Love Charms (9 page)

Chapter
11

When they finally decided to tie the
knot, it felt monumental. The idea of starting a family and spending the rest
of their lives together made all of the lead up to this worth it. It wasn’t a
normal path, a witch and a mortal getting married, but this time it would work.

Raven thought back on telling Derek she
was a witch. It was a scary feeling, wondering if he’d walk away. Looking back
now, it was hard to believe how far they’d come. And when it was time for Derek
to ask for her hand in marriage, she was certain her father would be difficult.
It went so much smoother than she anticipated. It’s like they were meant to
come together.

And Benji, oh Benji. It all started
because he was talking in his sleep. Thankfully it was ending with a happily
ever after, and not Derek bolting. Raven shook her head, remembering Derek’s
face when he came to the bedroom. He mumbled about a talking dog. Oh boy, that
was quite a moment. But look at them now!

Raven looked at Derek. He was the one
that filled her with joy, happiness, and love. She couldn’t have planned this,
but she wouldn’t have done it any other way. Derek was the one that she wanted
to spend her life with.

They stood hand in hand, his hands cupped
over hers. Today they would become man and wife.

“And on this day you shall form your
union, a bond that will hold you treasured in one another’s lives from this day
forward. Blessed be, my children.”

Derek smiled on hearing the words. It was
official. It was real! Raven was his wife. His heart filled with pride and
love.

Standing before her husband, wearing a
simple dress and a flower in her hair, she knew she’d made the right choice.
She’d never loved somebody so deeply. There was nowhere else she’d rather be.

Looking to Derek, she saw her future. She
saw life. She saw happiness. Closing her eyes, she parted her lips as her
husband leaned in to kiss her.

As Derek’s lips brushed against Raven’s,
he thought about everything they’d gone through to get here. It was crazy and
nerve wracking at times, but looking at his gorgeous wife, he knew with
everything inside of him that she was the one. The way her dark hair glistened
in the light, the way her eyes danced when she laughed, the way she made him
feel when they were naked in bed together, and the way she always believed in
him…she was more than he could have ever dreamed of. Breathless. Kissing Raven
left him breathless.

Raven smiled, her eyes slowly opening.
This was real. As Derek pulled back from their kiss, she looked up dreamily. It
really happened. He was her husband. They’d made it. Her heart raced every time
he was around. Her stomach fluttered with butterflies. He made her feel like
she was the only person in the world that mattered. She hoped she’d make him as
happy as he made her.

Taking Raven’s hand, Derek stood with his
wife. He was caught in a dream, and he never wanted it to end.

The following day they had another small
ceremony. This time they had one in the mortal tradition. Yesterday’s was for
Raven. They decided it would be easier to go away to celebrate their union, to
evade any questions that came up from their families. They’d have receptions
for family and friends when they returned.

Derek looked at his wife and smiled. “Mrs.
Raven Yorkshire. I like the sound of that.” Holding his wife in his arms, he
held everything.

“I like it,” she said. “It sounds so
proper.” Her family name would remain on paper in the witch village since they
don’t change names, but in the mortal world her name would become her
husband’s. But her husband’s name would be forever tied to her own in the
village’s historical charts.

Raven drifted happily thinking back on
the experience as they headed back home. Nothing could have prepared
her…nothing.

One of the most handsome men she’d ever
seen was waiting in her living room. She could only stare in awe. Finally she
sputtered out the words, “What? When? How? I didn’t think I’d ever see you
again.” Jumping into the man’s arms, Derek was taken back.

“Raven, who is this?” He demanded an
answer. Jealousy stirred up inside of him. He didn’t like his wife’s reaction
at all.

“Let me look at you,” she said, oblivious
to her husband’s request. She reached out and touched the man’s face. “I’ve
missed you so much. I just didn’t think I’d see you again.” She was tearing up,
but they were tears of joy.

“Raven!” Derek’s voice pulled Raven out
of the moment.

“Derek, it’s Benji!” Her brother stood in
his human form, way ahead of schedule.

“Benji?” Derek cocked his head to the
side. “Wait, is that really you?” He’d never seen him in his human form. He’d
only ever known Benji as a dog.

Benji grinned at his new brother-in-law.
“In the flesh,” he said. He couldn’t wipe the smile from his face.

Raven couldn’t stop hugging her brother.
“How did this…? What happened?”

“I can barely believe it myself. I’m
still getting used to having hands again.” He took a deep breath. “I called and
apologized to Charlene. She deserved it. Normally she doesn’t want to hear
anything I have to say, but I spoke from my heart and I think she knew I meant
it this time.” His smile beamed. “So anyway, I go to sleep, and when I wake up
I go to use the doggy door, but I’m too big to fit through it. I was groggy,
and then realized I’m not a dog! It was unbelievable. I’m floored. I never
expected her to reverse the curse early.”

“Oh, Benjamin, I’ve missed your face so
much.” Raven squeezed her brother again, so happy to see him in this form.

“We talked, Raven. I think we’re going to
try to work things out. I’ve done a lot of thinking, and want to make it up to
her. She said she’d give me another chance. She misses me, too. She said after
getting over her anger, she realized that through it all she still loved me.
Can you believe it?”

Raven stepped back. “Are you sure, Benji?
That’s a little risky. Do you want to go back to that?”

“She’s my wife, Raven. I love her.” He’d
hurt Charlene in the past, and wanted to make things right.

Raven nodded. “Okay, then. Just try to
stay out of trouble.”

“I miss her. Seeing you and Derek
together, it made me miss my partner. She deserves a better man, and I’m
finally ready to be that man.” They’d fall in love and try all over again. He
was ready.

“Okay, just be careful, and for goodness
sake, behave. It’s wonderful to have you back with us this way! I’ve missed
seeing your face. Welcome back.”

* * *

“Couldn’t keep your pants on, eh?” Raven
shook her head, disgusted. “What is that?”

“Old habits die hard,” he shrugged. Benji
hopped back up onto the sofa, once again back in his bulldog form. He was
ashamed. He meant to try harder this time. He thought he could do it. It’s just
that temptation called his name and he wasn’t strong enough to resist.

“How long this time?” Raven rolled her
eyes. “Seriously? After everything you’ve been through?”

“I don’t know. She didn’t tell me. I
know, I know, I screwed up.”

“Screwed up? Benji, what’s it going to
take? It’s not fair to Charlene either.”

“What can I say? Her cousin is hot. I
couldn’t help myself. She made a pass at me in the kitchen, made it so easy.
Her hands were all over the place. I got turned on, and one thing led to
another. Charlene walked in on us in the kitchen.”

“Once a dog, always a dog,” she sighed.

“How are you feeling?” Benji asked,
bringing the attention back to his sister.

“Not bad, just a little longer. I’m
getting nervous.”

“Have you guys settled on a name yet, or
are you still back and forth?”

“He likes Tabitha. I’m leaning towards
Angie.” She smiled and rubbed her protruding belly. It was hard to believe this
was really happening. It felt like yesterday that they’d just started dating.

“You’ll get your way, he’s sweet on you.
Besides, you’re the mother of his child.”

Raven grinned. “Yeah, I’m sweet on him,
too.” So much had happened, but the best of it was having Derek in her life, a
decision she never regretted. They’d get through whatever they needed to as
long as they were together.

“He’s a good guy, Raven. I know he’s not
a witch, but he’s good to you. I’m glad you’re happy.” That’s all that really
mattered. Derek loved Raven, and Raven was happy.

Chapter
12

Raven called out to Derek, “Honey… I
think it’s time.” She tried to remember her breathing, but panic was setting
in. They were really doing this, they were having a child. She wasn’t sure what
she feared most, the discomfort or knowing a tiny baby would be completely
reliant on her. She thought she was ready, but now, now that it was so close,
she wasn’t so sure. “Honey…. hurry.” The panic in her voice grew more obvious.
“I think my water just broke.” The next contraction gripped her abdomen and
sides tightly. Raven drew a quick breath and then forcibly reminded herself to
slow it down.
Breathe, breathe, breathe.

Adrenaline rushed through Derek.
Time?
“Are you sure? I don’t think I’m ready.” He was already sweating as they headed
for the hospital. “You’re sure about this, right? I mean, if you’re not ready,
I don’t mind waiting.” His hands white knuckled the steering wheel as they
drove. He was about to become a father. Would he be a good father? He was sure
Raven would be a great mother, but what about him? Would he do his part? Babies
are so tiny…and coming, soon. Anxiety sat in his chest.

Raven nodded and tried to focus.
Everything inside of her was on edge. This was really happening. She didn’t care
how she delivered their child at this point, she just wanted the baby out of
her! She was more than ready. And trying to sleep the last few weeks was almost
impossible. She could never get comfortable, and felt as big as a house. The
contractions grew stronger. Raven dug her fingers into her thighs. She took a
deep breath and counted. She could do this, right? Lots of women have done
this. Why was she so scared then?

Derek felt more comfortable with her
giving birth at the hospital. They’d disagreed initially, but he talked her
into it. She thought a natural home birth would be a good idea, but he was all
about having medical staff there in case of an emergency. They finally agreed
that they’d do it at the hospital, but either way she wanted a drug free birth.
Only now that the contractions were hitting so strongly, she was having second
thoughts. An epidural sounded heavenly as the squeezing increased tenfold.

“Derek, can you drive faster?” She tried
to remain calm, but her ability to maintain that feeling was quickly fleeting.
“Like, a lot faster,” she pressed. The contractions squeezed her, pushing her
sense of humor right out of her. Raven clenched her teeth as the next wave hit.

“Right, right.” He wanted to stay calm.
In truth, everything inside of him was spinning. He was going to be a father.
They were going to be parents. Their entire life would change. He’d have new
responsibilities, bigger ones. Now was not the time to waver and become
insecure about providing, but it’s exactly what he was doing. With another
mouth to feed, somebody else counting on him, more bills and more…
breathe,
breathe, breathe
.

As they pulled into the hospital’s
entryway, Derek stopped at the entrance to make it easier for his wife. “I’ll
be there in one second. Let me go park.”

“Hurry,” she urged. As the wave hit, she
settled into one of the wheelchairs waiting in the lobby.
Make them stop!

A security guard came over, and took in
the situation. “Are you okay? You look like you’re about to have a baby,” he
joked, stating the obvious.

“Yes. Baby’s coming…” she panted. Dear
goodness, these contractions. She didn’t realize they’d be this strong.

“Let’s get you to labor and delivery.” He
suggested they start, and her husband could catch up.

“My husband…”

“He can meet us there. You look like
you’re good and ready,” he said.

“More than ready.” She glanced over her
shoulder and saw Derek had already parked. He’d be there soon.

As the man wheeled her to the elevator,
Derek caught up to them. “Are you okay?” He was panting from the sprint…or
maybe from his nerves.

Together they rode the elevator to the
second floor. As the doors opened, the security guard pushed her to the
admissions desk in labor and delivery. Wishing them luck, he was on his way.

After signing in, Raven was brought to a
birthing room. It looked as much like a small living room as the hospital could
pass it off as. There was a hutch and television, a rocking chair, and
comfortable wallpaper, but the bed with railings and the medical equipment
nearby took away the illusion.

“I’m not ready,” Raven whispered to
Derek, her eyes as big as saucers.

As the doctor walked in, she knew it was
about to happen soon, whether she was ready or not. She’s a witch. Shouldn’t
labor be easier? Shouldn’t there be a spell? When she asked her sister out of
curiosity, Ziara laughed and told her she’d be fine. All women go through this.

The doctor smiled with his
overly-whitened teeth, and told her it wouldn’t be long. She was a couple of
centimeters, but this could take time, especially for a first child’s delivery.
And time it took…hours and hours.

When she finally delivered her daughter,
the pain had passed and she forgot what she’d just been through. All she could
do was look into her daughter’s eyes and realize that she was holding the most
perfect human being she’d ever seen. Derek and Raven were already in love.

“She’s beautiful,” she whispered. She
turned to her husband. “Do you want to hold her?” It felt like nobody else was
in the room, even though the doctor and nurses were still there. It was the
most incredible experience she’d ever had. It was hard to believe she was
holding her daughter.

Raven was in awe of her daughter’s tiny
little nose, tiny hands, and the little tuft of hair on her head. She was
fascinated with the way her eyes tried to focus on her mother. She was a
mother. She’d waited all her life for the perfect moment, and everything about
today felt perfect.

“I think we should go with Angie,” Derek
smiled. “You were right. That’s the right name for her.” He was still in awe
over the entire experience. “That was…wow, just wow.” He was absolutely
smitten.

“Angie it is.” Raven smiled and cooed to
her daughter. “Do you hear that sweetie? That’s your new name, my beautiful
Angie girl.” Her heart felt like it had grown to twice its normal size.

Derek was falling in love with his wife
all over again. He didn’t think he could love her more, but seeing her holding
their child was intimate and rewarding.

She was normally an incredibly beautiful
woman with long, shiny hair that glistened in the light. Her eyes made his
heart melt every time he looked into them. She was easily the prettiest girl
he’d ever seen. And yet, in this moment, her hair all sweaty and pushed out of
her face, barely a stitch of make-up on, exhausted and worn, he’d never seen
her looking more beautiful. It was a memory he’d have forever, his wife holding
his child.

* * *

It was an ordinary day, the sun was
shining, the weekend was upon them, and everybody had settled in. When Derek
heard the baby stirring on the monitor, he got up to get her. “I’ve got her,”
he said, heading upstairs. It was hard to believe how much time had passed
already. It seemed like just yesterday that she was born, and already she was
pulling herself up on tables and in her crib. Standing! Soon she’d be walking.

Raven smiled at her husband. He was a
hand’s-on father, always willing to pitch in. Truth be told, Angie had him
wrapped around her tiny fingers. She would certainly be a daddy’s girl, the way
he doted on her.

From upstairs, Derek called down, “Honey,
could you come here for a second?”

“Sure, one second,” Raven answered.

Derek stood watching his child. He
wouldn’t have believed it, but he saw it with his own eyes. It was something
neither of them had expected.

Raven made her way to Angie’s room. She’d
just woken from a nap. When Raven walked in, she broke out in a grin.
How?
When? I didn’t think it was possible!

Angie stood in her crib, her arms
outstretched. She giggled as her small, stuffed bunny rabbit floated across the
room to her.
How did she…? But….this wasn’t supposed to happen
. She’d
somehow gotten the gift. It was impossible, right? Raven accepted that when she
married a mortal. This…this was incredible!

“How?” Raven watched her daughter,
amazed.  She couldn’t hide her smile. “I didn’t think…she shouldn’t…” She took
a breath. “I have to tell my family! They’re going to be so excited!”

“Things are going to be different around
here, aren’t they?” Derek asked cautiously.

“Just a little,” Raven said and laughed.
“I can’t believe it! She’s not supposed to….” She could barely finish a
sentence.

Raven scooped up her daughter, who was
now holding her stuffed rabbit. “When did you learn how to do that?” Angie got
the gift after all!  Raven couldn’t wipe the smile off of her face. You just
never can tell…

THE END

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