by Multiple
“That’s why I figured it would be best if I drove. Trying to explain the ins and outs would be difficult. It will become second nature to you after a while.” It took her a while to get accustomed to some things in the mortal side of the area. Not everything was the same. Sure, trees, flowers, nature and such, but things like grocery stores were different, department stores. She’d tag along with Ziara early on, which helped her decipher things like money as well. Witches traded and made stuff with what nature provided. It was a different type of community. Paper money that mortals use, that took some getting used to. It wasn’t the kind of currency she used as a child.
Benji hopped out of the backseat, content to have had his face in the wind for a while. He stretched his legs after the two hour drive and toddled around back to take care of his business.
“It still blows my mind that your brother is a dog. Well, a dog for now,” he said following her up to the porch. Derek wrapped his arms around Raven and spun her around for a quick kiss. “I love you, Raven. It’s been a long day and I’ve got work tomorrow, but we haven’t gone ring shopping yet. I want to buy you a proper ring.”
“There’s no hurry.” She smiled. It was sweet he wanted to buy her a ring.
“Sure there is. I want to show you off as my future wife. Maybe we could go shopping tomorrow night.”
Raven smiled. “I’d like that.”
The next few weeks flew by quickly, and every time she looked down at the ring on her hand, she grinned. Mortals had different traditions, and the ring she wore symbolized a lot to Derek. His vow of secrecy symbolized just as much to her— a promise to love and trust one another and spend their future together.
She was still a girl, and the sparkling gem on her finger made her giddy. Witches don’t choose diamond rings as a symbol, but she wasn’t complaining. It was lovely, especially when the light hit it.
“When is he moving in?” Benji asked.
“After the wedding, he’s putting his condo up for sale. We’ll have more space here,” she answered, lost in a daydream.
“Hey, wonder what form I’ll be in when you say your vows?” Benji tossed out, trying to get more details.
Raven rolled her eyes. “I still don’t know when, Mr. Subtle.”
“Come on, sis. You have to make a decision sooner or later,” Benji pressed for an answer.
“I know, I know. I’m thinking at the start of the next warm season, but we keep changing dates around. He has a different calendar to go by than we do. It’s not that we can’t pinpoint a time, it’s just figuring out how long we’ll be married before we start working on a family.”
“Kids?” Benji perked up. “You’re thinking next season? One “Season of the Witch” to go! I can’t wait for more nieces and nephews.” That was one thing he realized might be an issue in his life. Kids might not happen if he couldn’t get his act together. At least he’d have nieces and nephews to dote on.
“Do you think one day…” She felt bad asking, and stopped herself before she could finish.
“I don’t know. I risked it all on Charlene and screwed that up. I can’t believe I’m even saying this, but I miss her. I mean, I know I did her sister, but Charlene was sweet.” Benji lowered his head in shame. He never meant to hurt her.
“She’s so sweet that you ended up doing her sister? Something must have been lacking for you to go elsewhere.”
“Nah, I can’t blame her. I was just a guy, an immature guy. I’ve done a lot of thinking in this form, believe it or not. I was a jerk. I mean, I don’t think I deserved all of this, but I treated her pretty badly, even with the potion intact. It’s just that I had a wandering eye. I could have controlled it…should have.”
“Do you want her back?” Raven asked softly. She could tell that he was lost in remorse. Lost in the past. Her heart broke for her brother.
“There are days I think about it, but it wouldn’t work. I think I’m just lonely and full of regret. I feel badly. I hurt her deeply.” Benji missed human interaction. He missed holding his wife. And there was nobody to blame but himself. He did this. She deserved better treatment.
“Maybe if you told her that, she’d reverse the spell,” Raven said, offering hope. She knew it was a long shot, but it couldn’t hurt to try.
“Or remember how pissed off she was and make it permanent. I’ll just take my chances. No thank you. No need to stir up the past.” Benji shuddered thinking about going back to being a toad. At this point, being a bulldog was way better than toad life.
“Benji, I’m sorry you’ve been stuck this way for so long. You’re a good guy.”
“Thanks, but I guess I learned my lesson.”
“I guess so.” Raven said softly. She wished it didn’t have to be this way.
“Hey, could you scratch my back for me? I can’t reach.”
“Yeah, buddy.” Raven sat down and turned on the television for her brother.
Chapter 11
When they finally decided to tie the knot, it felt monumental. The idea of starting a family and spending the rest of their lives together made all of the lead up to this worth it. It wasn’t a normal path, a witch and a mortal getting married, but this time it would work.
Raven thought back on telling Derek she was a witch. It was a scary feeling, wondering if he’d walk away. Looking back now, it was hard to believe how far they’d come. And when it was time for Derek to ask for her hand in marriage, she was certain her father would be difficult. It went so much smoother than she anticipated. It’s like they were meant to come together.
And Benji, oh Benji. It all started because he was talking in his sleep. Thankfully it was ending with a happily ever after, and not Derek bolting. Raven shook her head, remembering Derek’s face when he came to the bedroom. He mumbled about a talking dog. Oh boy, that was quite a moment. But look at them now!
Raven looked at Derek. He was the one that filled her with joy, happiness, and love. She couldn’t have planned this, but she wouldn’t have done it any other way. Derek was the one that she wanted to spend her life with.
They stood hand in hand, his hands cupped over hers. Today they would become man and wife.
“And on this day you shall form your union, a bond that will hold you treasured in one another’s lives from this day forward. Blessed be, my children.”
Derek smiled on hearing the words. It was official. It was real! Raven was his wife. His heart filled with pride and love.
Standing before her husband, wearing a simple dress and a flower in her hair, she knew she’d made the right choice. She’d never loved somebody so deeply. There was nowhere else she’d rather be.
Looking to Derek, she saw her future. She saw life. She saw happiness. Closing her eyes, she parted her lips as her husband leaned in to kiss her.
As Derek’s lips brushed against Raven’s, he thought about everything they’d gone through to get here. It was crazy and nerve wracking at times, but looking at his gorgeous wife, he knew with everything inside of him that she was the one. The way her dark hair glistened in the light, the way her eyes danced when she laughed, the way she made him feel when they were naked in bed together, and the way she always believed in him…she was more than he could have ever dreamed of. Breathless. Kissing Raven left him breathless.
Raven smiled, her eyes slowly opening. This was real. As Derek pulled back from their kiss, she looked up dreamily. It really happened. He was her husband. They’d made it. Her heart raced every time he was around. Her stomach fluttered with butterflies. He made her feel like she was the only person in the world that mattered. She hoped she’d make him as happy as he made her.
Taking Raven’s hand, Derek stood with his wife. He was caught in a dream, and he never wanted it to end.
The following day they had another small ceremony. This time they had one in the mortal tradition. Yesterday’s was for Raven. They decided it would be easier to go away to celebrate their union, to evade any questions that came up from their families. The
y’d have receptions for family and friends when they returned.
Derek looked at his wife and smiled. “Mrs. Raven Yorkshire. I like the sound of that.” Holding his wife in his arms, he held everything.
“I like it,” she said. “It sounds so proper.” Her family name would remain on paper in the witch village since they don’t change names, but in the mortal world her name would become her husband’s. But her husband’s name would be forever tied to her own in the village’s historical charts.
Raven drifted happily thinking back on the experience as they headed back home. Nothing could have prepared her…nothing.
One of the most handsome men she’d ever seen was waiting in her living room. She could only stare in awe. Finally she sputtered out the words, “What? When? How? I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.” Jumping into the man’s arms, Derek was taken back.
“Raven, who is this?” He demanded an answer. Jealousy stirred up inside of him. He didn’t like his wife’s reaction at all.
“Let me look at you,” she said, oblivious to her husband’s request. She reached out and touched the man’s face. “I’ve missed you so much. I just didn’t think I’d see you again.” She was tearing up, but they were tears of joy.
“Raven!” Derek’s voice pulled Raven out of the moment.
“Derek, it’s Benji!” Her brother stood in his human form, way ahead of schedule.
“Benji?” Derek cocked his head to the side. “Wait, is that really you?” He’d never seen him in his human form. He’d only ever known Benji as a dog.
Benji grinned at his new brother-in-law. “In the flesh,” he said. He couldn’t wipe the smile from his face.
Raven couldn’t stop hugging her brother. “How did this…? What happened?”
“I can barely believe it myself. I’m still getting used to having hands again.” He took a deep breath. “I called and apologized to Charlene. She deserved it. Normally she doesn’t want to hear anything I have to say, but I spoke from my heart and I think she knew I meant it this time.” His smile beamed. “So anyway, I go to sleep, and when I wake up I go to use the doggy door, but I’m too big to fit through it. I was groggy, and then realized I’m not a dog! It was unbelievable. I’m floored. I never expected her to reverse the curse early.”
“Oh, Benjamin, I’ve missed your face so much.” Raven squeezed her brother again, so happy to see him in this form.
“We talked, Raven. I think we’re going to try to work things out. I’ve done a lot of thinking, and want to make it up to her. She said she’d give me another chance. She misses me, too. She said after getting over her anger, she realized that through it all she still loved me. Can you believe it?”
Raven stepped back. “Are you sure, Benji? That’s a little risky. Do you want to go back to that?”
“She’s my wife, Raven. I love her.” He’d hurt Charlene in the past, and wanted to make things right.
Raven nodded. “Okay, then. Just try to stay out of trouble.”
“I miss her. Seeing you and Derek together, it made me miss my partner. She deserves a better man, and I’m finally ready to be that man.” They’d fall in love and try all over again. He was ready.
“Okay, just be careful, and for goodness sake, behave. It’s wonderful to have you back with us this way! I’ve missed seeing your face. Welcome back.”
*
“Couldn’t keep your pants on, eh?” Raven shook her head, disgusted. “What is that?”
“Old habits die hard,” he shrugged. Benji hopped back up onto the sofa, once again back in his bulldog form. He was ashamed. He meant to try harder this time. He thought he could do it. It’s just that temptation called his name and he wasn’t strong enough to resist.
“How long this time?” Raven rolled her eyes. “Seriously? After everything you’ve been through?”
“I don’t know. She didn’t tell me. I know, I know, I screwed up.”
“Screwed up? Benji, what’s it going to take? It’s not fair to Charlene either.”
“What can I say? Her cousin is hot. I couldn’t help myself. She made a pass at me in the kitchen, made it so easy. Her hands were all over the place. I got turned on, and one thing led to another. Charlene walked in on us in the kitchen.”
“Once a dog, always a dog,” she sighed.
“How are you feeling?” Benji asked, bringing the attention back to his sister.
“Not bad, just a little longer. I’m getting nervous.”
“Have you guys settled on a name yet, or are you still back and forth?”
“He likes Tabitha. I’m leaning towards Angie.” She smiled and rubbed her protruding belly. It was hard to believe this was really happening. It felt like yesterday that they’d just started dating.
“You’ll get your way, he’s sweet on you. Besides, you’re the mother of his child.”
Raven grinned. “Yeah, I’m sweet on him, too.” So much had happened, but the best of it was having Derek in her life, a decision she never regretted. They’d get through whatever they needed to as long as they were together.
“He’s a good guy, Raven. I know he’s not a witch, but he’s good to you. I’m glad you’re happy.” That’s all that really mattered. Derek loved Raven, and Raven was happy.
Chapter 12
Raven called out to Derek, “Honey… I think it’s time.” She tried to remember her breathing, but panic was setting in. They were really doing this, they were having a child. She wasn’t sure what she feared most, the discomfort or knowing a tiny baby would be completely reliant on her. She thought she was ready, but now, now that it was so close, she wasn’t so sure. “Honey…. hurry.” The panic in her voice grew more obvious. “I think my water just broke.” The next contraction gripped her abdomen and sides tightly. Raven drew a quick breath and then forcibly reminded herself to slow it down. Breathe, breathe, breathe.
Adrenaline rushed through Derek. Time? “Are you sure? I don’t think I’m ready.” He was already sweating as they headed for the hospital. “You’re sure about this, right? I mean, if you’re not ready, I don’t mind waiting.” His hands white knuckled the steering wheel as they drove. He was about to become a father. Would he be a good father? He was sure Raven would be a great mother, but what about him? Would he do his part? Babies are so tiny…and coming, soon. Anxiety sat in his chest.
Raven nodded and tried to focus. Everything inside of her was on edge. This was really happening. She didn’t care how she delivered their child at this point, she just wanted the baby out of her! She was more than ready. And trying to sleep the last few weeks was almost impossible. She could never get comfortable, and felt as big as a house. The contractions grew stronger. Raven dug her fingers into her thighs. She took a deep breath and counted. She could do this, right? Lots of women have done this. Why was she so scared then?
Derek felt more comfortable with her giving birth at the hospital. They’d disagreed initially, but he talked her into it. She thought a natural home birth would be a good idea, but he was all about having medical staff there in case of an emergency. They finally agreed that they’d do it at the hospital, but either way she wanted a drug free birth. Only now that the contractions were hitting so strongly, she was having second thoughts. An epidural sounded heavenly as the squeezing increased tenfold.
“Derek, can you drive faster?” She tried to remain calm, but her ability to maintain that feeling was quickly fleeting. “Like, a lot faster,” she pressed. The contractions squeezed her, pushing her sense of humor right out of her. Raven clenched her teeth as the next wave hit.
“Right, right.” He wanted to stay calm. In truth, everything inside of him was spinning. He was going to be a father. They were going to be parents. Their entire life would change. He’d have new responsibilities, bigger ones. Now was not the time to waver and become insecure about providing, but it’s exactly what he was doing. With another mouth to feed, somebody else counting on him, more bills and more…breathe, breathe, breathe.
> As they pulled into the hospital’s entryway, Derek stopped at the entrance to make it easier for his wife. “I’ll be there in one second. Let me go park.”
“Hurry,” she urged. As the wave hit, she settled into one of the wheelchairs waiting in the lobby. Make them stop!
A security guard came over, and took in the situation. “Are you okay? You look like you’re about to have a baby,” he joked, stating the obvious.
“Yes. Baby’s coming…” she panted. Dear goodness, these contractions. She didn’t realize they’d be this strong.
“Let’s get you to labor and delivery.” He suggested they start, and her husband could catch up.
“My husband…”
“He can meet us there. You look like you’re good and ready,” he said.
“More than ready.” She glanced over her shoulder and saw Derek had already parked. He’d be there soon.
As the man wheeled her to the elevator, Derek caught up to them. “Are you okay?” He was panting from the sprint…or maybe from his nerves.
Together they rode the elevator to the second floor. As the doors opened, the security guard pushed her to the admissions desk in labor and delivery. Wishing them luck, he was on his way.
After signing in, Raven was brought to a birthing room. It looked as much like a small living room as the hospital could pass it off as. There was a hutch and television, a rocking chair, and comfortable wallpaper, but the bed with railings and the medical equipment nearby took away the illusion.
“I’m not ready,” Raven whispered to Derek, her eyes as big as saucers.
As the doctor walked in, she knew it was about to happen soon, whether she was ready or not. She’s a witch. Shouldn’t labor be easier? Shouldn’t there be a spell? When she asked her sister out of curiosity, Ziara laughed and told her she’d be fine. All women go through this.
The doctor smiled with his overly-whitened teeth, and told her it wouldn’t be long. She was a couple of centimeters, but this could take time, especially for a first child’s delivery. And time it took…hours and hours.