Spells A Bayou Magic Novel - Kristen Proby Page 0,71
calms, until it’s just the two of us, spent and in love.
And feeling more connected than ever.
“Is this your family’s property?” I ask Lucien as he pulls into the small parking area of the farm where our coven celebrates our sabbats and holds our rituals and rites. “I mean, the Lucien from before? Is this where Sabrina grew up?”
“I do believe Miss Sophia mentioned that this property has been in her family for generations, so I think so,” he says. “All this time, we were walking where she once walked.”
“It’s mind-blowing,” I admit. “I think it’s going to take me a while to process it all.”
“You can take all the time you need,” he assures me. “I feel the same way. I understand it, but accepting it isn’t as easy.”
“Well, if you understand it, you’re light years ahead of me.” I get out of the car and open the rear door to fetch the food I’ve prepared for the feast. We’re not the first to arrive, and I smile when I see Cash pull in next to us with Brielle and Daphne. “Hi, guys! I’m so happy you’re here.”
“I brought pie,” Daphne announces. “I didn’t know what else to bring. But everyone loves pie, right?”
“I love pie.” Cash grins.
“And we brought some cornbread,” Brielle says.
“My mom’s recipe,” Cash adds.
“You guys didn’t have to bring anything at all. I’m just happy you’re here.” Lucien takes the gumbo I prepared this morning from my hands. “This cornbread will go great with the gumbo.”
“You made gumbo?” Brielle asks. “You know that’s my favorite.”
“I know. I did it on purpose. I’m grateful you guys came.”
“Honestly, I’ve wanted to come before,” Daphne adds, “I just didn’t know if it was appropriate because I’m not a practicing witch.”
“You’re always welcome here, child,” Miss Sophia says as she joins us. “We welcome everyone who wants to be here, so long as they come with an open heart and a clear mind.”
She turns to me.
“Did you tell your sisters?”
“About Mama? Yes, I told them last night.”
“Is she here?” Brielle asks.
“She is, and I just can’t wait for you all to see her.” Miss Sophia takes our hands and leads us past an old farmhouse, where a cousin of hers still lives, to a back yard covered with tents, tables and chairs.
This isn’t where we perform the ritual. That’s out farther in the field, and we’ll head that way to set up after we finish preparing and chatting.
“My girls,” Mama says with joy as she sees us walk around the house. She’s dressed in a long, green dress that flows around her legs with sleeves that ruffle away from her elbows.
Her long, blond hair is down, and she’s wearing amber around her neck for protection.
“It’s so good to see you, Mama,” I say and fold her into a hug. “You look wonderful.”
“I feel wonderful.” She smiles, accepting hugs from my sisters, and Cash and Lucien, as well. “I’m so happy you’re all here. Look at this beautiful family that I have.”
I have to blink away the tears. This woman is the person my sisters and I longed for all of our lives. I’m just so relieved that she’s herself again, and we can work toward healing as a family.
“I’ve been studying with Sophia.” She takes my hand and leads us to the tents, where the guys set down the food. “We must have cast a hundred protection spells over the past couple of weeks.”
“That’s good,” I say. “You need them.”
“I do, but I’m also feeling much stronger. I won’t allow anything like that to happen again. I have the tools to protect myself.”
She fiddles with the amber around her neck, then grins as if she just got an idea.
“In fact, I want to show you something.”
Mama walks to a nearby table where a candle isn’t lit yet. She leans over and blows on the wick, and it lights.
“Look at you,” Brielle cheers. “That’s so damn cool, Mama.”
“I think so,” Mama agrees.
“There you guys are,” Esme says as she hurries over. “I snagged a ride with Gwyneth and Aiden after we closed up the café for the day. You were right, Millie, customers couldn’t get enough of the special Blue Moon Mocha today.”
“That’s so fun.” I laugh. “I’m glad they liked it.”
“I told them there was a little added blood magic in them,” she says with a wink, and I take a step back.
Blood magic?
Blood.
Esme’s turned away from me and is talking with Mama, but now my hackles are raised.
Why