The Hidden Grimoire by Karla Brandenburg (pride and prejudice read TXT) 📕

should go with you,” Kyle said. “In case your play date goes sideways. You can tell her you want to see how I’ll be around kids for when we have some of our own.” He took my hands and my heart ached for the children we might never have.

My voice was thick with emotion. “If you come, you’ll be in the line of fire. I can’t protect you, and me, and Georgia if something happens.”

Hannah placed a hand on top of ours. “She’s right. Brynn is strong, and she’s smart, and she’s learned much these past few months. If you go with her, you give LeAnne another target.”

I gave Hannah a hug. “We have to get back. I still have a day’s work ahead of me before my visit.”

Hannah pinched her fingers together, and then apart, reminding me to call on the positive energy. I mimicked the gesture, and turned the amethyst ring she’d given me.

“When did you get that?” Kyle asked, nodding to the ring.

“It was a gift from Hannah.”

“To help her with her nightmares,” Hannah told him.

“Does it work?” he asked.

I nodded. “So far.”

We rose to our feet and Kyle hugged Hannah. “Thank you. For everything you’ve done for her.”

Hannah stepped back, chuckling, a look of surprise on her face. “Well, now!” She looked at me. “I think you’ve found an extraordinary young man here. I hope you’ll invite me to the wedding.”

“By all means,” Kyle said.

“Of course,” I echoed.

I suspected we had another test ahead of us before the wedding.

Hannah pinched her fingers once more, and I copied the gesture, calling on the white light to give me peace of mind.

Chapter 38

Our conversation with Hannah delayed us from our original departure plans, and by the time Kyle and I arrived in Hillendale, it was after ten. Kyle dropped me at the shop for the few hours I’d told Cassandra I would work.

When I walked into Windfall, Lisa and Cassandra were deep in conversation about my wedding.

“Wait,” I said, barely out of my coat. “You’re planning my wedding without me?”

“Well, you don’t have a mother to hover over you, and Nora is always so preoccupied, we figured you could use the help,” Lisa said.

“What she said,” Cassandra added.

I laughed. “You two do realize it’s going to be little more than a walk in the park, don’t you? Think City Hall but with a gazebo.”

“A decorated gazebo,” Lisa said. “You still need flowers, and music, and a party afterward, not to mention a gorgeous dress.”

I held up my hands. “Who said anything about a gorgeous dress?” The bridal shop window came to mind. Me? In a fancy dress? “I’m so much more of a jeans and tunic type girl.”

“Every girl should feel like a princess on her wedding day,” Lisa said.

I nudged her with a shoulder. “Funny, I just came from Aerie Castle, and I didn’t have to wear any fancy dresses there to feel like a princess.”

“I could make something for you,” Cassandra said. She tweaked her chin and squinted at me. “In fact, I have a few ideas. Something that suits you, but also speaks to the occasion.”

“You know we have nearly six months, don’t you?” I asked.

“Which is why we have to get moving. May will be here before you know it. How about you and I go shopping when you get done here or, better yet...” Lisa turned to Cassandra. “You don’t need her here today, do you?”

I held up a palm. “Stop right there. I’m going to see the new baby.”

“You’d rather go see the offspring of that evil cousin of yours than spend the day flitting around the mall with your best friend?” Lisa tabled her hands under her chin and batted her eyelashes, which made me laugh.

“My evil cousin is out of town, so this might be my only chance,” I said. “You can drag me around by the hair tomorrow if you want to.”

“And before you go to the mall, you can stop by my place,” Cassandra said. “I should have enough time to draw up a couple of designs for you to consider. Then I can flit around the mall with you guys.”

“It’s a date,” Lisa said. “But I still don’t know why you’re even bothering with your awful cousin. I thought you’d put your shitty family behind you.”

“They’re still family,” I pointed out. “I have to at least try.”

“You know how I feel about family,” Cassandra said. “But I agree with Lisa here, and I don’t even know the whole story. I do, however, know your cousin, and he’s a Class A dick. He’s made his feelings pretty clear.”

I gave her arm a squeeze. “Yeah, but he has a sweet little girl who loves her Aunt Brynn.”

Cassandra sighed. “Well, there is that to consider. But is it worth the hate he throws you?”

“Not forever.”

A blanket of melancholy settled on me. If we couldn’t make this family thing work, all indications pointed to LeAnne having the skills to provide Georgia with what she needed, but I had to be sure. I couldn’t turn my back on LeAnne when she had reached out for help.

To Separate a Witch from her Power.

I shivered. The hidden grimoire had indicated a last resort wasn’t off the table. What could call for such drastic measures?

Lisa took a step closer. “I’ll go with you.”

I laughed her off. “Why would you want to spend a day with my evil cousin’s family?”

“Because you suddenly look like you could use a friend,” Cassandra answered.

My heart swelled. I hugged Lisa. “Thanks, but I’ve got this.” I turned to Cassandra and hugged her, too. “You guys are the best.”

They shared their plans for my wedding in between customers. Shortly after noon, Lisa went home for lunch and I made a sandwich run. When one-thirty rolled around, I headed home to pick up my car.

Kyle was waiting when I walked inside.

“I fed Ash,” he said. “My offer to go with you still stands.”

“I’m not expecting any trouble,” I told him.

“You