Chapter Ten
All Hallow’s Eve
“Where are we going?” Theodosia asked, her bright-blue eyes crinkling with delight.
The sun was setting and the fading glow made the perfect backdrop for the carriage ride he’d arranged.
They trotted along the cobblestone street.
She was tucked into Ellis’s side and he reveled in the feeling, happy now, that after their years apart, they were once again back together.
This time there would be no tearing them apart.
The carriage halted and Ellis disembarked and turned to offer his hand to assist Theodosia down the step.
She looked around and her eyes widened. “Lover’s Crossing?”
“Aye. I thought it only fitting that we close the chapter on the legend.”
Theodosia smiled up at him and nodded.
They walked further into the crossing. A fire had been built for All Hallow’s Eve and they approached it, watching the flames dance in the twilight for a long moment.
He reached into his pocket and held up the horse figurine that had been left by the phantom.
“What shall we do with it?” Theodosia asked breathlessly.
“I say we toss it into the fire. Put an end to whatever powers may still be lingering.”
She gave him a wistful smile in agreement. “We should do it together.”
“I wouldna have it any other way.”
They both placed their fingers on the figurine, and together, tossed the horse into the flames and watched as they licked around the horse, consuming it.
When the figurine was naught but ashes, Ellis turned to Theodosia, holding her hands in his as he grew serious.
“Theodosia Bragg, I was devastated when I thought I had lost ye. Elated when I found ye again. I doona want to spend another day without ye. I vow to spend the rest of my days making ye happy.” He bent and placed a gentle kiss upon her lips.
“Ellis Gordon, my heart was broken when I was told you had found love elsewhere. I am so glad that was a lie. I only wish it did not take us years to learn the truth. Years that we could have spent together exploring our love. I vow to never let aught come betwixt us again.”
Their kiss was all-consuming, passionate, and left no doubt in either of their minds that they were each other’s future.
Around them, the moors were still and peaceful. The ghost gone.
Under the translucent light of the moon, they rode off toward the inn.
But, in the distance, a different coach appeared, drawing closer. As they neared Ellis and Theodosia could see the couple. Lovers snuggling and smiling. Two peaceful souls reunited at long last. The couple disappeared into the mist as they passed, a whispered “thank you” on the wind.
“It was Thalia,” Theodosia said, disbelief making her eyes wide.
“Aye.” He bent and kissed her lips once more and Theodosia melted into him. “Let the legend rest. We have our own story now.”
They left the moors, heading back into town. Disappearing down their own path.
Together.
Forever.
The End