Witching Time (The Wild Hunt #14) - Yasmine Galenorn Page 0,87

going to keep it that way.” Llew smiled. “On other subjects, we have a surprise. Jordan packed a huge picnic. Let’s spread it out and dig in.”

We fell to, helping Jordan unpack the baskets of food. There was fresh-baked French bread, and smoked gouda, roast beef with a peppercorn crust, creamy salmon dip, a vegetable tray with a dill and tomato dip, green and red grapes, bottles of wine, bottles of sparkling cider for the kids, three apple pies, and a box of homemade caramels.

After we ate, laughing and talking as the sun rose overhead with that cool autumn breeze that foretold windy nights and rain-soaked days, we all gathered on the hill over the hidden temple and scattered Aida’s ashes and Jericho’s ashes. The wind swept down, picking up the ashes to toss them to all corners of the world.

For a moment, I saw Aida and her father, watching us. Aida raised her hand, waving at me as the breeze caught up her hair. She smiled and Jericho gave us a deep nod. Then Aida took her father’s hand and they turned and walked into a cloud of mist, vanishing into the veil.

Friday that week…

My father and I stared at the massive silver jet. It was small as jets went, but it still dwarfed us. I turned to Curikan, not wanting to see him go.

“I’m going to miss you. You know that, right?”

“Of course I do, sweetie. But your grandfather insists I make an appearance and so make an appearance I must. There’s no use arguing. He’s a tough old dog and he knows it.”

It was eight-thirty in the morning and we were standing on the outskirts of a secluded runway reserved for smaller planes. My grandfather’s pilot and co-pilot were waiting patiently.

“Say hi to Grandpa for me.” I worried my lip, still feeling guilty.

But Curikan put his hands on my shoulders and held me still. “Raven, thank you.”

“For what?”

“For caring enough to get my father involved.” He stopped my protest with a raised hand. “No, don’t even try to pretend. I know full well that you and your mother put the old man up to this. I’ll hear what he has to say and I promise to think about it. I can’t say I’m thrilled about your meddling, but hey, I’m your father and you have a right to tell me what you think about my decisions. If I do stay, though, you have to promise me to talk to me first next time something like this comes up.”

I shrugged, shifting from foot to foot. “I tried, but you wouldn’t listen. What else were Mother and I supposed to do? Da, we know you can’t make it in Y’Bain. It’s not that you’re a complete marshmallow but…”

“But I’m a lover, not a fighter. And a bookworm, not a farmer. Right?” He laughed. “You make a very good point. And by the way, I love marshmallows, especially in s’mores. Next time, just remind me of this incident, and I promise I’ll listen. And you know I don’t break my promises to you. Hey, if I do stay, next time I visit your grandfather, you’re coming with me. And Kipa. How would you like that?”

Relief spread through my heart. Even through the “maybes” and “probablys” I could hear the shift. I wasn’t sure where my father would move to, but I knew he wouldn’t be moving to Annwn. The wheels were in motion and the decision had been made.

He glanced back at the plane. “I’d better get aboard. I love you. Be a good girl.” He turned to Kipa. “And you, keep my daughter safe and happy, hear me?”

“Yes sir,” Kipa said, reaching out to shake Curikan’s hand.

As my father boarded the plane, Kipa and I backed off to a safe distance. Within minutes, the plane began to taxi down the runway and, as we watched, it lifted into the air, heading off for Scotland.

Kipa draped his arm around my shoulders. “Well, do you think he’ll be moving here?”

“I think he might. I’d be happy if he did.” I looked up at Kipa. “I love you. You know that, right?”

He nodded, leaning down to kiss me. “I know. Let’s go home, woman. You have cards to read tomorrow, and I thought I’d take a stab at making pumpkin cupcakes. Herne doesn’t need me this weekend. What do you say we go to one of the orchards and go apple picking?”

“I’d like that,” I said, wrapping my arm around his waist