A Reckless Witch

CHAPTER 24



Moira sat in the big rocking chair in Jamie and Nat’s living room and waited for the guest of honor to make an appearance. It had always been a joy to be present at the birth of a babe—but these days, she treasured each one even more.

Perhaps she would get to rock a wee one today. And if not today, then with the magic of Realm, there was always tomorrow.

She looked across at the faces sitting on the couch. Devin—a man who had finally grown up. The lovely Lauren sitting beside him, looking utterly shell-shocked. Ah, she’d just signed on for a wild ride, that one. The most reckless Sullivan in the bunch, and at least a couple of babes with talent in their future, if her scrying bowl wasn’t mistaken.

Sierra, draped in the wonder of her first witchling birth.

Nell and Daniel, remembering the not-so-long-ago arrival of their small boy.

It was Moira’s old ears that heard the steps on the stairs first. She got her arms ready—and then, as Jamie stepped into the room, his girl cuddled in his arms, knew the little one had a stop or two to make first.

Kenna. Born in fire. A seeker, this beautiful little one would be. Her eyes were open, dark, and shining—such an alert little thing.

Moira watched. Instinct tugged at her. A small bit of Kenna’s destiny waited in the room.

Sierra reached out her arms, and then dropped them back, eyes apologetic. “Sorry. I’m sure other people want to hold her first.”

Moira was watching Sierra’s eyes—and she knew the magic of the night was not quite yet done. “We’ll have our turn, dear girl.”

Jamie looked at Moira and raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Seniority usually earned her the first cuddle. She simply smiled.

He handed Kenna into Sierra’s waiting arms and took a seat beside Moira. “What are you up to?” he murmured.

“Just watch.”

Sierra nestled the gorgeous girl in her lap—and began to sing. A beautiful lullaby, old and deep, the melody floating into all their souls. Moira’s heart welled—it was the same song she’d sung to Amelia and every babe she’d ever rocked.

Ever so gently, Sierra pulled magic as she sang, wrapping Kenna in a shimmer of watery light. The small girl stared, with the knowing eyes of one newly born.

Jamie grinned and kept his voice low. “Hot damn. We have a babysitter.”

“You have much more than that, my boy.” Moira lifted her voice as the lullaby ended. “I see she’s picked her guardian angel, then.”

Sierra looked up, a dopey smile on her face. “What’s that?”

“There’s an old Irish legend, child.” Moira’s eyes misted as Sierra’s gaze was pulled back to the sweet, tiny girl nestled in her lap. “When a baby is born, the first face they favor, besides their mama and papa—that’s the person meant to be their guardian angel. Someone to watch over them and help keep them safe.”

Sierra looked up in awe. “And how do I do that?”

“Just love her, child.” Moira felt the truth of what she was about to say flowing in her blood. And this time, she was saying it about the right child. “It has been, and always will be, love that keeps a reckless soul safe.”

Kenna stirred—and the same dancing lights Sierra had made during the lullaby started to shimmer. Sierra giggled softly, enthralled by the baby’s magic, and reached out to touch her cheek. “Well then, smart girl, your first lesson is about groundlines.” She moved her fingers slightly. “See? You just take this little bit here, and tie it over there…”

Nell leaned over quietly as Sierra and Kenna gazed on each other in mutual adoration. “I’ve never heard that story before.”

Moira just smiled. Irish legends were very flexible things.


Thank you!