The area of the property that adjoined my garden and the rest of the Drake property boasted many trees and shrubs. It was fairly secluded and dark, even with the low-watt landscape lighting that illuminated the winding path from the cottage to the mansion. As I stood there trying to figure out what was out there, the lights suddenly blinked out.
For a wild few seconds I was truly afraid, and silently began berating myself for walking around alone in the yard, late at night. My eyes finally adjusted to the deeper darkness as a person walked into my view. I was vastly relieved to recognize Julian. I started to call out to him, but stopped.
He wasn’t alone.
My cousin Julian was walking through the trees with someone—a woman. Gradually the couple came nearer, and it took me a moment before I realized that she was covered in a dark blue hooded cloak.
The long cape made her practically blend into the darkness. I blinked a couple of times in surprise. Having removed myself from the Craft and contact with other Witches, I hadn’t seen anyone wear a cloak in years—unless it was for a Halloween costume. As I watched, the couple sank to a concrete bench in the secluded side gardens of the manor.
Stuck, I stayed where I was. Nervous that any movement I made would reveal my presence. I was slightly embarrassed to have accidentally stumbled upon a private moment, but yet I was curious. Especially since Julian had told me he was involved with someone, but he’d never mentioned who. Their kiss became more heated, and the woman’s hood fell back revealing long ginger curls.
It was Holly Bishop.
My jaw dropped. I’d estimated Holly to be twenty-two, so she had to be at least eight years younger than he was. From the way they held each other, it was clear they were lovers.
Holly tossed a leg over Julian’s lap, straddling him on the bench. “Here. Now,” she said.
I heard the low murmur of Julian’s reply. When they shifted to deal with their clothes, I scrambled back as noiselessly as possible.
And, I’m out! I thought, moving across the yard and farther away from them.
Obviously they believed that they were alone, because the sounds they soon began to make left no doubt as to what they were doing. Smothering a nervous laugh, I tiptoed back to my porch and eased the door open, making sure to shut it behind me gently.
It must be some sort of insane desperation that had Julian and Holly making love outside on a bench in the gardens while the snow melted around them. While part of me tried to imagine how one would ever get comfortable having sex on a bench…another part of me wondered what it would be like to want someone so badly, that you simply couldn’t wait to have them. With a sigh, I locked up and headed for bed.
That night I dreamt of the garden, but instead of being surrounded by snow there was soft green grass and pink tulips everywhere. I heard a low voice call my name and I turned with a smile on my face, fully expecting to see the love of my life…but instead all I saw was shadows.
***
Spring had finally arrived in William’s Ford. The temperatures grew steadily warmer and before I knew it, daffodils were breaking the ground. I found the first clutch blooming by our back porch and smiled over them.
The gray buds on the magnolia trees in front of the cottage started to swell, and it would only be a matter of time before they started to bloom. Thomas had told me the tree was the saucer magnolia variety, and I looked forward to its pink flowers.
On the first warm evening, I invited Nina Vasquez and Isabel over to the cottage, and while the baby sat on the blanket in the new grass, Willow settled beside her making Isabel laugh at her toys.
I handed Nina a glass of white wine and we sat at the café table and chairs on the back porch, appreciating the pretty evening.
“How was the bridal shower?” Nina asked. “Did you enjoy spending time with the other side of your family?”
I shot a look toward Willow and lowered my voice. “It was an interesting afternoon.”
“How so?”
“My grandmother’s people sure are different.” I took a sip of my wine and thought it over. “As a matter of fact, lots of folks ‘round town act a tad, eccentric.”
Nina snorted out a laugh. “You’ve been living in William’s Ford for a over three months, and you’re only now figuring that out?”
“Exactly!” I gestured with my wine glass. “Everyone talks about spells and charms right out in the open. It’s shocking. They’re not even trying to be discreet.”
“I’m surprised to hear you say that, considering your lineage.”
“What? Why?”
Nina set her glass on the table. “Because of the Drakes and the Bishops…and their history.”
“Oh, that.” I shrugged, hoping it came across as carefree. “I seem to recall my mama talking about an old feud. Very Hatfield and McCoy type of thing.”
“Maggie.” Nina rested her hand on top of mine. “You do understand what the Drakes are, don’t you?”
I glanced up in her face. “You said what not who.”
“I did.” Nina held my gaze.
“I’m afraid I’m not following you, Nina.”
Nina gave me a withering look. “You’re far too smart to play dumb, Maggie. I’m talking about magick—and you know it.”
I scoffed. “Come on Nina. The Drakes are successful, intelligent people. I haven’t seen any sign of them being into the occult. Believe me, I’d know.”
“You might be surprised.” Nina sat back in her chair. “My grandparents immigrated to the Unites States from Brazil, and my avó—my grandmother—she told me that her grandmother was a Curandeira.”
“What’s a…” I tried to sound it out. “Coo-run-deria?”
“Curanderia, is Portuguese for healer,” Nina said matter-of-factly, sampling the wine.
“Like an herbalist or wise woman type
