“Speaking of our ever-expanding family,” he says cryptically. “Stevie, would you mind getting that?”
“I… guess not.” I head over to the door and pull it open, ready to welcome our newest guest with open arms.
But as soon as I see that sleek black bob and fashionable red lips, I lose all sense of myself.
I can’t even speak. Seriously, I don’t remember how to make words or even move my lips.
“Happy Harvest Eve,” Jessa says softly.
“Jessa?” I finally manage, still not totally trusting my eyes. “But what… When… How is this possible?”
“I have an old friend in Mexico,” Doc says from behind me, brushing his knuckles down my arm, “not far from where Jessa’s family lives. The mage is a retired portal magick specialist, and he owed me a favor.”
“You did this,” I breathe, my eyes still not leaving Jessa’s. “For me.”
“I knew how much you missed her, Stevie,” he says. “And this holiday is about honoring and remembering those we love.”
“You did this for me,” I repeat, still trying to catch up. I feel like everything is happening in slow motion, except for the fact that my heart is slamming into my ribs.
“It’s only for a couple of hours,” he says, keeping his voice low. “I wish she could stay longer, but it’s too dangerous—I’m talking aboutrealdanger, Stevie. If anyone outside our circle found out she was here, she’d become an instant target. She’s the easiest way to get to you, and she’s got no magick to defend herself.”
I nod, my brain finally catching up. Doc doesn’t have to explain—I agree with him completely. My heart breaks to know I’ll have to say goodbye so soon, but even one minute with her on Harvest Eve is more than I ever could’ve hoped for.
One more thing to be grateful for on the holiday meant for just that.
Brushing away my tears, I beam at the woman standing inexplicably in Doc’s doorway—my best friend. “I’ll just have to hug her extra tight, then.”
Jessa squeals, and I squeal, and she launches herself into my arms, holding me for what feels like an eternity.
* * *
As predicted, Isla and Nat fall instantly in love with her, something that started from our very first Witch-’N-Bitch Happy Hour chat and has only intensified with the in-person visit.
I introduce her to all the guys, eager for her to welcome them into her heart like I have. She knew Kirin from Kettle Black, but it doesn’t take long for her to get comfortable with the others, and by the time we’re finished with the first course, she’s already inherited four new big brothers.
Jessa and I hold hands under the table all through dessert, eating pie off each other’s plates and falling into our old conversations and jokes like no time has passed. And even though I know the clock is ticking, I try to stay in the moment, memorizing every detail of a night filled with friendship, good food, good wine, and love.
It’s the best night I’ve had in a very long time.
We’ve just finished our second helping of chocolate torte when the doorbell chimes again, and Doc squeezes my shoulder and nods.
It’s time to say our goodbyes.
“Who’s at the door?” I ask.
“An old friend offered to escort Jessa home tonight,” he says cryptically. “Actually, she’d like to speak with you first. She’ll be waiting outside.”
While Jessa uses the restroom, I head outside in search of Doc’s second mystery guest of the evening, wondering just how many more surprises my heart can take tonight.
There, standing in the shadow of a huge saguaro cactus, is a woman I didn’t think I’d ever see again—not in this realm, anyway.
“Lala!” I reach for her hands, smiling into her young face. She’s wearing her glamour tonight, her skin flawless, her brown eyes full of their usual depth and wisdom. She’s also traded her star-spangled skirt-and-cape ensemble for a much more sensible pair of stretchy jeans and a mustard yellow off-the-shoulder sweater. “Happy Harvest Eve.”
“To you as well, Starla,” she says.
“I’m glad you’re here. I never got a chance to thank you for your help in the realm. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your guidance.”
“There’s no need for thanks.” Lala smiles that mysterious smile of hers. “I promised your mother I would do what I could to protect you, so that is what I’ve done. What I will always do.”
