Romancing the Holidays Volume Two

By Melody Johnson, Debby Grahl, Elise Darby and 11 more

Looking for a Happily Ever After? How about fourteen of them?! Romancing the Holidays, Volume 2 is a collection of romantic short stories all with the happy ending you crave. Genres include: contemporary, historical, paranormal, romantic suspense and young adult. 

 

And what better time to find romance than during the holidays? Escape into these Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Three Kings Day and Valentine's Day adventures, and swoon anew with each couple as they fall in love. 

 

Proceeds from this anthology benefit First Coast Romance Writers, a non-profit chapter of Romance Writers of America that helps writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.

• Language: English
• Publisher: First Coast Romance Writers
• Release date: Sep 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201769321

Book preview

Romancing the Holidays Volume Two

Romancing the Holidays Volume Two

Melody Johnson Debby Grahl Elise Darby Barbara Whitaker Maggie FitzRoy Leah Miles Karen Renee Sara Walker Vickey Wollan Gloria Ferguson Abigail Sharpe Laura Salas P.K. Brent Candese Nieves

Romancing the Holidays Volume Two

Fall Into Magic, Copyright © 2021 Debby Grahl

Fated by Fire, Copyright © 2021 Melody Johnson

Oh My Pumpkin Pie, Copyright © 2021 Elise Darby

Thanks for the Doughnuts, Copyright © 2021 Barbara Whitaker

Christmas Peril, Christmas Promise, Copyright © 2021 Maggie FitzRoy

Stolen Christmas, Copyright © 2021 Leah Miles

Holiday Fixation, Copyright © 2021 Karen Renee

Miracle de Noël, Copyright © 2021 Sara Walker

The Secret Santa Surprise, Copyright © 2021 Vickey Wollan

Just Four Days, Copyright © 2021 Gloria Ferguson

New Year’s Ex-pectations, Copyright © 2021 Abigail Sharpe

Love on Calle Ocho, Copyright © 2021 Laura Salas

True Love Found, Copyright © 2021 P.K. Brent

The Matchmaker’s Valentine, Copyright © 2021 Candese Nieves

Published by First Coast Romance Writers

Jacksonville, Fl.

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Cover Art by Lia Davis at Glowing Moon Designs

Editing by Nancy Quatrano at OnTargetWords.com

All rights reserved.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person or use proper retail channels to lend a copy. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of these authors.

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All characters in this book are fiction and figments of the author’s imagination.

Contents

Fall into Magic

Sensual Paranormal Romance, Halloween

Debby Grahl

Fated by Fire

Sweet, Paranormal Romance, Halloween

Melody Johnson

Oh My Pumpkin Pie

Steamy, Contemporary, Thanksgiving

Elise Darby

Thanks for the Doughnuts

Sweet, Historical Romance, Thanksgiving

Barbara Whitaker

Christmas Peril, Christmas Promise

Sweet, historical romantic suspense, Christmas

Maggie FitzRoy

Stolen Christmas

Sweet Contemporary Christmas Story

Leah Miles

Holiday Fixation

Sensual Romantic Suspense Christmas and New Years Eve Story

Karen Renee

Miracle de Noël

Sweet Historical Christmas Story

Sara J Walker

The Secret Santa Surprise

Sweet, Young Adult Romance, Christmas

Vickey Wollan

Just Four Days

Sweet Second Chance Contemporary Romance, New Year’s Eve

Gloria Ferguson

New Year’s Ex-pectations

A low-heat contemporary New Year’s Eve story

Abigail Sharpe

Love on Calle Ocho

Sweet contemporary romance, Three Kings Day

Laura Salas

True Love Found

Sweet, Paranormal Romance, Valentine’s Day

P. K. Brent

The Matchmaker’s Valentine

Sensual Paranormal Valentine’s Day Story

Candese Nieves

Romancing the Holidays, Vol One

Fall into Magic

Sensual Paranormal Romance, Halloween

Debby Grahl

Copyright © 2021 Debby Grahl

Fall into Magic

U.S. Marshal Clay Bennet and teacher Priscilla Mead meet on a stagecoach, and there’s an instant attraction. But Priscilla has a secret. When outlaws threaten their lives, to Clay’s astonishment, Priscilla reveals magical powers.

Clay can’t deny his desire for Priscilla despite his unease over her unusual abilities. Can the witch and the Marshal find true love, or is Priscilla’s hope for a future with Clay something not even her magic can grant her?

Chapter 1

Laurel, Colorado 1891

G irls, Priscilla Mead exclaimed as she entered the classroom. In front of her, gliding and swirling across the floor, was the dressmaker’s mannequin wearing the beautiful wedding dress Priscilla had just finished.

Priscilla waved her hand, and the mannequin stopped. She turned a disapproving eye on the group of young witches. What is the meaning of this? You were supposed to be working on using magic to cut out your patterns, not practicing motion.

We’re sorry, Miss Priscilla, one of the students replied. It’s so pretty, we wanted to see how the bride will look while dancing.

Priscilla let out a long sigh and hurried to check the dress for damage. When her friend, Annie Witherspoon, had not only asked her to be maid of honor, but also to make both their dresses, she had been thrilled.

Priscilla glanced from face to face, and her annoyance vanished. Not that long ago, she’d been seated in this classroom. Orphaned at the age of twelve, she’d come to the school for young witches in Laurel, Colorado. Afterward, she’d decided to stay on and help Sabrina Mallory, the school’s mistress.

There’s no damage done, Priscilla said. But, in the future, ask before you use magic on your own. Now, while I’m away, I expect you to finish your patterns and cut out the fabric pieces. When I return, we’ll sew your costumes.

But, Miss Priscilla, wouldn’t it be easier to conjure the dress already made? another student asked.

Producing solid objects is advanced magic which not all witches can do. Besides, it’s fun to create pretty clothing. She glanced at the clock. Clear your tables; it’s time for lunch. Please behave yourselves while I’m gone, and I’ll see you in a few days.

Chapter 2

Priscilla hurried to her bedroom to finish her last-minute packing. The stage to Cutter’s Gap left early the next morning.

All ready to go? Sabrina Mallory asked from the doorway, eleven-month-old Charlotte balanced on her hip.

Almost. I’ll pack the wedding dresses in the morning. I’m so excited about this trip, but I hate leaving you alone to cope with the girls.

Sabrina smiled. Don’t worry, I can handle the little darlings. You have a good time and tell Annie I send my best wishes.

I certainly will. It’s hard to believe we both came to the school so long ago, and now she’s getting married.

Sabrina patted Priscilla’s shoulder. Your turn will come. You’re only eighteen. There’s plenty of time for you to meet the right man.

Priscilla hesitated. Can I ask you something?

Sure, what?

If I meet someone I’m attracted to, how do I tell him I’m a witch?

That’s a tricky one. I was fortunate that Jake came from a family who’d experienced ghosts and magic. My advice would be, if he loves you, he will accept you for what you are. But I’d break it to him gently.

Priscilla grinned. I’d imagine so. Perhaps I’ll meet a nice warlock and won’t have to worry. Anyway, I’ll be back in time to help get ready for the fall festival. The girls are supposed to work on their costumes while I’m gone.

I’m sure they’ll be good as gold. I’ll let you continue with your packing. I need to put Charlotte down for her nap. The girls should be done with lunch, and it’s time for their levitation class.

Speaking of which… Priscilla told her about the dancing mannequin, and they both laughed. I was furious at first, but you have to give them credit for imagination.

Honestly. Sabrina shook her head. Jake said he’ll drive you to the stage depot. Let him know when your trunks are ready, and he’ll carry them down.

After Sabrina left, Priscilla checked to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. This would be her first trip on her own, and she was both excited and a little apprehensive. Cutter’s Gap was a three-hour stage ride away, and so far, the weather for October had stayed chilly but mild. There hadn’t been any snow, and hopefully it would hold off for a few more weeks. The last thing she wanted was to get caught in a blizzard.

She stepped to the window and took pleasure in the beautiful scenery. The sky was a clear blue, and in the distance the foothills of the Rockies were a blaze of orange, yellow, and bronze; what a gorgeous background for the wedding.

She’d be eternally grateful for the kind witches of her mother’s coven who, after her parents’ deaths in a carriage accident, rescued her from her cruel aunt Eugenia, her father’s sister, and brought Priscilla to the school. With a fevered hatred of Priscilla’s mother, Eugenia was determined to rid Priscilla of what she thought of as the devil inside her. Priscilla would never forget the horror on her mother’s face when she caught her, as a young girl, levitating her doll in front of Eugenia. Mother had tried to explain that Eugenia wasn’t like them and didn’t accept their way of life. It wasn’t until Priscilla went to live with her aunt, and the beatings began, that she understood. That’s all behind me. I have a perfect life here, and I’m about to leave on a wonderful trip.

Chapter 3

The next morning was a flurry of activity. The girls all wanted hugs goodbye, while Sabrina helped Priscilla carefully pack both dresses, then insisted she eat breakfast and take the basket of food she’d fixed.

You’re going to miss the stage, Jake Malory, Sabrina’s husband–and the town Sheriff–called from the front door.

I’m ready, Priscilla replied a little breathlessly. After final waves, they were on their way.

When Priscilla stepped onto the stage, she found the only other passenger was a man who seemed to be asleep. She settled herself and soon they were off.

An hour later, after bumping over rough roads, the hard bench became quite uncomfortable. Priscilla peered at her companion. How he could sleep through all the jostling about was a mystery to her. A nice pillow to sit on would help enormously. Did she dare conjure one?

Not taking her eyes off him, she tucked her hand under the fold of her dress, wiggled her fingers, and a small cushion appeared. In relief, she peered closer, but he hadn’t moved. His hat was pulled down over his eyes but judging by the portion of his face that was visible, he looked quite handsome. Older than her, probably in his twenties, his hair was a little long and light brown. His face was lean, and she thought he might have a cleft in his chin. His legs, stretched out, were long and his body looked fit. His jacket and jeans were slightly worn, but clean, and he wore a weathered gun belt around his hips.

Priscilla’s stomach growled, and she eased her basket of food closer, hoping not to rouse him. As she opened the lid, the smell of fried chicken filled the small space, and he lifted his head.

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you, Priscilla said.

He adjusted his hat and sat up. No problem.

Priscilla’s mouth went dry as his deep blue eyes met hers. Oh, my, handsome is right. There definitely was a cleft in his chin, and his smile would melt any girl’s heart. She cleared her throat. Would you like a piece of chicken? There’s plenty.

I sure would, thanks. His voice was smooth as honey.

Priscilla handed him a cloth napkin and the wrapped chicken. Choose which pieces you prefer. There are biscuits, and cookies for dessert. Oh, and a jug of lemonade.

He smiled. Quite the feast. By the way, I’m Clay Bennett.

Priscilla Mead.

Yum, he groaned as he bit into the chicken. This is doggone good. You’re quite the cook.

I’m glad you like it, but I didn’t fix it.

Well, my compliments to whoever did.

Are you traveling all the way to Cutter’s Gap?

Yep. I’m on my way to a wedding.

Really? So am I. My friend Annie Witherspoon is getting married.

To my cousin Andrew. Now isn’t this a coincidence? He wiped his hands and mouth and leaned back. I’ve come from St Louis.

Is that your home?

He nodded. My family moved there after the war. I’m originally from Maryland, but the farm was destroyed. How about you?

I live in Laurel, where I teach.... She hesitated. At a private school.

You don’t look like any schoolmarm I’ve ever seen, he said with a grin.

If you only knew. Priscilla busied herself repacking the food basket. What do you do in St. Louis?

I’m a deputy U.S. Marshal.

My goodness. The husband of the head of the school where I teach, is Laurel’s Sheriff. We certainly have a lot in common.

Chapter 4

Perhaps his luck had finally improved, Clay thought, gazing at his companion. He’d been sent to Denver to help capture the Johnson gang. They’d held up stagecoaches and trains from Texas to Wyoming. Between local sheriffs, Texas Rangers, and the Marshals, they’d managed to kill four of the gang, but two had gotten away.

Now, here he was on a stage alone with a pretty young woman. Her curly blond hair hung to her shoulders, and beneath her bonnet her face was heart-shaped, with big brown eyes, a slightly turned up nose, and a very kissable mouth. He’d been traveling for a couple of days and was only half awake when she’d entered the coach. He studied her more closely. She blushed bright pink when she mentioned the school where she taught. I wonder why? Tell me about your school.

A guarded expression filled her eyes before she replied. It’s a small school for girls.

And what do you teach?

A little of everything. But my love is sewing. I enjoy creating beautiful clothes.

Her coat hid what she wore, but her figure was outlined, and it looked quite nice. His thoughts on her body, the coach’s sudden stop took him by surprise.

Priscilla leaned toward the window. The man in the stage office said we’d make one stop. This must be it.

The stage driver opened the door. Sorry, folks, but one of the horses threw a shoe. I’m hoping someone at this farm can help us.

How far are we from our scheduled stop? Clay asked.

A few miles, but I don’t want to push the horse.

Are we allowed to get out? Priscilla asked.

The driver nodded. I’ll speak to the owners and be right back.

Clay helped Priscilla down. She gazed around, then hesitated. Um, do you suppose… Again, she hesitated.

Clay couldn’t help but grin. I believe the privy is probably out back.

Her cheeks bright red, she hurried away.

Chuckling to himself, he leaned against the coach to wait. The driver soon returned; his brows were drawn together in puzzlement.

What’s wrong? Clay asked.

I knocked, but no one answered. I caught a glimpse of a shadow through the window, so I’m sure someone’s home.

Perhaps it’s a woman by herself and she’s afraid to answer.

I shouted who I was and what I needed.

Miss Mead is around back. When whoever is inside sees there’s a girl with us, hopefully they’ll open the door.

Priscilla returned and they explained the problem.

There’s a corral behind the house with a number of horses in it. And I had the strangest sensation I was being watched.

Clay’s instinct for trouble kicked in. I have a bad feeling about this. I suggest we leave the lame horse and the stage, take the other three, and head for help. He turned to Priscilla. Can you ride?

She nodded. Rather well, actually. But what about my trunks? I have the dresses for the wedding.

I can’t imagine anyone stealing them. They’ll see there’s nothing but clothes.

Indecision crossed the driver’s face, then he nodded. I’m also uneasy and I think this young man is right. We’ll place the trunks in the coach where they’ll be safe until we can retrieve the stage.

Chapter 5

Priscilla organized her trunks while the two men unhitched the horses from the coach. She’d just placed the trunk containing the dresses securely on the seat when from outside came shouts, running feet, and gunshots. Priscilla froze.

The door of the coach had closed behind her, and now she sat hunkered on the floor. She strained to hear, but all was silent. What should she do? Was Clay or the driver hurt? Did whoever was shooting at them know she was here? Priscilla, stay calm. You must think clearly. Don’t allow fear to cloud your judgment.

She moved closer to the window and peered out. A lump rose in her throat when she spotted the body on the ground. She strained to see through the grime on the window. Was it Clay? No, he was wearing denim. This man’s pants were brown. The coach driver? Priscilla’s body trembled, and she bit down on her lower lip to keep from crying.

She took a deep breath. She couldn’t sit here waiting for someone to find her. She glanced over her shoulder. If she climbed out on the far side, perhaps she could take one of the coach horses and ride for help. She frowned. Had Clay and the driver had time to get them unhitched? If not, she’d try and make her way to the back of the house where the other horses were kept. The driver said their scheduled stop wasn’t far away.

She gathered her courage and eased open the door. Crouching, she crept to the front of the coach. To her disappointment, the horses were still tethered. She let out an unladylike curse as she turned back. From what she could see, other than the driver, the yard was empty. She needed something to block her from being seen crossing the yard. She waved her hand, and a cloud of dust swirled alongside her. She stayed low to the ground as she dashed across the open space. She exhaled a sigh of relief when she spotted the corral. Priscilla studied the horses. She didn’t have time to search for a saddle, so she’d have to ride bareback. Which of you wouldn’t mind carrying a stranger? She decided on a chestnut who stared at her with calm eyes. She squeezed through the fence rails and approached the horse. Hello there, she whispered. Will you be nice and let me onto your back?

The chestnut allowed Priscilla to stroke his nose. That’s a good horse. She glanced around for the gate and nudged the horse in that direction. She had the gate opened and was searching for something to stand on to mount the horse, when a voice said, Now what do we have here? A horse thief?

Priscilla froze.

Let go of the horse and slowly turn around, the voice said.

Priscilla did what he commanded. Standing on the back porch was a man pointing a gun at her. Her heart sank.

Let me see your hands and come toward me, he said.

Her body trembling, she began to walk. When she reached him, he grabbed her and pushed her into the house.

Look what I found, he growled, as he shoved her to her knees.

Tears of hurt and frustration streamed down her cheeks as Priscilla’s eyes met Clay’s. I’m sorry. I tried, she said.

Chapter 6

Clay, his hands tied, seethed with anger and self-recrimination. How could he have messed up so badly? His instinct had told him something wasn’t right, but he’d been distracted by Priscilla and allowed the outlaws to get the drop on him. The good news was his Marshal’s badge was in his bag, so they didn’t know who he was. He glanced at the older couple, the owners of the farm, cowering in a corner. Why hadn’t the two outlaws shot them? They hadn’t hesitated to kill the stage driver. So, how in the hell was he to get them all out of this alive?

Well, isn’t she pretty, the man known as Slade said. We might have us a good time.

Priscilla’s stricken face had Clay’s blood boiling. Keep your filthy hands off her.

Slade laughed. And how are you going to stop us? He grabbed Priscilla’s arm and jerked her to her feet. Come with me, little girl.

Hey, wait a minute. Why do you get her first? the other man asked.

Because I found her, Slade snarled. Got a problem with that?

No, boss, she’s all yours. Just leave me some.

Cursing under his breath, Clay struggled with his bonds. The thought of what they were about to do to Priscilla made his stomach turn. You’re nothing but a couple of filthy cowards. You can’t fight a man; you have to force yourself on a woman.

Shut your damn mouth, Slade growled. I’d beat your ass to a pulp.

Prove it.

Here, Blackie, keep a hold of her, Slade flung Priscilla toward the other man. I’m going to enjoy this. He stepped toward Clay who was tied to a chair, and lifted his foot, his heavy boot aimed at Clay’s gut.

No, Priscilla screamed. Slade was suddenly lifted off his feet and flung across the room like a rag doll. At the same time, Clay’s ropes fell away, and the man holding Priscilla was now face down on the floor.

For a second, Clay sat stunned. What the hell just happened?

Get his gun, Priscilla shouted.

Clay, still confused, leaped to his feet and retrieved Slade’s gun. He used the rope that had held him and tied Slade’s hands. When he turned to do the same to Blackie, he was shocked to see Priscilla had already taken care of him.

Silence filled the room. Clay stared into Priscilla’s wide fearful eyes. In a low voice he asked, How in the hell did you do that?

Priscilla’s mouth opened and closed, but the words wouldn’t come. When that awful man was about to hurt Clay, she had reacted without thinking. The guarded expression on Clay’s face made her heart sink. How could she ever explain? He’s going to think I’m some kind of freak, or worse, the devil herself. "Clay, I… Before she could continue, the farmer’s wife rose and came toward her.

She clasped Priscilla’s hand and gazed into her eyes. My grandmother had the gift, she whispered. Thank you, miss, for saving us.

Priscilla gave her a slight smile. You’re welcome. She turned to Clay whose jaw was still clamped tight. She took a calming breath and said, I’m a witch.

A tear trickled down her cheek. His eyes were now cold and his expression one of revulsion. Why did these wretched lawmen have to spoil everything? She and Clay had been getting along so well. She’d even imagined a romance sparking between them. Now he stared at her as if she were inhuman.

Clay couldn’t believe his ears. Was the woman mad? Witches weren’t real. They were only in spooky fairy tales. But, as his eyes locked with hers, the reality of what he had seen won out.

She is a witch, Slade cried from his prone position on the floor. Get me away from her.

Blackie, his face pale as flour, attempted to crawl away.

Hush your mouth, you low-down scum, the old woman said. I’m Hanna Potter, and my husband over there is Jed, she said to Priscilla. I’m afraid your magic has left him as shocked as the young man.

Priscilla nodded. I didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t want him to hurt Clay.

Clay finally found his voice. Why did you wait until then? If you’re really a witch, why didn’t you stop them as soon as you entered the house?

She stiffened. Clay’s voice was harsh, but damn it, this situation would unnerve anyone.

If you hadn’t noticed, I was pretty shaken myself, she shot back with fire in her eyes. It isn’t every day I see a dead man, and an outlaw points a gun at my head.

Clay cleared his throat. Okay, calm down.

Don’t tell me to calm down, Priscilla cried. You have no idea how scared I was. I tried to get a horse so I could ride for help, but Slade caught me. Then I come in here to find you tied up. Not to mention my person was almost violated. As her voice got louder, Clay took a step back. Even after I stopped these despicable men, she continued, you didn’t even have the courtesy to thank me. You just stared at me like I was a monster. She let out a sob and ran out the door.

Hanna placed her hands on her hips and glowered at Clay. Well, young man, what do you have to say for yourself?

Clay gaped in disbelief. Was she serious? Wait a minute. I’m not used to meeting someone who claims to be a witch.

That young woman saved our lives. Do you have any doubt these two, she pointed at Slade and Blackie, would have hesitated to kill us all?

Clay shook his head.

Then what does it matter what she is? I suggest you go find her while I send Jed for help. We have to give these two to the law.

Clay cleared his throat. Actually, I’m Deputy Marshal Clay Bennett. I’ve been trailing Slade and his gang. But I was on a little side trip to a wedding.

Well, I’ll be damned, Jed finally spoke. Son, there’s a shed out back. Why don’t we lock these two scoundrels in there, and you can ride to Hatchville. It isn’t much, but you can send a telegram to the Sheriff in Cutter’s Gap for assistance.

You two men put that poor dead driver in the barn. We can’t let him lay out there for the buzzards to get, Hanna stated.

We’ll freeze to death outside, Slade whined.

Then we’ll throw your frozen corpses out for the buzzards, Hanna said.

Bitch, Slade snarled.

Jed approached the two outlaws, anger clear on his face. If you hadn’t taken me by surprise, you’d both be dead in the ground. So, watch your mouth around my wife.

Unfortunately, Slade is right. I’d rather watch them hang, Clay said. Hanna, is there somewhere in the house we can keep them?

I suppose we can lock them in the storage room. There’re no windows, and we can bolt the door. Also, it will be getting dark soon. It’s too late for you to head out. So, you and… Hanna hesitated. Land sakes, I don’t know the young lady’s name.

Priscilla, Clay replied.

Hanna nodded. Priscilla will have to bunk down here tonight.

Clay hesitated. Hanna was right but getting Priscilla to agree might not be easy.

He and Jed managed to lock the two outlaws up and place the stage driver, along with the horses, in the barn. While he was outdoors, Clay looked for Priscilla.

Had she flown away, he wondered, as he scanned the area. He shook his head.

What was he thinking? Of course she couldn’t fly–could she? If so, why would she have taken the stage? Could she disappear into thin air? Clay noticed a clump of trees and sighed in relief when he spotted Priscilla seated on the ground.

He squatted next to her. It’s cold out here, Priscilla. Come into the house.

I’m fine, she sniffed.

Clay ran his hand over his face. I’m sorry I didn’t thank you. But you have to understand my side of this. I’ve seen a lot in my life, but a real witch isn’t on that list.

Chapter 7

Priscilla wiped her tears away with her coat sleeve. Her emotions were too raw for her to think clearly. All she wanted to do was get as far from Clay Bennett as possible. Once she got to Annie, she’d figure out how to avoid him. I need to get to Cutter’s Gap, she managed to say, her voice slightly shaking.

Tomorrow I can hitch the horses to the stage, but we’ll never make it tonight. Hanna has offered for us to stay here. When we reach the next town, I’ll send for the Sheriff. Although, when the stage doesn’t arrive in Cutter’s Gap, I won’t be surprised if someone doesn’t show up here.

I didn’t think of that, Priscilla said. Annie will be sick with worry.

Ah, I don’t know exactly how to ask you this, but can you fly?

Priscilla’s mouth tightened. "If you’re asking if I can transport myself on my broom to Cutter’s Gap, the answer is no. What I can do is this." She spread her arms and disappeared, reappearing on the back porch.

For the sake of the Goddess, Priscilla, what a childish thing to do. He did apologize and tried to explain how he felt. And can I really blame him for being curious? All this was true, but the revulsion in his eyes wouldn’t leave her mind.

She considered waiting for him, but decided she was done answering questions. If she stayed close to Hanna, perhaps he would leave her alone.

When Priscilla entered the kitchen, Hanna had coffee brewing and a pot boiling on the cookstove. That smells great, Priscilla said. Can I help with anything?

Thank you kindly, but it’s only vegetable soup, and I have it under control, Hanna replied. Did you see the Marshal?

Priscilla swallowed the tears that threatened and nodded.

Hanna placed her hand on Priscilla’s arm. Give him time. Some people don’t understand there are folks in this world whose abilities can’t be explained. I wasn’t blessed with the gift, but I’ve known those who can do unimaginable things.

I had an aunt who attempted to beat the magic out of me, Priscilla said in a quiet voice. I’m extremely cautious and would have never shown my powers if it wasn’t necessary. Even though Clay and I just met, I thought there was an attraction between us, as if fate had brought us together. What were the chances we’d be on the same stage going to the same wedding? And now he thinks I’m subhuman.

Before Hanna could reply, Clay entered the room scowling. Nice trick. Why don’t you pop over to Hatchville and get help?

Why don’t you go to the devil? Priscilla shot back.

They stood glowering at each other until Hanna spoke.

You two settle down. It’s been an awful day, and everyone’s nerves are stretched tighter than strings on a fiddle. Now set yourselves down and eat. Jed, she called, food’s on the table.

When Priscilla sat, exhaustion overtook both her anger and hurt. She wanted nothing more than to eat and go to bed. A thought struck her. The house wasn’t large. Where were she and Clay supposed to sleep? Was there more than one bedroom?

As if she read Priscilla’s mind, Hanna said, "Priscilla honey, you look plum tuckered out. Eat up, then I’ll show you where the bedroom is. You can sleep with me. Jed can camp out with the Marshal.

Oh, no, I won’t put Jed out of his bed. I can sleep on the floor by the fire.

But you’d be alone with the Marshal. That wouldn’t be proper.

Priscilla gave Clay a brittle smile. I’m sure my reputation will be perfectly safe.

Clay smiled back. Miss Mead, you have nothing to worry about.

Chapter 8

After the dishes were cleared, Hanna and Priscilla fixed pallets on the floor near the fire. Priscilla removed her shoes and, with a sigh, crawled in. She started to doze off when Clay slipped into his own makeshift bed far away from her. Priscilla lay listening to the crackling flames and Clay’s light breathing. Warmth surrounded her, but Clay was too far away to enjoy the heat. When the fire died down, it would become quite chilly. Did she care if he froze? She silently sighed. Concern for his comfort overcame her annoyance. You’re going to freeze. Why don’t you move closer?

I’m all right.

Clay, don’t be silly. The temperature is already dropping. There’s no reason for you to stay over there. She hesitated, flicked her fingers, and the flames brightened. See?

For a few minutes, he didn’t speak or move. Then he shifted his blankets closer.

Now, isn’t that better? she asked.

He grunted his reply, and Priscilla realized how close he was. If she were to roll over, she’d be right next to him. That thought caused a fluttering sensation in the pit of her stomach, and her heart beat faster. Not understanding these strange feelings, she ignored them and fell asleep.

Clay gazed at Priscilla as she lay only a foot away. Firelight danced across her blond curls, and the smell of lilacs rose from her skin. He hadn’t had a woman in his bed for quite a while, and his body was reacting to her nearness. She was a pretty little thing, and her body as delectable as he’d imagined. But a witch? Even though he’d seen her perform magic, he still couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact it was true. Sure, he’d heard of people who claimed to see things or know when something was about to happen before it did. And there were plenty of superstitions in the world, but his practical brain thought it all nonsense.

A memory slipped into his mind. He’d been quite young when he’d overheard his mother telling a friend that they’d been warned of the battle of Antietam by her grandmother’s spirit weeks before it happened.

Perhaps he had overreacted to Priscilla’s powers. As he pondered this, she shifted. She lay inches away, causing his body to ache with need. Damn it, he cursed under his breath. He gritted his teeth, willing his thoughts away from her sweet body and kissable lips.

When she sighed and snuggled closer, Clay’s restraint snapped. He took her in his arms and brought his mouth down on hers. She instantly reacted. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she hungrily kissed him back.

Pleased she wanted him as much as he wanted her, his desire soared to fever pitch. He slid his hand up her side to cup her breasts. When a moan escaped her, he stroked her taught nipples. Clay lightly squeezed her firm mounds while she moved against him. His lust now in control, Clay lifted the hem of her dress and ran his hand up her leg.

Priscilla’s body was liquid heat, and she wanted more. Whatever this was, she didn’t want it to end. When the tightness inside her snapped, and waves of pleasure flowed over her, she cried out, and her eyes snapped open. Clay was kissing her, and his hand was in a most inappropriate region of her person.

Clay, she gasped. What are you doing?

His voice was ragged as he replied. What’s it feel like I’m doing? Darlin’, that’s only the first one. He nudged his leg between her knees.

What are you talking about? She pushed at his chest. Clay, stop that.

He lifted his head and stared into her confused eyes. I thought you wanted me.

What would give you that idea?

Tell me you were awake.

No, I was not.

Oh, Christ. He rolled onto his back. Priscilla, I’m sorry. When you reacted so energetically, I assumed you were enjoying what I was doing.

Priscilla’s cheeks burned, and her voice sounded shrill. "And what exactly were you doing?"

He turned to face her, raising up on one elbow. Making love to you.

Her eyes opened wide, and she jerked the blanket to her chin. Sweet Goddess. Did you take my virginity? Could I be with child?

In the firelight, Clay’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times before he said. No to both. He sat up and ran his hands over his face. This was getting worse by the minute. Priscilla, do you know how babies are made?

Of course, I do, she replied indignantly.

"Then you