Soul of the Witch Read online

Olive’s smile fell. “I can’t have two moms?”

  “Of course you can. Being your second mom would be my honor. I just…” She looked to Clay for help.

  He tightened his fingers around hers and whispered, “You’re doing fine, Abs.”

  She nodded and returned her attention to Olive. “Do you understand, sweetheart? Your mom will always be your mom. And I’ll be—”

  “My second mom,” Olive finished for her. “Just like my friend Ashley. She has two moms and two dads.” Olive’s brow creased with worry. “But I don’t want two dads. This one’s enough.”

  Everyone around them laughed.

  Abby chuckled. “You’re right about that. He’s a handful for sure. But I think he’s worth it.”

  “So is that a yes?” Clay asked as he opened the velvet box. A shiny diamond winked up at her.

  “Yes, yes, yes, yes!” Abby said and tugged her hands out of theirs in order to give them both a giant hug. As Clay, Abby, and Olive held each other, a cheer rose up around the room.

  “It’s time to break out the Champagne!” Yvette called.

  “I’ll get the glasses,” she heard Faith chime in.

  “I’ll get the cake.” Noel added.

  Olive wiggled out of her embrace and ran toward the kitchen. “I’ll help! The cake’s outside in the second refrigerator.”

  Noel held her hand out to Olive and said, “Lead the way, little Garrison. Let’s find that cake.”

  Clay let Abby go and plucked the ring from the box. He glanced up at her and grinned as he slid the ring onto her finger. “Are you free New Year’s Eve?”

  “It would appear so.” She eyed him. “How long have you two been planning this?”

  His grin vanished, and he turned serious as he said, “I can’t speak for Olive, but I’ve been planning this since I was thirteen.”

  Her heart melted into a puddle right there on the floor between them. “I was twelve.”

  “Abby,” he said as he bent his head and kissed the ring now lodged on her finger. “We were always heading to this moment. No matter where we were or who we were with, we were always going to end up here. It’s right in a way that no other relationship has ever been or ever could be. And I know our paths took a few left turns—”

  “U-turns,” Abby said with a smile.

  His lips twitched with amusement. “That sounds about right. But without those turns we wouldn’t have Olive or the wisdom to know just how special this relationship is. I know it took about a decade longer to get here than we thought it would, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

  Love burst through her and this time, her embrace was only for him. He wrapped his arms around her and they stayed molded together, still kneeling on the living room floor, until Olive arrived with two pieces of engagement cake in her hands.

  “Here,” she said, thrusting the plates at them. “Aunt Yvette says you two need to eat to keep your strength up for later tonight. What’s happening tonight?”

  Clay let out a choked laugh while Abby cast a glare at Yvette, who was chuckling to herself while cutting cake.

  “Golf cart races,” Abby said. “Wanda and I are finally going to see whose cart is faster.”

  “Ohhh!” Olive clasped her hands together with pure glee. “Can I come?”

  “Sure. You can be my second.” Abby winked at Clay, who just shook his head. He didn’t understand the appeal of the party cart she’d purchased and tricked out with flashing LED lights and a surround sound system. But that was okay. He didn’t have to. Olive loved it and so did she.

  “Yes!” Olive pumped a fist and ran back to the kitchen to get her own piece of cake.

  Clay put their cake plates on the coffee table and held out a hand to help Abby up off the floor. When he had his arms around her again, he whispered, “Don’t wear yourself out. Yvette’s right. You’re going to need your strength.”

  A small shiver of anticipation flitted through her. She threaded her fingers through his thick hair, and in a husky voice she said, “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Garrison.”

  His eyes sparkled with mischief as he asked, “Do I ever?”

  “No,” she breathed and said, “Now kiss me.”

  He pressed his lips to hers, and finally she was home.

  ***

  Look for Heart of the Witch (Witches of Keating Hollow, Book 2) in May of 2018.

  Want more books featuring witches, love, and friendship? Check out The Vampire’s Last Dance, the first book in the Witch Island Brides Series.

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  To learn about Deanna’s new releases sign up for her newsletter here. Do you prefer text alerts? Text WITCHYBOOKS to 24587 for news and updates.

  Deanna’s Book List

  Pyper Rayne Novels:

  Spirits, Stilettos, and a Silver Bustier

  Spirits, Rock Stars, and a Midnight Chocolate Bar

  Spirits, Beignets, and a Bayou Biker Gang

  Spirits, Diamonds, and a Drive-thru Daiquiri Stand

  * * *

  Jade Calhoun Novels:

  Haunted on Bourbon Street

  Witches of Bourbon Street

  Demons of Bourbon Street

  Angels of Bourbon Street

  Shadows of Bourbon Street

  Incubus of Bourbon Street

  Bewitched on Bourbon Street

  Hexed on Bourbon Street

  * * *

  Last Witch Standing Novels:

  Soulless at Sunset

  * * *

  Crescent City Fae Novels:

  Influential Magic

  Irresistible Magic

  Intoxicating Magic

  * * *

  Witches of Keating Hollow Novels:

  Soul of the Witch

  Heart of the Witch

  * * *

  Destiny Novels:

  Defining Destiny

  Accepting Fate

  About the Author

  New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Deanna Chase, is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans or playing with her two shih tzu dogs. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her website at deannachase.com.