by Jenny Frame
Finn dropped like a shot. Only coming from Bridge’s mouth could those words make her do this, and make her feel so turned on.
Bridge chuckled. “You are so good when you want to be. Now go and get dressed. I’m going to take you home and do unspeakable things to you.”
Finn grinned. “You promise?”
Bridge winked at her. “If you’re a good little magician.”
Epilogue
Axedale church hall had never been so full. There wasn’t even any standing room left around the sides of the hall for the winter show. In the front row sat Harry, Annie, Quade, and Bridge.
So much work had gone into the show, with Annie working on costumes and props, and Quade making sets, and of course their resident celebrity as director, Finnian Kane.
The lights went down and the large video screens Finn had installed on the back wall of the stage started to project wintery, snowy scenes. Suddenly Finn appeared in the middle of the stage, apparently out of thin air. She was wearing her trademark ringmaster costume and top hat, and leaning on a cane.
Bridget smiled, and her heart fluttered when Finn winked at her. Bridge was so proud of Finn. She alone knew how much Finn had put into this village show, putting on hold her own new show, financing everything, just to help the village charities.
But Finn did it gladly, because she had a home now in Axedale, and a home in Bridge’s arms, somewhere she could be safe and let go.
Finn tipped her hat to the audience and said, “The show you are about to see is the magic of winter, through a child’s eyes, and for that you need a child—”
She clicked her fingers, there was a puff of smoke, and there where she had been standing was Riley, dressed in an outfit the same as Finn’s, like a mini-me.
Bridge glanced at Harry and Annie. Harry held Annie’s hand tightly, and Annie was crying with pride. She was such a sweet woman.
Riley said, “You will now experience the magic of winter through a child’s eyes…”
Riley ran around the stage, seemingly producing kid dancers out of thin air all over the stage. Then the music came on and they all went into the first dance number.
Bridge felt Quade nudge her and whisper, “You looked so proud watching her there. You really must be in love, Vicar.”
“I truly am. I never thought I’d have this,” Bridge replied with a smile.
“I don’t have to marry you and your whip when we’re forty-five then?” Quade joked.
“You’re safe, Quade. My whip is more than delighted with Finn. It’s your turn next.”
Quade raised her eyebrows and shook her head. “I won’t hold my breath. What woman wants to be a farmer’s wife these days?”
Bridge patted her hand. “If it can happen to a celibate vicar, it can happen to you, Quade. Excuse me.”
Bridge got up quietly and sneaked into the kitchen next door to the church hall. When she walked through she found Finn watching the show on monitors she had set up there.
She slinked up behind Finn and whispered, “Hello, Magician.”
Finn turned around with want in her eyes. “I love that voice.”
“What voice?” Bridge teased.
Finn kissed her palm. “My mistress’s voice.”
Bridge laughed. “I know you do. Everyone is loving the show in there. You’ve done so well.”
“The kids have done well. Riley Knight has taken to magic like a duck to water.”
“She does to most things. Riley is very intelligent.” Bridge ran her fingers through the blond fringe that she found so fascinating. “If you play your cards right, Magician, I might say your magic words later, at home.”
Finn lifted Bridge and placed her on the table.
“I always play my cards right, Vicar. I’m the best.” Finn grinned, knowing how much Bridge loved it when she got a bit cocky.
Bridge pulled Finn close and whispered, “I’ll enjoy wiping that cocky smirk off your face tonight, boy.”
“So will I, Mistress. I love you,” Finn said softly.
“I love you too.” Their lips came together in a kiss just as applause erupted from the hall next door.
“We must be good,” Finn joked.
About the Author
Jenny Frame is from the small town of Motherwell in Scotland, where she lives with her partner, Lou, and their well-loved and very spoiled dog.
She has a diverse range of qualifications, including a BA in public management and a diploma in acting and performance. Nowadays she likes to put her creative energies into writing rather than treading the boards.
When not writing or reading, Jenny loves cheering on her local football team, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Jenny can be contacted at http://www.jennyframe.com/
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