by Claire Fogel
On my way to her house, I noticed there were no police cars on the streets and no uniformed cops walking through the downtown area. It was, after all, Sunday morning. Thornewood looked like it used to look, peaceful and quiet, a picturesque small town where most people lived peaceful, quiet lives undisturbed by hit men and kidnappers.
As soon as I pulled up in front of her house, she was at the door, waving me in.
“You brought me wedding flowers! Thanks.” She gave me a quick hug, taking the pot of flowers out of my hands and setting it on their dining room table. “Mom will love these,” she said, grinning.
“I made coffee. Help yourself.” She went to the stove where a large griddle was sizzling.
“What are you making us?”
“French Toast and bacon,” she said.
“Sounds great.” I sat down, pouring cream into my coffee. I could smell the cinnamon Amy’s mom always used in her coffee.
While she cooked, I sipped my coffee. “When are you going to tell me what’s happening with Neal?” I asked.
She shook her head. “I told you how Neal’s parents feel about human girls, didn’t I?”
“Yes, but you said he wanted them to meet you, hoping to change their minds.”
She brought plates of French Toast and bacon to the table and sat down with me.
“Neal was hoping to introduce me to them at the wedding.” She frowned. “They obviously weren’t interested. When he led me over to meet them, they simply turned away and said, ‘We’re leaving now.’ And he had to leave with them to take them back to Elvenwood.” She sighed. “He gave me back the phone I’d given him and said he was sorry. I’ll probably never see him again.”
I was surprised. I had thought he really cared for Amy. “Well, if his parents’ prejudices are more important to him than you are, it’s better to know it now.”
She nodded. “It really made me sad, but as you said, better to know now. I’ll miss him, but there are lots of fish in the sea, so they say.”
I dug into my French toast. “This is delicious, Amy.” Amy was the cook I would probably never be.
We talked about the wedding and all the Elves she met for the first time. “Why do you think they’re all so good looking? They don’t all look alike, but I didn’t see one unattractive person there.”
I grinned. “Yeah. I guess it’s genetic. Like the fact they’re all tall, even the women. You can imagine how I felt the first time I visited Elvenwood. I felt like a dwarf.”
She laughed. “Well, at least in one way, I’d fit in. One of these days, you’ll have to take me to Elvenwood so we can see if the gate will open for me. Wouldn’t that be a hoot? Then I could tell Neal where to go!”
“His loss, Amy.”
She nodded. “On the bright side, we can really begin our senior year now. Thanks to you, we can start having fun, with nothing to worry about but our grades and our social life!”
We finished eating and Amy poured more coffee for both of us.
“I want you to know I could barely sleep last night thinking about dragons! There’s a real, live dragon in Elvenwood?”
I smiled. “Yes. She was a friend of my grandmother’s.” I described how that tune had been stuck in my head and the research I had to do to get to the bottom of it. When I told her how Jason and I had met her, her mouth hung open.
“So you have a new best friend, right? She just happens to be a fire-breathing dragon.” She shook her head. “Your life just keeps getting weirder, my friend.” She emptied her coffee cup and sat back, still shaking her head.
“Okay, Cara, I’m dying to know what happened with Adam last night! You were as pink as your dress when you came back.”
I could feel my face getting hot again. “Adam’s been special to me for a couple of months, more than a friend, you know?” She nodded.
“You’ve always said he’s just a good friend, like Kevin and me, but I had a feeling it went farther than that.”
“Yeah. I’ve really tried not to think about him that way, but those eyes of his make me melt.”
Laughing, she said, “I’ve noticed. He is gorgeous and a really nice guy too. He’s always seemed devoted to you and not just as your bodyguard.”
I nodded. “We’ve gotten close, but it’s been hard to ignore the age difference because my mom made such a big deal of it. And that’s only because my father was so much older when she met him. I guess she’s been afraid history would repeat itself with Adam and me. I know Adam’s done his best to keep our relationship appropriately platonic. Mom made her feelings about our relationship crystal clear to him.” I sighed.
“But last night, something changed. I’m not sure why. Maybe it was just that the time had come, you know?” She nodded, obviously dying to hear the rest.
“I’d been looking for him all day but he’d stayed out of sight. He’s not crazy about crowds either, so he was watching me from the sidelines. When I finally spotted him, I went over to him and we talked for a while.” I hesitated for a few seconds. “I could feel that something was different, but I didn’t know what it was . . . until he kissed me.”
Amy smiled. “You don’t mean a kiss on the cheek, do you?”
“Nope. It was the kind of kiss I’ve always dreamed of. I’ve never been kissed like that before. I didn’t want it to end.”
“Well, why did it end?”
“He pushed me away. Asked me to forgive him, said he never should have let it happen. He said he was sorry. I said I wasn’t. Then he left.”
Amy was transfixed. “Oh, Cara, that’s so romantic. After all these months, he couldn’t resist any longer.” She grinned. “And I guess you couldn’t either.”
“No, I had no intention of resisting. Kissing Adam was . . . well, it was wonderful.”
“I’ve heard him call you ‘love.’ Do you think he means it?”
“He kissed me the way I imagine a man kisses a woman he loves. There was nothing casual about it, trust me.”
Wide-eyed, she whispered, “Are you in love with him?”
I was almost afraid to admit what I was feeling. “I think I am. I never knew what falling in love felt like. I knew I wasn’t in love with Sean, even though I like him a lot. But last night I knew.”
“Wow. So what happens now?”
“I have no idea. He won’t be my bodyguard anymore, but he said he’d be there whenever I need him. I guess I’ll be spending more time in Elvenwood.” I grinned.
After more small talk, I thanked Amy for a great breakfast and headed for home. Maybe Adam would be around.
When I got home, I found Kevin in the backyard, filling up boxes with plates, glasses and silverware. He’d already stacked up the chairs and tables and taken all the lights down.
“Hey, short stuff. Where’ve you been so early?”
“I’ve been over at Amy’s. She made breakfast for us.”
“Huh. And she didn’t even invite her other best friend. I’m crushed. Also hungry.”
“Sorry, Kev. If we have any bagels, I can make you a Sunrise Special.”
He smiled. “That’s okay, babe. My mom is taking me out to brunch this morning.”
“Wow! What’s the occasion?”
“No idea. I guess it occurred to her that your mom wouldn’t be making the usual Sunday brunch today. She has to eat too, although she hardly ever eats at home.”
“Thanks for coming over to pack up all this stuff. When are the caterers coming by to pick it up?”
He shrugged. “Sometime today, that’s all I know. It’s all ready for them.”
“Can you stay for coffee? I’ll make a pot now.”
“Sure. I’d love a cup of coffee.”
We climbed the porch steps together and I went inside to put the coffee on.
A few minutes later I brought two cups out on the porch.
“Kev, has your mom said anything yet about seeing your dad last night?”
“Uh, no. That’s probably why she’s taking me out to b
runch today. When I got home last night, she was already in her room with the door closed. I hope she won’t tell me she doesn’t want me seeing him anymore. I’ll never agree to that.”
“I don’t blame you.”
He finished his coffee and looked at his watch. “It’s almost ten. I’d better get home. We’ll be going out soon. Thanks for the coffee.”
I wished him luck and got his usual one-armed hug.
It was a beautiful morning so I poured myself another cup of coffee and made myself comfortable on the porch. Without thinking, I began to hum the dragon’s song. It was only a few minutes before I felt the familiar magic swirling around me. Since it was broad daylight, she didn’t land but I heard the sound of her broad wings circling above.
You had a large gathering yesterday so I kept my distance. What was the occasion?
“My mother and father were married yesterday, both in the human world and in the Elven world. The gathering was a celebration.”
Ah. I am happy for them, Cara. Now they are truly mated.
“I’m very happy, both for them and for myself. This is something I’ve always dreamed of.”
I’m happy for you, child. I dream of my mate returning some day.
I looked up and saw her heading back to the mountains. Slowly her magic faded away.
Leaning back into the comfortable deck chair, I put my feet up on the porch railing and closed my eyes. I was perfectly content here, close to the forest I loved. I could smell the scent of the pines as a soft breeze blew through the trees. The only thing missing was Adam.
I must have dozed off for a while because when I opened my eyes, my father was sitting there with me.
“Good morning, sweetheart. You were out early. Didn’t you get enough sleep last night?”
“I’m fine, Dad. Is Mom still asleep?”
He chuckled. “No, she’s luxuriating in a bubble bath right now. But I’m glad it gives us a chance to speak privately.”
That got my attention.
He looked at me and reached for my hand. “Cara, I have some news that I’m afraid you’re not going to like.” There was a slight frown on his handsome face.
Suddenly my heart was in my throat, but I didn’t know why.
“I got a message from Adam early this morning that he needed to speak to me, so I met him in camp.”
My heart was jumping around inside my chest. Had he told my father about the change in our relationship?
He hesitated, so I said, “What is it? What did he want to speak to you about?” He could see that I was unusually tense. It was a definite frown now.
“Cara, Adam has left Blackthorne Forest.” He sighed deeply. “He’s already gone.”
“What? Why? I thought he liked it here.” I was trying hard to remain calm, but my voice was suddenly higher than normal and my stomach began to hurt.
“If you still needed a bodyguard, if you were still in danger, I don’t think he would have left. At least not now. He took his responsibility to guard you seriously. But the danger is past and your life can return to normal now.”
I just stared at him, unbelieving, my heart sinking.
He said, “Before he came here, Adam was a wanderer. He told me he hadn’t stayed anywhere very long since he left his home village years ago. I guess he decided it was time to move on, now that you won’t be needing him any longer.”
I could feel tears in my eyes. Fighting them down, I said, “I do need him. He’s one of my best friends.” I choked on the words. “How could he leave without saying goodbye?”
Of course, we were a great deal more than best friends. But maybe I was the only one who thought so.
I had a sudden thought. “Dad, he didn’t leave because of anything you said to him, did he?” I wondered if it had been something like, ‘What were you doing kissing my daughter last night?’ Or words to that effect.
“Of course not. I’m very fond of Adam. I hoped he’d make his home with us permanently. What could I have possibly said to make him leave?”
I muttered, “I don’t know. He didn’t even say goodbye to me.”
There was no way I could hold it inside any longer. I jumped up and ran down the steps, through the yard and into the forest. I heard my father calling me but I didn’t stop.
I ran until I reached the stream, the place where I had seen my father for the very first time. That spot was full of memories, most of them good.
I couldn’t run any farther. My chest was aching, I was gasping for breath, and I couldn’t see through my tears. I sank down on the flat rock, pulled my knees up and rested my face on them. Wrapping my arms around my legs, I let it all out, sobbing until my head ached.
Someone sat down next to me and didn’t say a word. An arm wrapped around my shoulders pulled me against a chest that smelled like the forest. I knew it wasn’t my father. The Elf who considered himself my big brother must have heard me crying. He wanted to comfort me the way he’d done so many times before I ever met my father.
When I finally quieted, he said, “I think I know why you’re upset, Cara. I saw Adam leave early this morning. He wasn’t happy either.”
“Conor, he didn’t even say goodbye to me. I thought he cared about me. Was I kidding myself?”
His voice was soft. “I don’t think so. I believe he does care about you. I think that’s why he felt he had to leave. And I think you know exactly what I’m talking about, don’t you?”
I nodded. Conor must have seen Adam and me together last night. We had done something that Adam knew would upset my parents. He had ended the platonic part of our relationship, but then begged me to forgive him.
“Are you ready to go home now?” he asked.
I shook my head. I was in my place of refuge and I wasn’t leaving.
Conor sat there with me, saying very little, until the sun set. Then he took my hand and walked me home.
Coming in 2017
THE JOINING TREE
Blackthorne Forest, Book 4
First, I want to acknowledge the source of the lovely blessing given by the Elder at Alicia and Brian’s Elven wedding. It is a portion of a traditional Native American (Apache) Wedding Vow that I came across while searching for something beautiful that I could attribute to the Elves of Blackthorne Forest. I hope no Native Americans will object. I feel there are definite similarities between our Native Americans and my Elves, in that both groups have a tradition of love and respect for the earth.
Secondly, I have to thank my husband for his constant encouragement as well as the new name he bestowed on me: Hemingfogel. Now I simply have to live up to it!
My new Editor, Laurie A. Will, taught me so much as she patiently tried to correct my bad writing habits (dialogue tags, etc.). I think this book is my best to date, and it’s largely due to Laurie’s influence.
The beautiful cover for The Dragon’s Song was designed by my favorite designer, Alexandre Rito, who has been responsible for all my book covers. He always manages to give Blackthorne Forest the mystical look it deserves.
My sincere thanks to Karen Konrad, whose proofreading expertise was appreciated.
A huge “thank you” goes to my readers, especially those who enjoyed my earlier books enough to go to my website -- www.clairefogel.com -- and leave me a message to let me know they liked my books and asked when the next one in the series would be available! I reply to each and every message I receive. I love hearing from my readers. After all, you’re the ones I write for!
As always, leaving a review on Amazon makes my day!
I started writing not long after I learned to hold a pencil. Writing, writing, constantly writing. I still have the callouses on my index finger to show for it.
For many years I worked in business offices, first as a secretary, then office manager, finally as a marketing analyst. And still writing constantly! Of course, business writing is a horse of a different color compared to the kind of writing I do now. And now I use a keyboard instead of a pen!
; I’ve always loved fiction – mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, romance, and eventually I discovered young adult stories. However, I didn’t think I had enough imagination to write one. My husband, Neil, spent years trying to convince me there was a story inside of me, just dying to get out. Finally, in 2011, he convinced me to give it a try.
My inspiration was the Twilight series, a wonderful love story with characters easy to fall in love with. The usual advice to new writers: “Write the kind of story you love to read.” That’s what I did. I do enjoy vampires and werewolves, but I wanted my story to revolve around a different kind of mythical character. And that’s when I began writing the Blackthorne Forest series.
I love series. They give you so much more time to get to know the characters, and to experience their joys and sorrows right along with them. Many of my readers have told me they’ve fallen in love with the characters in Blackthorne Forest, and one even told me she’s joined “Team Adam!” That kind of response to the characters I’ve created is why I keep on writing.
Book Four in the Blackthorne Forest series will be titled, “The Joining Tree.” It follows Cara through high school graduation and into college, as she continues to grow up, balancing her life between the human world she was born in and the Elven world of her father. Her emotional life plays an even bigger part in this story.
I haven’t decided yet whether Book Four will be the last in the series. Maybe, but maybe not!
My husband and I live in the mountains of central California with Roscoe, our lovable Boxer. When I’m not writing, I’m washing dishes and picking dry dog food out of the carpet.
You’re welcome to visit my web site - www.clairefogel.com - for more information about me and Blackthorne Forest. Leave a message for me; I promise to answer!