MIDNIGHT MAGIC - ch 28

MIDNIGHT MAGIC – ch 28

Julie

(*)(*)(*)

”Finola, my sweetest cousin, the house is finished. Would you like a tour?”

“Oh, Alistar, you’re finished already?”

“Of course, I am, my little one. After all, you did call me a master builder, didn’t you?” He never bothered to stifle his laughter “Come, see for yourself.”

The entire family wandered the halls of the large, three-story stone house and were taken aback at the perfection of it all. Each bedroom was large enough to hold a full- sized bed, closet, and dresser. Each had a window.

“There are two powder rooms on the first floor on opposites sides of a gathering room. Also, on the first floor, you’ll find the dining room and kitchen. There is a washer and dryer in a small closet behind the kitchen. The second and third floors each have five bedrooms and two bathrooms. While the bedrooms aren’t all that spacious, should more young women arrive, we can move out the full- sized bed and easily fit in two twin beds with an extra dresser. Maybe I should add that each room will automatically expand as more room is needed?”

Everyone but Finola looked very confused. “The rooms expand?”

Alistar let out a slight laugh and looked at Mia. “Mo stor, when Finola told me about her plans, I couldn’t just build a normal house, now, could I? The house has already been spelled with protections wards. It was also created to accommodate the needs of whoever resides there.”

He looked at Ian and Brian. “Nephews, if you’re wondering what might happen if the county sees this building, don’t worry. All permits and plans have been approved and registered and also spelled that should the house modernize itself, the plans and permits automatically change with it.”

Ian placed the palm of his hand on his forehead and said, “Holy …! I think I need to sit down. This is... this is weird.”

Alistar loudly laughed, waved his hand and produced a chair, then said to Finola, “Dearest, you really need to re-educate our nephews.”

As she hugged her cousin, she said, “And that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

“And, dearest, should you need help, just call. My sisters and I are always ready to help.” With that, he stepped on a ley and vanished.

Brian looked at his watch. “Uh, Aunt Finola, I know he built the house quickly, but we really, now have about thirty minutes to until the girls arrive.”

“You’re right, Brian. Let’s sit inside and you and Ian can light a welcoming fire. The hearth is breathtaking, and it just adds to the atmosphere.”

Morena looked around. “Has anyone seen Midnight? She was here a minute ago.”

Mia responded, “She’s checking out the house. Then, knowing her, she’ll prowl the grounds. She’ll know when it’s time to leave.”

Midnight came pouncing down the steps. “Mo chroi (my heart), would you object if I stayed behind? There’s something particularly important I need to do.”

“Well, that’s a surprise!” Mia uttered a bit sarcastically. “If you’re planning what I think you’re planning, go right ahead.”

Finola laughed and said, “I should have known she’d think of that. Are you ready, then, Mia?”

Mickey stood and pulled Julie to her feet. “Wait, Aintin. We need a minute. Julie and I would like all of you hear this.”

Finola smiled and said, “What took you so long?”

Julie giggled and replied, “Well, there was so much going on and now that things are calmer, we decided it’s about time.”

“Jules and I were able to talk about this on and off throughout the night and well,” he turned and looked at his hand-fasted wife, “Jules Hammond Diehl, I would be honored if you’d agree to stand before a priest, minister, judge, whatever, and become my legal-in-every way wife and allow me to help you raise your child. I’m also hoping you’ll allow me to be the legal father of Baby Itt.”

He heard the quiet chuckling of his family and added, “Well, I know hand-fasting is legal, but I want our marriage, if Jules agrees, to be registered.”

Turning to Julie he also added, “And do you want to go back to being called Julie or stick with Jules?”

Silent tears began to flood her cheeks, and she replied, “Mickey, let’s go back one year. When I met you at Mia’s party, it felt to me like love at first sight, but I knew I’d be going back to America, so I pushed my feelings aside and tried to move on. Never did I imagine I’d be here with you asking me to marry you. So, my answer is a loud,” and she jumped up and down and almost screamed, “YES! YES! YES!” and she threw her arms around him and tried to catch her breath as happy tears streamed..

She giggled a bit more and continued, “And I want to keep my new name. I like Jules. I don’t ever want to go back to being a Barbie-doll blonde. I like my new red, curly hair. I want to make your family mine. I want you to be my baby’s father in every way.” They hugged and together felt Baby Itt dance in her mother’s belly.

Finola smiled and calmly said, “Whew! You two certainly took long enough. Mia? Are you ready?”

“More than, Aintin.”

“Please, Morena and Alice, while I’m sure Alistar stocked the pantry and refrigerator, I have no idea what he stocked them with. Can you see if there’s anything quick and presentable for the girls when we bring them home?”

In unison, they agreed, “We’d be delighted.”

“Mia, hold my hand.”

Mia grasped Finola’s hand and watched a small white orb grow into a larger oval-shaped opening.

“This, mo ghra, is our portal. Just walk into it with me.”

Without a shred of trepidation, along with Finola, Mia stepped inside the portal and in an instant, it closed, and they were gone.

Seconds later, they were at the airport, watching the plane land with their new house guests.