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“It only shines in the presence of true love.” Fiona chuckled. “Well, and when I make it do that. But I was just showing off there. I wanted to know if you’d seen it yet.”
“I have.” Iris gulped, her heart hammering in her chest.
“And who were you with at the time?” Fiona turned to her.
“Kane,” Iris whispered.
“The cove doesn’t lie. But you do. To yourself. If you’re going to go after your new beginning, then do so with honesty, Iris. The truth always has a way of catching up with us.”
With that, Fiona winked out of sight, but Iris was already heading for the car. There was no way Beatrice could have known where Iris would go today, but the woman had been right–being in nature had absolutely clarified her direction. It just took the help of a ghost and a little extra magick as well.
By the time Iris returned to the village, once again coated in sweat, she was torn on whether she should drive straight to Kane’s or drop the car off first. But she didn’t know if Beatrice would need the car for anything, and in the interest of being a good neighbor, she went home first.
“Here are your keys,” Iris called, knocking on Beatrice’s apartment door.
“Oh, one moment.” Beatrice opened the door shortly with a brown box in her hands. “Did you have a nice afternoon then?”
“It was lovely. I think you were right. Nature is what I needed.”
“I’m always right, dear. Now, your young man came by but didn’t want to leave this outside, so I promised to give it to you the minute you got home.”
“What is it?” Iris exchanged the keys for the box, looking down at the simple brown package like it was a bomb.
“I have no clue. I’m nosy, but I’m not rude. You’ll tell me, of course, once you’ve opened it?” Beatrice’s eyes gleamed with interest.
“I promise. Well, unless it’s sex toys or something.” Iris winked.
“Like I don’t know what those are?” Beatrice chuckled and closed the door at Iris’s surprised look.
“Too much information.” Iris shook her head and unlocked her apartment door. Throwing her purse on the table, she flipped on her lights. She proceeded directly to her bedroom to plop down on the bed, which was still the only comfortable piece of furniture in the house.
It wasn’t unusual for Kane to bring her a gift, so she wasn’t sure why her hands trembled as she lifted the lid from the box.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Inside, reams of typed pages sat, neatly clipped at the top. A handwritten note was affixed to the first page.
* * *
Iris,
I’ve finished my book. The book that you helped me write. Nobody has seen this story yet. Not my editor, not my agent. It is completely untouched for you to do what you want with. I’m giving you this to read, rip up, or leak to the entire world if you want to do so. I hope you don’t, but I’ll respect your decision. You see, I trust you. Not only with my book but also with my heart. You hold my future in your hands, both professionally and personally.
When I met you, Iris, I was a broken man. And you, with your beautiful light, shone through my cracks and warmed my soul. You saw me for me, and you didn’t turn away. Instead, you lifted me up, cheered me on, and made me laugh every day. And I see you for you, Iris. You have such a pure heart, and you’re so incredibly brave. You didn’t even realize that you lent me some of your courage. I needed it, and maybe I still do.
* * *
I miss you like crazy, Iris. Please…
* * *
Just…please.
* * *
Love,
Kane
