Courage of the Witch

by Deanna Chase

  He shrugged one shoulder. “I didn’t think you had quite that much. The alcohol content in the cider isn’t any higher than the beers we serve at the brewery.”

  Hanna pushed herself up and frowned. “Hmm. I shouldn’t have gotten that drunk, especially since I ate dinner.”

  “How do you feel this morning?” Rhys asked, peering at her. “Hungover at all?”

  Hanna shook her head. “Nope. In fact, I feel pretty good.” She smiled at him. “I guess you took good care of me.”

  “And I always will, love.” He slid out of bed and pulled a T-shirt over his head. “Now, don’t you have to work?”

  Hanna glanced at the clock and groaned. “Why can’t it be my day off?”

  “Go on. Grab a shower. I’ll make you breakfast.”

  She glanced at the en-suite bathroom and then back at him as if torn. He knew the feeling. The urge to climb back into bed with her was almost overwhelming. But now wasn’t the time. When they finally took that step in their relationship, it wasn’t going to be rushed. He was going to savor every inch of her.

  “I’ll get the coffee on,” he said and then forced himself to head downstairs.

  Rhys stood in his doorway, watching as Hanna steered her car down the road. He waited until her RAV4 disappeared around the bend, and then he shut the door and went back into his impossibly quiet house. It was strange how one night with her in his space suddenly made him question how he’d been content to live alone for so long. The idea that she wouldn’t be there when he got off work that night made him actually feel a little lonely. And that rankled.

  He had to get himself under control. Get back to some sort of normalcy. He should book a hang gliding session or head out to the airport. But he didn’t have time for either, so instead he changed into his running clothes and took off into the woods. The cool air and light fog made it the perfect morning for a run. The pounding of his footsteps on the earth were a drumbeat that normally soothed and settled him. But that didn’t happen, no matter how hard he tried to focus.

  All Rhys could think about was Hanna and finally making her his once and for all. He pictured her in white, standing next to him, promising herself to him forever. The scene in his mind shifted to Hanna holding a little one swaddled in a soft pink blanket, both of his girls smiling up at him. First words, first steps, first day of school, it was all there running through his mind.

  By the time he racked up seven miles and found himself back in his yard, he had a plan. But he needed a little help.

  After a quick shower and another coffee to go, Rhys jumped in his Jeep and headed to A Touch of Magic.

  The door to Faith’s spa was still locked when Rhys arrived, but he could see Lena sitting behind the reception desk, and he winced. They’d dated for a short time not too long ago, but when she started pushing for more, he’d ended it. It wasn’t fair to lead her on when he’d been fully aware that he was in love with someone else.

  Rhys couldn’t remember a time when he hadn’t been in love with his best friend. Sure, he’d dated some in college when he was certain nothing would or could come of a relationship with Hanna, but he’d never felt the intoxicating mixture of love, desire, and pure friendship with any of those other women. That was reserved for Hanna. It always had been, and it always would be as far as he was concerned. He was sorry he’d hurt Lena, but it would’ve hurt far more to let her think they had a chance.

  “Lena?” he called as he knocked on the glass door. He knew she’d heard him because her head popped up and she looked right at him. Only instead of coming to the door, she put her head down and continued to do something on the computer. “Lena?” he tried again. “I’m looking for Faith. Is she here?”

  The receptionist stopped typing for a moment, but still she didn’t look up. Her fingers started flying over the keys again as she continued to ignore him.

  “Dammit, Lena,” he muttered and pulled out his phone, scrolling for Faith’s number. When he realized he didn’t have it, he called the phone number displayed on the door.

  “A Touch of Magic day spa, this is Lena. How may I help you?”

  “Is Faith in? I need to talk to her,” Rhys said into the phone.

  “Oh. It’s you.” Her head popped up and she stared right at him. “Did you need an appointment?”

  “No. I need to talk to Faith. Is she here?” he tried again.

  “No.” The line went dead, and Rhys scowled.

  “Good morning,” a soft voice said from behind him.

  He spun and spotted Luna carrying a tray of coffees from Incantation Café. The pretty honey-blonde smiled kindly at him, her green eyes soft and welcoming.

  “Do you have an early appointment?” she asked, knocking on the door.

  “No. I’m looking for Faith,” he said.

  “Ahh, she’s still at the café. She stopped in to check on Hanna. After last night she wanted to make sure she wasn’t feeling too bad.”

  “Right,” Rhys said, wondering if he should head to the café. But if he did, Hanna would want to know why he needed to talk to Faith. No. He’d wait at the spa. “She told me she was feeling fine.”

  “Lucky. The last time I was that drunk, I puked for days.” She laughed, and the tinkling sound reminded him of Faith. Perhaps they were picking up on each other’s norms now that they worked together.

  “I think it was the combination of the hot springs and the cider. She’s fine now,” Rhys said, just as much to assure himself as to assure her.

  “That’s a possibility,” Luna said with a nod.

  The sound of a lock clicking caught Rhys’s attention. He glanced over just in time to see Lena retreating from the door.

  “Come on in and wait for her. I’m sure she’ll be here any moment,” Luna said.

  Rhys eyed Lena’s scowl and almost chickened out. But if he was going to follow through with his plan, it was going to take a fair bit of bravery. There was no better time to man up than the present. “Thanks.”

  He followed her into the elegant spa. The scent of vanilla permeated the air and instantly relaxed him. “This place is fantastic.”

  Lena let out a snort and turned her back to them.

  “Something wrong?” Luna asked her.

  “Nope. Just not interested in entertaining someone who can’t even wait forty-five minutes until we open,” she said and flipped her long dark hair over her shoulder.

  Luna glanced between Rhys and Lena, a puzzled look on her face.

  He leaned in and whispered, “We used to date. I called it off over the holidays.”

  “I see,” she whispered back. “That’s gotta sting.”

  Rhys just shrugged one shoulder. They hadn’t even dated that long. It was hard for him to understand why Lena was so upset about it not working out.

  His ex glared at him, and then with her hands balled into fists, she stormed out of the reception area into the back.

  “That’s messy,” Luna said.

  “You can say that again.” Rhys frowned. “It’s been almost three months. She can’t still be mad, can she?”

  Luna chuckled. “Oh, Rhys. You’re such a man.”

  “What’s that mean? Do you have some insight to share?” He was more curious than anything else.

  “You just started things back up with Hanna, right?”

  He nodded.

  “Well, there you go. As long as you were single, she could either hold out hope that things would work out between you, or she could comfort herself with the fact that you just didn’t want to be in a relationship. Neither of those things are true now. Her ego has taken a bit of a hit.”

  Rhys gaped at her. “Really? That seems like a lot of mental gymnastics.”

  “Welcome to the female brain.” She patted his chest. “Come on. I’ll take you to Faith’s office.”

  Rhys followed her through the dimly lighted hallway until they got to the door all the way at the end of the hall.

  “This is it.” She opened the door and flic
ked the light on. The space was homey with an overstuffed couch on one wall and a couple of matching arm chairs directly across from it. In the back of the room there was a banker’s desk that was full of pictures of her family, Hunter, and Zoey.

  “Thanks. I appreciate this,” Rhys said. “I need some advice about Hanna, and I really didn’t want to ask in front of Lena.”

  “Completely understandable.” She started to leave but then paused. “Faith and Hanna are best friends, right?”

  “Yeah. They’re really close. Like sisters,” Rhys said with a nod as he sank into Faith’s couch. “They’ve known each other their whole lives.”

  Luna sighed wistfully. “I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a sister, to have that closeness. I’ve mostly been on my own, you know?”

  “Well wonder no longer, Luna-girl,” Faith said as she strode into the room. “’Cause we’re family now. And you’re stuck with me.”

  Luna’s entire face lit up with her smile. “You’re too nice to me, Faith.”

  “Not nice enough, I’m afraid. Not if you don’t realize I’ve already got my claws into you.” She winked at Luna. “Seriously, you’re great, and I couldn’t be happier to have you here both personally and professionally.”

  “Thanks, Faith,” Luna said shyly. “I really like it here, too.”

  “Good.” Faith returned the woman’s smile and then turned her attention to Rhys. “Have you had a chance to let this magical creature work on your back yet?”

  Rhys shook his head. “No, in fact I haven’t been able to get an appointment for a couple of weeks now. You’re always full.”

  “What?” Faith frowned and picked up the phone. “Lena? Yeah. I need you to put Rhys on the books for some time this week. No, I don’t care if we’re booked. Make it before we open if you have to.” There was a pause. Then she barked, “And don’t ever turn him away again. Figure something out or ask me. He’s been one of my best clients since we opened.” She tossed the phone back onto its cradle and shook her head, clearly irritated. When she glanced back up, she was all smiles. “Day after tomorrow at nine. Does that work?”

  “Hell, yes,” he said. “Thanks.”

  “I’m going to go get the rooms ready,” Luna said. “It was nice talking to you, Rhys.”

  “You, too.” He waved as she disappeared into the hall.

  “All right,” Faith said, taking a seat in one of the armchairs. “What are you here for? To complain about Lena?”

  Rhys laughed. “No. But she does seem to hate me quite a bit.”

  “She’ll get over it.” Faith leaned forward and clasped her hands together. “So?”

  “I need your help.” Rhys’s gut clenched with nerves. “Do you have any time today or tomorrow to head over to Vallente’s?”

  “Vallente’s? Why would you… Oh! Oh my god!” She popped out of the chair and let out a gasp as she added, “Rhys, you’re not… I mean, you are, aren’t you?”

  “I am. It’s been long enough.” Her excitement had him grinning. This was the right thing to do. He was sure of it.

  “I’ll make time. Let’s see.” She ran over to her computer and scanned her schedule. She bit on her lower lip, contemplating. Then her eyes lit up and she grabbed the phone. After punching in a number, she said, “Abby? I need to move your appointment. I know, but it’s important. Trust me, when you learn why, you’re going to be thrilled.” She fiddled with a pen, bobbing her head up and down. “Yes, it’s that good. Okay, just come by after hours. I’ll stay late.” Faith gave Rhys a thumbs-up. “See you then. Love you!” The phone rattled as she dropped it back in place.

  “You didn’t have to cancel an appointment that makes you work late,” Rhys said, feeling guilty for messing with her schedule.

  “Oh, yes, I did. I’m free at eleven. Meet me there?”

  “You got it.” Excitement and nerves mixed together, making him antsy. And then nauseated. If he was going to do this, he needed to talk to Hanna’s parents. He glanced at the clock. He had two hours. And it was time to face the music.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Rhys stood on the front porch of the Pelsh residence, feeling as if he was going to puke. He knew what they’d be thinking, hell he’d be thinking it himself. They’d only dated for a few months just over a year ago, and now they’d been back together for all of five minutes. This wasn’t going to go well, but he was going to do it anyway.

  Sucking in a deep fortifying breath, he knocked on the door.

  It opened almost immediately. “It’s about time you decided to knock,” Mary Pelsh said, not bothering to hide her displeasure. “I thought you were just going to pace the porch all morning.”

  “Good morning, Mrs. Pelsh,” he said, ignoring her outburst. “I was hoping I could talk to you and Mr. Pelsh for a few minutes.”

  “Walter!” Mary called. “The boy you and Hanna like so much is here.”

  The boy. Now that was funny. Last he checked he was pushing thirty.

  “Rhys? Is that you?” he heard Walter Pelsh call out. “It’s about time you came to visit me.” Mr. Pelsh appeared in the doorway, the sunshine bouncing off his shaved head. He tugged Rhys into the house and asked, “What have you been up to, my friend?”

  “The usual. Working at the brewery, hiking, hang gliding. Nothing too crazy.”

  Walter let out a bark of laughter. “Hanna tells me you got your pilot’s license. I’d say that’s a little crazy.”

  Mrs. Pelsh let out a snort of disapproval as she followed them, and Rhys winced.

  “Now, now, Mary,” Walter said, gently admonishing her. “The boy’s just living his life. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

  “There is if he’s reckless and hurts Hanna,” she said.

  Rhys wasn’t sure how to handle that statement. He was careful in everything he did. Responsible, curious, and above all, he respected the dangers of the extreme sports he participated in. Not that he’d call flying planes extreme. But he could see how she might get that idea.

  “What’s reckless about flying?” Walter asked, his tone non-confrontational. “You’ve flown before, Mary. In fact, we even flew in one of those private jets over to Tahoe that one year. Remember that?” He turned to Rhys. “I had a buddy up in Trinidad who decided to elope to Tahoe and flew us all over at the last minute. Boy was that ever a hoot.”

  “Yeah, a real hoot. You were green for two days after the turbulence,” Mary said, striding into the kitchen. She fiddled with the tea pot, and Rhys understood it was just a way to keep her hands busy. She was an air witch with a special talent for telekinesis. If she wanted tea made, all she had to do was wave a hand and the rest would take care of itself.

  “We can’t all have guts of steel, now can we?” Walter took a seat at the table and pulled a tray of croissants toward him. “Sit. Have a little brunch while we catch up.”

  Rhys did as he was told but passed on the croissants. He was too nervous. It wasn’t every day you asked for a woman’s hand in marriage.

  “Tell me what you’ve been up to, Mr. Pelsh,” Rhys said. “I haven’t seen you around the café lately.”

  “That’s because I’m retired,” he said, puffing his chest out as if he’d conquered the impossible.

  “You don’t act retired,” Mary muttered under her breath.

  That got another chuckle out of Walter. He leaned closer to Rhys. “I’ve been working on cultivating a vineyard.”

  “Winery?” Rhys asked with one eyebrow raised.

  “Yep. I’ve had a small vineyard for years just as a hobby, but now that Hanna has partnered at the café, I have time to follow my passions. I’ll be bottling my first wines this fall.”

  “Wow. That’s incredible. Congratulations,” Rhys said, thrilled for the man. “Very exciting.”

  “Yes, it is.” He nodded to his wife as she set a carafe of hot water, two teacups, and a variety of loose leaf teas in front of them. “Thanks, honey. We appreciate it.”

  “Yes,
Mrs. Pelsh. The teas look wonderful.”

  “You’re welcome,” she said with what sounded like a defeated sigh. Then she grabbed a cup for herself and the cream and sugar before she joined them.

  Mr. Pelsh chose the acai green tea and set it to seep.

  Rhys followed his lead and said, “I’d love to help in any way I can with the winery. I’ve been having some success with ciders over at the brew pub. Lincoln Townsend asked me to make up some batches and if all goes well, they’ll be moving into that market, soon.”

  “Wonderful!” Mr. Pelsh glanced at his wife. “I told you this one was going places.”

  “Yeah, he’s going to walk right out of Hanna’s life again,” she said, keeping her eyes on Rhys. “And then we’ll be stuck picking up the pieces.”

  “Mary. Stop that nonsense. Hanna and Rhys’s relationship is for them to figure out. Not you. Stop sabotaging.” Walter was angry now, and it took Rhys aback. He couldn’t remember ever witnessing a fight between Hanna’s parents. And he wasn’t at all pleased they were fighting over him.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Pelsh,” Rhys said. “I think Mrs. Pelsh has every right to be skeptical of me. I fully admit that in the past, I have been reluctant to commit to Hanna. But believe me, it had nothing to do with how much I love her.” He sat back in the chair, really hearing his words for the first time. “Actually, scratch that. It probably has everything to do with how much I love her.”

  “I always knew you cared deeply for her, son,” Mr. Pelsh said.

  “If you love her so much, you’ll stop hurting her, Rhys,” Mary said quietly.

  “I think I should explain.” Rhys took a long sip of his tea, hoping it would fortify him. Unfortunately, there was no such luck. “See, I carry the gene that caused my father’s and my grandfather’s premature deaths. I have fully expected to not live to be over the age of forty.”

  “That explains the extreme sports,” Walter said with an understanding smile.

  Rhys chuckled. “Yes… and no. Did you know that when Hanna was in high school, she’s the one who brought up wanting to learn to fly?”