“I didn’t know, and that was the hardest part. I didn’t know if we’d defeat him, or when he’d strike. I certainly wasn’t expecting it to go down the way it did, but I’m grateful because we had an army of people on our side.”
“I suspected it would happen there,” she admits.
“Really?”
“Yeah, because I still suspected Esme. But also because he likes to show off, Lucien. He likes an audience. And what better audience than a circle of witches?”
“Very true. I’m sure he’s pissed that he failed.”
“He’ll try again.”
“Yes.” I sigh and bury my lips in her hair. “He will.”
“My baby sister needs to get her shit together, or we will lose again.”
“She will,” I reply with confidence. “I have faith in her. You need to, as well.”
“Yeah, well, I believe in her. I also believe in the power of Brielle’s nagging. She’ll badger the poor girl into being with Jackson if it’s the last thing she does.”
I laugh and drag my thumb over her forehead. No headache today.
“Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. She can’t be nagged into it. It has to happen of their own free will.”
“Then we might be doomed.” Millie grins. “Does this mean we get to grow old together, a mhuirnín?”
“It means we’re one step closer. I honestly don’t know what happens from here. We’ve never gotten this far before.”
“Wow,” she breathes. “No pressure or anything.”
I grin and tip up her chin so I can kiss her sweet lips. The love I have for this woman brings me to my knees. My chest aches with it. And I’ll do everything in my power to keep her and those we love safe.
“No pressure at all.”
Epilogue Daphne
Six Months Later…
The wedding was absolutely stunning. Millie was radiant in her long, flowy white dress. We talked her out of wearing the one she wore a hundred years ago. I still can’t believe she found it in a trunk in one of the empty bedrooms.
The whole something old is fine, but sometimes you need something new, for a fresh start. And this dress with its little forget-me-nots embroidered in the veil was just the right thing. And when Lucien saw her for the first time, well, let’s just say there wasn’t a dry eye in the field.
We’re back in the same place we held the Halloween ritual, but I was relieved to see that all remnants of that scary night were swept away with cleansing spells and magic.
Thank the goddess for magic.
I’ve always left that sort of thing up to Millie. It’s not that I don’t believe. It’s the exact opposite, actually.
It’s that I’ve seen what magic can do, how it can destroy, and I avoid it like the plague.
Just like I avoid Jackson Pruitt.
Who, by the way, is here. And that’s why I’m in the damn bathroom. I was so mad when Millie told me she invited him.
But he’s her friend, and she’s stubborn.
And I can handle it. I’m an adult. And I know that sooner or later—okay, sooner—we’ll have to work together. I feel it.
I know he’s part of my destiny.
But damn it, I’m just not ready. Not yet.
So, today, I’m going to pull up my big-girl panties and enjoy my sister’s special day. I’ll deal with Jack some other time.
I nod, happy with this decision and feeling bolstered from my little pep talk, and walk out of the bathroom.
It’s suddenly grown quiet outside, which is odd for a wedding reception of at least a hundred guests.
I frown as I walk around the side of the house. The air is still. There’s no music. No laughter or talking.
Just…silence.
“Hey, guys?” I call out. “What’s going on?”
Everyone is standing, facing away from me. Not moving. Just standing as if they’re in a trance.
“Guys?”
Collectively, they all turn to stare right at me.
And every single one of them is missing their eyes.
About Serendipity
Coming October 2021!
From New York Times Bestselling Author, Kristen Proby, comes Serendipity, the final installment in her gripping Bayou Magic series…
I’m not a practicing witch, but there’s never been any denying my oddities. At least I can put my psychometry to good use at my antique store—I mean, who wouldn’t want to buy from someone who can see the history of every piece?
My gift, however, is also a curse. It cost me the love of my life. Sure, we were young, but some things you can’t get over. Like being the cause of the biggest tragedy of your boyfriend’s life. It’s something I’ll never forget, and a reflection of who I am.
But now that Jackson’s back in town, medal of honor on his lapel, and scars aplenty. It’s time for me to be brave, too. A malevolent evil hell-bent on making my sisters and me pay for rebuffing him is still stalking my family, and some ancient writings portended that the six were the only ones who could defeat him.
Apparently, Jackson Pruitt and I round out that magical number, which means I have to face him and the things he makes me feel, to save my family and my city.
I never sought to reconnect with Jack. His heart may be the most valuable thing I’ve ever touched or held. Working with him now means opening myself up to my feelings for him.
Refusing means destruction for us all.
For more information, visit: www.kristenprobyauthor.com/serendipity
About the Author
Kristen Proby has published close to fifty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion and Romancing Manhattan Series.
Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two cats and dog.
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