Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Family Life

Again I stood in the back yard, pondering the state of things, when two small bundles of giggling came running across the grass. They hurtled themselves at me while the tall, handsome man who escorted them laughed into the cool evening, a shaggy, giant hound with red fire in his eyes following close behind.

I scooped my daughter into my arms, kissing Ethie's tanned cheek soundly. Her blue eyes glittered with good humor, dark hair falling in perfect waves around her lovely face. She was the picture of a Hayle witch, with her father's darker skin and strong jaw. But there was no doubt in anyone's mind she was my daughter.

"Mom." She poked my nose with one finger. "Sorry we're late."