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“Why? What have I done?”

“You’re here. I know you’ll be takin’ off again to do what you do, but right now you’re with me, and there’s nothin’ in the world that makes me happier than havin’ you beside me.”

“Brody…”

“It’s true, darlin’. God gave you a gift to share with the world. Just as long as I know you’ll come back I’m good. Well, not good, but I get it, and you have my blessin’.”

“I love you so much,” she mumbled, fighting a rising surge of emotion. “It almost killed me not being able call or write to you. I was in prison with that horrible man.”

“Hey, it’s over,” he promised, pulling her into his arms. “Karma will step in and take care of him. We’re here together and that’s what matters.”

Sinking into his arms and closing her eyes, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace. The many months spent writing songs, recording and performing had been a dream come true. But through it all there’d been something missing. Now she knew it was being away from the man she loved. When Geoff had turned the dream into a terrifying nightmare, the missing piece became a gigantic chasm she never thought she’d be able to cross.

“There were times I didn’t think I’d ever see you again,” she whispered, pulling back and staring up at him as the tears trickled from her eyes.

“Hey, like I said, I should’ve come lookin’, and if you’re ever outta touch again I will, and that’s a promise.”

“Thank goodness you didn’t. I can’t even imagine what Geoff would have done. He’s like a king in that town.”

“Yeah, so I gathered, but now the evil man beneath the crown is about to be exposed. The people he’s used and abused will have their justice, and the ones still bowin’ and scrapin’ will have their freedom,” he said solemnly as he ran his hands up and down her back.

“That feels so good,” she said softly, letting out a heavy breath. “Will you do something for me?”

“Anything.”

“Tonight will you caress me like that all over my body?”

“You just read my mind. I’m just not sure if I can wait that long,” he said with a grin as he stepped back. “You’d better take that walk before I pick you up and carry you back to the house.”

“I won’t object.”

“Maybe not, but the horses will. They need to get out, and I need to get to work. But I promise later tonight, my hands will cover every inch of your naked body. And you know I always keep my promises.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Annie had walked through the forest for only a short time before she slowed her step to take in the surreal sight. Wisps of mist rose from the ground, so transparent they appeared almost like dust, yet barely a foot away bands of what looked like puffs of powder floated upwards. Raising her eyes to the tree tops, there were none to be seen, just the majestic trunks disappearing into the white fog. The picturesque, quiet scene felt magical.

“If I make a wish will it come true?” she whispered. A moment later she felt a breath of air against her cheek, as if an invisible finger had touched her. “Is it wrong to ask for everything? Can I have Brody and the horses and my singing? Can it all work together in harmony?”

But as the words left her lips a gentle rustling sound caught her attention, and turning her head she saw the large, gray dog.

“Hello, how lovely to see you again,” she murmured, crouching down to be at his level. “I’m sorry I don’t have any treats. Darn it, I should have brought some in case I saw you again.”

The dog tilted its head to the side, then began ambling towards her.

“What a beautiful boy you are,” she continued, speaking softly as he neared. “What happened to your family? You should have a name. I can’t keep calling you boy or dog. I know, how do you like Magic? I was just thinking how magical this place is and you appeared. Or Merlin? Yes, I like Merlin.”

As he stopped in front of her, she confidently reached out to stroke his head, and to her great joy he sat down and panted happily.

“You are such a sweetheart. I hope you weren’t caught in that awful storm yesterday. You seem pretty dry. I bet there are all kinds of ways to shelter in this forest. Will you join me for a walk? I can’t go too far in, though with you to protect me I don’t have to worry,” she added with a smile.

Straightening up, she started to move forward, but he didn’t follow.

“Don’t you want to join me?” she asked, turning around. Standing up, he barked, but he didn’t step towards her. “What? You don’t want me to go any further?” As if answering her question he barked again and she broke into a smile. “Okay! You know this place better than me.”

“Annie? Where are you?”

Hearing Brody’s voice, she walked a few steps away and looked down the path, but couldn’t see him.