“And magical. We cannot forget that. Most of what was done here was by magic. It’s held up over the decades much better than even I thought it would. We’ve had no trouble with it, not even from the lake above it. But as with the earth, we give to her as well.” Vance was beginning to see how insignificant he was in the larger scheme of things. “You’re not. I can read your mind, but I didn’t have to. What you are thinking is written on your face. You, of all the brothers, were the most important part of all this. Yes, the dragons were needed from time to time, and will be again, but you were the one that had to end this.”
“Because I’d seen death before. Because of what I am.” Caelin said he was just a man to him. “No, you know what I mean. I’m a man who has committed and seen a great deal of death.”
“That had nothing to do with it. Well, perhaps a little, but you would have been the one no matter what the circumstances would have been with what you did. You have the bravest heart of them all. And believe it or not, the purest.” Vance shook his head. “No, you do. Your heart has never been touched by anyone with greed in their heart. Neither have the others, but you were stronger than them in so many ways. And wielding the sword, mine and my mother’s sword, would not have done what it needed when it needed to for anyone but you. None of them could have broken the diamond that freed the dragon. As well as being marked as you have been.”
“Marked?” Caelin nodded at him and pulled up his own sleeve. There was a dragon from his shoulder to his elbow, and his tail curled around his wrist to be in his palm. “I don’t have that.”
Caelin took his hand in his, the one with the dragon on it. As soon as he touched him, Vance fell to the floor—the pain was incredible. He heard Micky screaming as well, and knew that whatever he was getting, she was as well. But Vance knew that his mark, because that was what it was, was going to be larger and bigger than Micky’s. When the pain subsided, he stood again and told his brothers he was all right.
“That wasn’t nice, I know, but I had to see first if the dragon would take you. I was afraid that if he didn’t go to you and your mate, you’d worry again. You worry a great deal, don’t you?” Caelin laughed and Vance wanted to slug him. But he was slightly afraid to. “As you should be. I have given you what I am, Vance. The warrior for the dragons.”
“Why?” He pulled his shirt off and looked down at his body. “Christ, it’s huge, isn’t it? Look at the color on it as well.”
“She’s much larger than mine is, yes. The color means that you’re the last of the warriors. When you have a son, he’ll take on some of your sigil, but not all. He will be a warrior too, but not as brave nor as strong as you.” Vance felt it move over his skin, and when the head of the dragon was on his chest, it seemed to look up at him. “She knows what you are as well. And when you need her, she’ll come from your body, much like Roderick and his mate do from the others.”
It moved again, this time from his chest to his waist, and curled around him. It didn’t hurt, not at all, but it was as if he had a belt on that was slightly too tight. Almost as soon as he thought that, the dragon moved again, and it wasn’t nearly as tight as it had been. Micky joined him and showed him her dragon.
“As with all things, there is a balance. You have a male on you, Lady Micky, and Lord Vance a female. The two of you will forever be the warriors of the dragons.” Caelin moved away then, and went to talk to Emma, who was looking at the pictures with Jorden.
“Did you ever think we’d have a dragon on our bodies?” Vance held Micky in his arms and told her no. “The baby approves, I think. Just as I was taken to the ground, I felt him move. It’s a son.”
“Yes, I think I might have dreamed that the night you conceived.” Micky looked up at him. “We’re to name him Caelin Vance McCade. And he’ll name his first born the same. We’ll have a great many of them, too.”
“I love that.” She held him, and he kissed the top of her head. “There is a house in town that I’d like to purchase for us. If it’s not part of the estate. It’s a grand old home that has seven bedrooms, as well as a large barn on the property. It’s going to need a little work, but I think we can get it done.”
“Anything you wish, I’ll try my best to get it for you.” She looked at him again. “You have given me a world with love in it. Something that I never dreamed, much less thought would be mine. And now that we’re going to have a child, I couldn’t be any happier. And every day with you is like a gift that I will treasure as much as the things here in this cellar.”
The rest of the afternoon was spent going through the crates of things that had been put here. Some of the paintings, as well as other things, were set aside for each of them to take to their homes. His swords were with the things that Micky had picked out, as well as several large crates and trunks. His pile was considerably smaller than the rest, but she assured him that they had what they wanted. Vance told her he just didn’t want to carry it anywhere.
“Caelin, I’d like to talk to you about a house here in town. The grand one that is on the main street. At the end, Micky told me.” Caelin told him that it was his if he wanted it. “No, I want to buy it. Even if it is a part of the estate, there should be money for it.”
“No, not from family. And I’m glad to see you going into that one. The mayor used to live there at one time, so it has all the bells and whistles, I think you call it.” They both laughed. “Will you consider being our mayor, Vance? We could use a good man like you; someone that has seen the worst in people, and the good.”
“I don’t know. That seems like a job for someone that knows the area better than I do.” Caelin just laughed. “You know something that I should, don’t you?”
“Your office is already set up in the courthouse. And I believe stationary has been printed for you as well. As soon as you killed Butler and released the dragon, the people took a vote, not with my knowledge, and said that you were to be the mayor. And your wife, she’ll be very helpful to you in projects that need to be taken care of.”
“I think I’ve been bamboozled.” They both laughed, and he realized that he really did want the job as mayor. It was something that he’d never thought of, like a great many things that he had now, but he knew that he could make it work. With Micky at his side. “You know, I have to talk to Micky, but I would like the job, I think. So long as they really want me there after six months. I might be a total screw up with it.”
“I doubt very much that you’ve ever screwed anything up in your life, but you talk to Micky and I’ll tell the people. They might come pounding at your door, so I’d hurry if I were you.”
Vance found Micky looking at stacks of plates. She and Emma were trying to decide if they were priceless heirlooms or just everyday ones to use in the castle. He didn’t think that it really mattered, but kept his mouth shut. When his mom came to stand by him, Vance wrapped his arm around her and kissed her cheek. He had missed her a great deal over the years he’d been away and was glad that she was going to be close. He looked over at Micky as something occurred to him.
“We’re going to have a baby.” She hugged him tightly, and he smiled at her when she started to cry. “Will you come and live with us? I mean, all the time. I just got a house that I’ve never seen, and Micky is happy. I’d like to make up for the time that I missed with you.”
“What will Micky say about this? You should talk to her first.” He realized that she hadn’t said no, and that gave him heart. “Talk to your wife and we’ll see.”
“Talk to me about what?” Vance told Micky what he’d heard from Caelin and about the house. Then he told her that he would like for his mom to stay with them forever. “Oh yes, that would be the greatest thing to ever happen to us. Say you’ll do it, Alisha. If you do, I’d love to call you Mom. Not blackmail, mind you. I was going to ask you about that anyway, but please come and live with us. It’ll help me so much with the baby, cooking, and such.”
“How could I turn you down? Yes, I’d love that. If
you’re sure.” They both nodded and she hugged them both. “I have so much right now, more than I ever dreamed was possible.”
“Yes, I feel the same way.” He held the two women that meant the world to him, one on each side, and hugged them. Vance was happy. Mayor of a new town, and about to be a father. He loved his life.
Vance told Caelin that he wanted the job and that his mom was going to be staying with him. The others were happy, but jealous. Kenton pouted like a small boy, but Mom told him she’d come and stay the night sometimes. Vance picked up Micky and swung her around before setting her on the floor and kissing her.
“I love you, Mrs. McCade, dragon warrior, wife to the new mayor.” She laughed, and he loved her even more. “I can’t wait to see you large with our baby, love. I just cannot wait.”
Chapter 10
Alisha thought that the trip back home was depressing. She knew that they were all going back in less than a month, but she’d not wanted to leave. While she understood there were things that had to be done at home, she didn’t want to do it. Things were going nicely for her, and she loved that.
The house that the boys had grown up in was really too large for her anyway. And since their father had lived there with her when he was around, it didn’t mean as much to her as when she was there with her sons. Her sons were her entire world.
Making a list of things that needed to be taken care of, comparing it to the ones that the others were making, she realized that it would be easier to just sell it all with the house and be done with it. There were things that she wanted, but nothing that she couldn’t live without. The only thing that really was near her heart was the box of ornaments that she’d put each of the things that the boys had made her or given her to hang on the tree.
She was in the attic when Jasmine joined her. She was large with child, and Alisha worried about her, but she assured her that she was just fine. Sitting in the rocking chair that had been around since Kenton was born, she rocked slowly as she started talking about the home they were in.
“I need to talk to you about something.” Alisha said she was there for her. “I know that. I’ve always known that. But I’m to understand that you’re planning to sell the house and all the contents.”
“Yes. I’ve been a penny pincher all my life, and even with the money that we have, I saw no reason to go out and buy all new. Besides, most of this stuff is fairly old and still in good shape.” Jasmine smiled and nodded. “Why do I have the feeling that you’re going to tell me not to sell?”
“Oh no, I want you to, but with my stuff. I got in contact with a friend of Emma’s. Doesn’t she know just about everyone in some sort of business? Anyway, she has a friend that buys furniture for television and movie sets. You know, to make it in a time period that they’re shooting for. They want to come and have a look at my shop. And I’m going to bring them here, to see if they want any of these things if you don’t mind.” Alisha said she didn’t mind at all. “Good. I was hoping you’d say that. He’s downstairs.”
“Now?” Jasmine nodded. “My goodness, child, you certainly do work fast. I’d be able to keep a few things, right?”
“Oh yes. He’s very clear about that. He’ll have a look around, think about it, then make you an offer on all the pieces that he’ll give you a list for. He bought my store out, Alisha. Every stick of furniture. All the pictures, lacey things, as well as the curtains. He said that he’d be able to use it at some point, and he’s very excited to have it.” As they made their way down the stairs, careful of them, Jasmine told her about how he had all kinds of projects that would use the things. “Rob, this is my mother-in-law, Alisha McCade. Alisha, this is Rob James. He owns and operates Just Perfect.”
“Hello, my dear. Oh, what a lovely home you have here. I just love it all. The setting, the trees around the back. Even the pool. Does it work? No matter, we can have someone fix it. I’ll take it all.” Alisha looked at Jasmine, then back at Rob. “You are selling your home, correct? I didn’t just make a major mistake, did I?”
“No, I’m selling my home as well as everything but a few items in it. I guess I’m confused. You want what all? And what does this have to do with the pool? Which does work, by the way. I have it cleaned up and refilled every year for the boys.” He nodded, the grin on his face almost splitting his face in two. “You’re very happy, I can tell that, but I just don’t understand.”
“I can use this house in several movies and television shows that are set in this time frame. I love that you’ve kept it up, but not gotten rid of the beauty of the home. The hardwood floors. Even the fireplace is perfect. The wraparound porch is absolutely divine, and I think that once I go up to the upper floors, I’m going to find that it’s in the same perfect condition. All preserved for me.” Nodding, still unsure of what he was talking about, he asked her to have a seat. “I’m getting entirely too far ahead of myself here. You see, I not only find pieces for movies, but also homes that can be used. The inside as well as just the outside. We might not ever use the indoors of some homes—the people still live there or something. But we pay them to use the image of their place for the shows. Understand?”
“I do. Yes. You want to use the outside of my home. I’m afraid you’ll have to take that up with the person who will buy this home. I’m selling it.” He nodded and said he was buying it. “The house and the contents? You want it all?”
“Oh my yes. There is so much we can use in this house. The outside of it is just one of the many things that we can use. And each room will be used for something else. Say a bedroom for a family member. The kitchen, which is used a great deal, can be setup like a home from the early thirties.” He handed her a list. “These are the items that I need for five upcoming projects. As you can see, you have all but one of them, right here. And Jasmine has been able to supply me with the rest.”
“I need a box from the attic. And my clothing. Not all of it, just a few things to tide me over.” He said he’d take it all, but anything she wanted, he’d be glad to part with it if she sold the rest to him. “Yes. Yes, you’ve saved me a great deal of time. Thank you so much. I’m slightly overwhelmed. I was just thinking about how I didn’t want to do this, go through the hassle of selling it all. And now you’ve taken that task all away from me. I might have to stay in a hotel before we’re ready to leave town.”
“You’ll stay with us.” Jasmine hugged her tightly. “Thanks, Rob. It’s been fantastic meeting you. As soon as the family attorney goes over the contract, you can take possession. He’ll also need to go over Alisha’s.”
“Yes, I completely understand. But I must thank you ladies for helping me. You have no idea how happy I am that you called me. My goodness, I’ll have to send a dozen or so roses to Miss Emma. She is a wonderful person, and I was so glad that she got out from under her brother’s influence. Poor girl.”
After he left them, with a contract in hand, Alisha sat on the couch and had to take a small breather. Jasmine laughed and asked her if she was all right. Nodding, she looked at her daughter-in-law and realized just how much she loved her daughters.
“I have to confess something to you. I’ve been down a bit lately. Since before we went to the castle and took care of that man.” She refused to say his name, giving him power. “I was thinking that I’d try to talk to someone that could take my immortality away and let me go in peace. I just felt…well, I guess you could say that I felt like odd man out. All my boys have wives now. And you all do such a wonderful job of keeping them happy. I don’t, however, feel happy.”
“You still feel that way?” Alisha started to tell her that she didn’t, but she also didn’t want to lie, so she told her that she felt like that every single day. “I’m sorry, Alisha. I am. But I have to tell you that if not for you being around all the time, I think I’d go insane. You are such a joy to us all. And Jorden and I are hoping that you’ll come stay with us a few days after the baby is born. I know that I have Gavin, and— Oh my goodness, have you any
idea how much he’ll be hurt if you leave him? I’ve never seen a kid have so much fun with someone like he does you. And I know you and he are like co-conspirators. I think, if he could, he’d be living with you all the time instead of just spending most of his time with you.”
“He is such a joy to me. But he really should be hanging out with boys his own age.” Jasmine asked her if she knew any boys his age that were as smart as him. “Honey, I don’t think kids my age are as smart as he is. He’s sort of scary smart, isn’t he?”
“Yes. And he wants to be an attorney. Gavin thinks that the family will need one because we’ll never die. He seems to think that we’ll be getting into a lot of trouble.” Alisha laughed with her. “I have an idea. Why not go to college too? You could become anything you wanted. Or ever dreamed of becoming. It’s not like you have to work, but it would be kind of fun, I think, to have a hobby to figure out and learn all there is to know about it.”
Going to college at her age? It was something to think about, she supposed. Maybe she could get her business degree. Something that she could do that would be useful. Alisha looked at Jasmine. The woman was smiling again, and Alisha fell in love with her, like her own flesh and blood daughter.
They talked a bit more, and then Jasmine said that she had to get the contracts to their attorney. It would be a couple of days, Jasmine told her, and she should use that time to figure out what she wanted for the house. Alisha thanked her again and went to the living room.
She looked around the big room. There were a lot of memories in this one. The Christmases they’d had in here. They had been so wonderful, but there was also the day that she’d killed her husband. The stain was still there, the wood also marred by the axe that he’d dropped when she’d done it.
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