“I don’t dare tell her about the strange occurrence on the Green. It’ll send her on a downward spiral again. There’s no way to know if the magic residue is connected to the Baby Nabbers. If there was a witch involved, she’s lost her connection to those Unremarkable criminals.”
“There are plenty more lurking in the shadows. If a witch was involved, another group will crop up in no time.” He runs a hand through his locks again, exhaling. “What about the children the Seelie Fae spoke of? Disconcerting, no?”
“Yeah, but who are they? Those kids can’t be the same ones the Baby Nabbers took. Probably some neglectful parent dropping off their kids to mess around while they go drinking. Wouldn’t be the first time parents showed negligent behavior in this town.”
Archie nods. “Or the last, but you should tell Leslie. Could be a concern going forward.”
My phone vibrates—a text from my young boss. “It’s Jeff.”
Jeff: Could you come back after dinner on Monday and watch Aidan?
Me: Sure. Do you have something special planned?
Jeff: I’d like to take Ashley to a Welsh Music performance on Monday evening.
Me: She’ll enjoy the music. Those concerts are always lovely.
Jeff: Thank you! I need to give you a raise for all you have done for her!
Me: You don’t have to repay me for friendly gestures. But I won’t argue with you, either!
“He wants me to go back to Ashley’s apartment after dinner so he can take her to the annual Welsh Music concert.”
Archie cocks his head. “Didn’t you go with Nick Evans to one of those?”
“Yeah, but I only saw part of it, remember? You were practicing your thought intentions.”
He chuckles. “Aye. I recollect now. You showed up at my house dripping wet…everywhere.”
“I was so embarrassed. Two women heard me screaming in the stall.”
“But the intention was successful,” he says, winking.
A titter bubbles out. “It was. What about the interaction I witnessed between Courtney Erickson and Alys Morgan? Should we alert Leslie and Trinity?”
“And tell them what, exactly? Alys came on to me at the Samhain Celebration. I wager she tried to cozy up to John and Courtney caught her in the act. We know she has a jealous streak. I doubt that has changed.”
“Well, he is her husband. She has a right to be annoyed. You may be correct. Alys was sporting an enormous grin of satisfaction, for sure.” I finish tying my shoelaces and slip on my puffer jacket.
“Can I enter this day in my online calendar?” he asks with a chuckle. “It may never happen again.”
“Very funny, professor.” I kiss him and grab my purse from the mudroom hook. “I’ve got a busy week. But I promise I’ll try to pop over some night.”
“I’ll be here waiting impatiently, my love.”
“Love you, honey.” I blow him a kiss.
When I open the door, a blast of frigid air hits me like a brick. After the quick drive to Ronnie and Derek’s house, I shiver in the near-freezing temperature while I wait to go in. I haven’t spoken with my best friend since Thanksgiving. The worry melted from her face when Trinity announced the return of the kidnapped children. With just a couple of weeks left until her due date, she has to be driving her partner bananas.
“Hey, Gwyn,” Derek says as he opens the door. “Get in here. It’s bitter out today. Your legs must be frozen in those yoga pants.”
“I should have worn jeans, but I’m going to the DUB fitness center after my visit. How are you doing? Ready to be a papa?”
An elated grin brightens his face. “I can’t wait. Ronnie is in the nursery making up the bassinet and crib.”
“Has she slept more soundly since Thanksgiving?”
“Oh, yeah. Except for the discomfort of the baby moving around all night. And her tendons ache.”
“Yeah. I imagine they do. A couple more weeks, and she’ll not be sleeping at all.”
“I’ll help as much as I can. I plan on getting the baby in and out of the bassinet for her to nurse. Hopefully, she can fall back asleep more quickly that way. I pass out the minute my head hits the pillow. Once the baby arrives, I’ll have to cut my hours back and rely on Jamal.”
I enter the nursery as Ronnie pulls the baby comforter over the crib mattress, a celestial moon theme. Rose quartz to encourage bonding between the baby and its parents is scattered around the room. Stars cover the ceiling.
“Hello, Mama,” I say. “Nesting, are we?”
She chuckles and massages her baby bump. “You know it. I can’t wait to meet this kid.”
“Ladies, I’ll leave you two alone to chat,” Derek says. “I’ll be at the fitness center for a while.”
Ronnie blows Derek a kiss as he leaves, and I admire the décor again.
“I love the celestial decorations. You created a magical room.”
“Wait a minute, Gwyn. You’re gonna love this.”
She closes the blackout curtains, shuts the door, and turns out the light. The stars on the ceiling sparkle in the dark. She chants an incantation and waves her hand, an amber glow swirling upward from her palm, and they twinkle like the sparkling orbs in indigo skies.
