Page 68 of Magical Mischief

Keegan tightened his fists and took a few steps toward the door.

The tension soared once more as the coziness became overshadowed by uncertainty.

I shared a glance with the group.

My father let out a low warning bark, as though he sensed more danger might be lurking.

Keegan reached for the latch, and the cottage braced for who or what might be on the other side.

After everything I’d been through, I just wanted a bit of calm.

But that wasn’t what was in store for me, and I almost fainted at who was on the other side of the door.

Chapter Sixteen

Keegan yanked the front door open, and for a half-second, my mind didn’t accept what I saw.

Or should I say, whom I saw?

My mother.

She stood there looking like she’d stepped straight off a luxury cruise liner with an oversized sunhat perched on styled blonde hair, her breezy blouse clashed magnificently with the winter chill, and a bright, cherry-red rolling suitcase stood behind her.

My mom narrowed her eyes in a slow critical gaze as her perfectly glossed lips pressed into a thin line.

“Well, are you just going to make me stand out here in the cold or let me in?”

I opened and closed my mouth as my words failed me for a breathless moment.

Mymother.

Who’d left Stonewick years ago.

Who’d cut ties with my dad and any evidence that might tie her to this life.

Now she stood on the porch, acting as if she owned the place.

And then it hit me.

The images Gideon had allowed me to see included my mom returning to Stonewick. My blood froze as I toyed with who was truly standing in front of me. Was it my mom, and if it was, how did he know she’d be here?

“H-Hi, Mom,” I managed. “What are you doing here?”

Without waiting for an invitation, she waltzed right past me into the cottage. The little wheels on her suitcase bumped over the threshold with a thud.

“Lovely greeting, Maeve,” she said with a raised brow, scanning the interior. “I expected at least a warm hug or a helping hand.”

Well, it was no illusion. This was my mother.

I bit my tongue and glanced at my dad, who didn’t look particularly pleased to see his ex-wife.

“Maeve, you did it,” Nova’s voice boomed through my tiny cottage, but it came from the kitchen. “I’m so proud of you. I never expected to come here today and have Frank…”

She must have let herself in.

“We’re in here with company,” I warned.

Nova stopped talking, wandered into the living room, and almost dropped her purple crystal.