A Magic Redemption

by Tena Stetler

  Synn turned her head toward the tinkling sound of ice in water. Matiah grabbed the pitcher of ice water from the dining table and poured it into a tumbler on the end of the table. She carried the glass over to her. “Here you go, darlin’.”

  She took several sips. The room quit spinning and her vision started to come back into focus. “What was that… Never felt like that.”

  “Wielding too much magic, power, and Fae weapons all at the same time.” Gale touched her on the knee. “You’ll be fine. And you’ll get used to it.” She paused. “At least that’s what Tiarnan said before he and Erin left. Said they’d be around. Wouldn’t miss Brandy’s wedding for anything.”

  She glanced around for Gavin, finding him with his head bent over the kitchen table with the rest of the men. She pushed up from the chair. Dizziness still had her in its grips, but she leaned on the chair and centered herself. “Storm is still in the truck. We weren’t planning to stay long. I gotta let her out. Don’t want an accident in Gavin’s truck.”

  “I’ll get her,” Brandy offered.

  “Thanks, but she doesn’t know you…and it’s been quite a night for her too. Besides, I could use a little fresh air.” She gulped down the rest of her water and took a carrot from her plate and bit into it.

  “Then I’ll walk out with you.” Brandy caught Stefan’s attention in the kitchen, nodded toward the door, then continued eye contact for a minute or two more.

  Brandy grabbed her coat and picked up Synn’s off the back of the couch. Once out the door, Brandy followed her toward the truck. A black nose was pressed against the steamed-up passenger window. Storm began to bark the closer they got to the truck.

  “It’s okay, Storm. Friend.” She patted Brandy on the arm. Now that’s something I never thought I’d be sayin’. Opening the door, she clipped the leash on. The pup jumped out of the truck and tugged on the leash toward the house. “No, we’re not going in there. Around back.” Storm altered her course.

  In the back yard, she let the pup off leash and waited.

  “Any idea how soon—soon is for Gavin? I mean about the wedding?”

  “Not really. Tomorrow, if it was up to him. But we won’t interfere with your wedding festivities. May just have Bruce or Andre officiate the bond, that’s all I—we need. No big deal.”

  “Oh, that’s where you’re wrong. Gavin is the only son and Irish marriages are a big deal. Ma and Da will have a fit if you do that. I have a better idea.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Two Weeks Later—A New Year’s Eve Celebration—A New Beginning

  Gavin waited in the living room in front of the massive stone fireplace. Stefan stood a few feet from him. Bruce and Tristian lounged at either end of the hearth talking in hushed tones to their mates. His parents’ home had been turned into a magical faerie land of twinkling multi-colored lights, fragrant scents of candles, and flower arrangements filled the air.

  Katie’s daughters skipped into the room. Carefully lit each candle and hurried back to the kitchen. The candles’ flames danced to their own beat, casting shadows on the walls. Red roses and white carnations decorated the room. Brandy and Synn had different ideas about the flowers, but in the end agreed there was room for both ideas.

  Unable to stand still any longer, he paced to where Stefan stood examining something on his suit coat. “You ready for this?” He stopped beside Stefan for a moment.

  “You bet. It’s been a long time coming.” Stefan shifted nervously from foot to foot. “What I’m really looking forward to is the honeymoon. Tristian is letting us use his beach house in Hawaii for a couple of weeks.” The vampire straightened his suit jacket, checked the red carnation in his lapel, and grinned. “I’m glad the girls worked it out. Family is so important. It’s something you realize when you don’t have one.”

  “Synn said the same thing.” He checked his carnation and moved back to his assigned spot.

  Mary hustled down the makeshift aisle with Storm short leashed and plopped down in the front row positioning the wiggling pup between her feet. She gave Storm a chew stick to keep her quiet and busy.

  Over the last couple of weeks, it was satisfying to watch Brandy, Hannah, and Synn working, laughing, and even arguing in a sisterly manner, something he’d had his doubts about even though he never let on.

  It had been a whirlwind of activity since the night Baltizar, his followers, and the pub were destroyed. The resurrection of Shaughnessy’s Pub out of the smoking pile of ruins was no small feat. Destroyed by magic, and rebuilt by magic, turned out to be by the blood, sweat, and hard work of several individuals. Long time patrons of the pub and local contractors worked on the pub by day. At night a whole different team of workers turned on the magic.

  His da and ma kept busy with Brandy’s wedding plan adjustments. Red roses, white carnations, and baby’s breath went into the bridal bouquets. Smelled heavenly, but he stayed out of the way for fear of being put to work. Overseeing the restoration of the pub overnights had his sleep schedule completely discombobulated. When the sun peeked over the horizon, his eyelids drooped. Yet, when darkness fell, well—he was still tired.

  The pub had never looked better. A new bigger state of the art kitchen had his ma beaming. She had plans to overhaul the menu, which sounded like a lot more work for him. Da and Ma decided to semi retire once the pub was open for business, working only when they felt like it or on busy weekends. They signed the whole shebang over to him as an early wedding present, which suited him just fine.

  Tiarnan and Erin had checked in periodically usually during his shift. They made suggestions to add a few Fae touches. Some of their family recipes were added to the drink list in the new pub. Tristian had used magic to refurbish the wooden and brass bar from the old pub. Though he’d had his doubts, the results were outstanding. Extending the dance floor and stage was his idea. After consulting with Quinn, several modifications to the sound and electrical systems on stage made a huge difference.

  More booths, tables, and chairs in an extended main room of the pub would mean bigger crowds but easier cleanup due to the extra room to move around. Plush pit style seating around the new massive moss rock fireplace area would be a popular addition. Tonight—all the changes would be on display at the New Year’s Eve and wedding reception celebration in Shaughnessy’s Pub.

  Strains of organ music penetrated his consciousness. He glanced around. The folding chairs that replaced the regular furniture were filled with smiling people dressed in their Sunday best. A few stragglers hurried to find a seat as the first chords of the wedding march echoed through the room.

  His gaze shifted to the entrance from the kitchen where the bridesmaids waited to begin the procession. Katie’s youngest, bounced down the makeshift aisle, pigtails swaying, tossing rose petals in the air, rather than dropping them on the ground as she’d been shown at the rehearsal. He smiled.

  Ian, one of the long-time regulars volunteered his great-grandson, Angus, to be a ring bearer. He wasn’t sure who the other little boy was walking beside Angus.

  The procession began. He looked over the heads of the bridesmaids and sucked in a breath. She was breath-taking, in a long shimmering gown that shifted as if a trick of light between aqua and emerald green. The dress hugged her curves and accentuated her sparkling aqua eyes. He recalled something Synn had said about Molly adding a touch of magic to the bridesmaid dress that she’d loved, making it work for her wedding dress. On her head a crown of flowers with multi-color ribbons streamed down her long raven hair. His bride-to-be was all he’d ever wanted. He glanced at his sister on the arm of his da and smiled. Brandy didn’t look bad either in her white lace gown with train and veil.

  Brandy’s offer to share her wedding date with them making it a double wedding had shocked not only Synn but him, and his parents as well. Angie jumped all over the idea and helped make those arrangements, since her own wedding to Bruce had been a double wedding with her childhood best friend, Willow.

  ****
>
  The first strains of the Wedding March hung in the air, a bead of sweat trickled down the side of her face. Her heart thundered in her chest as she drew in a breath. Bruce stood at her side, dressed in a suit and tie, looking relaxed and a small smile on his face. He turned to look at her and squeezed her hand resting on his arm. “Ready?”

  “Hold that thought.” Glancing out the windows toward the ocean, she quick stepped to the double glass door and stared out at the misty landscape. Her parents had been in her thoughts in the past weeks. “Well, Mom and Dad—I believe—I’m going to be all right.” She paused, turned the handle on the door, stepped out on the porch, and wiped tears off her cheeks. Notes of the harp music and the sound of faraway heels clicking on the hardwood floor followed her.

  She sucked in a breath as shapes formed in the mist that now settled as thick as pea soup around the house. “Mom? Dad?” Her gaze transfixed on their faces. Was she dreaming? “How is this possible?” Reaching out a hand, she leaned toward the images, and her mom raised a hand. She tried to touch it, but her fingers went right through the image with a frigid sensation.

  “It’s a special day of celebration. We’ve only a moment, but we always knew you’d make your way.” Her father’s image wavered a bit but smiled. “We’re sorry we failed to keep you safe and your powers hidden. But sometimes fate has the upper hand. Your guardian blood was meant for greater things. We’re so proud of you—our Fae warrior. You have a family now, and they’ll be good to you. Be happy.” The words faded away as the ice crystals danced on the railing. Her parents waved one last time before their images faded into the fog.

  Tears streamed down her face. She didn’t care. Over the course of the last few months, she’d cried more than she had in her entire life. She scrubbed her hands over her face. Angie’s beautiful makeup job would be smudged—ruined—her eyes red and puffy. She blinked. Some beautiful bride she’d make. Not. She shrugged. I’ll leave that to Brandy. The clicking heels grew louder then stopped right behind her. She whirled around almost running smack dab into Angie.

  “Girl, you’re holding up the wedding. Let’s have a look at you.” Angie shook her head make a clicking sound with her tongue. “Oh, my, this will never do.” Angie gave a gentle wave of her hand over Synn’s face then nodded. “Much better.” Angie gave her a quick hug and shoved her toward the front room. “Off with you.”

  She inhaled letting it out slowly. Calming herself, she walked to where Bruce, Brandy, and Tim waited to walk down the aisle. She slipped her hand though Bruce’s crooked elbow, gave a nod, and mouthed sorry to Brandy. They took the first step together toward the loves of their lives waiting for them.

  Bruce paused beside Gavin. The Overlord offered Synn’s hand to him.

  “She’s your responsibility now. Treat her well, or you’ll answer to me.” Bruce turned and joined the groomsmen to his right.

  “I will.” He licked his lips and barely got the words out.

  Tim turned Brandy over to Stefan and sat down in the front row with Mary. Storm made a soft woof. Mary quieted her.

  Andre conducted the ceremony, which was mostly a blur in her mind. At the first stroke of midnight, they finished reciting the vows they’d written. Gavin nearly dropped her ring, but she’d quickly snagged it with her finger. As the twelfth chime sounded from the grandfather clock in the room, Andre introduced them as husband and wife to a standing ovation from the family and close friends gathered to witness this joyous occasion.

  Gavin took her in his arms, touched his lips to hers and she lost herself in the kiss. A few clearing throats and chuckles brought her back seconds later. She hurried to keep up with his long strides back down the aisle.

  “It’s time to party!” Gavin loosened his tie, grasped her around the waist and hoisted her over his head.

  She giggled. “Put me down. You’re embarrassing me.”

  He lowered her until her feet touched the ground and brushed his lips over hers. Standing on tiptoe, she caressed his cheek as his lips slowly descended to meet hers. She slipped her arms around his neck and quivered at the sweet tenderness of his kiss. Shivers of desire raced through her.

  Raising his mouth from hers, he gazed into her eyes. “Well, how’s it feel to be Mrs. Gavin Shaughnessy?” He grinned, his face still flushed with excitement.

  “About like it did when I was plain Synn—only with a longer, harder name to spell.” She snickered.

  His crestfallen expression lasted only a beat, then he roared with laughter. “Never know what’s going to come out of your mouth.”

  Storm bounced over to her, all wiggles, snuffles and finally barked.

  She bent down and rubbed her ears. “You were a good girl.”

  Gavin reached in his pocket and took out two treats. “I was prepared should she cause a commotion during the ceremony.” He tossed the treats to the pup.

  “Always prepared, that’s my man.”

  Hand in hand they sprinted out of the house amid a shower of birdseed and bubbles to an awaiting carriage along with Storm, Brandy, and Stefan. Big storybook snowflakes fell as the horses made their way to the pub where the New Year’s Eve celebration and reception would be held.

  When they arrived, Mary greeted them. “I’ll put Storm in her new accommodations in the storeroom. She has her own play yard, you know.”

  ****

  He whisked her out on the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife, sharing the floor with only Brandy and Stefan. As the last notes of their slow dance sounded, Quinn stepped to the microphone. “Do I have the bride’s and groom’s permission to liven things up?” He looked expectantly to the couples.

  He nodded in unison with Brandy, Stefan, and Synn. Cori stepped out of the shadows and began an Irish jig on her fiddle. Quinn’s band accompanied her as her feet danced in time. The guests flooded the dance floor. After a few more dances, Angie grabbed the couples.

  “Time to cut the cake.” She led them over to a large table covered with a red and green lace. A five-tier wedding cake frosted in white with red roses sat atop the table at the end of the bar.

  Bridget stood behind the cake, cutting the first layer into pieces and putting them on plates. Four plates with cake sat in front. She pointed to the pieces of cake. “Those are for the brides and grooms. Now give each other a bite, so the rest of us can enjoy a piece too.”

  Stefan’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he nuzzled Brandy’s neck. When he raised his head, she met his mouth with a kiss and a big piece of cake, smearing it all over his face as she laughed. He grinned and returned the favor as Brandy tried to duck but wasn’t fast enough. A photographer snapped a picture.

  “Don’t you dare,” Synn warned him holding a neatly cut piece of wedding cake on a fork up to his lips.

  Warily he opened his mouth and took the bite. “Ummmm. This is delicious. Who created this confectionery work of art?”

  “Brenda from the bakery down the street,” Hannah volunteered.

  He offered up a bite of cake for Synn, as carefully as she had his. She took the bite, smiled and… He never saw it coming. Whap. She smushed a small piece of cake into his mouth. After smearing it on his cheek, she disappeared under the pass through and into the kitchen laughing outrageously.

  Licking the frosting off his lips, he took a napkin and cleaned his face off. “You are so busted, Synn.” He laughed thinking back to the woman lacking confidence and direction, who made the decision to make Ireland her home, and adjusted to her new life. She was a far cry from the woman he’d just married, and he couldn’t be more proud.

  “I got some great shots.” The photographer chuckled.

  “Oh, just wait there’s more opportunities coming up.” Gavin grinned and glanced around for his bride.

  Andre tapped him on the shoulder. “So where are you spending your honeymoon?”

  “Some place out of the way here in Ireland. Synn doesn’t want to…”

  “I may have changed my mind. What did you have
in mind.” She popped up behind them, resting her hand on her husband’s shoulder.

  “Been talking to Matiah in the kitchen—huh?” Andre smiled as his wife made her way through the crowd to him.

  “Sort of.”

  “Okay is someone going to tell me what’s going on?” He glanced at the faces gathered around them.

  “Since Matiah and I are going to spend the next couple of weeks with my son and daughter-in-law, we thought we’d offer our villa and staff in Tahiti for your honeymoon.” He caught Synn’s gaze and held it. “There is no place safer. And we don’t like to leave it unattended for long.”

  Synn’s eyes widened, and she blinked several times.

  “Oh—Synn—there is this cute little cottage right next to the huge waterfall you’d just love.” Hannah sighed. “Tristian and I stayed there for Bruce and Angie’s wedding. It’s right next to the main house, but so cozy. There’s a path to the beach lit with tiki torches.”

  “We’re taking Storm with us.” She hesitated. “Will that be a problem? We’ll watch her constantly and clean up after her, of course. She’s still a puppy, you know.”

  “So we’ve heard.” Andre glanced at Matiah, who nodded. “Not a problem. So is that a yes?”

  Synn bobbed her head up and down. Matiah took an emerald encrusted comb out of her hair and handed it to Synn. “This will help guide you to our home. You’ll have to port there.”

  She took the comb and smiled wide. “Thank you so much.”

  “Aye, you don’t have to do this—but…” He looked at Synn wondering what had changed her mind. “We accept your offer. Thank you so much.”

  A wistful expression crossed Matiah’s face. “It’s been a long time since a Fae Warrior with Guardian blood visited our place.”

  “I don’t believe we’ve ever had a Demon-Fae Warrior visit our place. It’s about time.” Andre chuckled, correcting his mate.

  A New Year, a new beginning, and a celebration in the newly re-opened Shaughnessy’s Pub, he couldn’t think of a better way to start their life together. Snapping his fingers, he turned to his ma and da standing behind the bar. “Think you and Ma can take care of things while we’re gone?”