“Yes, thank the bloody stars.”
She laughed, the most beautiful sound. “Still, service is service.”
“It is indeed. And because of that, I learned early on to watch my words. To temper my moods, to be careful in my speech. It shaped me. Hugh was never an exceedingly hard lord to serve, but we were from two different worlds. He was a peer. I was a commoner. Now that gulf between us is gone, but I cannot change the man I am.”
Her smile thinned. “So you’re saying that you’ve just been telling me what I want to hear?”
“No. I’m trying—and failing—to tell you that what you see with me is what you get. And I am my truest self around you, my darling Corette. I always have been. I always will be. You have the unique ability to boil people down to their essence. I don’t know if it’s witchcraft or the makeup of your character, but you don’t suffer fools lightly, and it’s one of things I adore about you the most.”
“That’s very sweet of you to say.”
He took her hand again, allowing himself the indulgence of caressing her soft skin. Touching her felt like a delicious, guilty pleasure. He kept his focus on her hand, afraid he would be overcome if he said what he needed to say while looking into her eyes. “I don’t know what’s going to become of us after tonight, but if our time together ends this evening, I will still consider myself the luckiest man alive to have had you in my life for this long.”
He started to let go of her hand, but she held on, causing him to lift his face to hers.
Her eyes were liquid with emotion. “I don’t know what will become of us either, Stanhill, but I’m starting to feel very much that I hope tonight is not the end of our time together.”
His breath caught in his throat for a moment, held there by a bubble of hope that had welled up in him so unexpectedly it took several long seconds before he could speak again. “Are you saying…”
She blinked, clearing the emotion from her eyes. “I’m saying I like you very much, Stanhill. Enough that I think we deserve more time than the deadline of midnight can give us.”
She let go of his hand, more composed now. “I talked to my daughters and gave them a few ideas to counteract the spell. By the time we’re done with dinner, one of them should be here with the anti-potion.”
The thrill within him spilled out onto his face in an enormous smile he was helpless to contain. “Bloody brilliant.”
He offered her his arm. “Shall we dine then? The doors are open and our table awaits.” Just as he hoped their future did. The weight of the engagement ring in his pocket felt less like a burden and more like a medal of honor. This gorgeous creature was going to be his wife, he felt sure of it.
She took his arm. “Lead the way.”
***
The caterers, a team of chefs that Elenora flew in from Europe every year, outdid themselves with the meal, and Corette, who was never one to overindulge in anything, found herself pushing away the last course with more than half of it left but nowhere to put it. Thankfully, Delaney’s beautiful cake would be served later. “That was one of the most amazing meals I’ve ever had.”
“Agreed.” Hugh Ellingham folded his napkin and set it under the edge of his plate.
“Should be for the money it cost,” Sebastian Ellingham grumped.
Corette bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. Sebastian didn’t leave his house much, but his grandmother’s events were apparently mandatory. If he ever smiled, he might be handsome. Thankfully, Elenora herself was seated several tables away with the mayor, several town council members, and their wives. Alice was nowhere to be seen.
Julian Ellingham, the playboy of the family, had come without a date. Judging from the way his gaze purposefully roamed the room every few minutes, his stag status was intentional. He sprawled in his seat, a glass of champagne held lazily lazy between his fingers. “Lighten up, Sebastian. We can afford it. Things are going very well.”
“How would you know? You’ve spent more time traveling lately than here,” Sebastian shot back.
“I’ve spent a few weekends in Vegas. Unbunch your britches.”
“Well, my apologies. Gambling is an excellent way to spend your time.” Sebastian’s sarcasm was clear. “And how do you know things are going well? You don’t keep the books.”
“No, but I interact with the tourists. I keep them happy.”
“Especially the female ones,” Delaney snarked.
Julian grinned. “I’m just saying the town has never run short of visitors. Hotel reservations are up. In fact, there’s a new bed-and-breakfast opening up a few blocks off Main. Business is booming.”
“My shop is doing great,” Delaney added. “How’s business at Ever After, Corette?”
“Very good. Bridal is always good, even more so now that we’ve become a wedding destination.” She turned to Julian. The moment felt right to mention something she’d been thinking about for a while. “You know, a wedding chapel in town wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
He nodded, and for a moment his gaze went very far away, like he was remembering something. Then his eyes brightened. “That’s not a bad idea. We could ordain a few of the supernaturals. Let folks have their choice of who will marry them. Vampire, werewolf, that sort of thing. We could have a few different themed rooms. Victorian Goth.” He spread his hands wide like he was envisioning it. “Tim Burton Funky. Haunted Mansion.”
Sebastian groaned. “And what’s this going to cost?”
“Who cares?” Julian asked. “It’ll make money and bring more people in.”
Hugh put his arm around Delaney. “Nocturne Falls is a wonderful place to get married.”
She kissed his cheek. “I love when you get sentimental.”
Sebastian rolled his eyes and tossed his napkin down. “Spare me. Marriage is a trap.”
“We don’t all feel that way,” Stanhill said.
“No, we certainly don’t.” Corette gave Sebastian a stern look. “My business is based on the very opposite of that, you scoundrel. Just because you’re unhappy doesn’t mean the rest of us are.”
With a frown, Sebastian shoved his chair back and stalked off.
Hugh snorted. “Well said, Corette.”
“I say.” Stanhill beamed at her, giving her a moment of pride. “Sebastian could use a little more of that kind of talk.”
Julian sighed. “I worry about him. All alone in that big old house with nothing but numbers to keep him company. If he’d just get over her…”
Delaney gave his shoulder a little shove. “Hush now. You know we’re not supposed to say her name.” Then she smiled. “Back to this wedding chapel business. I want the exclusive on providing the cakes.”
Corette nodded. “And as it was my idea, I believe Ever After should be the only recommended boutique.”
Delaney nodded. “And Willa already sells amazing rings. We could talk to her about expanding her selection. Maybe offering chapel couples a discount.” She glanced around. “Where are Willa and Nick tonight? We’ll have to find her and add her to the discussion.”
Julian nodded and waved a hand, but his attention was elsewhere. “Yes, yes. We’ll work it all out. I’m sure the two of you will end up owning the place and having everyone in town involved before it’s all said and done.” Suddenly he perked up. “Well, now. I believe I see a very lonely woman at the bar.”
Delaney twisted to look. “That’s Bridget Merrow. And the guy just behind her is Sam Kincaid, the brother of the sheriff’s wife, who just so happens to have a not-so-secret crush on Bridget.” She turned back around. “You’re really going to go after a werewolf who’s also the sheriff’s sister and do it right in front of the guy who’s sweet on her?”
“Not Bridget. Egads, no. The petite brunette on the other side of her.” He put his glass down, stood, and adjusted his tux. “How do I look?”
“Like a dog in heat,” Stanhill said. “Let the poor woman be, whoever she is.”
Julian popped an eyebrow. “And
deny her the pleasure of all this? I think not, old man.” He squared his shoulders and made his way to the bar, leaving the four of them alone.
Stanhill turned to Corette. “How about a stroll in the gardens? Give that dinner a chance to digest before we show the children what dancing’s supposed to look like.”
“Sounds lovely— Wait a moment, my purse is buzzing.” Corette retrieved her phone and read the message. She glanced at Stanhill, tenuous excitement coursing through her. Pandora had brought the formula that would hopefully return Corette’s memories—and her love for Stanhill. “Pandora is here. Why don’t you…come with me to say hi?”
He nodded as he stood and helped her with her chair. “I’d love to. Hugh, Delaney, we’ll see you on the dance floor later.”
Hugh snorted. “Not if I can help it.”
Delaney jabbed her elbow into her husband’s side. “You’re dancing with me and you’re going to like it.”
He grinned. “I do enjoy your bossy side.”
“We’ll leave you two to work things out.” Stanhill put his hand on the small of Corette’s back and eased them both through the throng. “Where is she?”
“In the coatroom. Plenty of privacy in there.” At least that way whatever happened wouldn’t be on public display.
“Good idea.”
Stanhill led the way, pushing the door open when they arrived and letting Corette go ahead of him.
Pandora stood in the midst of the racks of coats, the air filled with an odd mix of wool and cologne. “Hey.”
Corette answered her daughter with a barrage of questions. “Did it work? Did you bring it? How much ginseng did you use? You made sure it was the Siberian and not the Brazilian?” There were so many ways this could go wrong.
Pandora’s eyes went wide. “Mom, slow down. Yes to all that. Marigold made sure it was the right kind. It’s all worked out. I promise.”
“Very good. I’m sure you girls were careful.” Corette held her hand out. “I’m ready.”
Pandora pulled a small vial from her purse. It held a few ounces of a very murky-looking substance.
Stanhill grimaced. “That looks dreadful. But I guess with the bad comes the good.”
Pandora lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “Hopefully.”
“What does that mean?” he asked.
Corette turned to him. “This isn’t a definite cure. It should work. But…there’s always a chance it might not.”
He scowled. “That’s damned reassuring.”
“Have a little faith,” Pandora said.
“I’m trying.” He crossed his arms.
Corette unscrewed the top. Instantly a pungent, overpowering odor wafted through the small room. She wrinkled her nose. “Here goes.”
She tipped the vial back and swallowed the contents. The taste was something akin to old fish and dishwater. She finished with a grimace. “Oh, that was horrible.”
“How do you feel?” Pandora asked.
Stanhill leaned in. “Yes, love, anything…different?”
Corette dabbed at the corner of her mouth with her fingers. “Nothing yet. But then not all spells have an effect you can feel.”
Pandora produced a bottle of water from her bag. “Here. I thought you’d want to get rid of the taste.”
“Thank you.” Corette took the bottle and a grateful sip to wash the lingering taste from her tongue.
Pandora cleared her throat. “Charisma thinks Stanhill should kiss you again now, and I agree. Your reaction could tell us whether or not the potion worked.”
Stanhill smiled. “I’m game if you are.”
Corette handed the bottle of water back to Pandora and smiled. Kissing him now didn’t seem nearly as odd a suggestion as it had at the beginning of the night. Nor did it give her any pause. Maybe that was a sign that the potion was already working. “I suppose we’ve no other way,” she teased.
He held out his hand. She took it and let him draw her into a gentle embrace. His eyes held desire and hope, a very attractive look. He pressed his lips to hers, and she let herself fall into the insistent caress of his mouth.
A flash of energy zipped through her, as hot and bright as a shooting star. Magic? Desire?
Love?
She clung to him, blinking as he broke the kiss, trying to catch her breath and make sense of what was going on.
“Well?” he asked.
Chapter 4
Stanhill waited, almost unable to breathe with the not knowing. The woman in his arms blinked up at him, a little too deer-in-the-headlights for his liking.
Pandora stepped toward them. “Mom, how do you feel?”
Corette extracted herself from Stanhill’s arms and tugged her dress into alignment. “Rather odd considering I’ve just been kissed by a man I don’t know while standing in a coatroom with my daughter.” She glared at Pandora. “What on earth is going on?”
Stanhill scrubbed a hand over his face as disbelief coursed through him. “Are you bleedin’ kidding me? She doesn’t know who I am again!”
“That was not supposed to happen.” Pandora frowned. “Bother. Double bother.” She held her hand up. “Stanhill, give me a minute alone with her, would you please?”
He nodded and sighed and left the coatroom, closing the door behind him and leaning heavily on the wall. It was nearly impossible to hold on to any kind of hope with this setback. Midnight loomed like a grasping hand ready to snatch his love away. What chance did he have now of finding a good moment to ask her to marry him when they were back at square one? That idea seemed more foolish by the minute. He rubbed the back of his neck and closed his eyes, wishing the answer would magically appear.
“Hey, you’re not pooped out already, are you?”
He opened his eyes at the sound of Delaney’s bright voice. “No, love…just…” But he couldn’t find an excuse that made any sense.
Concern filled her gaze. “Stanhill, what’s wrong?”
He sighed and looked away. What was the point of keeping this mess a secret any longer? He’d have to explain at some point why Corette no longer wanted anything to do with him. “There was an accident earlier, a mishap with a spell the girls were casting, and Corette ended up being affected by it. She…doesn’t love me anymore.”
“What?” Delaney’s mouth fell open in horror. “Oh, that’s just awful. It does explain the distance between you two at dinner though.”
“That noticeable?”
She shrugged. “I live in the same house as you. I’ve seen you two together enough to know how you usually act around each other.”
“Good point.” He sighed. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
She threw her arms around Stanhill and hugged him. “I’m so sorry.” She smelled of warm vanilla.
“Thank you, love.”
She pushed back from him suddenly. “But hey, you’ll make her fall for you again. How could she not? You’re funny and handsome and easily one of the best catches in all of Nocturne Falls.”
He smiled with more hope than he felt. “It’s not that easy.” He explained the details.
Delaney’s look of horror returned. “Oh. Oh no. That can’t be right.”
He shook his head. “Unfortunately it is.”
She went silent a long moment. Then she punched him in the arm. Hard.
He grabbed the spot. “What was that for? And bloody hell, did you forget how strong you are as a vampire?”
“Yeah, maybe. Sorry. It still kind of slips my mind.” She pointed her finger at him, her brows bent in stern concentration. “And that was for you being all pessimistic and giving up. You’re not a quitter, Bartholomew Stanhill. The fact that you still give Captain Underpants bacon every morning despite the fact that I tell you not to is proof of that.”
The thought of Delaney’s black-and-white beast of a cat made him smile for a second. “I’m not quitting, I’m facing reality. Midnight is less than two hours away. How am I supposed to make her fall in love with me in that amo
unt of time?”
“She already loves you. Just because she can’t remember those feelings doesn’t mean they aren’t still there. You have to help her remember. Show her exactly how you feel about her. Tell her stories about things you’ve done. Remind her of all the good times.”
“Love, I’ve been doing that all night.”
“So? Do it again.” She crossed her arms and stared at him. “You still love her, don’t you?”
He smiled. Then grabbed her shoulders and kissed her firmly on both cheeks. “You’re the bee’s knees, you know that? I was wallowing. Thank you for pulling me out of that rubbish.”
She grinned. “We all need a hand up once in a while.”
The door to the coatroom opened and Pandora started to say something, then saw Delaney and stopped.
Stanhill shook his head. “It’s all right. I told her. Delaney’s family, Corette, don’t be mad.”
Corette smiled weakly at Delaney before looking at Stanhill. “I’m not mad.” She took a deep breath. “Pandora explained everything. About the spell, about you. About us.”
“And?” Stanhill asked.
Corette’s smile strengthened and she lifted her chin. “I guess it’s time to start over.”
***
Corette enjoyed Stanhill’s patience with her almost as much as she enjoyed his stories. Didn’t hurt that his voice brushed over her like a vocal caress. She could hear how much he cared for her. See it in his eyes. Feel it in the subtle and not-so-subtle ways he found to touch her.
But love wasn’t something that could be forced and they both knew it. The knowledge was evident the same way his love was. A half hitch in a word during the retelling of a poignant memory. The sudden darkening of hope in his eyes. The hesitant way he took his hand off her arm. Like it might be the last time.
A current of desperation underlay everything, and they were powerless to shake it. She wondered for a moment if those left behind by the Titanic’s lifeboats had felt like this.
She ought to love him. She had, apparently, up until tonight. And who wouldn’t love this man? He was kind and funny, gentle and sweet, impossibly sexy, and wickedly charming.
He wasn’t the kind of man you kept on a string for bored evenings or spoke to just enough to keep things alive, he was the kind of man you married and cherished and spent the rest of your life with. If you were lucky.
The Witch's Halloween Hero (Nocturne Falls) Page 3