Uncle Jo closed his eyes in defeat. “Don’t worry. You ain’t the only one who’s failed.”
Misty’s head jerked up from her inspection of the necklace. “Just because it’s not happening right away doesn’t mean we’ve failed. You gotta hold out a little more hope and faith than that.”
“Plus, whatever spell was used, it had to be pretty big,” I said, pointing at the big pig in front of us.
“Exactly.” Misty crouched back down and held her palm out, waving it over all the stones. “There’s definitely energy radiating out, which means we’re not totally on the wrong path.
“The amethyst is good, as is the smoky quartz. But maybe I should add in some amber and obsidian or turquoise to absorb more of the effects of the spell. The garnet and jasper are definitely zinging, so I think I’m on the right track there, but I think I want to add in some bloodstones for a little kick to your vitality.”
Uncle Jo placed a hand on Deacon and petted him. “We’ll keep tryin’, son.”
Misty unclasped the bejeweled piece from the pig’s neck. “We sure will. And look on the bright side, now you’ll have to spend more time with me. Maybe even come to my place so we could test the stones before I set them.”
Deacon’s hooves danced on the dirt. “I wouldn’t mind that, I guess,” he muttered low. Instead of blushing cheeks, he grunted and oinked with excitement.
Misty took her work with her as she returned to her place behind the table. She picked up my uncle’s money and held it out to him. “I can’t take this. At least, not yet.”
“But you already did the work that we asked of you,” Uncle Jo protested. “You earned it. Plus, we’ll owe you more for the changes you make.”
Narrowing her eyes, she grinned a little. “I can tell you aren’t going to let me have my way, so let’s strike a compromise. She counted out some of the bills and folded them up, tucking them inside her corset. “I’ll accept half for the time I’ve already spent. And I insist you pick something out for your loved ones.”
With reluctance and a little defeat, Uncle Jo accepted the leftover money and stuffed it into his pocket. “You know, Delia might like a pair of earrings.”
“And Dani Jo would love that necklace,” I pointed at a light blue stone pendant.
Misty helped us choose a couple of things for Aunt Delia and Dani Jo, wrapping them up in velvet pouches and putting them into colorful gift bags.
I wandered down to the end of the table, lingering in front of the fire opal bracelet. Unable to resist, I slid it off the display it rested on and slipped the silver cuff over my wrist. The stone flared to life, and a pleasant heat rushed down my arm.
“Whoa, I guess we know your elemental talents.” Misty took my hand in hers, inspecting the stone. “It’s practically come alive. Based on its reaction to you, I’ll bet it’ll enhance your magic. It pleases me that it’s found the right home.”
With only a thought, I conjured a small flame in the middle of my palm and allowed the flame to dance over my fingers. “It’s like it was made for me.”
“I couldn’t have said it better,” Misty beamed.
I flicked my fingers and extinguished my magic. The flashes in the stone glowed like embers. “How much?”
The jeweler tapped her finger against her upper lip. “Hmm, well, I think I’ll take the steep price of free.”
“Free?” I screeched, moving to take the bracelet off. “You can’t just give it to me.”
She reached out to stop me from removing the piece of jewelry. “I can. But I think I should clarify, I do expect something in exchange.” Misty picked up a bunch of business cards. “Send some customers my way when they admire the bracelet. And since I know you guys deal in antiques and pick over estates, maybe you can let me look at any stones you come across first?”
“Deal!” I agreed, still marveling over my new acquisition.
“Awesome,” she exclaimed, handing Uncle Jo the gift bag and maneuvering around the table to hug Deacon. “I promise we’ll figure something out and come see you soon.”
My cousin shuffled a little closer to her. “I’ll be holding you to your word.”
Misty let him go and took both my hands in hers. “And when I do come and visit, maybe you’ll let me examine this exquisite ring,” she said, twisting my wrist so she could get a better look. “As old as it is, there must be an incredible story. I’d love to know what it is.”
A prickly heat rose in my cheeks, and I distracted the bubbly girl with a quick embrace and a promise to tell her later. Although Luke had shown me a sliver of a piece of his former life, he’d clammed right up again after we’d gotten engaged and he’d slipped his sister’s ring on my finger, avoiding talking about her at all cost.
I rubbed my chest to ease the ache in my heart. I couldn’t help but agree with Misty as I followed my uncle and cousin deeper into the market to find my father. There was a bigger story behind the ring. And I intended to find out what it was.
Chapter Two
Cate tapped the side of her empty glass with a spoon and slurred at our friend behind the bar, “Hey, Harrison. We need more medicine.”
“Another round of Painkillers coming up,” the new partner or Riki’s Tiki Tavern agreed, hitting the switch on the blender.
Dani Jo groaned and held her head. “We should get some food if we’re going to drink more.”
“Ooh, maybe we can get Pops to send us over some burgers and fries,” I agreed, chewing on the wedge of pineapple hanging off my drink. “Hey, Harrison. Can you get Pops to send us food?”
Our friend shook his head while he mixed our
