Page 28 of Boundless Magic

“None of that black magic, voodoo shit, though,” he warned.

“None of that. Just how to be a proper witch. Something my sister should’ve taught us both.”

“Alright, then.”

Autumn couldn’t help wondering if her own counterpart here in this world had caused most of the problems for this father-and-daughter duo. If so, she definitely needed a swift kick to the ass. “Where’s the shed?”

“’Bout a hundred yards that way.” He gestured with his thumb toward the area that would contain the barn in Autumn’s reality.

Signaling Keaton with a nod toward RK, she gripped Rachel’s hand and stormed in the direction indicated. Rachel ran to keep up, but didn’t complain. Behind them, Autumn could hear RK grumble as Keaton not-so-nicely encouraged him to follow their small trio.

Gothica remained quiet until they had reached the edge of the property. “Wait, Tums. Let him go first. In case he’s got traps in place.”

“RK, get your butt moving,” Autumn called back.

“RK?” he asked.

“Redneck Keaton.”

For the second time since they met, Gothica’s laughter was unrestrained. “I think I adore you,” she gasped out.

“What’s not to adore?” Autumn quipped as Rachel watched them in wide-eyed wonder.

“I wish my mom were like you,” the girl suddenly whispered. “You’re cool.”

“Your mom and I will have a come-to-Jesus meeting before I go, kid. I promise you that.”

19

Chloe’s appearance was bedraggled and filthy, enraging Keaton and making him see red. Not as prone to forgiveness as his wife, he glared at Rachel before stepping into the shed and hauling Chloe up into his arms.

Like her clone had before, she sobbed, but hers wasn’t an act. He cursed himself for being taken in by Rachel earlier. He now understood Goth Spring’s response in sending Chloe away. If Rachel always gave such Oscar-worthy performances, it would be difficult to believe her. Ever.

Spouting assurances that she was safe, he rocked Chloe in his arms and fought a battle against his own sobs. Her heartbreak was his. Autumn joined him, wrapping her arms around them and tucking her head against Chloe’s back.

“I’m sorry we didn’t find you sooner, Chloe,” she said achingly. “So sorry. But we’re here now.”

Lifting her head, Chloe nodded. “I knew you’d come, Mama. I knew.”

“And I always will.”

“I know that, too,” their daughter said with a watery smile. Just as quickly, she sobered again and asked, “Did you find Jolly?”

“We did. He’s with my parents and Uncle Alastair.”

Relief caused Chloe’s shoulders to drop, and she asked to be put down after she gave Keaton one more hard squeeze. “Will you take me to him? I want to see him.”

“Yes, midge. We’ll go there now.” Taking her hand, he locked gazes with Autumn. “Where did you leave Jolly?”

“By the old oak with Winnie’s and Zane’s initials.”

“But—”

She waved a hand in dismissal. “Yeah, I know there’s no mark on the trunk itself, but it’s in the same location.”

“Gotcha.” He bussed her forehead and gave her a significant look. He understood without words that she intended to find the other Autumn and read her the riot act for her negligence of Rachel. “You going to be okay here?”

“I will. I can’t say it won’t come to blows when I see my clone, though,” she said with a grin. “That bitch deserves whatever she has coming.”

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