Page 87 of Shadow Spell

“Just a bit ago, yes, and with much of the weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

“I’m sorry.” Immediately Branna came around the counter, rubbed Meara’s arm. “I was blocked off in my own frustrations and didn’t give a thought to yours. It was hard.”

“In some ways more and in others less than I expected. But altogether exhausting.”

“I’ve things I could do and leave the two of you to talk.”

“No, don’t go on my account. And this gives me the chance to talk to you about the rental.”

“It’s nothing you need worry over. As I told you, I can hold it until she’s decided what she wants to do. It’s been hers near to ten years now.”

“It’s good of you, Fin. I mean it.”

Saying nothing, Branna walked over to make the tea.

“I think she won’t be back—not to live,” Meara said. “I think the change will boost her. The grandchildren, particularly the grandchildren, as she’ll be living with some and closer to the rest. Added to it, Maureen’s Sean will make a fuss over her, as he’s always had a soft spot there. And the fact is, she’s not happy on her own. She needs someone not just for conversation but direction, and Maureen will give her both.”

“Then stop feeling guilty about it,” Fin advised.

“I’m wading in it for a bit.” Doing just that, Meara pressed her fingers to her eyes. “She cried so, and said things I didn’t know were in her mind or her heart. She’s grateful to you, Fin, for the cottage, for the ridiculously low rent you’ve charged all these years—and I never thought she had any idea about the money at all. But she did, she’s grateful, and so am I.”

“It’s nothing, Meara.”

“It is, to her, to me. I couldn’t have managed my own rent and hers if hers hadn’t been cheaper than dirt even with Donal kicking in, and then there’d have been murder for certain. So you kept her alive and me out of prison, so you’ll take the gratitude that’s given.”

“You’re welcome.” Then he went to her, drew her in, as she’d started to cry. “Enough now, darling.”

“It’s just she started crying again when Donal and I loaded her things into the lorry, and she clung to me as if I were going off to war. Which I am, I suppose, but she doesn’t know. I swear she’s turned a blind eye to what three of my closest friends are about all these years, and now is only somewhat concerned that Connor and I are having sex outside Holy Matrimony.”

Though he couldn’t help the smile, Fin rubbed her back. “It sounds like a very full day for you.”

“Ending with me booting my own mother out of her home.”

“You did no such thing. You helped her break a chain that’s kept her locked here when she’ll be happier in a house filled with family. I’ll wager she’ll thank you for it before the year’s out. Here now,dubheasa, dry your eyes.”

He stepped back, patted his pockets, then pulled out a handkerchief swirling with color, and made her laugh.

“What’s all this?”

“Always a rainbow after the storm.” Then plucked an enormous and bright pink daisy from her hair. “And flowers from the rain.”

“You’d make a fecking fortune at birthday parties.”

“I’ll keep that for backup.”

“And I’m a complete git.”

“Not at all.” He gave her another hug. “Only a half a git at best.”

He caught Branna’s eye over Meara’s head. And the smile she sent him stabbed straight into his heart.

***

SHE DRANK HER TEA, ATE THREE OF BRANNA’S LEMONbiscuits, and though she knew next to nothing of writing spells and making potions, did her best to help.

She ground herbs using mortar and pestle—sage, fleabane, rosemary for banishing. She measured out the dust of a crushed black fluorite crystal, snipped lengths of copper twine, marking all amounts precisely in Branna’s journal.

By the time Connor arrived, with Iona and Boyle with him, all the ingredients Branna and Fin had chosen were ready.

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