Enchant the Night - Amanda Ashley Page 0,85

of your memories.”

Callie stared at her. “Why would you do that?”

“Why do you think? I know what happened between me and Quill is eating you up inside, but he loves you, Callie. A blind man could see that. He never loved me. We shared a few hours of passion that didn’t mean anything. Had I known you and Quill would fall in love, I never would have looked at him twice.” She paused. “Well,” she said, with a lopsided grin, “at least once. He is a remarkably handsome man.”

“He is that. I love you, Grandma.”

“And I love you, dear. And because I do, I’ve decided to move out.”

“Move? But why? This is your house. If anyone moves, it should be me.”

“The house is in your name now. I left it to you, remember?”

“But . . . where will you go?”

“Not to worry, dear. I have a darling little place in Portland. Will and I used to spend our summers there.”

“You’re not going right away, are you?”

“I think it’s for the best. I’ve packed a few necessary items.” Ava smiled. “I’ll send for the rest. This will never feel like it’s really your home as long as my belongings are still cluttering up the place.” She glanced around the kitchen. “I can’t believe you kept it all.”

“I couldn’t bring myself to part with any of it. It was a way of keeping you close.”

“You’re a witch, Callie. I think, deep down, you’ve always known I was still alive.”

“Maybe.” She remembered telling Quill she had sometimes felt that Ava was nearby. Apparently, she’d been right.

“I want you to keep my grimoire, but you need to purchase your own sword and athame and select your own cauldron. Having your own implements will make your magic stronger.” Ava patted Callie’s arm. “I wrote my address in Portland in the front of the grimoire. I’ll text you when I get settled. Now, go call Quill and tell him to come home before some other beautiful witch lures him away.”

Callie stood there, her mind reeling as she tried to get the nerve to call Quill. What could she say? I’m sorry seemed inadequate. Then again, what did she have to be sorry for? She had told him how she felt, and she didn’t see any reason to apologize for that. Maybe for hurting his feelings? Or for . . .

“Callie.”

She whirled around at the sound of his voice, her heart leaping at the sight of him standing in the doorway.

“You don’t have to apologize for anything, love,” he said.

“Oh, Quill,” she murmured, “I’m so glad you’re here.”

She didn’t know who moved first, but suddenly they were in each other’s arms, clinging to one another as if it had been days instead of hours since they had been together. He rained kisses over her brow, her eyelids, her cheeks, finally settling on her lips for a long, long kiss she never wanted to end.

“Say you’ll marry me now, tonight,” he rasped. “I can’t wait any longer.”

“How? Where?”

“I don’t know. I’ll find a place. Just say yes.”

She thought briefly of her beautiful wedding dress. And then she looked into Quill’s eyes. She didn’t need a lovely gown, she thought. She had everything she needed, everything she wanted, right here. “Yes,” she said tremulously. “Oh, yes!”

He kissed her again, short and quick. “I won’t be long,” he promised as he headed for the door.

Smiling, Callie stared after him. She was getting married.

Tonight.

To Quill.

Humming, she hurried into the bathroom, where she took a quick shower and washed her hair. Wrapped in a towel, she used the blow-dryer, applied her makeup, and found a dress she had worn to a friend’s wedding—a deep turquoise sheath with a provocative slit up one side. Slipping it over her head, she smoothed her hand over the silky fabric.

When she turned around, Quill was standing in the bedroom doorway. He let out a wolf whistle, his eyes hot as his gaze moved over her.

“Did you find a church?”

“No. But I found a minister. He’s waiting in the living room. Are you ready?”

“Just let me get my shoes. Vivian is never going to forgive me for this,” Callie remarked. “Neither will Ava.”

“We’ll get married again and you can wear your wedding gown and invite anyone you want. This one is just for us. I’ll go keep the minister company.”

Callie laughed softly as she pulled a pair of pumps dyed the same color as her dress from the closet. She frowned when she heard a thump coming