Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Twenty-Nine
T he ballroom of the Berkeley Hotel had been transformed into a full-service casino floor. Blackjack and various card tables were outside the reception hall. Flashy posters of the bride and groom outside Las Vegas and glitzy card-themed artwork decorated the wall. Roulette wheels and slot machines by the door rewarded guests with treats and small gifts. People laughed and talked over the dinging alarms and cheering of winners. Cameras scanned the ballroom, capturing the wedding and all the action. The tables were covered in personalized casino chips with the couple’s names and the motto “Lucky in Love.” Gus handed Sirena his cup of tokens. She still wore her half cast, with her black and red polka-dot dress. He couldn’t wait to peel that dress off her later.
He smiled. “Try your luck.”
“I will,” she said with a wink.
Diane, looking pretty in her red chiffon bridesmaid dress, took Sirena by the arm, and the two of them went off to the wall of slot machines. Jess and Igor were taking photos outside and around the property, while the guests enjoyed appetizers from dapper waiters. A sense of melancholy went through him as he studied the ballroom. This wedding was a far cry from the little chapel he impulsively got married in. A thought zipped through his brain that made him stand still.
Next time you’ll go all out.
Ma came over to him, dressed in yet another designer gold gown. She played with a token between her manicured nails, and her eyes scanned the scene with a critical glint. “I wouldn’t have gone with the casino theme, but I guess it’s cute.”
She tossed the token to Gus; he caught it. Waiters moved between guests, holding out trays of champagne and appetizers. Ma scooped up a drink and sipped from the glass.
“I like it,” Gus admitted.
“How are you really feeling?”
He patted his stomach, feeling fully satisfied in more ways than one. Gus had a beautiful woman as his date, he had reapplied for his stewardship job, and he’d completed another grant application. He even gave a friendly smile to the cameras when they greeted him at the door.
“I’m good. I’ve eaten way too many stuffed peppers.”
Ma squawked, seemingly astonished. “Since when do you like peppers?”
“Sirena made them the other night. I never knew breadcrumbs could taste that good.”
Ma watched him for a beat. “Are you two staying for the whole reception?”
“We were planning on it.” He’d been looking forward to sharing a slow dance with Sirena. “Why?”
“Let’s liven this party up.” Ma twisted her fingers, and the token was suddenly transformed into a ring box.
Gus reeled back. Act dumb. Pretend you don’t know what’s going on. “What’s this?”
“Come on, Gus. You know exactly what it is.” Ma reached over and eased it open. She gestured to the camera operator who was hovering three tables down.
The ring twinkled in the overhead light, casting sparkles all over the table.
“Isn’t this the perfect time to get caught up in the moment? Show them what true love looks like. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
Gus let his mouth drop open to his chest. Wouldn’t it be fun to propose to Sirena? Now? It should be romantic and exciting. But it should be when they were ready—if they would ever be ready—and a memorable private moment, not a viral video. Gus stared at Ma. He saw the bright light of expectation in her eyes. She wanted him to put on a show. But he would never intentionally hurt anyone else with his magic ever again. This was the moment he officially said farewell to Good-Time Gus.
“Ma. It’s not the right time,” he said sharply.
Surprise glittered in her eyes. “You used to be impulsive.”
“I’m not that guy anymore.” Gus took the box and shoved it into his pocket. Ma looked away from him, not meeting his eyes. Great. Was he going to spend the rest of his life disappointing her? The room grew hot, and he couldn’t catch his breath.
“Excuse me,” he said gently.
He stood and walked out of the reception and onto the balcony. The sea air rolled in, cooling his heated face. He breathed in deeply, letting the chilly air burn away some of his anger. It was exhausting. He was getting too old to pretend that he was going to turn back into someone he didn’t want to be anymore. Maybe he could sneak out when the cake was being cut or when the couple had a first dance. He stayed out on the balcony for ten minutes. Gus heard the door open, but he didn’t turn around.
“Gus, are you good?” He angled his body to see Sirena and Diane stepping onto the balcony. Remorse descended onto his chest like a metal weight.
He wouldn’t get his dance with Sirena tonight.
“Is that a ring in your pocket, or did you steal a buttered roll?” Sirena joked.
Gus turned quietly and faced them fully. Both his sister and his date sobered up once they noticed the look on his face.
“What is it about weddings that make people… go…” He searched for the right word.
“Wacky?” Sirena suggested kindly. He gave her a hard smile. She was always trying to cheer him up and lighten the mood. He absolutely loved her for that. Gus noticed Diane gesture to Sirena, who gave his arm a gentle squeeze, then headed back through the double doors into the reception. He told Diane briefly what happened at the table between him and Ma.
“She expected me to make a scene,” he said, letting irritation bleed into his voice. “It’s like she doesn’t know me.”
How could she believe that he’d do something so thoughtless during the reception? Gus could understand why people sometimes proposed at weddings. It was easy to get caught up in the romance and love of the day, but he wouldn’t steal attention from the newlywed couple. He would not do that to Jess or Igor. Nor to himself and Sirena.
Diane thought for a second, and then she spoke. “Does she know the Gus I know?”
“Which Gus is that?” He spoke carefully, trying to keep his dread at bay. If anyone knew who he’d become over the last few years, it would be his little sister. She’d been there for him and had been a source of support during his divorce and move to the Grove.
Diane furrowed her forehead. “The Gus I know volunteers to help seniors and students fill in their family trees. He takes his sister to the market to find the perfect pumpkin. He isn’t flashy with his magic, but he takes delight in being able to dazzle people in small ways. He would rather dunk his head in a vat of glitter glue than ruin someone’s wedding. That’s the Gus I know.”
Gus brought Diane in for a tight hug. “I hope you know you’re my favorite sister,” he said against her forehead. “Love you, Di.”
She squeezed him back. “I’m your only sister, but it’s nice to hear. Love you too, Gus.”
Gus and Diane returned to the reception. The DJ was tuning up and getting ready on the stage in the corner.
“Ma may not like this version of Gus,” he warned.
The tightness in his chest loosened. It felt good to speak his fear out loud.
“Yeah, but you do, and so does everyone in the Grove,” Diane said. “I know a certain cooking witch who adores you for who you are, not who you pretend to be.”
Gus found Sirena. She was at the bar, sipping on a cherry-garnished drink. Her eyes found him and mouthed the words Are you good? He gave her a wave and blew her a kiss. She pretended to grab it out of the air and press it to her chest for safekeeping. Yeah, that dress was going to be balled up on his bedroom floor before the night was over. He was almost done making her Yuletide gift and he really hoped that she liked it.
Gus faced Diane with a goofy smile. “We’re just good friends.”
“You’re hopeless,” Diane teased over her shoulder as she walked away toward the bar.
Ma approached Gus with clutched hands. The gold shimmer makeup around her eyes seemed to have lost its luster, as if she had been crying. His heart ached. He didn’t mean to hurt her, but he wasn’t sorry about what he did and how he responded.
“I shouldn’t have done that,” she said tightly.
“I’m trying to figure out why you did it.”
Ma searched the ceiling for a moment, then met Gus’s eyes. “I was trying to push you—or trying to jump-start you back into who you are or were. I don’t know anymore. Pop sent me that video of you talking at the conference and… it shook me. I saw that same spark you had when you were onstage with us. Here was my son, the greatest magician of his generation, talking about primary sources and saving history! I didn’t recognize you. I wasn’t ready to let you or your magic go. So, I figured if I reminded you of what it felt like to perform and thrill strangers, then…” Ma’s words trailed off into silence. “Maybe you’d find your way back to us.”
“Ma. I’m not coming back to the act. I’m done.”
A soft light of acceptance and sadness flickered in her face. “I’m understanding that now—I see so much potential in you. I don’t want you to end up hiding away from the world in this town.”
“I’m not hiding.” I was healing.
Her chin trembled. “When I was in town last month, I told people I was your mom, and their eyes lit up with pride. They spoke so wonderfully about you and everything you’ve done for the Grove. I thought they were talking about your magic, but they were talking about you . I’m sorry it took me so long to see it. Honestly, I’m going to miss seeing you on the stage.”
Gus considered Ma for a beat. He needed to finally close that chapter of his life.
“Everyone deserves a proper goodbye from me,” he said.
He had overdue vacation time he could use, and he hadn’t been to London in years. It was time for Gus Dearworth to perform for the world one last time.
Her eyes turned glassy, and her lips held back a smile. She straightened and lifted her shoulders. A tentative hope darted over her face. “You’re joining us in London.”
“Let’s show them how the Dearworths do it,” he said.
Ma embraced Gus and held him tightly to her. This time he felt her embrace all of him, including the man he’d become, and she didn’t let go.
The Grove was changing right before Sirena’s eyes. Gone were the turkey silhouettes and wooden harvest-themed signs; they had been replaced by white and red candy canes on doors and lit-up deer on lawns. Sirena had helped Gus decorate the historical society with rainbow twinkle lights and wreaths of plaid ribbon on the door. Even the Night Sky Bistro managed to put up fairy lights and pictures of delicious holiday drinks. Callie went all out with decorating the Caraway house this year. Old-school Christmas bulbs shaped like fireflies were hung up in the window, giving the curtains a rainbow glow. The mantel in the living room was decorated with sparkling tea lights and lush garlands. A large evergreen tree heavy with felt decorations and twinkle lights was tucked into the corner. Presents large and small were wrapped underneath the tree. Red bows decorated the staircase and every spare corner. Spicy incense of myrrh and frankincense gave the room an inviting feel. The scent of rich cocoa hung in the air.
It was the day before Yule when Sirena heard the doorbell ring and peeked out the front window. Gus stood on the Caraways’ porch, clutching the wrapped present. Her heart hammered in her ears. Sirena held back a squeal and gave her reflection a quick glance in the mirror by the door. Okay, she was giving holiday movie glamour with a sweaterdress and leggings, her feet bare and toenails sparkling.
She opened the door. “Hi.”
He held out the package to her. “Hey, I just swung by to drop off a gift for you.”
Sirena took it from him and cradled it against her chest. “You’re too kind. Come on in.”
“I promise I won’t stay long,” he said.
Stay as long as you like.
She stepped back, giving him room to come inside. Gus wiped his feet and walked in. His cologne was different this time and he smelled deliciously mossy and cedary, like he just finished a shift at the local tree farm. She closed the door behind him, ushering him into the living room.
“You didn’t have to bring it over,” she said. “I’ll be back working with you in January.”
An unreadable shadow crossed his face, but it disappeared quickly. Sirena thought about asking him what was on his mind, but she decided she’d ask him later. Maybe she could whip up a peppermint hot chocolate and a few sugar cookies for Gus to eat before he went home. Her spark was back, and it was spectacular.
“I wanted to make sure you got your present before Yule,” he said. “I was in the neighborhood. Zeke lives around the way, and I was hanging out with him.”
“I didn’t know he lived so close. I’ll bring him some soup.”
“Lucky duck.” Gus grunted. She watched as he scanned the pile of mirrored disco balls, bags of lace flower petals, and mini bottles of champagne covering their living room floor.
“I’m not interrupting anything?”
A small smile of enchantment touched her lips. “No, I’m taking a much-earned break. I’ve been up for two days making favors. The gnomes begged to help with the wedding, so I gave them a job. Can gnomes be flower girls?”
“Gnomes are very botanical, so I think they’re a perfect choice,” he said. Gus glanced around the living room cluttered with wedding favors.
“You’re busy. I should’ve texted.”
“It’s fine.” Sirena put her gift on the coffee table, went over to the tree, and picked up a gift bag. She came back over to him, grinning. “Look what the elves left. I think you’ve been nice this year.”
He took the gift from her.
“Okay, maybe you’ve been a little naughty. Open it up!”
Gus reached into the bag. He let out a gasp as he held the rich blue and turquoise crocheted hat.
Sirena lifted a hopeful brow. “It’s satin lined. Your hair won’t get snagged when you take it off. The artist even added a fire charm on the inside. Do you like it?”
“Sirena,” he said, swallowing hard.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about… that day,” she said. Sirena would always hold their sweet October days in her memory, but she looked forward to their future adventures.
He ran his hands over the yarn with a slow, gentle touch. “I love it.”
Gus came over and kissed her chin; his beard brushed up against her. “Thank you.”
She did a little happy dance and leaned back from him. “Try it on. The maker says that you can wear this hat in any weather. It’s good in snow, wind, and rain.”
Another shadow flitted over his face, but this time it lingered. Gus returned his gift to the bag. He slowly placed it on the couch.
Sirena looked at him intently. “Gus, your face is telling on you. What’s up?”
He met her stare. “I was told to get a sturdy hat for unexpected rainy weather.”
Her belly twinged. “Okay.”
“I’m going to London next month with my parents,” he said. Gus briefly summarized the trip’s details, making sure to explain that he was returning to the stage for a limited time. A jumble of surprise and sadness churned inside Sirena once he finished sharing his news.
“Once the theater announced on social media I was performing, they sold out tickets in three hours. They’ve had to add three more performance dates to accommodate the demand.”
“You said you had nothing left to give. You said the well was dry.”
“Someone helped me refill the well,” he said, staring at her with a bright smile.
“How long will you be gone?”
His smile dipped a little. “I’ll be gone until February, maybe March.”
Sirena studied Gus. Pride bloomed inside her chest. There was a light of enthusiasm around him that made him radiant. He was going back to the stage, where he belonged. The Grove would miss Gus something terrible.
A question popped into her brain. “What about the historical society and Cinder?”
Gus nodded. “Diane’s taking care of Cinder for me. The committee approved my temporary replacement last week. Her name is Molly and she’s a history graduate student from Meadowdale College. She’ll open the society for modified hours.”
“Oh, that’s great,” Sirena said.
How was she going to support Gus while he was performing in London? Did her phone have an international plan? She didn’t even want to imagine how much a phone call to England would cost her. She’d have to be aware of the time difference and not text him when it was the middle of the night. Maybe she could live-stream it or ask Ms. Anais Dearworth if she could share a recording of him onstage. Sirena couldn’t wait to see him perform and bring delight to countless audiences overseas.
“Don’t worry. I told Molly all about you. She’s excited to meet you and she’ll make sure your work isn’t interrupted while I’m gone.”
Sirena swallowed thickly. The truth dropped on her head hard like a cast-iron pan falling on her foot. He was leaving and she was staying here in the Grove.
Sirena wanted to be with him.
She hadn’t even been to the Seaview Square Mall with Gus, but she was considering traveling with him overseas. Sirena couldn’t drop everything and chase Gus across an ocean.
Who would watch the house? What about their cat?
It was too sudden for her to pack up and leave without telling Callie or Lucy.
Then again, if Sirena asked to join him in London, how would this trip change their relationship? She didn’t want to ask him until she was sure she could trust herself to love him without a shadow of a doubt. Yes, she was his kindred, but was he her soulmate?
Until she could answer that question, she couldn’t allow herself to go with Gus.
His unspoken love was so valuable to her, and she struggled to take care of valuable things.
Gus gestured to her gift bag. She noticed that he bounced on his toes, seemingly eager for her to see his gift. “Your turn.”
Sirena reached for her present and opened it. She saw the glitter in the snow globe as she pulled the gift bag away. Her voice came out watery, emotional. “You didn’t.”
Sirena looked to him. Gus moved until he stood next to her; his jacket brushed up against her shoulder. “I went back to the store, but someone had bought it. I had to make it in my study. It took me a few times to get the glitter right, but I think I nailed it.”
She tore her attention from him to study the snow globe. She shook it up. The glitter swirled around the carousel, filling her with wonder. The small horses spun around in a circle.
“You made this.”
He’d given her this carousel by the sea, a beautiful fantasy wrapped up in light and sparkle. Her pulse kicked up and her hands turned sweaty.
She put the snow globe down on the table, as if it were a hot rock. “I can’t keep this.”
He straightened. “Why not? It’s yours.”
Sirena clenched her jaw. “It’s too pretty. I’ll break it.”
“You won’t,” he insisted.
Gus took her by the shoulders and held her close against him.
“Even if it breaks, I’ll make you a hundred more. You deserve it.”
Sirena boldly met his gaze. “You trust me with something so beautiful.”
His lips trembled as he fought to keep his words inside. I trust you. Her body singed at his proximity. Gus stared at her, as if he was hoping that somehow she could feel his sincerity through his touch. She didn’t need to hear it because she knew. His hands rose up to her shoulders, up her neck, and framed her face. Absolute want zipped through her bloodstream as she studied his eyes. Sirena wanted to show him everything she couldn’t bring herself to say just yet.
“Pause or play?” she asked.
Gus hesitated, not moving an inch. “Play.”
She was quick, yanking down his pants in a sly motion and leaving him bare down to his ankles.
Gus stared. “How did you—” He sounded amused and turned on.
“Magic,” she said.
She kneeled before Gus, dragging her full lips over every inch of his bare skin. She was desperate to drink every drop of him. He placed his hands on her shoulders, trying to keep his balance. She licked him from his base to the tip, savoring him like the last piece of candy in the entire store. Sirena looked up at him while on her knees.
He let his eyes roll closed, pleasure flashing over his face.
With every swirl of her tongue and breathy sigh from him, she felt him surrender a little bit of himself to her. Take it all. Take my bones. Take my soul. I surrender all to you. She continued until he was shaking, thighs quivering with tension. She could tell by the way he gripped her shoulders that he ached to move deep inside her. To watch the fire flare in her eyes as they joined together.
She pulled back, stroking him in her palm. Her lips were slick and wet. “Protection?”
“Wallet. Where do you want me?”
Sirena gestured over to the rug underneath the tree. “There.”
She stood, tossing off her sweaterdress and pulling off her leggings. Gus shed the rest of his clothes and grabbed the foil packet, making sure to bring it over to the tree. She yanked her panties off with a deft move and tossed them away. They lowered themselves onto the rug, the twinkle lights illuminating his skin. She crushed him to her chest, and he pressed his mouth to hers, relishing the sweetness. He lowered his hand, caressing Sirena between her thighs, teasing her until his fingers were delightfully slick with her. She was panting and ready to join with him. Gus leaned back on his heels and sheathed himself. It was time. Sirena began to straddle him, but he gently rolled her onto her back. Previously, she enjoyed being on top, being in control and setting the pace. But tonight it seemed that he wanted to make a change.
He hesitated, meeting her eyes. “Is this okay?”
She lay underneath the lights, her chest heaving.
“Yes.” She opened herself to him. Gus lowered himself until he was nestled right at her entrance. They were face-to-face. With one deft thrust he was inside her, and they were merged into one. A pleased sigh escaped her mouth. He moved delicately, surely. They rocked and moved together, the chorus of their moans and sighs filling the air. The scent of their sweat fueled her. She wasn’t going to stop until he gave her everything that he had. They were creating a fire, sharing a light that would keep away the cold and warm their souls in the darkness. He reached down between them and teased her as he continued to move. She writhed against his fingers, her gasps coming closer and her back bowing. Sirena screamed out in release. He kept moving, passion rising in him like liquid fire, clouding his mind and driving him. Sirena stared up at him, her gaze clouded with bone-deep satisfaction.
She leaned up and kissed his chin, licking him and whispering, “Come for me. Now.”
Apparently, that was all he needed. He soon followed her into ecstasy, yielding to his climax. Her body was electrified and turned into something new—like lightning striking a sandy beach and making glass. He’d shared her fire with him, and she transformed into something she didn’t have words for. He gasped and lowered himself next to Sirena. She pressed kisses on the backs of his hands. Those hands that had crafted her a gift she’d cherish forever. She understood, as tucked her neatly into his side, why humans dared to steal fire from the gods. She’d risk the wrath of the gods for the rest of her life to bathe in his light even for a single day.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE WEDDING OF
Lucinda R. Caraway
AND
Alexander O. Dwyer
ON DECEMBER 31ST AT SEVEN P.M.
BOTH THE CEREMONY AND RECEPTION TO BE HELD AT THE
Freya Grove Historical Society
THE brIDE AND GROOM INVITE YOU TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THEM WITH A CHAMPAGNE OR APPLE CIDER TOAST AT MIDNIGHT.
Let’s ring in the New Year with the new couple.