Promises to Keep

by Vanessa Devereaux

  “I’m not sure…I don’t know, but I do know it’s probably because she went to the Other Realm at such a young age.”

  Brad put his arm around Lucy who set her head down on his shoulder. She put her hand over her mouth.

  “Presley, honey, show your mommy and daddy what you can do,” said Sadie.

  Presley giggled and waved her finger so that not one, but two of her toys lifted off the ground and drifted toward her.

  “Shit, Sadie, what the hell have you done? Our daughter’s a freak,” said Brad.

  Chapter Eighteen

  He’d done it. He’d spent all night with Hayley sleeping close to his body. It had been the best night’s sleep he had in…well, since the night before Amanda’s accident. The last time she’d slept by his side. He felt refreshed in a way he hadn’t in a long time. And the warmness of Hayley’s body still permeated his own. Every winter morning since his wife’s passing he’d woken up shivering despite having the heat cranked up in the house.

  He turned to watch her sleeping. Her long eyelashes fluttered just a tad. She turned, causing the blankets to slip from her shoulders. He pulled them up again, making sure not to wake her as he rested them gently against her body.

  To celebrate the hurdle, he was going to creep down to the kitchen and make her breakfast. He slid out of bed and pulled on his jeans. He sneaked out of the room, closing the door as softly as he could. When he got to the bottom of the stairs he noticed a couple standing outside on the front step.

  He walked to the door and opened it. The cold air hit him.

  “Can I help you?”

  “We’re hoping you have two rooms for three nights.”

  “We certainly do. You want to step in here out of the cold?”

  He thought about waking Hayley but guessed he could take care of business while she slept in.

  “What a cozy place,” said the woman, looking all around. “And the gorgeous Christmas tree. Are you the owner?”

  “No, it’s actually my—”

  What was Hayley?

  “It’s my girlfriend who owns it.”

  There he’d said it. It was official.

  “I’m letting her sleep in this morning. She’ll need to handle the paperwork, but I can get you your keys and show you to your room.”

  “That would be perfect. We’ve traveled through the night from Colorado.”

  An older couple carrying suitcases joined them.

  Cole looked at the keys hanging on the wall and remembered Hayley had told him ones beginning with B were the doubles. He pulled two sets off the hooks.

  “If you’d like to follow me.”

  As he walked up the stairs he had to admit he sort of liked doing this.

  “There you go, room thirty-four, and thirty-six is next door.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  Cole couldn’t wait to tell Hayley the good news, but first he had to get her some coffee and breakfast.

  ****

  Hayley stirred when she heard Cole’s voice. She opened her eyes and realized she’d overslept. The sun was peeking through the gap where she hadn’t closed the drapes completely last night. She smiled when she saw Cole holding a tray which contained a mug of coffee and a plate with scrambled eggs and bacon.

  “Wow, you know how to spoil a lady,” she said, sitting up so he could place the tray on her lap.

  “And I’ve got good news for you.”

  “You’ve vacuumed and dusted all the rooms?”

  “No, but I did book two rooms out to guests.”

  “Oh, Cole, you’re an angel.”

  “Not me, they were already in the parking lot when I arrived downstairs. Seems like they’d been driving all night and found this place before anywhere else in Casper.”

  “Maybe that’s the answer. Get them in here before they find any other accommodation in town.”

  “Yeah, good luck with that.” He picked up a slice of bacon and began to eat it.

  “I thought that was mine.”

  “I made extra.”

  She began eating the eggs.

  “Did you do this sort of thing for Amanda?”

  She was sorry she’d asked, but it was too late to take it back.

  He simply nodded. She wanted to grab his hand and apologize but thought that might make it worse. Last night they’d taken a huge step in their relationship and she didn’t want to ruin it.

  “I told the guests you’d need to see to all the paperwork, registration, and credit cards, because I don’t own the place, but my girlfriend does.”

  Had she heard correctly? Had he just referred to her as his girlfriend?

  “I guess that makes you my boyfriend.”

  “You think we’re a little too old for those terms?”

  “You speak for yourself.”

  He smiled. “I think significant other is the terminology.”

  ****

  Sadie hadn’t slept all night. She hadn’t even been to bed. She’d paced up and down, sure she’d worn away the carpet in the motel room where she’d been staying. The initial plan was for her to stay with Brad and Lucy but after she’d broken the news to them, and knowing they were probably in shock, she’d told them she was going to check into a motel where she’d wait for their call.

  She hoped they did call and not turn her into the police for child endangerment.

  And her next hurdle would be breaking the news to the Board. She’d been warned about taking a mortal to the Other Realm. She hadn’t given it any thought that one as young as Presley could be affected by the trip there.

  There was a knock on the door. She walked toward it and opened it back to see Brad standing there in his jeans, ski jacket, cowboy boots, and hat. No wonder Lucy had fallen head over heels for him. She was such a lucky girl having this handsome man as her spouse.

  “Can I come in?” he asked.

  “Yes, please do,” she said, stepping aside to let him in.

  She tried to gauge whether he was angry or what was going on in his mind. She loved this couple like they were her own children, and she never wanted them not to be the best of friends.

  Brad took off his hat and held it in his hands. Sadie wondered why Lucy hadn’t come along as well.

  “Is Lucy angry with me? Are you livid with me?”

  She had to know as soon as possible.

  Brad took her hand and led her to the chair by the window. He encouraged her to sit and then he pulled out a chair beside her and sat too.

  “Lucy is very upset, but she’s not angry. I guess that about sums up my feelings, too. We love you, Sadie. Without you we wouldn’t have found one another and we both know it’s the best thing that ever happened to us. I not only got the best wife in the world but the perfect mother for my baby girl.”

  Sadie patted the back of his hand.

  He took a deep breath. “Last night, well that came as a shock to both of us. Not only about the whole business with our daughter, but the fact that you’re a witch. For one terrible moment Lucy thought that maybe she and I were only together through some sort of spell and that you could pull as apart at any time.”

  Sadie shook her head. “Like I told you we’re not bad and I’m a good one…well, most of the time, except for when I do impulsive things like take babies to the Other Realm.”

  It was Brad’s turn to pat the back of Sadie’s hand.

  “Lucy and I both know you did it to help protect Presley. You were right she was in danger from her own mother.”

  “You know I wouldn’t do anything to harm her, ever.”

  “We know that, but we talked about what you suggested all night…Presley going with you to the Other Realm to be trained correctly and neither of us feels comfortable with that.”

  Sadie stood. “I understand. I mean it’s a lot for you to accept.”

  “Is there any way she could be trained by you, here, and with us supervising?”

  Sadie didn’t know the answer to that. No witch had ever been traine
d in magic in any other place besides the Other Realm.

  “It’s never been done. I’d have to get permission from the Board, but I’m willing to give it a try.”

  Brad stood and threw his arms around Sadie, hugging her.

  “Now, let’s get your things packed up, because you’re coming to stay with us for the night. Lucy has a huge breakfast waiting for us.”

  One hurdle had been crossed now all she needed to do was explain the horrible mess to the Board and get their permission to train Presley here in the mortal world.

  Chapter Nineteen

  One more day to Christmas Eve. He hadn’t seen Jon or Nina look so happy this time of the year since before their mother’s passing. The last two Christmases he’d let the kids go to one of his sister’s houses for the holiday. He’d never wanted the children to suffer because of his refusal to accept that it was December. So while they’d gone to relatives, he’d stayed at home and gotten lost in books and music, anything to make him forget. This year they were going to get back to normality, and most of it was a result of Hayley.

  And speaking of which, he head her car pulling into the driveway. He looked out to see her and the kids opening the trunk of her car. He hoped they hadn’t gone overboard with the gifts. However, as he watched the three of them struggle up to the front door, arms full of bags, he guessed it was too late to mention that little fact.

  Cole opened the door before they rang the bell. Jon was wearing a Santa’s hat with the white pom-pom hanging to one side.

  “We had the best burgers in this new restaurant in the mall,” said Nina, placing two shopping bags on the counter in the kitchen.

  “Guess the three course meal I cooked won’t be needed,” said Cole.

  “You did not,” said Jon.

  He winked at Hayley.

  “We have your gifts to wrap, so I suggest you go into the living room and put your feet up,” said Hayley.

  “You mean I get the TV all to myself? Wow, you guys have to go shopping more often.”

  Hayley opened the fridge, pulled out a soda, pulled the tab on it, handed it to him, and then smacked him on the butt. “And no peeking.”

  “Yeah, no sneaking a peek, dad,” said Nina.

  He retreated into the living room, got cozy on the couch, and picked up the remote control and flicked the on button.

  He smiled when he heard the three of them out in the kitchen laughing, Nina giggling like she used to when her mother was around. He’d been selfish. Closing himself off like he had. A woman, besides her aunts and grandmothers, was what she needed. If he was honest, it was what he’d needed all along, too.

  He flicked the remote and saw The Grinch Who Stole Christmas was playing. That was him. He’d stolen their last three Christmases and they could never get them back. He’d make up for it this year and every other year from now on.

  There was another round of laughter, and then he heard wrapping paper being cut. He was tempted to take a peek, wondering what they’d bought him. What had Hayley bought him? He hoped she liked the necklace he’d gotten for her.

  Smiling again, he heard the three of them singing Christmas tunes. Their mother had done the same thing with them when they were toddlers.

  Hayley chose that moment to walk in. He looked up at her.

  “The kids want to wrap my gift, so I’ve been banished to the living room too.”

  He tapped the cushion on the couch beside him. She sat and snuggled into him.

  “So the three of you have fun this afternoon?” he asked.

  She stroked his leg, making him what to carry her upstairs and make love to her. “We had a blast. Your kids are the best and I’m not just saying it to please you.”

  “Sometimes I wonder how they could have turned out so great with me going through a fog for the last few years.”

  “You’re out of it now and that’s all that matters.”

  He leaned over and kissed her. Yeah, he could see clearly now.

  ****

  Hayley really did want to help with the washing up at Michelle’s place, but she’d eaten so much she couldn’t move. She might even have to open the top button on her pants. She’d never seen such a display, turkey, ham, stuffing…

  She fingered the necklace Cole had bought her. It was the prettiest thing she’d ever seen, and she guessed he’d spent more than he should have done. She knew he didn’t make much money, but a working class guy was perfectly okay with her. In fact, she’d take him over the Wyoming oil man any day.

  Looking up she saw a ball of mistletoe hanging over her head. Cole was standing above her. He leaned over and gave her an upside down kiss.

  “I hope my sisters weren’t too much to handle?”

  “No, they’re great.”

  “They are, but they ask lots of questions.”

  “That’s what sisters are for.”

  “Are you always this easy to get along with?”

  “Most of the time. And I wanted to say thank you again for this beautiful necklace.”

  “Nina helped pick it out.”

  “Then she has great taste.”

  He put his hand on her shoulder. “And thank you for making Christmas bearable for me and my children.” He leaned over and kissed her again.

  “Sorry if I’m interrupting,” said Eileen.

  Hayley knew she was blushing like it was her parents catching her and her date on the couch.

  “We really should be going,” said Cole, standing.

  Hayley stood too. “Yeah, I have to work off some of the calories.”

  ****

  When Cole had purchased the necklace for Hayley, he hadn’t envisioned her standing in front of him wearing it and nothing else.

  It suited both the clothed and naked Hayley. The blue brought out the bluish tones in her eyes, the red made her hair more vibrant. Best of all he loved the way it hung just above her breasts, its pink edging almost matching her nipples.

  He ran his finger down her lower stomach, from her belly button to the top of her mound. He leaned in and put his lips on her upper belly, taking in her now very familiar scent.

  She ran her fingers gently through his hair, lightly touching his scalp and making his body tingle. He took another deep breath and kissed her belly again. She had the softest skin. He moved his mouth back and forth across it, feeling himself getting harder with each passing second.

  He looked up at her. She looked down at him.

  “I guess I should tell you that I’m in love with you,” he said.

  There he’d said it. He never thought he would, but it had been easier than he’d thought. The words slipping across his tongue without effort or hesitation, because it was true. He’d never thought it possible that you could love two women so intently in one lifetime, but he was living proof that you could.

  “I love you, too. Merry Christmas.”

  He wanted to make love to her, as a way of sealing their official admission of love for one another.

  Cole trailed his finger down her belly, letting it disappear into her pubic hair, finding the heat of her folds and their softness. She parted her legs slightly, letting him know what she wanted. He knew what he wished for, to be buried deep inside her. His finger slipped into her channel. She was more than ready for him, but he wanted to excite her even further.

  She grabbed his shoulders, her fingers melting into his muscles as he slid his finger in and out. She groaned when he picked up speed, her fingers now biting into skin, almost exciting him as much as he was her. Her thighs tensed and then he felt her pussy convulse and then grip his finger.

  “Mmm,” she said, almost having trouble keeping her balance now.

  He stood, swung her round, and carefully easing her on top of the quilt. He pushed her legs apart, seeing her pussy shiny with her cum, beautiful and inviting as he introduced his cock to it and slid into paradise.

  ****

  She was happy.

  She never thought she would be ever again. Not after t
he business with her ex. She never thought she’d trust a man again, but Cole had proved that sometimes you needed to let your guard down, and when you did the most perfect man would waltz right in.

  He thrust into her, perspiration gliding on her body as they moved together. She wrapped her legs around him, feeling like they were old pros at the love making game, but yet each time seemed new and different. Each time brought more chills and thrills.

  Like right now, she felt like she was wrapped in a warm cloak, protected from the world and safe in his arms. His cock touched the back of her pussy, making her stir, making her almost purr.

  She’d never made that sound before. But then no man had made her feel the way Cole did.

  He nuzzled against her cheek as he drove deeper and faster, and she felt like she was sinking and swirling. Her pussy tugged, pulsated, and then her orgasm took control.

  She reached up and touched his face, feeling the stubble beneath her fingers as he breathed heavily, deeply, and then all she found was pressure and slight warmth as he enjoyed his own release.

  He slid out of her and rolled to her right side. She hated to think back to the time when he’d simply gotten up and left. Cole put his arm around her, and now by instinct, she rolled over and put her head on his chest. She made swirling shapes around his nipples.

  “Have you made any New Year resolutions?” he asked.

  “I’m going on a diet. Well, at least I promise not to eat so many chocolate chip cookies.”

  “Never going to happen.”

  They both laughed. “I’m thinking of a Valentine’s Day afternoon tea.”

  “Hey, Santa was enough, so don’t ask me to play Cupid.”

  “I think you’d look very sexy.”

  “Yeah, in a diaper and yielding a bow and arrow.”

  Hayley laughed, one of her famous nasal ones that made Cole laugh too.

  “And are you making any resolutions?” she asked.

  “Yes. I’m going up to the attic and I’m finally going to clear out all the boxes I should have done at least a year ago.”

  Hayley set her head back on his chest. She was more than glad to hear that. It was time to stop clinging to the past and go with the future.