Page 18 of The Witch's Rite
With a sigh, I abandon weeding and take a seat on the warm ground, leaning back against the raised bed for support. “What do you think I should do?” I ask.
“About what?”
“About Alden and Rowan.” I pluck a sprig of grass from the ground beside me and twist it around in my fingers, watching the way it gleams in the sunlight.
“I don’t understand,” Harrison says after a moment.
“I want them both.” I look over at him, but he’s still watching the bee. “Is that a bad thing? Am I wrong for these feelings?”
Harrison’s answer comes swiftly and with resolve. “No.” When I keep staring at him, he finally pulls his attention away from the buzzing insect and focuses it on me. “Perception of good or bad, right or wrong, is subjective.”
I turn his words over in my head for a moment. “So... you’re saying I choose for myself?”
He licks his paw and drags it over his ear. “Precisely.”
“Hmm.” I press my palm into the warm grass, letting my mind wander. Why can’t I care for two men? Why should I feel wrong for wanting to nurture the feelings I have for them both? As long as I’m open and honest with them and let them choose for themselves, maybe I shouldn’t worry so much about what others might think or what tradition dictates.
A small smile curls across my lips, and I look over at Harrison once more. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He yawns, showing his sharp white teeth. Then his ear flicks, and he glances over his shoulder. “Someone is coming up the lane.”
“Is it Alden?” I ask, gathering up my skirt and getting to my feet.
“No. The footsteps are too light.” He listens for another moment. “I believe it’s the postboy.”
Excitement bubbles inside me like a creamy soup simmering over the flames. I hurriedly walk from the garden and around the front of the cottage, and just as I pause at the front porch, the gleaming blond hair of the young mail carrier appears through the trees.
“Hello, Harry!” I call out, waving as he approaches.
He hastens his pace, big mailbag thumping against his hip. When he comes to stand before me, he’s slightly out of breath, and his cheeks are tinged with red from the summer sun.
“Got a letter for ya,” he says. Flipping open the top of his bag, he riffles through the colorful envelopes before stopping on one and pulling it out. “From your sister.” He hands it over with a big smile.
The envelope is thick and has an almost silky texture. The dark blue parchment has been scrawled on in glittering silver ink; Selene is the only person I know who writes on blue paper with silver ink. Must be the lunar energy inside her.
Harry stands there before me, lingering, and I realize with a jolt why he’s not yet departed. It’s become our ritual to have sun tea together before he heads on his way.
“Lavender or green?” I ask as I turn back toward the cottage.
He tips his head thoughtfully, then offers another smile. “Lavender, definitely.”
Once Harry has vanished back down Brookside Road, rejuvenated for the rest of his mail route, I take a seat at the table in the garden, Selene’s letter sitting on the table before me. Receiving correspondence from her has become one of thethings I look forward to most. As I lift my gleaming silver letter opener and slide it through the thick parchment, excitement thrums through my veins.
Dearest Little Sister,
I’m delighted to hear you’ve finally recognized your feelings for Alden. I knew from that first letter you sent that he’d be someone special to you. I can’t wait to meet him myself. No man has ever captured my sister’s heart; he must be a rare breed indeed.
How was the Beltane celebration? I know how much you’ve missed the Maypole dance. Perhaps next summer we can visit and celebrate together.
Speaking of which, Wyland and I have already begun making preparations to visit you for Samhain—and don’t you tell me I shouldn’t travel in my “condition.” Goddess knows I need to get out of Wysteria every now and then, and perhaps the little one will be here by autumn. Mother hasn’t yet decided if she’ll be joining us. I hope this won’t put you out—at least too much.
I miss you, my little Aurora. It’s been too long since I’ve seen your precious freckled face.
Tell Harrison I love him and plan to bring him all his favorite snacks. And write back soon! Don’t make me go weeks without word from you.
All my love,
Selene
