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“Nightshade wants to see both of you next week,” Astra said. “She’s going to set up the ritual to bring you into the Dark Moon Society.”

Crystal smiled. “I’m glad I’m being included.”

“Well, some things aren’t so much fun—you remember going after Marcus. But overall, we make a difference to the town, even though a lot of people don’t realize how much we do,” my aunt said.

I silently ate my way through several pieces of cheese along with a number of crackers.

“Are you okay?” Crystal asked.

I nodded. “I was thinking about how much has changed. I think Dan would have been happy to see me move on. I wish I’d been able to say goodbye to him. Just once. Even a whisper of a hello.”

As I spoke, Crystal stiffened and pointed. In the corner, a light mist was sparkling. I stared at it, waiting. Then, a handsome man stepped out of it and I let out a cry.

“Dan!”

He strode over to me and I felt his presence as he gave me a ghostly hug. I couldn’t feel his arms, but I relived the way I had felt in his arms.

Don’t cry. Don’t mourn. We had a lifetime of love in our five years,he whispered.

“But how… How are you here?” I stared into his eyes, wanting to embrace him and drag him back from the Veil.

It’s a gift, from Aphrodite,he said.I don’t have much time, but please, know that I loved you more than life itself. I willalwayslove you, but you need to move on, Maisy. You need to love and be loved. Love is your superpower now, and you need to open up and let it flow into your own life, as well as help others find it.

I was crying in earnest now. “I miss you so much!”

I miss you too, but I’m with you every day, my sweet. I’m with you no matter how alone you feel. Always remember that. I have to go but, don’t hold on to anger. I’ve let go of so much since I crossed over. I’ll be with you, but I no longer belong in your world, not the way you do. I’ll meet you when it’s your time, if you want, and I’ll watch over you until then. But go, be happy, find love, and help love find its way in the world.

Then, without another word, he began to fade. I cried out, reaching for him, but he vanished, and I was back in the kitchen again, holding my stomach as I began to cry.

Astra and Crystal took my hands, giving me strength.

“He said it’s time to let go, but what if I’m not ready?”

But you are ready.This time, it was Aphrodite. I could hear her clearly.You’re strong enough to move on. Let Dan rest in the past, and cherish the time you had with him. But you are still of this world, and you will make your mark in it. You aren’t leaving him behind, because he’s already gone ahead.

I let out a long breath and accepted the tissue my aunt handed me. While I wanted to cry, I could feel the changes working inside. Aphrodite was right: I was moving on in life. Dan had already moved on. I wasn’t leaving him behind—he was a long ways ahead, waiting for me in the future. And until then, I had duties to fulfill, and a life to lead, and people to love, and a place in my community. I was here to facilitate love in the world, and to do so, I had to feel whole.

I wiped my eyes and turned to my aunt and Crystal. “I guess I’m ready.”

“For what?” Astra asked.

I slowly removed my wedding rings and laid them on the altar. My finger felt bare, and I felt frightened for a moment, but then, I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“For whatever the future is about to bring my way,” I said. “It’s going to be quite a ride.”

For a moment they were silent, then they raised their glasses.

“Well, hopefully it will be a fun one,” Crystal said.

“Cheers to that.” I matched their toast, raising my glass of sparkling cider. “And here’s to Aphrodite, and to love. And to bringing people together who need love in their lives.”

As we went back to our meal, I felt a stir of excitement inside. I felt alive again, ready to face whatever was waiting for me. I felt…loved.