Witching You a Merry Christmas

by Colbie Dunbar

  Calista tossed the phone aside and kneeled before me. “Bedwyr is on his way.”

  “I’m new in the Valley and I don’t get a lot of things that go on here but is this a joke?”

  She took my hand. “I have to ask you something. It’s deeply personal but it may clear things up.” She lowered her voice and I thought she said, “And break Charlie’s heart.”

  “Okay.” It wasn’t, but I was waiting to hear the question before balking at answering.

  “Did you sleep with Charlie?”

  The warlock and I hadn’t figured out what we were to one another and I hated discussing my private life with my boss—especially when there was a cloud over our heads with Christmas Day looming. Though I was certain nothing would change, I’d been counting the hours until the 24-day period ended.

  “I understand this is a huge invasion of privacy and I’m not here to judge you or gossip. Charlie is my friend.”

  “Mmmm. We did. Last week.” I twiddled my fingers and hoped that was the end of the inquisition.

  Dr. Pond chewed her bottom lip. “One more, and this is going to hurt. Have you slept with anyone else recently?”

  Without thinking, the word, “No!” erupted from my mouth.

  “Sorry about that.” She patted my hand. “But it’s as I suspected. You’re pregnant with Charlie’s child. It’s incredible.”

  I got up and wandered to the window. A black shape and a flash of orange outside caught my eye. Is that Gerald? And is he talking to Fred?

  “Miles.”

  “Ummm.” I was examining the people hurrying along the street and the grime on the window sill, not wanting to consider what my boss had told me. I was a work in progress, getting rid of the past and looking to the future. Was I ready to bring a child into the world?

  “I’m not sure how Charlie will take the news.”

  I snapped back. “Much like anyone else who didn’t use protection.”

  “I agree it was foolish of you not to use condoms for health reasons, but Charlie can’t have children.”

  I swung around and faced Calista. “Are you saying witches and wizards can’t father a child? What about Hugo and Poppy?”

  “You’re forgetting the spell checker is not Poppy’s biological father. And as for Charlie, it’s not possible.”

  First, she tells me I’m pregnant and then she says Charlie isn’t the father. I wanted to go home and crawl into bed. “You’re not making sense, Calista!” Shouting at my boss wasn’t something I could put on a resumé. “You say he’s the father but he can’t have kids. Make up your damn mind.” I was probably going to get fired for yelling at her but I was beyond caring.

  “He had a powerful wizard put a spell on him after his last sister died. He can’t father a child unless it’s lifted.”

  Charlie’s words echoed in my head. Anyone I had held dear was dead. “I’m baffled. Can he or can’t he?”

  “He can’t as a wizard, no.”

  Not helping.

  “But maybe as someone without magical powers. Hmmm.” She was lost in thought and I waited until she came back to earth. “Let’s wait until I consult with Bedwyr.”

  “Great. Should we ask Fred too? I’m sure he has an opinion.”

  My boss frowned. “Never!” She reminded me of Charlie when she didn’t catch my sarcasm.

  “How do I say this?” The witch twisted the rings on her right hand. “Charlie will assume it’s to do with his December problem. And that it will all disappear once Christmas day dawns.”

  “He thinks that about our relationship already.” I cupped my flat belly. “Are you telling me this might be an illusion? That my little one might not exist after next Tuesday?” I was suddenly fiercely protective of the nugget inside me when a few minutes ago I wasn’t aware it existed.

  She put her arms around me. “I made this worse. Sorry, no. Charlie’s difficulties are a minor blip. Eggs scrambling, vases breaking. Nothing of any consequence, though he doesn’t see it that way.”

  I added, “It ruled his life but he’s getting over that. His confidence is increasing, and he’s blossoming.”

  ”I agree. And you are too, Miles. You’re thrived in the past few weeks.”

  She was right. I was different.

  “Now you’re pregnant, I suspect those little magical accidents are when Charlie’s humanity overcomes the wizard in him.”

  I was gripped with uncertainty. “This baby isn’t a…”

  “While I don’t know for sure, I suspect the little one will be special.”

  “As in Hugo special?” Arlo had told me in a late night online chat of the emotional scars Hugo carried after seeing everyone he loved die over the centuries.

  “Not a spell checker, no.”

  “Definitely not.” Bedwyr charged in and closed the door.

  “You’re both scaring me. Will I survive the pregnancy, and what will I push out of me?”

  “Forgive our clumsiness.” Calista sat me down. “Our focus has been on Charlie when you’re the one carrying the burden.”

  “I can’t imagine how he will react.”

  My boss nodded at the coven head and he said, “Can you keep your pregnancy a secret for four more days?” He checked his watch. “Four and half, to be precise.”

  And it dawned on me what they were saying. “Because telling Charlie he’s going to be a father and him thinking it will be snatched away in a few days would crush him.”

  “He never expected to have children, Miles.” Calista put an arm around my shoulder. I’m sorry we didn’t soften the news for you, and you have every right to ignore us.”

  “That’s okay. I’m stunned but also overjoyed. This is meant to be. But I’m also scared of the life this baby will have.”

  “Those are the fears of any parent,” Calista explained. Even Charlie, who gets glimpses of the future, can’t say what’s in store for the little one.”

  I threw up my hands. “What use is being able to tell the future if you can’t see that?”

  Calista and Bedwyr shared a glance.

  “Sorry, I’m confused, frustrated and overwhelmed.” I wandered back to the window and glanced outside. The black object that was there earlier had gone. I rubbed my head. “Isn’t it too early to be showing signs of pregnancy? It was only last week that we slept together.”

  My boss replied, “There aren’t many rules with this type of pregnancy. Now go home and rest.”

  “No!” That was way too loud. Again. “I mean no. I can finish the day, Calista.” Besides, the longer I could put off seeing Charlie and lying to him, the better it would be. I didn’t have a great poker face.

  And as Calista and Bedwyr conferred in the corridor, I considered what they were proposing and what I had agreed to. Were we treating a grown wizard of over 150 years old as a child? Perhaps we were doing him a disservice. He had a right to know about the baby. But would he be overjoyed at the unexpected news?

  Twenty-One

  December Twenty-First: Charlie

  I’m at a loss. I’d been planning on cooking for Miles tonight, but he worked late yesterday trying to get everything done before the holidays. And he hadn’t been well, so dinner might not be the best idea.

  Counting today, there were four full days before the clock ticked over to Christmas Day. I’d be back to normal. My old self. Good old dependable Charlie. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go back to the old me. Would I recognize that wizard?

  On November 30, I didn’t have Miles in my life. And now he’d stolen my affection. Or perhaps he hadn’t taken anything but he’d given me so much. He was nestled close to my heart, so with every beat, part of him pulsed through my veins.

  As today was Saturday, we could watch the fireworks at the Christmas market. But again, if Miles had the flu, he’d be in bed. And my weather app predicted a huge snow storm.

  But the omega’s house was closer to the town center than mine, so we could view the fireworks display from his front window. Huddled up u
nder a blanket and cuddling while sipping homemade soup would be cozy.

  The phone buzzed. Miles! He’s awake. But it was Calista. “How are you?”

  I messaged back, “Fine.” That’s sweet of her to ask.

  The Vale Valley Messaging App dinged. Miles? But it was Hugo telling me there were only a few days until Christmas. Was that meant for me?

  As I read soup recipes online and puzzled over which one to make, the phone rang. It was Bedwyr. Please don’t say I have to go into work. Not today.

  “Just checking in,” my boss murmured.

  Okaaay! “Thanks.” What’s going on? The doorbell chimed and after saying goodbye to Bedwyr, I raced to open it. “Rosemary!” She was holding a huge gift basket.

  “Hello, love.” She peered around the doorway. “Are you alone?”

  “Yes.” While Miles and I weren’t hiding we were together, I didn’t want gossip spread from one end of the Valley to the next.

  “This is for you.” She shoved the basket at me.

  “Thank you.” I paused. The former mayor wasn’t her usual chatty self. “Is everything all right?” Please don’t tell me there’s been a huge disaster and I’m being blamed. “Is this about the bar?”

  “Goodness no. That shifter, Alistair, is now on probation. He’s out in the woods contemplating his navel. And when I allow him back, he’ll be making a heartfelt apology to you and the rest of the community.”

  I didn’t need the guy to say sorry but understood Rosemary had to keep order within her shifter clan. “Would you like coffee?”

  She hesitated and patted my arm. “No matter what happens it’s going to be okay, Charlie.”

  “With coffee? Surely there’s not much that can go wrong.”

  “Oh sweetheart.” She patted my hand. “I adore you.”

  “Thank you.” I think. “Why is everyone being so weird?”

  “Everyone who? It’s nothing to worry about. Miles just has a dose of tummy flu.”

  I hadn’t mentioned Miles. Based on people’s behavior this morning, he was the only sane one in my circle of friends. “What’s he got to do with anything?”

  The alpha took my hand. “You deserve all the happiness in the world, Charlie.”

  I adored Rosemary and she was a confident woman, head of a shifter clan, mother, grandmother, former mayor and also sadly, a widow. But she could not keep a secret. She’d be balancing on the balls of her feet, bursting to tell someone. Just as she is now. “Rosemary?”

  “Mmmm.”

  “What are you not telling me?”

  She pursed her lips and peered upward at the ceiling. “Nothing.”

  “Fine. I’ll ask questions and you’ll answer them.”

  The alpha glared at me. “My lips are sealed.”

  “Ahhh. So you are hiding something?”

  She smacked a palm against her forehead. “Damn, you’re good.”

  I wasn’t, but she was spectacularly bad at this. “Here goes. Is it something to do with Miles?”

  The alpha nibbled her bottom lip and blinked rapidly. If that was Morse Code, I couldn’t read it, but I assumed I was right. “So, that’s a yes.”

  “I didn’t say anything.”

  I ignored her and continued. “Is this regarding his work?”

  Rosemary frowned. “No.”

  I was worried he was getting fired, although from what I’d heard from the alpha herself over the side fence, he was extremely capable at his job.

  I hoped we weren’t playing 20 Questions. “Is the community gossiping about Miles and me spending time alone?”

  “Oh no. Everyone loves that you’re together,” she blurted out.

  “We’re not exactly together.” Only a few more days. The omega’s illness had been on my mind. “Miles has been unwell.”

  Rosemary peered at her feet. “Oh, my goodness! I’m wearing odd boots.” She tittered. “One black. One brown. Fancy that.”

  Gotcha. I subconsciously patted myself on the back. Wait. Miles is sick. It may be more serious than I thought, and I grabbed the alpha’s hands. “Rosemary, I’m begging you. Does he have the flu? I’m worried.”

  She folded her arms and rubbed her chin. “Wizards! You’re all alike.”

  “Just tell me please.” She was talking in riddles.

  “Sweetheart, he’s not sick at all!”

  “What?” My brain was trying to process the new information.

  “Not in the way you think.”

  But as she kissed my brow, Calista stormed through the door. “Rosemary!”

  The alpha leaped backward. “You didn’t tell me you’re coming when we were on the phone just now,” Rosemary babbled.

  The witch replied between clenched teeth. “That was before I heard you were here.”

  “Oh! That was unexpected. I decided to cheer up poor Charlie up with a gift basket.”

  “What’s going on?” I yelled as I ran my fingers over the scruff on my chin.

  “Rosemary,” Calista grabbed the alpha’s arm, “was just leaving.”

  “No. No. I wasn’t. I’m having a lovely time chatting to Charlie. He’s trying to worm something out of me but I haven’t said a word.”

  Calista groaned and snapped her fingers, and Rosemary’s lips clamped together. “Sorry, but I had no choice.”

  The witch rarely used magic on her friends so this was unusual. She pushed the alpha out the door, and the pair almost galloped to the gate. The snowman opened it and the two women climbed onto my reindeer. Is everyone in on this except me?

  And as they raced away, Calista yelled, “Miles is fine.”

  As I slumped to the floor, I was vaguely aware of it snowing but my mind was on the omega. He’s not sick. He’s fine. That’s great. But realization hit me. He’s not ill. He’s been telling me he was unwell and spending a lot of time by himself. He lied.

  My lips trembled as the life I’d envisaged collapsed. I was right. What we created during these 24 days was not real. It was a con job. The universe was laughing at me. I was the butt of a huge cosmic joke.

  I lay on the floor and stared at the closed door not moving as the light gradually faded and the house filled with inky darkness. The wind howled around the building and I wondered if Gerald was outside in the blizzard or if he’d snuck inside.

  Until the phone buzzed. I hadn’t the energy to pick it up. But it dinged again. I stared at the screen. “Fireworks? It’s the last night.”

  My first instinct was to stay home and cower. But perhaps I should say goodbye to Miles in person.

  Twenty-Two

  December Twenty-Second: Miles

  I’d slept for over 24 hours after getting home from work late Friday. And it was dark when I woke up today. After checking the phone I discovered it was close to midnight. But there were also 20 messages, none of which were from Charlie.

  I scrolled through the list. Hugo. Calista, even Bedwyr. Many said much the same thing. “Hope you’re doing well.” Why were they concerned about my health all of a sudden? Surely wizards didn’t get wrong numbers, did they?

  My boss’ text was short and to the point. “Sorry.” While Rosemary’s said she wasn’t able to talk because her lips were sealed. She added that Calista was a meanie, and Charlie was amazing and she loved him dearly. Interesting!

  There were five missed calls from Arlo but I tossed the phone aside and brushed my teeth. My mouth tasted like the bottom of a bird cage. The phone beeped with a reminder that tonight was the last night for the fireworks.

  I peeked outside but snow carpeted the landscape. The town center was a short walk from my house so we could stand on the corner and watch the display for a few minutes. But after checking the time again, I realized we’d missed them. Damn.

  I texted Charlie hoping he wasn’t annoyed or more wonky than usual, but he replied saying he’d bring dinner.

  I peered through the window as the street lights blinked on and off and I made out Charlie trudging through the blizzard, his hood
pulled low over his head. He clutched a huge bag to his chest, and when he walked in, he told me we’d hadn’t missed the fireworks. Hugo would recreate them when we were ready.

  “Is that what Hugo’s message was referring to? Cool.” He gave me an odd look but I opened the soup and sniffed. “You made this? Yummy.”

  “Pea and ham, and I had help.”

  “Oh, Rosemary was burbling about something. I’ve heard she’s a great cook. Though I don’t see Calista as one to spend time in the kitchen.”

  “Were they here?” he asked as he heated up the dinner.

  “No. I had heaps of messages when I woke up.”

  Charlie tasted the soup. “Me too.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “I was going to ask you the same thing?” He ladled out the steaming liquid and we sat at the kitchen table.

  “Delicious.” This couldn’t be about the pregnancy, could it? Calista told Bedwyr but they wouldn’t have shared it with anyone else. Would they? While Bedwyr was the coven head, Hugo was an immortal spell checker and a powerful wizard. And if Hugo had that information, could he keep it from his mate? Probably not.

  And Calista? She and the former mayor were close friends. But I’d be surprised if my boss confided in the alpha about my pregnancy.

  “Rosemary was hiding something earlier when she came over.”

  “As in a Christmas present? That’s sweet.” I concentrated on the soup and slurped a hot mouthful. My rumbly tummy had settled and my whole freaking out about how I was going to cope and what would Charlie do had faded a little. I’d muddle through, and the warlock was a grownup. I couldn’t fight his battles for him.

  “No. I was trying to get it out of her. She can’t keep a secret. Though she’s not as bad as Fred. I often wonder if he’s the source of those blind items on the Vale Valley Message Board.”

  “Fred as in Poppy’s Fred? The conductor of the Husky Croakers? Fred with the beady orange eyes and the collection of bow ties. That Fred?”

  “Yes. Does he have bow ties? I must borrow one for the next masquerade ball.”