by Krysta Scott
They were so distracted by the mystery of Nikki that they failed to recognize Cassie’s illness. That it wasn’t just a cold as they’d believed. Then she’d died. Aching guilt sent shockwaves through Nikki.
I can fix this.
She located the stream and slipped in.
Take her to the doctor no matter what you are dealing with when she is nine. You will know when. Take her even if you’re unsure.
The guilt stilled. Nikki faded back to her own unborn mind. So innocent and unformed. She had to warn her infant self so no one could misuse her powers again. Let no one in. Remember.
****
Someone shook her. Disturbing her despite the gentleness of the touch. “Nikki.” Weariness saturated her body muddling her mind. She pushed the irritating intrusion away. But the shaking didn’t stop. Masculine hands gripped tighter and shook her harder. More insistent. Demanding. “Nikki, you have to wake up. I’m not going to let your penchant for being late allow you to miss your own engagement party.”
She rolled over pulling the blanket over her head. “Go away.”
“Nikki.” That was a command. Rich, warm and sexy, but an order nonetheless. Only one person spoke to her that way. She tore the blanket away and her eyes shot open. Garrett stood with his arms crossed, irritation clouding his deep chocolate eyes.
“Did you say engagement party?”
Garrett let out an exasperated groan. “What is it about family gatherings that puts you off so much?”
“I don’t mind family gatherings.”
“Really? There’s a party less than an hour away where you’re the guest of honor.” Garrett pointed at her. “And here you are napping.”
Nikki rubbed her eyes. “I was dream casting.”
“Why?” Garrett sank down next to her. Strong arms pulled her against a chest that smelled of cinnamon and cloves. She breathed deeply. He smelled like home. “What could you possibly be trying to fix now?”
“You don’t remember?” she murmured.
He set her away and searched deep into her eyes. “Am I missing something?”
She squirmed under the scrutiny. There was nothing on his face that hinted at her success—or failure. He didn’t seem to remember anything. She peered around her room. It was kind of the same but there were changes. She glanced at the brass bed covered by a floral print bed spread and grimaced. Floral patterns, though popular, were not her thing. But the blending of green, mauve and lavender weren’t unpleasant and the comforter did match the curtains.
Her gaze lit on the nightstand. It was cherry wood instead of mahogany. Over the window stood a desk where her hope chest used to be. No papers or files littered the surface. Only a pen holder and small clock occupied its broad expanse. Her skin tingled and despite the down comforter she was cold. “Where are my dolls?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“My dolls they were right there on the…” She was about to say hope chest. But there was no hope chest anymore. How much had she changed?
“As long as I’ve known you, you’ve owned no dolls.”
“How long have I known you?”
He caressed her cheek. An action so welcoming. So intimate. “Are you all right?”
A memory stirred. But it was difficult to determine which Garrett she was remembering. The Garrett before she casted or the one sitting next to her now. She scrutinized him. Despite the concern etched in his face, she crushed her mouth over his in a harsh surge of emotion. Her head spun by the time she broke away. The coldness in the space between them sparked a glimmer of recognition. The recollection of Garrett on bended knee holding up a two-karat princess diamond lined with emeralds. How fitting.
“I’m fine,” she smiled. “I was just worried about Lori.”
One arm, firmly around her. “Well, that’s one thing you don’t have to concern yourself about anymore.”
“What?”
“Lar’s called me this afternoon. Parker shot himself last night.”
“I made a man kill himself,” she said, shaking.
Garrett frowned. “This isn’t your fault, darling. The man has always been a bit off. He did this to himself.” Every word Garrett spoke shook the very foundation of what she knew to be true. When she’d embarked on this journey, Garrett was with her. Cognizant of her actions. Now, it was as if that life had never happened. A new existence had sprung in its place. The details unclear. Nikki wasn’t so sure how she felt about that.
“So Lori’s safe?” She grasped his shirt with trembling fingers.
“Yes. Not the way our firm likes to lose a client but Parker was a mess. Wasn’t sure Gorman was going to be able to do much for the man. I’m just glad you conflicted me out of that case.”
But Lori was back. She and her mother, safe. Those changes were positive. Parker’s death filled her with guilt. She knew she played a part in his demise. It was a burden she dare not share with Garrett, and that saddened her. Why didn’t he remember their life before?
“Now get ready.” He kissed her on the top of her head. “I hear Sean is bringing a date to this shin dig.”
“Sean?” She swallowed. Her brother had returned. She’d altered the fabric of time for more than a small child. Had her family returned?
“Don’t look so surprised. I told you our confirmed bachelor might finally get serious about someone.”
“I’ll be ready in a flash.” She leapt off the bed. Her arm slid through Garrett’s hand. He tightened his grip and pulled her back. His lips met hers, kindling the burn between her thighs. She pulled away. “Do you want me to get ready or not?”
“Touché.” He smiled. “I’ll be right outside.”
Nikki hurried to the bathroom and closed the door. Both hands pressed against the cool counter top, she studied her reflection in the mirror. The dark circles under her eyes were gone. Her tank top and loose fitting pajama bottoms were the same as when she’d closed her eyes to cast. They were a little wrinkled but nothing to indicate what major changes had been implemented. Mussed hair. Rumpled clothes. Just as if she’d woken from a regular, restful night’s sleep. But she’d reformed reality, which meant she had changed too. She shook her head trying to extricate the differences between the old Nikki and the new one. The details were hazy in her muddled brain. It wasn’t even clear if she still retained powers.
Her powers! That’s where her problems began and that’s where her problems should end. She glanced in the mirror, holding her eyes steady. Her pupils dilated and a jolt of energy shot down her back. “Remember the changes you made.”
Warm wind whipped past her sending her stumbling into the wall. A wave of dizziness overwhelmed her. Her stomach rebelled as the room twisted in motion. She held onto the doorframe, biting back rising acid. Images of long past events flashed before her. Sean helping her with an algebra problem. Her father teaching her to make a campfire. Helping her mother bake a cake, licking the spoon with chocolate batter dripping down her arms. They were alive. She inhaled deeply, willed herself steady enough to stand.
That answered one question. She still had her powers. As near as she could surmise, she hadn’t misused her casting abilities. But the events of her other life warned against power as great as hers. She’d kept everyone but herself out of her head. It was up to her to choose how strong a caster she would be. She’d almost destroyed the life of an innocent young girl because of her inherent meddling. A mistake she didn’t care to repeat.
Nikki leaned toward the mirror, making eye contact once more. “You will never use your powers for an unjust cause, and you will take no action until you are certain of the right course.” The warm wind whipped past her as she clung to the counter.
Once the queasiness subsided, Nikki washed her face then hurried to her closet to pick through her clothes. All familiar soft silk shirts. Gabardine and woolen suits. Ha! Some things never changed. She edged to the back and sifted through her cotton dresses. Black? Classic but too morbid. Teal? No, the
brightness gave her a headache. Green? The color of her new family tree. Perfect.
She slipped the dress over her head and smoothed out the skirt determined to face life anew.
****
The reception hall glittered with a million twinkling lights, casting an ephemeral glow to the festivities. Nikki walked, her arm intertwined Garrett’s, through the crowd of well-wishers.
“Well, Mother’s outdone herself.” Garrett glanced dubiously around the room. The subject of his comment moved toward them, sleek in her mauve colored dress, hair pulled into a tight bun. Diamond studs gleamed from her lobes. The perfect hostess.
“Darling,” she said to Garrett, kissing him lightly on both cheeks. “Glad you finally made it.”
“Nikki had some primping to do.” He smiled down at his mother. “You can’t rush perfection.”
“Indeed.” Adelaide turned to Nikki taking both hands. Nikki squirmed under the woman’s scrutiny but her eyes weren’t unkind. “You look adorable. Now, I won’t keep you from the rest of your guests. Enjoy the party.” She waltzed off to greet another couple who’d just entered the hall.
“Don’t look so pensive.” Garrett said. “This party is in our honor.”
“Sorry.” Nikki was unsure what to make of her future mother-in-law’s thawing attitude. “This whole thing is just so odd.”
“Come on,” He wrapped his arm around her waist. “This is supposed to be fun. Want a drink?”
“Definitely.”
As they made their way to the bar a tall blond man stepped forward raising his glass. “Congratulations, you two.”
“Thank you,” Nikki extended her hand to…Mark? Ah, yes, Garrett’s private investigator. Her lips curved. The images were coming faster, making it easier to navigate the new terrain. “I’m so glad you could join us.”
Garrett clapped his colleague on the back and grinned. “Don’t drink all the beer.”
“I’ll just drink all the best ones.” He winked.
“Smart ass.”
Garrett and Nikki drifted to the bar. Her grandfather sat on a stool sipping a whiskey. His face lit up when he saw her. Years fell from his face. He looked good. His cheeks were plump. His blue eyes sparkled with energy compared to when she’d last seen him. “Hey, baby girl.” He pulled her into a bear hug.
“Hi, old man.” Nikki hugged him back, surrendering to the sudden giddiness at seeing him again. Images of walks in the park, swimming in his pool, Sunday afternoon barbecues rose into clarity. No longer a puppet master. Only a loving grandfather. “You’re looking well.”
He pulled away. “Well, I should. You’re finally getting settled, and the whole family’s here. What more can a man my age ask for?”
“Nothing, that’s for sure.”
Garrett returned with a glass of chardonnay and a pilsner of beer. He handed her the wine as he took a long pull from his glass.
“I’m guessing Mark didn’t raid the entire selection.” She laughed enjoying how easy the adjustment was.
Garrett shrugged. “Not yet.”
“Don’t worry, he still has plenty of time.”
Songe tapped her arm. A gesture filled with familial connection that hadn’t been there mere days before. “If you two are done sparring, I think your Mom and Dad are trying to get your attention.”
Nikki’s gaze followed the direction her grandfather indicated and gasped. A woman with long brown hair waved her over. The tall man next to her smiled with pride. Nikki’s mouth went dry. Mom and Dad. Her parents. Like spectral images from the past, memories flooded her mind. Filled with a need to touch them, reassure herself they were truly there, Nikki rushed forward.
Her mother beamed, folding Nikki in her arms. Their first hug ever, yet one of many since childhood. Nikki couldn’t let go. If she did, her mother might disappear. Her mother grunted. “My goodness, child, what has gotten into you?”
Nikki pulled back, staring into green eyes so like her own. “Nothing. Nothing, Mom,” she choked out. Blinking quickly, Nikki wiped her eyes. “I’m just so happy to see you.”
Her father laughed, pulling Nikki into another hug. Tears threatened to spill over. She swallowed them back. “Congratulations, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Nikki stepped back as her dad shook Garrett’s hand.
“How’s the new power couple?” Her mom leaned in to kiss Garrett’s cheek.
“Still getting our sea legs,” Garrett said.
Nikki froze in stunned silence. She’d done it. She’d brought her family back. Oh, my God. A warm rush of adrenaline shot straight to her head making her light headed. Every mistake she and her grandfather had made was undone. The improbable made possible. An achievement she would never take for granted.
Someone tapped her shoulder. “Hey, sis, congratulations.”
Nikki turned, seeing Sean for the first time since her memory of the fire. That recollection melted away. There was no fire. Her brother had grown up with her after all. Teasing. Goading. Protecting. She threw herself into his arms. “Sean, I’m so glad you’re here.”
Sean hugged her then held her out at arm’s length. “What is it about these occasions that turns normal people into emotional wrecks? You’re a council member for crying out loud. Try a bit of decorum.”
“I’m not sure.” Nikki took a few beats to digest this new information. “It’s just so good to have the whole family together.”
“Where’s your date?” Garrett slipped his hand into hers and squeezed. She squeezed back.
“Funny story,” Sean tugged at his neck tie. “We had a fight last night. I’m single again.”
“Typical Sean.” Nikki was surprised at how easily those words spilled from her lips. Like she’d known her brother all her life. But two realities warred within her mind. Despite her random confusion, she’d been able to keep them straight so far.
“Excuse me.” A soft feminine voice intruded. All eyes turned in her direction. A diminutive woman with auburn curls that spilled past her shoulders and soft brown eyes studied Nikki. “I’m Cassie Angelus from the Hazelwood monitor. I’m covering this party for the society page. Might I have a moment of your time?”
“You’ve got my attention.” Sean’s interest was evident in every word. Cassie smiled, amusement lighting her eyes.
“All in good time.” Nikki edged in. “I believe she wants to speak to Garrett and me first.”
Cassie offered her hand to Nikki. “I’m so glad to finally meet you. My mom is a very big fan of your work.”
“Really?”
“Yes, she volunteers at the shelter and really admires the work you do for children. She’s always prattling on to my dad and me about you.”
Well that was a huge change. If Cassie only knew the truth. Oh, God. The implications. Again, tears welled. Her sister lived, but now things were different. Memories of another life swept through her. Life with her biological mother, father, and brother. There was no adoption. Cassie couldn’t know her as anything other than a feature for her society page. Nikki let out a breath. Resolve seeped through her. Good enough. “I’m very pleased to meet you, too.”
“Could you tell me how you two met?” Cassie pulled out a pen and notebook.
“Why don’t you tell that one Garrett?” She glanced up at Garrett, her smile so wide her cheeks ached. “I’m so happy right now, I’m not sure I could give the story justice.”
“Where to begin? You should know my life wasn’t complete until I met her.” He leaned in, his breath whispering her skin. “I love you so much.” He lowered his mouth to hers.
She cherished the moment, heat travelling through her body. “I love you, too,” she murmured against his lips. We did it. Together they’d changed the past and created a brighter future. With him by her side, nothing was impossible.
A word about the author…
Krysta Scott has always been a daydreamer, imagining worlds far away with happy endings. When she was in fifth grade, she was so caught up in fantas
y she earned the dubious distinction of being named the girl who daydreams the most. The award for this questionable honor was a colorful transparent plastic poster made to look like stained glass. It was very cool.
Given her flights of fancy, it came as no surprise to her family when she announced she was going to be an actress. Unfortunately, her pursuit into theater didn’t last long, because she was too withdrawn and shy to exhibit any talent in this area.
Left with no other choice but to pursue a more practical avocation, she decided to major in psychology and then go to law school. Not able to let go of the worlds she created in her head, she returned to writing and was very excited when the Wild Rose Press contracted her first book.
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