Read Online A Witch in Time by Nora Lee - Free Book Online Page B

be something, there’s no point! I’ll return to the Living World on Samhain and he’ll remain here among the dead.” When she noticed the sympathy in Gemma’s eyes, she turned her attention to the jack-o-lantern her sister had carved while they teased Enid.
    Fox moved placed a small candle inside the pumpkin and the cheery light flickered to life.
    “Do you think we have enough to keep the ghouls at bay? I don’t want them crashing the wedding.” Enid shuddered at the thought of the drooling little monsters getting to Hephaestus after she’d passed through the veil to the Living side once more. No matter how she protested, she couldn’t deny she had come to feel something for him. Something more than gratitude and friendship. She’d never been in love before.
    And I’m not in love now, Enid told herself. He’s just a good friend.
    But where was he…?

8
    L ate the next afternoon , the door to Castle Hallow stood open to weather much milder than the storm they’d weathered the day before. Jack-o-lanterns lined along either side of the pathway cast a merry glow as members of the wedding parties made their way into the great hall. Rowan, Garrett, and little Siobhan appeared first, the adults bundled up in jackets and hats against the damp autumn chill and the baby wrapped in a thick knit blanket.
    Dark clouds still loomed overhead, threatening another round of rain and wind. The storm raged throughout the night before and well past dawn of the day, but cleared away around noon, allowing the residents of Secret Hallow a chance to venture outside to check damages and clean up downed tree branches.
    Not too long after the first group arrived, Fern ran inside, followed by Orianna and Caedmon, who had eyes for no one but each other.
    Nana soon showed up with Adora Glenn and Iris Westerly. Each of them carried what looked like containers of fresh pies and tarts.
    A group of Ash cousins appeared with chafing dishes. They crossed to the table set aside for the rehearsal buffet and set the foods out in a pleasing way. Though Gemma and Enid hadn’t seem to have gotten the domestic gene, their cousins had, and they enjoyed being in the thick of any kind of celebratory meal.
    In one corner not too far from where Enid stood, a gnome band tuned miniature instruments.
    “How are you holding up?”
    She looked over to find Kimberly Leif heading in her direction. “Fine.” She removed her tattered coat to reveal a shredded dress and worn boots. Trying to remember the other woman’s true appearance, she said, “You look beautiful.”
    “Thanks.” Kimberly looked around the great hall. “This is impressive.”
    “Your contributions are a big reason why everything looks so nice.” Enid again regretted not being able to see the beauty in her surroundings. She hoped to be able to get at least a brief glimpse when she passed over again.
    Kimberly reached out a hand that passed right through Enid’s arm. “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot.”
    “Don’t worry.” Enid gave what she hoped to be a nonchalant shrug. The inability to touch anyone bothered her a lot more than she wanted to let on. “I’ve been doing the same thing the entire time I’ve been here.” When she saw Gemma and Fox enter the room again, she smiled at Kimberly. “If you don’t mind, I need to talk to my sister about some last minute details. Thank you again for your contributions. You and Maddock have been wonderful. I couldn’t have done half as much without you both.”
    “We’re glad to help.” Kimberly looked over to where her husband and son now watched the gnome band. “We’re all one big happy family, aren’t we?”
    “That we are.”
    Gemma moved to join Enid. “Where is Hephaestus?”
    Enid didn’t have to ask what her sister meant. “Still pouting. He hasn’t been around much.”
    “Did you two fight again?”
    The memory of being guided by Hephaestus’ strong arms popped into Enid’s mind. They’d been having such a good time