McKale’s face lit up when he saw me, filling me with familiar, welcome tingles and forcing a smile to my lips.
Next to him Rock gave a rueful grin to Cassidy. “There ye are again. I was beginnin’ to think ye were only a figment of me imagination and dreams, I was.”
Cass gave a nervous laugh and blushed. “No, I’m real.”
Rock grinned at McKale, then at my sister and I. “So, we’re goin’ on an adventure today, aye? One last day to try and win the heart o’ me best mate’s sister. I’d best take advantage.”
Though his words were playful, there was something almost cautious about his demeanor, as if he still felt strange in her presence although he was clearly drawn to her.
Cass crossed her arms and pursed her lips to hold back a smile. “I should warn you that I’m kind of hard to win over.”
I covered my mouth to hide a snort and McKale came to my side, nudging me with his shoulder and giving a chuckle.
“Is that right?” Rock asked, sidling closer to her. “Well, I’ll take that as a challenge, Cassie-lassie. We’ll see if yer no’ in love with me by the end of this outing.” He winked and pulled away, causing Cass to blanch and flush. I bit my lip.
Dad ambled up carrying a speaker and the guys rushed to help him.
I watched Cass stare at Rock and thought to myself that she was way ahead of him. I think Rock’s heart was way ahead of his mind, as well. For once I didn’t want to tell my sister to be careful. I wanted her to enjoy this day and this boy.
One at a time, Dad, McKale, and Rock carried equipment to put in the van, and each of them gave us a wink in passing. Cassidy and I broke into laughter and it was so good to hear her humor that my eyes watered.
“Come on,” I said, pulling her arm. “Let’s grab some stuff.”
Our steps were lighter than they’d been in over a month as we jogged to the equipment pile and took armfuls of “human magic.”
I looked at the technology that’d saved us, and my sister walking in front of me, and the guys joking with Dad at the van. I marveled at how things worked themselves out.
Mom had walked up to see us off, kissing us goodbye. She would stay behind to pack. All around us Leprechaun people were filing out and holding hands, watching us in gratitude. My heart overflowed.
Cassidy stood next to the van with Mom, smiling. So pretty. McKale passed me, going back for the last bit of gear. I jumped and squealed as he pinched my butt and laughed under his breath. Some of the Leprechauns giggled at this show and I shook my head, blushing.
Yes, the Fae were stronger. They could force us to work for them. Force us to bind with strangers. They could alter our minds and take our memories. But they couldn’t take away our will to live or our choice to love. We would endure, and then we would die, but our hearts would be full along the way. I pitied the Fae with all their power and beauty and their lack of love.
I wouldn’t trade places with FFG for anything—nay, not even for all the pots of gold in the world.