Caitlin emerged at the foot of the mound and fell to her knees as the portal vanished behind her. Holding Fiona close to her, she began to sob.
“Caitlin?” Edward shouted. “Fiona?”
“Eddy!” Fiona shouted.
Caitlin’s heart skipped a beat as she saw him, battered but alive, rushing to them. He was limping, his right arm was in a sling, and the left side of his face was covered by a bandage. Dante and two other elves followed him.
Caitlin let Fiona loose, and the little girl ran to Edward.
Amidst the maelstrom of emotions that raged in Caitlin, relief and joy surged to the surface as Fiona reached Edward and clung to his leg. He smiled and plodded on until he reached Caitlin. There, he pulled the little girl loose, knelt down, and wrapped his good arm around them both.
“Thank God you’re okay,” he said and squeezed them.
Caitlin kissed his cheek and buried her head in his neck as tears, now of joy, flowed down her face. Her hand went up, into his hair, and she ran her fingers through it, just wanting to be sure he was really there.
“You’re squishing me!” Fiona said.
Edward and Caitlin pulled back, and they just looked at each other, smiling.
Caitlin’s smile faded as she reached out and put a hand on his bandaged face. “What happened to you?”
“It doesn’t matter.” He put his hand over hers and pulled it away from his face. “You’re back, both of you. That’s what matters.”
“But Fergus said the oíche had—” She swallowed. “That you were—”
“I nearly was.”
“He stopped a ceremony that would’ve freed the oíche,” Dante said. “Once that was done, we sent them packing. They’ve since rejoined the Dusk Court.”
“He also rescued the other wizard from the demon controlling him,” Faolan said.
Caitlin looked at him with tear-filled eyes. “A demon?”
Edward smiled his dimpled smile. “Piece of cake.”
She ran her hand over his face and frowned, tears still running from her eyes. Then she leaned forward and kissed him. His lips were soft, and it felt like coming home.
When she pulled back, she looked at him. “You’re sure you’re okay?”
“I’ve never been better.” He smiled, but he saw something in her eyes. He looked around, and his face went pale. “Where’s Brendan?”
Caitlin bit her lip. The mention of his name did it for her. Sobs began to escape so hard that her body shook.
“I had to leave him.” She sucked in a shuddering breath. “I had to, Eddy. I didn’t want to, but it was the only way—”
Edward pulled her close, and she melted into him.
“It’s how a Fian would want to go,” Faolan said.
The finality of those words struck Caitlin hard.
“It’s what he wanted,” Dante said. “He wasn’t just a Fian. He was the best of them.” He wiped away a stray tear before looking across the field. “He was stubborn, and infuriating, and he was my best friend.”
“He was also a man of his word,” Caitlin whispered and wiped her own tears away.
“Come on,” Edward said. “Let’s get you two home.”
Once Caitlin and Edward got to their feet, they looked at each other. She finally saw him now. She caressed his cheek and leaned in close, kissing his face.
“I love you,” she whispered. “I always have.”
He smiled. “And I’ve always known.”
“Mommy?” Fiona said.
“Come along, little one,” Dante said, offering Fiona his hand.
“No, Mommy says I can’t go with strangers,” Fiona said.
Caitlin couldn’t help but laugh.
Fiona smiled, then said, “My name’s Fiona Brady. What’s yours?”
“Well, I’m Dante.” He did a little bow. “It’s very nice to finally meet you.”
“Now we’re not strangers.” Fiona offered Dante her hand.
Dante accepted it, chuckled, and smiled at Caitlin. “Arlen will take you home.” He sucked in a breath. “Faolan and I will see to Brendan’s truck.”
“He’s a hero, you know,” Caitlin said as they walked to the waiting SUV.
“Oh, I know that. I just wish he would’ve known it,” Dante said. “Perhaps now he’ll finally find some peace.”
Caitlin stopped at the SUV’s back door. “Not exactly happily ever after, is it?”
“Caitlin,” Dante said, opening the door for her, “this is just the beginning of your tale.” He lifted Fiona into the backseat, then helped Caitlin in as Edward climbed in the other side. Dante closed Caitlin’s door, and she leaned against Edward.
“Mommy,” Fiona said. “You’re squishing me again!”
“Sorry, munchkin.” Caitlin kissed Fiona’s head and stroked her hair. “I just missed you so much.”
“We’ll be around if you need anything,” Dante said through the open window. “Or not, if that’s what you choose.”
“Absolutely not.” Caitlin reached out and squeezed his hand. “You’re family now.”
Dante smiled and stepped back.
There was a shared glimpse between her and Dante then. It lasted only an instant, but it was obvious in his eyes. He knew more about Brendan, and what he was, than even Brendan himself did.
Caitlin didn’t know what to feel as they pulled away and bounced down the trail, headed for the main road. So much lost and so much gained. She just held Fiona, leaned into Edward, and promised Brendan that she and Fiona would live good lives.
So help me, you’ll never be forgotten in this family. Not ever.