images all but gone, the people we loved the best, hollered, “See ya’ later, y’all. We love you.”
"Aww, that was so sweet," I cooed. Then remembering something from a few minutes earlier, I spun on my toes, slapped my hands onto Tank's chest, and said, "Hey Barney, since when can a T-Rex breathe fire."
Moving faster than I could track, my hunka-hunka-prehistoric hotness wrapped both arms around my waist, pulled me close, and right before he laid his lips to mine whispered, "Oh, Darlin', I haven't begun to show you my hidden talents."
Chapter Eleven
“You’re gonna what?” I gasped, so excited that I could barely breathe.
"I'm gonna fix up Thomas Manor, if you'll take your happy heinies outside and let me work my magic," Zelda chuckled. "I talked to Carol, and she agrees that I get a one-time pass to use a shit-ton of enchantment without paying the nasty price for you guys. Besides, we can sell it to the Goddess of All as a ‘Had To Happen’ situation because I’m closing off that Portal to Hell once and for all."
“No way?” I was gasping again. “You went all the way to the Baba Yaga to get permission to do this for us?”
“Hey,” Cora sassed, sticking her nose right into our conversation. “I helped make this happen, did I not, Zelda?”
“Yes,” the Almighty Shifter Wanker sighed, rolling her eyes then winking when Cora harshly sighed. Chuckling and patting the cranky Crane on the shoulder, Zelda playfully acquiesced, “You did good, Hun, really good. Carol wouldn’t have given in so quickly if it hadn’t been for you.”
I could tell from the way Zee was just barely holding back her laughter that Cora had more than likely done more harm than good, but either way, I was freakin’ out. In the few hours we’d actually had to talk since ridding the world of She Who Will Never Be Spoken Of Again, Tank and I had decided to stay in my little cottage until we could get the Manor together. But…with Zelda’s big news, we wouldn’t have to wait. It was amazing!
Shooing everybody out, Tank and I took one last look before joining our friends on the front lawn. I’m pretty sure not a single one of us breathed as currents of power, sparks of mysticism, and good old fashioned friendship and love filled the air.
The wind blew. The moon shined brighter than ever, and then, as if the Heavens opened up and smiled down at us, golden, silver, and opalescent stars filled the sky. Red, yellow, and blue bubbles flew from the doors and windows of old Thomas Manor, carrying with them the sweet fresh scent of flowers and home sweet home.
Cuddling close to my man, I held out my hand, letting my fingers run through the fragrant orange, green, indigo, and violet smoke that wafted out from the foundation, then in through the open windows and back out through the doors. It was spectacular to watch. Truly unbelievable, and when Zelda's voice joined in with her magic, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
“Damn it all, I love this Flock. These girls are family, luckier than any ol’ shamrock.
That little blond cutie and her big Rex, they deserve to be happy. Can’t live in no wrecks.
Fix this old house, make it pretty. Clear away all the shit, and don't make me sing no little ditty.
Magic do your thing! And maybe add just a little bit of bling!"
Barely able to catch my breath, completely blown away by how beautiful the Thomas Manor had become, I couldn’t wait a second longer to thank Zelda. Running into the house, I tackled the honorary, Witchy member of my Flock in a big hug and cheerfully cried, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have no idea how to ever repay you for all you’ve done for us.”
Stepping back when the house started to fill up with all my people, Zee gave me a conspiratorial wink, and while grinning at Tank, she nodded before suggesting, “How about babysitting for a week next month. I’m thinkin’ I’ll need to take Mac on a restful vacation after being away from home this time.”
“You’re on!” Tank whooped, motioning with his free arm. “Goddess knows, we’ve got enough room. Thank you again, Zelda.”
"Not a problem," she chuckled, raising her left hand, her fingers poised to snap. "Now, I gotta get goin'. You guys take care. I'll be callin' with the dates for the twins' week with Auntie Clem and Uncle Tank."
Snap!
Before