“Whenever you feel overwhelmed, just pick up the phone. I’m here for you as a friend and a confidant as well as a mentor.”
“Thank you. I have got a decision to make—maybe you can help me with it.”
“Sure, what is it?”
“My parents are due to visit soon. I’m wondering whether I should put them off. I mean, what will they make of Cullen?”
“Wouldn’t you prefer them to have met your true love?”
“Yes, that’s what’s stopping me canceling their visit. But I don’t want to make things harder on Cullen.”
“I’m sure Cullen will cope. When are they due?”
“On the twenty-eighth day.”
“Are they planning to stay?”
“No, thankfully. It’s a flying visit. They’re touring the coast.”
“What are your parents like? I can’t imagine any offspring of Hanna Chambers being judgmental.”
Sunny laughed softly. “No, they’re not judgmental. They’re very easy-going.” She paused for a moment. “You’re right though, I’d rather they’d met him at least once, than never at all.”
Celeste pondered the topic. “If your parents are coming, do you think there’ll be an opportunity for you to discuss your nomadic heritage with your mum?”
Sunny nodded. “I should be able to bring it up in conversation. Is there anything specific I should try to find out?”
“I think we’ve seen enough to be sure you’re blessed by your dual heritage, but finding out more may make you feel more comfortable with it. I know it’s a big leap of faith when you’re introduced to your own magic and have to learn to channel and control it. You are doubly gifted. Try to find out a little more, if you can. I’m sure it would help.” She reached out and squeezed Sunny’s shoulder with her hand, allowing comfort to seep through her body.
Sunny’s eyes rounded. “Wow, that was a hit! Better than a glass of brandy.”
Celeste laughed. “You’re welcome.”
“Could I do that for Cullen, when he’s confused by modern ways?”
“You could, if you feel it necessary. He’ll settle in. It’s a big jump. I lived through the time in between, but he has a lot to take on. Remember, I’ll be here for you whenever you might need me. For anything.”
“Okay.” Sunny gave a weak smile.
“I can see you’re fretting about Fox.”
“You can tell?”
“You’re worried you won’t be strong enough.”
Sunny nodded.
“Relax, it’s unlikely.” She paused. “You’re also concerned because you’re falling for Cullen and you’re worried about how you’ll feel if he leaves of his own accord.”
Sunny gave her a sad look. “Yes, you’re right. I can’t deny it. I’ll do everything I can to free him from his obligation, but he may leave anyway. I love him desperately. I can’t bear the thought that one day he’ll be gone.”
“You’re deeply in love with him.”
Sunny met her gaze. “Yes, I am. And you were in love with Fox, weren’t you?”
Celeste sighed. It was good to know Sunny was perceptive, although she’d rather it hadn’t been focused on her. “Yes. Is it obvious?”
“Yes, right from the moment I saw you looking at him from the window of The Witch’s Brew Cafe.”