Spells A Bayou Magic Novel - Kristen Proby Page 0,58
craft, Lucien.”
“I know. And I feel as if something’s coming soon.”
She smiles like a proud mother. “Because you’re strong and gifted, as well.”
“I’ve done nothing but study for this since I was old enough to read,” I remind her. “And yet, I still don’t feel ready.”
“You will be, when the time is right. But if the six aren’t together in the end, it will all be for nothing.”
Another reason to feel frustrated. “I know. We’re working on that. Daphne is a stubborn woman.”
“Like her sisters. She has to come to terms with her feelings on her own. She can’t be forced. If the six aren’t assembled of their own free will, coming together with pure love and peace, it won’t work.”
I nod and then pull the small woman in for a hug. Miss Sophia has always made me feel loved, as if I’m a member of her family. “For being so little, you sure are a powerful thing.”
“What a lovely thing to say.” She laughs and pats my chest. “I have other things to tell you, things you need to know, but I can’t share them until I have you and Millie together. Come to my cottage tomorrow for lunch?”
“We would love to, but she’s preparing for a Halloween street party in front of the café tomorrow night. I don’t mind that this is taking all of her attention right now. She needs something happy, and this street fair is the perfect distraction. She goes all out, and it’s her favorite day of the year. She’s like a kid on Christmas morning. She’s always loved Halloween.”
“Even before?” Miss Sophia asks.
“Always.”
“You’re going to wear this tomorrow night.”
Millie’s holding a red devil costume on a hanger.
“Uh, no. I’m not.”
“You have to,” she says. “Brielle, Daphne, and I are going as the Sanderson Sisters. You know, from the movie Hocus Pocus? And we need you to be Master. It’s hilarious. You remember that movie, right?”
“I don’t know that I’ve had the pleasure.”
“Oh, we’re watching it tonight then. Gary Marshall plays this guy just dressed up as the devil for Halloween, and the sisters think he’s the real devil, so they call him Master. It’s a hoot and a half.”
“Did you just say hoot and a half?” I tap her nose with my finger, delighted with her.
“Seriously, you have to do it. Or, I guess Cash can wear it, and we’ll call him Master.”
I narrow my eyes on her and lean in to whisper in her ear so those around us, who are currently helping us set up for tomorrow night, don’t overhear. “You’ll call no one Master in this, or any other life, a stór mo chroí.”
“It’s just for fun.”
I blow out a breath. “Fine. I’ll wear the damn thing.”
“Awesome.” She smacks a kiss on my cheek and then hurries off to see to the lights being strung over the street.
“You’re good for her,” Brielle says as she joins me. “And you make her happy.”
“That’s my only goal.” I glance down at her. “Is this where you do the big sister thing and threaten to kill me if I hurt her feelings?”
“No, that goes without saying.” She waves me off. “This is where I do the big sister thing and ask you to not only make her happy, but also keep her safe.”
She holds my hand in hers and looks up at me with intense blue eyes.
“I’ve seen what he’s capable of. I’ve felt his wrath. And for a moment, I thought I’d be lost to him. I couldn’t bear it if—”
“I’ll keep her safe,” I promise. “Our strength grows every day.”
“Something’s coming,” she says and swallows hard as she looks over to where Millie’s laughing with Dahlia as they make flower arrangements together. “I feel it in the air. And early this morning, there was blood on the moon.”
A shiver runs down my spine. “It’s just a haze in the sky, Brielle.”
“You and I both know that’s not true.” She pulls her hand out of mine just as Cash approaches.
“Dude, you have your own girl. Stop trying to flirt with mine.”
“I swear, it was innocent.”
“Sure.” He winks at me and then smiles down at his wife. “How are you today?”
“Just fine. I’m glad you’re here to help. We need to move the Jack-o-lanterns out onto the sidewalks.”
“You do realize they’ll be vandalized and ruined by tomorrow morning.”
“You’re such a cynic,” Brielle says, rolling her eyes. “Of course, they won’t be, because Millie’s going to cast a little spell to avoid such a