maybe a ride, then we’ll pick another food item, and start again.”

  Cory laughed. “A definite stomachache.”

  They shared the dough, rode on the Ferris wheel, found a fruit tart and a small painting for Aunt Addy, then shared some fritters. After that, Cory bowed out of any more food. Finn kept going to sample a turkey leg, a fried Oreo, and an ice cream cone with chocolate sprinkles. She shook her head at each addition.

  Finn insisted on playing a game and winning her a stuffed dog which vaguely resembled Bat.

  Experiencing the fair with Finn was the most fun she could remember having in a long time. Perhaps they could be friends after all.

  Other than grabbing her hand that one time, he made no attempt to touch her. He didn’t flirt or allude to any intimacy between them. Maybe he no longer had an interest.

  This was what she had insisted she wanted. But a tiny tinge of disappointment beat at the edges of her mind. How messed up was that?

  Finn stopped and looked down at her. “Anything else you want?”

  Cory blinked up at him.

  “Another ride? More shopping?”

  “Oh, no, I’m good. Bit tired actually.”

  “Yeah, me too, let’s head on home.”

  They rode home in a comfortable silence. The lights of town gradually disappeared. The darkness occasionally broken with the lights from a house.

  Why was she disappointed he wasn’t flirting with her? This was Finn after all, she didn’t want to date him. Right?

  She wasn’t so vain she craved every man’s attention and mourned its loss if it stopped. So, what was up? They hadn’t fought tonight. They’d had a good time. Friends or neighbors enjoying a platonic evening together. Nothing wrong with that. In fact it was a good thing.

  They drove into her aunt’s driveway, and Cory tossed an absent smile in his direction as she gathered her things. “Thanks, I had fun.”

  “See you.”

  Cory walked to the door. Finn’s vehicle’s engine revved as he backed down the driveway to the road. By the time she stepped inside and glanced out the window, he had entered his own driveway and disappeared into the garage. She placed the items she bought for Aunt Addy on the kitchen counter and went upstairs. Her aunt’s door was closed, and there was no light shining beneath the door, so she was most likely asleep.