Witches of Three_Seraphina (13 page)

“I want to come back, to be part of your lives, if you’ll let me.” He looked at Claire beseechingly. “Under whatever terms you dictate. I won’t run out on you again. I promise.”

Everyone was silent, but Sera saw tears roll down her mother’s cheeks. Shocked, she realized Claire had always remained faithful to her husband’s memory. She still loved him despite his abandonment.

“Claire?” he whispered, and walked toward her slowly. “I’ve never stopped loving you.” He held out his hand to her, but she didn’t take it. Instead, she gave way to the sobs that welled from her throat.

“Leave her alone,” Charlie cried out. “She doesn’t want you anymore. None of us do.”

“I do,” Sera said sharply. She couldn’t bear to think that her father might be sent away after he’d finally come home to them.

“I do too,” Phil said and spoke to Owen. “I was old enough to remember you all those years ago. How laughter seemed to fill the house the moment you entered. But you changed. You seemed so sad all the time, and you’d look at us with tears in your eyes. I remember the last time I saw you. I’d had a bad dream, and you came in and hugged me and reassured me there was nothing to fear. You said you’d always be there to protect me, then you went away.”

“I’m sorry, little Philomena, my princess, and Charlene, my little beauty, and baby Sera. I’ve thought of you every minute of every day.”

No one spoke, and the silence stretched into long minutes.

“I understand. You can’t forgive me. I don’t blame you,” he said, and with bowed head, turned toward the door.

“Daddy,” Sera cried and ran to him, throwing her arms around him. “Don’t go. I want you to stay. I forgive you for leaving us.” She turned back to her sisters. “Phil? You said you cared. Charlie? He’s our father. He’s come back to us.”

She waited, and slowly, Claire made her way across the room to her husband. They stared at each other for what seemed an eternity, then Claire stepped into his embrace. They stood rocking each other, and finally turned to look at their daughters.

“Charlie? Phil?” Claire said, and Owen opened his arms.

His daughters moved to join them. It was a beginning, and Sera felt her heart swell. There was a lot of hurt to overcome, but they’d made their first step. Tearful hugs were followed by exclamations as husbands were introduced. Beck and Nick shook hands with their father-in-law. When the excitement died down a little, Owen looked at Jack.

“It’s good to see you again,” he said, holding out his hand. “That was some excitement we had the other day.”

“Yes, sir. I’d like to thank you for your help in calling me about the danger Sera was in.”

“Well, I guess she wasn’t in as much danger as I imagined. She’s pretty good at taking care of herself.” Owen’s voice had gained a new authority as he spoke to Jack. “She could still be hurt.”

“Not by me, sir. You can rest assured I’ll take good care of her.”

“What’s this?” Sera demanded.

“I was reassuring your father that you’ll be in good hands with me,” Jack said.

“So you are engaged,” Phil said. “I knew you were holding something back.”

“He hasn’t really asked me yet,” Sera protested, looking at Jack.

He was beaming. “It’s kind of hard to get a word in edgewise around here,” he said. “I’ve been meaning to propose to you all day so we could tell your family tonight, but…” He shrugged.

“You’ll get used to it,” Beck said, and Nick nodded his head, but both men were chuckling.

“So we’re all complete again,” Claire said tremulously. “I’m so happy.”

They were all silent. No one seemed to know what to say or do.

“Hey, the food’s getting cold,” Jack said. “Owen, lead the way.”

With relieved laughter, they turned to the dining room and the laden buffet dinner. The past hour had been fraught with old emotional wounds. They were grateful to return to some semblance of normalcy. Sera and Jack were the last to get in line.

“You didn’t say whether or not you’d marry me,” he said softly.

“You know I will.”

“I just like to hear it,” he teased and drew her into his arms.

From the dining room, they could hear sounds of merriment and the clink of silverware against china, but all was quiet there in the living room.

“Do you think we could slip away for a little while?” Jack asked, his eyes glinting with that special light.

“Not without being noticed by our absence. I could freeze time for a while if you like.”

“You can do that?”

“I’m a witch.” She sighed. “I’d better not. I think Charlie could break the spell, and then I’d never hear the end of it. You don’t want them involved in our personal lives. Later.”

“Okay,” Jack said reluctantly and turned toward the dining room. “I feel married already,” he groused.

About the Author

Temple Hogan is the author of over forty books, some hard cover, under the name of Peggy Hanchar and Peggy Roberts. She lives on an inland lake in Michigan with her husband, three cats and one naughty Shitz Tzu named Gizz. Her hobbies are cooking, gardening, acrylic painting and reading detective stories. She’s currently at work on her next book.

Temple loves to talk to her readers and can be found at TempleHogan.blogspot.com.

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