Love of the Witch

by Deanna Chase

  She’d heard him the first time when she’d been out at the Townsend farm. She knew he meant it, too. It was just that she’d wanted this so much. The news was a crushing blow.

  “There’s something else,” Lin said, pulling out another piece of paper. He slid it across the table. “This is your original birth certificate. It lists someone else as your dad.”

  Hope stared at the paper as if it were a snake that might bite her. “Where… um, where did you get this?”

  “From Gabby.” He gave her a sympathetic smile. “After I got the results, I called her to find out more information. She was… Well, she was contrite and said she’d been hopeful that you were mine but that she was pretty sure all along that Michael Kelley is your biological father.”

  That name sounded entirely too familiar to Hope and she frowned, trying to place it.

  “What did you just say?” Levi asked from the opening between the living room and the kitchen.

  The lightbulb went off over Hope’s head, and she let out a gasp as she realized where she’d heard that name.

  “Michael Kelley. Why? Do you know him?” Lin asked.

  Levi’s gaze darted to Hope, and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. “How is that possible?”

  Shock had rendered Hope speechless, but as she looked at Levi, the only emotion she felt was pure joy. If they shared a father, then Levi was her half-brother. She was almost afraid to let herself believe that it could be possible. If she was related to Levi, getting permanent custody just got a whole lot easier. Not to mention, she’d just found out that the kid she already loved was her brother. “I don’t really know, Levi, but if it’s true, I…” Her voice cracked, and tears welled in her eyes. “I couldn’t be happier.”

  Levi’s eyes turned red as he shook his head. “It’s too good to be true.” He pressed a hand to his heart and closed his eyes. “I’m almost afraid to believe it.”

  “Levi’s father’s name is Michael Kelley,” Chad whispered to Lin, filling him in.

  “Oh. I see,” Lin said softly. He dug into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. “Here is all the information that Gabby gave me about him. Maybe this will help.”

  Hope pulled out the chair beside her and gestured for Levi to take a seat. Once he was perched beside her, she grabbed his hand with one of hers and took the piece of paper from Lin with the other. There was an address, dates, and a couple of relatives Gabby remembered meeting in the short time that she and Michael had been together.

  “Mindy Kelley,” Levi choked out. “She was my grandmother.”

  Lin nodded. “Gabby said she thought Mindy was either his mom or his aunt. She wasn’t sure.”

  Tears leaked from Levi’s eyes. “She was both. She adopted her sister’s child after her sister died in a car accident.”

  Hope let go of the paper Lincoln had given her as she turned to Levi, studying him. Was this why she’d felt such an instant connection to him? She’d always thought it was because they shared a similar past, but could it be the blood connection? It was possible. Either way, her heart was full of joy. Not because she knew who her biological father was. By all accounts, he sounded like a total douche, and she had zero desire to meet him after what he’d done to Levi. No, all of her joy was reserved for the wonderful boy sitting beside her.

  Standing, Hope pulled Levi to his feet and wrapped her arms around him. “Welcome home, little brother.”

  Hope sat next to Levi in the county court as the judge adjusted her glasses. Lorna had told them this was all a formality, but still the breath got caught in her throat as she waited to hear the judge’s decision regarding Levi’s permanent custody. Just out of an abundance of caution, the day Hope had taken Levi to meet with Dr. Snow about his abilities, Hope asked her mentor if she could run a genetic test to prove that they were brother and sister. She’d wanted the results faster than the test she and Lin had taken. Dr. Snow hadn’t hesitated. The results had come back as ninety-nine percent certainty that the two were brother and sister. Lorna wasted no time sending the extra information to the judge, and now it was the moment of truth.

  “This case has been an interesting one from the start,” the judge said, her gaze landing on Hope and Levi. “These two individuals have been through a lot in their relatively short lives. It’s inspiring that they were able to find each other and form a loving bond that is evident to anyone who speaks to them. I guess that’s not surprising now that we know they are siblings.” She paused to smile at them. “I was inclined to grant the permanent custody to Miss Hope Scott even before that information came to light. So congratulations, Levi. Hope Scott is now your official guardian. Good luck to you both.”

  The gavel sounded and a cheer erupted from behind them. Hope stood abruptly and pulled Levi into her arms. “We did it, kid. Ready to go home?”

  “Home,” he echoed with a contented sigh. “You have no idea.”

  But she did know. She hadn’t exactly walked in his shoes when she was his age, but it had been close enough. “Come on.” She slipped her arm through his and steered him toward the group of people waiting for them. “That old life, it’s gone. It’s you and me now. Got it?”

  Levi nodded, his hand tightening around hers.

  “And me,” Chad added, slipping his arm around Hope’s shoulders. “And the entire Townsend clan.”

  Levi laughed as Abby threw her arms around him. “This is your official welcome-to-the-family hug,” she said into his ear. “I hope you like having everyone all up in your business, because having five sisters is no joke.”

  “You can say that again,” Yvette added as soon as Abby released him. “Come hang with me, Levi. I’ll at least let you disappear into the stacks at my bookstore while making the easiest paycheck around.”

  “Yeah. Easy right up until half the state descends on the place for one of your over-the-top book signings.” Noel rolled her eyes. “I’m sure he’d rather help at the inn during those busy weekends. After this baby is born, I’m definitely going to need another pair of hands around the place. Besides, the tips are phenomenal.”

  “Or,” Abby added. “He can just help me package up my products in my studio and not have to deal with anyone in customer service.”

  Everyone turned to Faith, waiting to see what kind of job she was going to offer him. She laughed and held up her hands. “I’m not sure we can compete with that.” Smiling, she tugged him away from Yvette and said, “How about you just come see me when you’re tired of those three taking advantage of your cheap labor. We’ll hang by the fire pit, and I’ll teach you how to play pool and darts and anything else the cool aunts do.”

  Levi leaned into her. “I think you’re my favorite already.” But even as he said the words, his gaze landed on Hope, and the love that shone back at her made her nearly melt right there. Her heart was full as she watched her sisters shuffle Levi out of the courthouse and make plans for a celebration party.

  “Looks like you officially have a teenager,” Chad said, his hand slipping down to rest on the small of her back.

  She glanced up at him, unable to keep from grinning like a fool. “Looks like it.” Then her smile faded as she voiced the tiny fear that had been niggling at the back of her mind. “What do you think? Is it too much pressure dating a girl who has a teenager?”

  His eyebrows shot up his forehead. “Have you really been worried about that?”

  She shrugged. Despite the date they’d made for that Thursday morning last week, they still hadn’t found any time to be alone together, and she was starting to wonder if he was going to get frustrated. “My life isn’t exactly uncomplicated.”

  “It’s not complicated, Hope. It’s full of love and family,” he said, guiding her out of the building and over to a corner where they’d have some privacy. “What’s not to like about that?”

  She pressed a hand to his cheek. “How is it that you’re so wonderful? You always know exactly the right thing to say.”

  “Not
always,” he said, his face tightening as he glanced down.

  She frowned. “Like when?”

  He gave her a small smile, vulnerability shining in those gorgeous blue eyes of his. “Like right now when all I want to do is ask you something, but I’m a thousand percent certain it’s too soon.”

  Hope stopped breathing as she stared up at him. He didn’t mean what she thought he meant, did he? Forcing herself to take a breath, she said, “I think you should just ask me.”

  His blue gaze searched her green one, and whatever he saw there seemed to give him confidence, because an easy smile claimed his lips as he dug something out of his pocket. Holding her left hand in his, he said, “I’ve been carrying this ring around with me ever since the day we decided to be exclusive.”

  Hope’s gaze locked onto the antique diamond ring he was holding at the tip of her ring finger. Was this really happening? Should she be letting this happen? They had only been dating for a little over a month, but she’d been in love with him for over three years. For her, there was no question what she wanted. All she wanted was Chad.

  “I knew for sure it was way too soon to be talking about marriage. It’s too soon now by most people’s standards. But the thing is, Hope, I’ve cared about you for a very long time. I’ve held you in my heart since the last time I saw you in Berkeley, and since the moment I ran into you here in Keating Hollow, my heart has belonged to you. I’m certain that I’m in love with you, and if it’s possible, I’m even more certain that I want us to be a family. You, me, and Levi. I don’t want to leave your house every night. I want to be there in the morning when you wake up. I want to kiss you whenever I think about it and make love to you deep into the night. But most of all, I just want to live my life by your side, grow old with you, and never, ever be separated again.”

  Happy, joyful tears streamed down her face. His words, I want us to be a family, echoed in her mind over and over again. Family was the one thing she’d wanted as a kid. And now she had it in spades. But the idea of Chad being a part of that family… it wasn’t something she’d really allowed herself to think about yet. But now that he’d put it out there, her mind had latched on and wasn’t going to let go. “Yes,” she said enthusiastically. “Absolutely yes, I want you, me, and Levi to be a family. The sooner the better.”

  Relief flooded his blue eyes, and he let out the breath he’d been holding as he slid the ring onto her finger. “Hope Scott, will you marry me?”

  “A million times yes, Chad Garber. Yes.”

  His grin lit up his face as he wrapped his arms around her and spun her around to a chorus of cheers from the Townsends and Levi, who clapped loudly and wolf-whistled when Chad’s lips crashed down on hers.

  “I guess the secret’s already out,” he whispered when they broke apart.

  “I guess this means you can stay the night tonight,” she countered and pulled him back down for another searing kiss.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Shannon Ansell fussed with the chocolate display in the far corner of the music shop, trying to ignore the fact that Brian Knox had just walked in. It was the grand opening of Magical Notes, Chad Garber’s new store on Main Street, and she’d been asked to cater the desserts. She’d been more than happy to provide chocolate from a Spoonful of Magic… right up until she realized that Brian Knox was slotted as the entertainment.

  Why did he have to be there, looking hotter than ever in his low-slung jeans and skin-tight black T-shirt? All she could think about when she looked at him was that disastrous night when she’d agreed to go out with him that had ended up with her in his bed and him scrambling out of it. Her face heated just thinking about it. If it was possible to die of embarrassment, she’d have keeled over already. But no. She was very much alive and so was he. And now she had no choice but to face the music, so to speak. Or maybe she could just slip out the back without anyone noticing.

  “Shannon!” Hope Scott called as she made her way to the back of the store. Her blond hair was piled on the top of her head in a sophisticated bun, and she was wearing a formfitting jumpsuit that showed off all her curves. Ever since the woman had gotten engaged to Chad, she’d just radiated happiness. If Shannon didn’t already know the woman deserved every last bit of joy after everything she’d been through, she’d almost hate her for it. Instead, seeing Hope so happy filled Shannon’s heart with a lightness that was unfamiliar and welcome at the same time. “These chocolate-covered caramel squares are to die for. Are they a new recipe?”

  Shannon smiled at her. “Yep. I made them just for this event. Chad said you were a big fan of unusual flavors, so I went to work and came up with something a little different.”

  She took another bite. “Ginger and…?”

  “Cardamom. It gives it a little something extra, I think,” Shannon said.

  “Definitely.” Hope grabbed a couple more caramels and made her way back over to Chad, who was busy showing a baby grand to one of the seasonal residents of Keating Hollow.

  “Hello there, gorgeous,” a rich, seductive voice said from behind her.

  Shannon froze. Brian. Dammit. There was no escaping now. She swallowed her unease and turned around, giving him a smirk. “Brian. Nice of you to finally show your face.”

  “Was I hiding?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

  “I don’t know. Were you? Seems like I haven’t seen you around for weeks. My phone didn’t ring for that second date you asked for either.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. Why had she said that? Hadn’t she told herself she was going to pretend nothing had happened? That he hadn’t taken her out, given her the best kiss of her life, promised to take her out again the next week, and then rejected her wholesale when she’d all but thrown herself at him two hours later. Her inner voice scoffed at her. There was no “all but” about it. She’d unabashedly thrown herself at him and had walked away with a bruise on her ego so big that she’d decided to swear off men for good.

  His mouth worked, but no words came out.

  Ha, she thought. The sophisticated man from Los Angeles didn’t know how to respond when he was called out on his BS. Well good. She had no time for games anyway. “Never mind.” She waved an unconcerned hand. “That’s all water under the bridge anyway. It was good to see you again, Brian.” She started to walk off but was stopped when he reached out and lightly grabbed her arm.

  “Wait just a second,” he said, moving in close so that his chest brushed her back. “About that night—”

  She jerked away. “There’s no need to explain, Brian. I got the message loud and clear. Forget I said anything.” She forced a smile and strode into the back room, pretending she needed to restock supplies. Instead, she leaned against the storage shelves and took in a deep breath. Brian Knox was everything she’d ever craved. Tall, dark, and handsome didn’t begin to cover it. He was also smart, funny, flirty, and full of confidence. He had it all and he knew it. He was just the type of guy that could curl her toes and make her heart melt, only to walk away three months later when someone sweeter and more innocent walked into his life.

  Shannon was the type of girl guys like him wanted to date, not marry. And Shannon was looking for a partner to raise a family. A bed buddy was not on the agenda, despite the fact that her earlier actions had contradicted that fact.

  Footsteps sounded on the concrete floor.

  Shannon pushed away from the shelves and straightened her shoulders, an excuse for being in the back room already forming on her tongue. Only it wasn’t Chad or Hope or Levi coming to check on her. It was Brian. She bit back a scowl.

  “What are you doing back here?” she asked.

  “Looking for you.” He stepped in front of her, trapping her between his muscular body and the shelves.

  She looked up and noted the scar running through one of his eyebrows and almost licked her lips. Dammit. Why did he have to push all of her buttons just by existing? “Well, you found me. What did you want?”

  “Th
at second date,” he said without hesitation.

  “Why?” she said with a sigh, suddenly very tired.

  “Why?” he asked with a chuckle. “You’re kidding, right?” He let his gaze sweep over her body, lingering on her cleavage and then moving to her legs before finally landing on her lips. “You’re the most gorgeous creature in this town. Don’t you think I kick myself every time I think about that night? I want another shot with you, Shannon. Let me make it up to you. Let me take you out on Friday night.”

  She should have been flattered, but she wasn’t. Shannon knew she had a body that looked amazing in a cocktail dress. She wasn’t blind to the attention she’d received over the years. Her thirty-four double-Ds combined with her hourglass figure had garnered her a lot of advances over the years. Most of them because the men in question only saw her body and nothing else.

  Unfortunately, she suspected Brian had fallen under the same spell. He regretted turning her down and hadn’t been able to stop thinking about what it might’ve been like. So here he was to collect. Only her offer had long since expired. “Sorry, Brian. Ask me again when you’re interested in more than just my body.”

  “That’s not why I’m asking you out,” he said firmly.

  She raised one eyebrow. “Really? You just looked at me like you wanted to eat me before staring at my mouth. It sure looks like it from here.”

  The tips of his ears turned bright pink, and she knew she’d hit the nail on the head. Very gently, she pressed her palm to his chest and pushed him away. He didn’t resist, and she slipped away from him, striding toward the door without another word.

  “Shannon?” he said.

  She paused in the doorway, glancing back at him. “Yes?”

  “I’m going to prove you wrong.”

  She chuckled. “Oh? Wanna bet on it?”

  His easy gaze turned determined as he took a few steps toward her. “Name your terms.”