Page 67 of Secrets of the Eternal Flame

Then, because I could, because the world hadn’t ended and he was here and I was still breathing, I leaned in and kissed him like my life depended on it, like it was the lastchance I’d ever get to memorise the shape of his mouth, the taste of him, and enjoy the dizzying spark that flared whenever our lips met.

His hand slid to the back of my neck, anchoring me, deepening the kiss with a reverence that sent goosebumps skittering down my spine. Time folded in on itself. The chaos, the fear, the noise – they all faded until there was nothing but this. Us. This heartbeat of a moment.

Goddamnit, I loved this man.

‘Where to?’ he asked simply.

Still reeling from the words I’d finally admitted to, albeit within the confines of my own head, I gave a tight smile. ‘Home, please. I’m too tired for a sleepover at yours. And I don’t have Eva’s bunny with me.’

Eva barked agreement. The bunny was a necessity.

Without comment, Fraser put the car in gear and drove us home. He parked outside and turned to me. ‘Can I come in? I’ll make myself useful.’

I smiled. ‘Sure. You can feed Eva for me while I check in with the Flame.’

He looked like he was about to step out of the car, no doubt to come round and open my door like the gentleman he was, but he hesitated. ‘I know this is lousy timing,’ he said, ‘but I’m going to do it anyway becausetonight something terrible could have happened to you and that thought terrifies me.’

I opened my mouth to respond and assure him I was okay but he raised his hand. ‘No, please let me say this because I need to. I know that being a PI isn’t just a job to you; it’s part of the very fabric of your soul. Youneedto help others and I love you for it.’ He licked his lips and met my eyes. ‘I—’

‘I love you!’ I blurted out. The words flew from my mouth before I could stop them.

A slow grin curved across his face. ‘You just couldn’t let me say it first, could you?’ He leaned down and kissed me gently. Against my lips he murmured, ‘I loveyou, Beatrix Stonehaven.’ He laughed softly. ‘Even if you did steal my thunder.’

I laughed. ‘I know,’ I said. ‘But I’ve been thinking it so much and I’ve been so desperate to say it. Every time we’re on the phone—’

‘I’ve been the same,’ he admitted.

We sat there, staring at each other, our eyes locked. My cheeks were burning and it took me a moment to realise it was because I was smiling so much. ‘So this is what love feels like,’ I said.

‘I guess so,’ he replied.

‘It’s pretty good, isn’t it?’

‘It’s awesome.’As he leaned forward and kissed me again, a thousand images flooded my mind. Images of the future. A life with him.

And all of the images were my own.

Chapter Forty-One

It took a beat to come back to myself, to the here and now, to smell the leather of his seats and saltwater and vanilla smell that was uniquely him.

He went around the car and held open the door for me. ‘Thanks,’ I beamed, as I fumbled in my pocket for the house keys. I unlocked the front door and the sense of home resonated in my very bones.

Fraser let out a soft gasp. ‘It’s warm,’ he murmured.

I heard the soft crackle, but I knew that by the time I reached the living room any evidence of the Flame would be gone. And I was right: the hearth was empty, but this time when I placed my hand on the fireplace it wasn’t warm – it washot.

‘Do you mind going to the kitchen and grabbing Eva some food?’ I asked. ‘I need a few moments alone here.’

‘Sure. I’ll make us a cup of tea. We’ll stay out of your hair until you callus.’

‘Thanks.’ I shot him a smile for being so understanding and he disappeared into the kitchen, taking Eva with him.

I sat down in front of the fireplace. The Flame had been alight tonight. A lot. And finally I believed I knew the reason why. It may well have been hiding from Fran, but I was pretty sure it was more than that.

‘I think I’ve got it,’ I said, sinking down in front of the empty grate. ‘I knowwhenyou come … andwhyyou come. It happens when I feelat homehere, right? It happened when I was talking about the White Wine Coven with the girls, when I was feeling all the love from the sisterhood, feeling like I belonged, and then when I had the courage to call Ernie for help, like any normal granddaughter would do. And tonight, while I was with Fraser, when I realised he was the future I wanted here in Witchlight Cove.That’swhy you came back, isn’t it?’

There was no reply, no flicker of light, but instead a rush of cold air as if the chimney were clearing itself ready for what was to come. I needed to keep going; I needed to see this all the way through.

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