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He hoped with all his heart that Cassidy’s ability to see and understand didn’t apply to every aspect of his life. If she peeked into things that she did not understand, she gave no indication. She was normally not shy about asking questions, so he continued to hope.
“What was I supposed to do?” he asked. “I know you like her, but she doesn’t belong here.”
“She does. Echo does belong here.”
He had thought so, at one time. “If she belonged here she’d be here. That’s the way the universe works.”
Bryna scoffed, stood and headed for the rear door. “Poppycock,” she said in a clear, loud voice. “Do you think the universe is going to do everything for you? The Raintree girl came to you. Of all the places in the world she might’ve gone in her wanderings, she ended up here. It’s up to you to keep her.” She snorted. “I need a nice long walk and a nap. Fix it.” The door slammed behind her.
Alone with his daughter, Rye tried to remember why he’d sent Echo away. His life was in shambles; he was not who he’d always believed himself to be.
He still didn’t want her family to overrun the town, but considering Gideon’s reaction to the stones, he doubted that would be a problem.
Cassidy smiled. “I made Echo believe in fairies. She wasn’t sure, at first, but I made her believe. I conjured some pretty lights to guide her to the stones, and she wanted to believe they were fairies. She knows better now, but I should really apologize. I told her it was me but I didn’t say I was sorry. I can’t apologize if she’s not here.”
“Do you see her future?” he asked. “Do you see Echo?” He wanted to know that she was safe and happy. Even if she wasn’t safe and happy with him.
Cassidy shook her head. “Not anymore. She’s too close to me now. She’s a part of my circle.”
It was frustrating. He wanted to know! “How can that be? You barely know her.”
Cassidy shrugged, accepting in a way that only a child can be. “When I first met her, I thought she’d stay. I even had a weird thought that she was...the Oracle of Cloughban. Have we ever had our own oracle? What is an oracle exactly? I should’ve asked Granny. She’d know.”
Oracle of Cloughban? No. Echo wouldn’t come back.
“Your head is too full,” Cassidy argued.
“I’m a grown-up. That happens sometimes.”
Cassidy sighed and gave him a look of pure female indignation. Oh, hell, she was growing up too fast. “It’s simple, Da. It’s so, so simple. Clear your head and focus on what’s important. Do you love her?”
* * *
“What are you grouching about?” Echo asked. “You’re taking a private plane home. It’s not like you’re going to miss your flight. I know Hope will have to wait a bit at the airfield, but it won’t be too long.”
“It’s not that,” he grumbled.
“Then what?”
Gideon’s lips tightened and his eyes narrowed, and then he said, “I have a feeling I won’t see you again for a long time.”
Echo glanced at her cousin’s profile. She’d miss him, too, but this was her place. This was her life. “We’ll visit, and you can bring the family here for a vacation.”
Assuming Ryder allowed her to stay.
Who was she kidding? He didn’t get to allow her anything. She’d stay. She was a grown woman who could live wherever she wanted to. The immediate plan was to settle in and hound him until he admitted that he loved her and could not live without her. That might not be easy, but it wasn’t impossible, either. She would fight for him if she had to.
She wasn’t a fighter. Never had been. But maybe she just hadn’t run across anything worth fighting for. Until now.
“Make sure to stock up on dampening talismans before you come again,” she advised.
“Don’t worry, I will.” He sounded no happier than he had before.
Besides, Cassidy wanted to go to Disney World...
The road was barely wide enough for the rental car. Gideon cursed when he spotted the dust on the winding road, up ahead, around the bend. One of them would have to pull off for the other to pass. Even then, it would be a tight fit.
But before they turned the bend, Echo knew that wouldn’t be a problem. That was Ryder up ahead, and he was coming for her.
