A Stroke Of Magic (27 page)

The music drifted around me as I made my way across the room, looking for Ethan. I had something to tell him, something incredibly important. Vital, even. But as luck would have it, he seemed to have disappeared. My gaze swept the dance floor, wondering if perhaps Grandma Verda had shanghaied him again. Nope, not there either.

Elizabeth and Nate still danced, though. They’d been out there most of the evening, as well they should be. It
was
their engagement party, after all. My sister had never been so happy. I’d begun painting a portrait of their wedding day, based on the picture I’d drawn so many months ago, and I couldn’t wait to give it to them. Delightfully, she still didn’t know about it.

Moving on, I turned the corner, searching the many faces, wanting to find just one. Chloe and Kyle sat at a table, laughing and talking with Shelby and Grant. I no longer worried about Chloe—as far as Kyle went, anyway. I had to believe her future was as secure as mine, and that, when the time was right, she’d find
her
ever after. My lips twitched. Besides, I knew where Mr. Architect worked, and when the day came, she’d know it too.

Regardless, she was happy right now. My family had welcomed Chloe with open arms. And Scot? Well, he’d actually begun dating again, to my and Elizabeth’s utter delight. In fact, the only blight, in Chloe’s opinion, was that our magic, our gift, hadn’t seemed to take hold for her. Both Elizabeth and I had tried to pass it on, but so far, nothing. Grandma Verda said not to stress, that when Chloe needed it, it would be there.

Yep, I pretty much agreed with that.

Besides, I kind of thought I’d already given it to her. Back before I’d known she was family, related by blood, on that day we had argued about Kyle, my promise, and the words I’d said to her in frustration:
I wish you had the magic, Chloe.
I was sure she’d gotten some.

I stopped and took a deep breath, centering myself. When it was easier to walk again, I moved forward, still seeking Ethan. Thoughts of that day at his place when I had almost made the biggest mistake of my life returned. I shivered from the memory. Thank God I’d made the decision I had. And thank God he hadn’t been seriously injured. Though the scar that had developed? Yep, an exact match.

Ugh. The pain was coming quicker. Where the heck was he? My hand went to my stomach, and there, glistening in the lights, was the shine of my engagement ring. You see, we were planning a wedding too, but not until later, not until after the baby was born. In Ireland, when I could travel again. When we were a complete family.

And even though Troy had maintained his decision to not be a part of his daughter’s life, Ethan and I weren’t taking any chances. After a lot of talking and soul-searching, we’d decided to follow the law to the letter. While Ethan wouldn’t officially be my daughter’s father until he could adopt her, he’d be her daddy in every way that mattered—from her very first breath.

Finally, my eyes found him: the man I loved. He was leaning against a wall, talking to my father, possibly about Miranda and the magic, as he’d quizzed everyone except for my mother about their experiences with it. My mother still hadn’t said a word about that day, which was fine. She would at some point.

A smile touched my lips as I thought again about Ethan and his growing acceptance of my wacky family. Well, except for one thing. My big, handsome, sexy guy was all nervous over meeting Miranda. Which I thought was sweet.

When I reached him, I grasped his hand. “I love you.”

“I love you too, sweetheart.” His arm came around my waist, and he pulled me to him. “Your father and I were just discussing a house that’s come up for sale near theirs. We should go take a look tomorrow. What do you think?”

I leaned in very close and whispered, “We’ll be busy, as it appears Beatrice was right. I’m not going to make it through the weekend.”

We’d spent quite a bit of time with my daughter’s other grandmother lately, and slowly she was becoming an integral part of our family. Odd, maybe, but also very cool.

And yes, she truly was “a very good guesser.”

Confusion zapped into his gaze, and then comprehension dawned. “Now? Right this second?”

I laughed. “Well, I think we have time to get to the hospital.” My stomach tightened again. “But we should probably go.” Another spasm rolled through me. So strong, so fast, I bit my lip, hard. “Um. Soon, actually.”

The love in his eyes took my breath away. “Well, then. Let’s go meet our daughter. We should probably finalize her name tonight, don’t you think?”

Another laugh slipped out as he guided me away from the party. “We’ll know, when we see her, what name suits her best. And I think, sometime tonight, we’ll have another visit—this one from Miranda.”

He kissed me, first on the forehead and then on the lips. A tingle swept over my skin, just like always. And then, hand in hand, we began walking toward our future. Gypsy magic might have gotten us started, but the magic we created together would see us through. One day at a time, for the rest of our lives.

What could be better than that?

Thank you to the greatest critique partners of all time: Natalie Damschroder, Connie Phillips, and Liane Gentry Skye, for your input, words of wisdom, and continuous support. I don’t know what I’d do without you gals. Let’s not find out!

A huge thanks to my fabulous editor, Chris Keeslar, and my fantastic agent, Michelle Grajkowski, for helping me make my words, my stories, so much stronger.

And a final thanks to my family, who always supports me, even when I go a “little bit crazy.” I know it can’t be easy, but I so appreciate it!

“A Taste of Magic
is a yummy concoction that will leave you craving more, more, more from exciting new author Tracy Madison!”

—Nationally Bestselling Author Tori Carrington

“Tracy Madison is an author to watch.
A Taste of Magic
is…magically delicious!”

—Annette Blair, National Bestselling Author of
Never Been Witched

“A Taste of Magic
is a magical tale of romance and revenge. Ms. Madison takes readers on an adventure in baking that’s highlighted with tasty treats, sexy men, and a touch of humor.”

—Darque Reviews

“A Taste of Magic
is a fast, fun read and will definitely be going on my recommended read shelf!”

—Bookstore Deb

“This whimsical urban fantasy is a fun tale as the lead character will learn the effect of unintended consequences when she bakes her wish into a cake.”

—Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews

“[Madison] has a breezy, intimate style that’s fun to read.”

—
Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“I enjoyed this book so much I had a hard time putting it down. It was a delightful, charming, feel-good story. I fell in love with the characters instantly….If you like a bit of humor with your romance you’re gonna really enjoy
A Taste of Magic.”

—Anna’s Book Blog

A TASTE OF MAGIC

LOVE SPELL
^®

July 2009

Published by

Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.
200 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016

Copyright © 2009 by Tracy Leigh Ritts

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E-ISBN: 978-1-4285-0702-9

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