Lost in his thoughts, he didn’t notice they were back in front of the farm. Brenna stopped and he plowed into her. They both went down in the snow. “Jesus, I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”
Laughing, she untangled her skis and poles. “No, of course not. Getting a little rusty, are you?”
“Not paying attention,” he muttered as he unsnapped his skis and pushed into a sitting position.
He loved her musical laugh, and the bright sparkle in her eyes.
She caught her breath, the laughter stopped. The hunger in her eyes matched his. Without thought of rejection, he caressed her cheek. “You want me,” he breathed.
A worried frown marred her brow. “Yes, but—”
His fingers tightened. He dropped his hand and rolled onto his back to stare at the huge moon. Cold moon, or frozen over moon, as the Cree called a December full moon.
She scrambled to her knees beside him. “Ace, how can I make you understand?”
He sat up and gripped her shoulders. “You think I don’t know how you feel? To have so much pain inside that you’re afraid you’ll split open? You think I don’t know what it’s like to have to breathe but you can’t because your lungs won’t work? Or walk around half alive, wishing tomorrow would never come?” He shook her and not even the fear in her eyes made him stop ranting. “I do know, damn it. It’s a feeling I live with day in and day out.”
“You’re no stranger to pain. We’ve both had more than our share. I want nothing more than to pack a suitcase, say to hell with the farm and leave with you tomorrow.”
Hope sparked. “Then do it.”
She leaned close and covered his mouth with her lips. Before he could respond, she pulled away. “I’ll let you know when I’m ready. That’s a promise.”
A promise. Ace’s spirits soared. Brenna never broke a promise. He’d give her the space she needed if it killed him. He squeezed her hand. “I’ll be waiting.”
In mutual silence they got to their feet. Brenna removed her skis. Neither spoke as they entered the house.
Brenna was flipping pancakes at the stove when Kayden came into the kitchen at seven o’clock the next morning. “Hope you’re hungry.”
“Starved, actually. Dad will be right down. He wants to pack the car before we eat.”
Brenna’s smile slipped. “Do you know what time you’re leaving?”
Ace’s voice came from the other side of the room. “We need to be on the road in an hour. I told my mother we’d pick her up at nine. Her friend lives a good forty minutes away.”
Kayden groaned. “It’s such a long ride back to Maryland.”
Ace put down their bags and tweaked her nose. “You’ll sleep through most of it, like you always do.”
Brenna heaped the pancakes on a serving dish and put them in the warm oven with the platter of bacon. She set the table and poured two mugs of coffee, then set a glass of orange juice in front of Kayden.
“Wow. Did you ever work in a restaurant?”
Brenna laughed at Kayden’s question. “No. At least not yet, but you never know. I might give it a shot someday.”
Kayden chatted during breakfast seemingly unaware of the sadness in the air.
Brenna bit the bullet and asked Ace the question she’d thought about all night. “Have you any idea when you’ll be able to bring Kayden for another visit?”
He reached over and cuffed his daughter under the chin. “Depends on how well she does in school. If her grades stay up there, she can come during her Easter vacation.”
“Can’t Brenna come visit us?”
Brenna’s fork clattered on the table. “Sorry,” she mumbled and picked it up. When Ace didn’t answer, Brenna took Kayden’s hand. “I’d love to come see you sometime, but not this winter. I have a lot of loose ends to tie up before I can take a vacation.”
“Oh.” It warmed Brenna’s heart to hear the disappointment in her daughter’s voice. They’d crossed the first hurdle—getting to know each other. Perhaps now it’d be an easier climb to deepen their relationship.
Ace insisted on doing the dishes. As soon as he finished, he told Kayden to say goodbye while he took the luggage outside.
Kayden hugged her with a ferocity that surprised Brenna. “Thanks for everything. You’re the best.”
“You, too.” Brenna took Kayden by the shoulders and kissed her forehead. “I love you, sweet pea. Don’t forget to write.”
Blue eyes so much like her own welled with tears. “I will. I’ll call, too. I wish you had a computer so we could talk every day.”
Ace honked the horn. Kayden planted a quick kiss on Brenna’s check and ran outside.
Brenna followed. Ace rolled down his window. The hunger in his eyes matched her own. “Keep in touch,” he said before backing out of the driveway.
With a thick lump in her throat, Brenna watched them drive away until the SUV crested the hill.
She grabbed the telephone book and sat at the table, jotting down some numbers from the yellow pages.
She dialed the first number on her list. “Hello. This is Brenna McKenzie. I live on the Cutler Road in Spruce Harbor. I’d like to put my farm on the market.”
Chapter Twenty-four
The farm went faster than Brenna had thought possible. She’d sold everything except her clothes. Barb and Bill Jones, a couple who lived a few miles up the road, agreed to board the horses, and she’d moved into the cabin for the winter.
Every day her heart grew lighter as she learned to shed her baggage. She’d forgiven both her parents. Even told them so at a cemetery visit. Once the words left her mouth, she saw a glimmer of happiness in her future.
She drew a huge black X through January 28 on the calendar. Another month and spring would be around the corner. She looked forward to the birds chirping and the sweet smell of the blueberry flowers.
On clear days she spent time watching white puffy clouds race across the sky and remembered how she and Kayden had spent an entire day cloud-watching. They’d found monsters, dragons and knights. Just like she and Colin had done as children.
Tomorrow, she planned to visit Chris. Almost fully recovered, he was raring to go. Chris and Trent were the only two she’d miss when she left this town. Over the past few weeks, she’d done little but think about moving to Maryland. Sure, there’d be problems. Wasn’t life always full of problems? She had faith that she and Ace would work out all the kinks. For better or for worse. They’d seen the worse. The time had come to make a better life with their daughter…a happier life.
Brenna fingered the cell phone sitting on the table beside her coffee mug, tempted to call her daughter. She wondered if there was a message from Kayden. Due to the lack of electricity, she used the phone for emergencies. She pushed a button and swallowed a lump of disappointment when the “no new messages” icon flashed.
Sheba growled deep in her throat. Brenna grabbed the binoculars and hurried to the open the door. Several snow machines’ engines whined not too far away. The only visitors she’d had were Trent and Don Mercer. Trent tried to stop by at least once a week. He’d accepted her love for Ace, even encouraged her to go to him.
Don had showed up to offer a second apology for barging into the cabin. Surprisingly, he’d been stone cold sober. Perhaps he’d make it this time.
The dog yipped sharply behind her. She scrambled to put on her boots, then grabbed a heavy wool coat off the peg by the stove.
For self-preservation, she propped her shotgun against the wall, just to the left of the door. She stepped outside, leaving the door ajar. Easy enough to reach in and grab the gun, if needed. The hit man Ethel hired had never been found. Chances of him seeking her out were slim, but self-preservation had her taking precautions.
Three snow machines sped across the barrens. Brenna almost yelled with excitement when she recognized the first rider. She controlled the urge to jump up and down and stifled her desire to rush forward. Why hadn’t Ace told her they were coming?
Kayden hoppe
d off her sled and ran full force at Brenna, a huge grin on her face. “Guess what? We’re on our way to Canada for a week. Wanna come with us?”
“What a great surprise. Why didn’t you call to let me know?” These three people were her family now. What if she somehow screwed up and made their lives miserable? Brenna looked over Kayden’s head at Ace and Naomi, who’d pulled up behind Kayden. She swallowed hard. “I don’t think that’s possible, sweet pea. I’ve got Sheba to take care of and I wasn’t expecting—”
Kayden turned to her father. “Sheba can come. Right, Daddy?”
“Don’t see why not. There’s plenty of room.”
Brenna held Ace’s hot gaze while keeping an arm around her daughter’s shoulder. She feasted on the man she’d loved for fifteen years. He’d kept his hair short. She tore her gaze away from his mouth. Any doubts that he loved her melted like spring snow. She had all she could do not to throw herself into his arms. “I’d like to talk to you.”
Naomi stepped forward and took Kayden’s hand. “Come on, let’s go for a ride so your parents can talk.”
Ace’s breathing quickened. Had Brenna changed her mind? Damn, he shouldn’t have let Kayden talk him into stopping here. Should have waited for Brenna to join him in Maryland. Perhaps she wasn’t ready.
Brenna took his arm. “Come in where it’s warm.”
Once inside, Brenna bustled around the small room, straightening chairs, rearranging the salt and pepper shakers on the table, antsy as a two-year-old who’d eaten too much sugar.
Ace cut to the chase. “What do we need to talk about? Have you changed your mind?”
“Would you like some coffee?”
“No. Coffee is the last thing I want. Spill it. The suspense is killing me.” His voice came out sharper than he’d intended.
She flinched as if he’d struck her. “Did you get the money I sent?”
Ace pulled a chair away from the table and sat. The last time he’d seen Brenna this nervous, she’d been pregnant. That night it took her almost an hour to tell him. Was she pregnant again? The possibility lifted his spirits. “I did. I opened a college fund account for Kayden.”
“What a good idea.” She grabbed a broom and starting to sweep the floor.
“You’re as nervous as a mouse in a roomful of snakes. Sit and tell me what’s on your mind.”
She inhaled deeply and blurted, “I’m ready, Ace. Ready to be with you and Kayden.”
The words ricocheted inside his head. God, how long he’d waited to hear this. “Be sure, Brenna. I love you enough to wait. Please don’t give me hope to just snatch it away.”
Brenna tossed the broom aside and moved forward to kneel at his feet. “The past is behind us. Through all the tragedy, memories of you kept me sane. We have something to build on. Our love and our daughter. She needs both of us as much as I need you. I’ve made peace with my family. Now it’s time for me to start anew with you and Kayden. And Naomi, too. From the time I met her, she’s been like my mother.”
The heat of her hands on his thigh burned through his jeans. His pulse pounded with a raw need to grab happiness with the woman who was meant to be his. “Get up. My love has been yours from the beginning.” He tugged her to his lap and rode the tidal wave of emotion churning inside.
Brenna’s breath tickled his neck. “We’ll make it this time. I feel it.”
His forehead rested against hers. “Your spirit runs through me with the blood in my veins. Every night for the past two months I’ve lain in bed and imagined your warmth against my side.”
Ace’s cell shattered the moment. Brenna slid off his lap. “It’s Naomi,” he said.
To give him privacy, Brenna walked to the other side of the cabin. Ace tossed the phone on the table. “I’ve got some bad news.”
She hurried to his side. “What happened? Are they all right?”
“Yeah. They’re on their way to Canada.” He poured himself a cup of coffee and plunked the mug on the table before he sank into a chair. “It’s their way of getting us back together.”
Brenna slid her arms around his shoulders, breathing his unique scent of balsam and fir. Her mouth curved into a smile when his breathing grew ragged. She ran a hand down his arm, leaned around to tease his lips with her tongue.
“Didn’t you tell them we are together?”
He pulled her until she sat on his thighs. “And ruin this opportunity to be alone with you?”
He lowered his mouth, and his tongue played with hers. His fingers tangled in her hair. “I love you. Let’s get married and have a dozen more kids.”
Brenna drew back, widening her eyes in mock shock. “I was thinking maybe one or two.”
His fingers fumbled with the snap on her jeans. “Fine. However many you want.”
“I want to leave today. Start our new life.”
“Jesus, Brenna. Since when did you stop living for the moment? I’m near exploding here.”
Ace pushed her off his lap and rose.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting my mother and Kayden back here so we can go home.”
Brenna giggled. Excitement bubbled in her chest. She almost pinched herself to make sure that she wasn’t dreaming. From this day on, she’d never be alone again. For the first time in her life, she’d have a family and a home filled with love. She moved closer and tugged his shirt from inside his pants. Ran her hands over his taut skin.
Ace held the phone to his ear. “Stop it,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. “Kayden? Tell Naomi to turn around and come back. We’re going back to Maryland.”
There was a slight pause, then Ace grinned. “Yep, your mother’s coming, too.”
He pulled the phone away from his ear so she could hear Kayden’s happy scream .
“Way to go, Dad!”
Ace’s eyes smoldered, making Brenna hot. “Kayden? Tell Nuuhkum to drive slow. Dammit, I know she does—” He broke off and took a deep breath. “Kayden, listen to me. Tell her to drive slower. See you in a while.”
He disconnected the call, caught Brenna around the waist and tossed her on the bed.
She peppered his chest with kisses. “Our time has come. Twin souls, Ace. Never forget.”
He smiled down at her. “Not a chance in hell. No more talk.”
Brenna moaned her agreement.
About the Author
To learn more about Pam Champagne, please visit www.pamchampagne.net. Send an email to Pam at [email protected] or join her Yahoo! group for
some fun with other readers as well as Pam! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pamchampagnenews/
Spirits and killers and spells, oh my!
This witch must confront them all…or die.
Every Witch Way but Dead
© 2007 B. Ella Donna
Psychic since childhood, Angelica sees and hears spirits. Up until now, their messages were benign, but they’ve become mysterious and menacing. Premonitions of an impending murder along with recollections of a past life haunt Angelica’s nights. Dreams of strange rituals and a vaguely familiar handsome stranger tug at her emotions.
Death takes the spotlight at an Arthur’s Graile concert. The internationally known pagan band is just embarking on its summer tour. Angelica sees her visions play out on the stage when a back-up singer is brutally murdered.
And this is only the beginning. Death is not leaving Oceanview without more victims, and it has its sights on Angelica Kane.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Every Witch Way but Dead:
Peace fell upon us for the time being and brought with it our Fourth of July extravaganza. The neighborhood was dressed up gaudily for the grand festivities. For the past five years, we’d celebrated with a massive block party and, from what the neighbors said, it’d been going on long before we moved in. For fifteen years, this quaint neighborhood had been commemorating the Fourth with total élan. Friends and family of all our neighbors traveled here by land and sea. Boats arrived days in advance to see one of the be
st fireworks displays ever.
“Come on honey, the show’s starting,” Jon called to me. I headed out to join him, forgetting all about combustible sparklers and manifestations of Isis.
The sun dipped low in the heavens, splashed in hues of magenta and tangerine with the promise of a glorious sunset colorful enough to rival even the most extravagant fireworks.
We ate, drank, danced, and even sang. Marc and Ronnie always traveled with a guitar and flute and that, along with Marisa’s little magical brew of Jell-O shots made everyone’s tensions slowly fade, along with the dying light of the sun. As the skies dimmed, the real show began.
M-80s boomed intermittently and we became used to the occasional blasts, sounding as it must have so many years ago during the Revolutionary War.
The dessert portion of the party took place at Marisa and Rich’s. The kids floated from house to house, visiting friends, lighting sparklers and grabbing boxes of Wolf packs, tiny bags of gun powder that snapped when thrown against the cement.
My mom opted to stay at Casa Del Kane with Ivy. Amber did her level best to avoid me. Friends, cousin Vinny included, breezed from house to house sampling foods along the way. It was a veritable all you can eat buffet, and did we eat!
Sitting on the back deck swing, we watched the parade of vibrant colors flash across the midnight canvas of sky, oohhing and ahhhing with each explosion of color.
Perhaps in retrospect it was the alcohol or the gentle swinging that lulled me into a spurious veil of tranquility. My eyes felt heavy as I leaned back into my husband’s warm and gentle embrace and peered at the light show before me. It felt so serene. I was without a care in the world. I let my guard down.
That was not a good thing.
Like the gentle waters swirling down into an ever-narrowing channel, my spirit glided effortlessly into the watery depths of the astral worlds. I’d become an amorphic being, swimming absentmindedly along. My consciousness was free to roam and it took great pleasure in doing so as it alit from thought to thought, none of which was of any great consequence.
Bed of Lies Page 24
