Night Hunter

by Cathy McDavid

He shrugged. "Some things defy explanation."

  Gillian knew that to be true better than most. She'd seen enough examples during her lifetime, especially lately.

  Standing on tiptoes, she wound her arms around Nick's neck. Just as their lips met, they were interrupted.

  "I take it the wedding's on?" Charlie said from the doorway. Stevie stood beside him, her small hands clasped together in anticipation.

  "It's on," Nick said, giving Gillian a lingering look that let her know exactly what was waiting for her the moment they were alone. "We just have to tie up a few loose ends before we set the date."

  "Yippee," Stevie said.

  Charlie strode forward and shook Nick's hand. "Congratulations."

  "I'm hoping you'll be my best man."

  "I'd be honored." His eyes misty, he bent to give Gillian's cheek a kiss. "This is a great day. I'm delighted for you both."

  Stevie threw her arms around Gillian's waist. "Can I be your best lady?"

  "You're a little young for that." She squeezed Stevie's shoulders. "How about flower girl?"

  Stevie grinned up at her. "Awesome."

  Awesome was a good word for it, Gillian decided, taking the hand Nick offered.

  "You feel like going on a drive later today?" he asked.

  "Where to?"

  "Florence. I thought we might visit your dad. Check on his surgery Friday. Break the news to him that he's about to become a father-in-law and a grandfather."

  If Nick's contacts paid off, he'd also become a free man.

  "You sure you're feeling up to it?" she asked.

  Even if the Ancients had healed Nick during his commune with them, he must still be exhausted. They all were.

  "Tired and sore," he said. "But nothing a shower, nap, and something to eat won't fix."

  A shower, nap, and something to eat. After everything they'd been through the last month, it sounded so mundane.

  And wonderful!

  Gillian was more than ready to trade her job of creature hunter for something routine and unexciting, like college professor, author, wife, and motherwhich sounded anything but routine and unexciting now that she thought about it.

  She gazed around the kitchen at the three people who'd recently come into her life, turned it upside down, then changed it into something new and incredible. Tears pricked her eyes.

  "Hey. Are you okay?" Nick gazed at her with concern. He wasn't the only one. So did Charlie and Stevie.

  "I'm fine." She smiled at them and then laughed. "Fantastic-actually."

  "You think your dad'll be okay with us getting married?"

  "Of course."

  "Are you sure? I don't think he likes me much." "Don't be ridiculous."

  "I corrupted and nearly killed his daughter." "There is that."

  Nick pulled her into his arms. His mouth captured hers in a kiss that promised a long and joyous future together.

  Gillian hadn't obtained the proof she'd been seeking to free her father. Instead, she found something else. Something better. Love with a man who completed her like no other and the family she'd always wanted. It had taken a long time, but she'd finally come full circle.

  And with their destinies fulfilled, they were free to live their lives as they wished, happy and safe from the creatures.

  At least for the next twenty-five years.