Chapter 25 #3
She marches him into the throng of onlookers and Rowan gets to work helping folks. As he makes his way through the small throng, the singing dissipates and the dancing slows.
Max, of course, is the last man standing.
Or rather, singing.
By now he’s moved on to “I Am What I Am,” from La Cage aux Folles. I actually know that one because one of my former drag queen roommates used to sing this number at some of his shows that I went to. And I’ve gotta admit, it is very Max, and a perfect finale to his public performance.
When he belts out the last line of the song, the crowd whistles and cheers.
Flushed and bright-eyed, Max gives a theatrical bow and then falls into Targan’s side with a delighted grin.
“I’m taking him home,” Targan says, gazing down at the man with obvious adoration. Princess Peach is still cradled in the orc’s arm and leans over to give her guardian a quick lick.
Max giggles.
“This has definitely been a Harvest Festival to remember,” I tell Hal after Targan departs.
“For so many reasons,” he agrees.
After that, peace returns to the festivities and our energy starts to flag.
By dinnertime, Elvira makes it clear she is ready to eat, so we decide to head home.
“We can return for the after-hours fun if you’d like,” Hal offers as he unlocks the front door.
“Do we have to go back?” I ask.
“Not at all. Kassiel and Emrys are in charge of evening events.”
My shoulders slump with relief. “Thank fuck. I know I probably sound way too old for my age, but I’m exhausted and kinda just want to cuddle and chill with you tonight. Maybe we could watch that old movie you told me about when we were dancing.”
Hal beams at me. “That sounds like the perfect night in to me.”
After we feed Elvira, we reheat some leftovers and settle in to watch Sabrina together. It’s a far cry from some of the wild nights in the city during my teens and twenties, but I don’t miss any of that. Now, I want nothing more than nights like this with me, Hal, and Elvira.
Just as the movie’s ending, a haggard-looking Rowan arrives with luggage and Angelica in tow.
“Everything okay?” Hal asks him, helping with his bag.
Rowan cracks his back and yawns. “Yeah. I’m just beat. It’s been a busy few days, and I need some serious rest. The motel’s okay, but there are some rowdy guests staying there right now.”
Angelica gives Elvira a suspicious side-eye, but our baby girl remains quiet and calm in the familiar’s presence.
“My mage-guardian requires appropriate time and quiet to enter a healing sleep,” Angelica explains in a snooty tone.
I blink at her. “Uh… is there anything we can do to help with that?”
Rowan chuckles. “I just need a quiet room and not to be disturbed for a good solid twelve hours at least.”
“Twenty-four hours would be better,” Angelica scolds.
“We’ll be sure to keep the noise down,” Hal says. “This street is usually very quiet. And unless we have a magical emergency on our hands, I’ll do my best to make sure no one disturbs your rest.”
“Bless you,” Rowan says in relief.
Hal gives them both a quick tour of the house and I follow along.
“I usually have breakfast ready around seven thirty,” Hal explains. “But if you let me know ahead of time that you’d like it earlier or later, I can arrange that. Do you have any dietary restrictions?”
“Nah, I’m not picky,” Rowan says. “Just so long as I’m getting the necessary vitamins and nutrients, I can eat almost anything.”
Ange rolls her eyes. “Forget about him, Hal. I have more particular preferences.”
She goes into a lengthy speech on the meats she likes best and how she wants them prepared.
All I can say is hellhounds are way less fussy than hellcats.
“Don’t worry,” Rowan adds. “I’ll pay you for the meat for Ange since she needs to consume far more than I do. It’s all part of our contract for the job.”
Hal nods. “That works. I’m friends with Warren, our town butcher, and I’m sure he can help me get my hands on most of what Angelica wants.”
When we arrive at the attic, I take the chance to look around since I haven’t been up here before.
Like so much of the B&B, Hal’s turned it into a cozy and welcoming space, one that’s a bit more private than the other rooms in the house.
A rocking chair sits in one corner, and there’s a desk and chair in another.
The oak-framed bed, complete with a handmade quilt and afghan, is situated under the middle of the attic’s slanted roof and looks plenty big enough for both Rowan and Ange to share if they want.
“This is perfect,” Rowan says. “We can stay out of your hair up here, and I like the extra privacy.”
Hal smiles. “I thought you might feel that way. That’s settled then. We’ll let you two get situated, but you know where I am if you need anything. The Wi-Fi info is on the desk.”
We let them get situated and Hal bustles off to get started on dinner.
This provides me with the perfect opportunity.
While Hal’s occupied, I stealthily retreat to my room and make a few quick calls.
After all, I have to make sure everything is set for my little surprise tomorrow.
I can’t wait to see Hal’s reaction.