Earth Enchanted (25 page)

His anger rumbled deep in his chest when he shouted at her and raked his hands through his hair. “I’ve given you everything. I don’t want to fight with you, Liv. I do love you. Don’t ask for more than I can give.”

Liv didn’t rise to it. “I know that, in your own way, but I am going. You see, I’m one of those few that only have one. I will love you as long as God lets me draw breath, and I will live without you. Without the life we could have together. I don’t want to, but I will. It’s what you seem to want most. You want to live with her memory? Well, I love you enough to let you have your way. You’ll have home and family waiting for you, if only you’ve the courage to let go and reach out and take hold of it. Be it a year or twenty, I’ll be there for you, Jack.”

“Goodbye.” She rose on her toes, kissed him once more, and walked away.

* * * *

Liv had been home two weeks. She’d hoped and waited, but he hadn’t come to her. After all that had happened to them and between them, she thought he would realize how much he did care, hoped he’d see how much love he had inside him to give, what they could share together. He hadn’t darkened her door.

Liv cried on her mother’s shoulder, spilled all the sordid details to her twin. Well, she did hold back a few for herself, like the night they had become lovers. That was a memory for her alone to keep. She didn’t regret it. Not even when she had woke at five o’clock, dog sick, for the fifth morning in a row. She clung to the sink, laughed so hard she cried and ended up on the floor sick, soppy happy and miserable. Another gift to keep. She was pregnant with a child by the man she loved who couldn’t love anyone but a dead woman. It was laughable and horrible.

That’s how Skye found her. It took him all of two seconds to read her mind. “You fell in love with him.” He need say no more.

The fury he tried to mask left no doubt what he would do if he could get his hands on Jackson Roarke.

“No, Skye. That’s not the way. When he comes, if he does, it can’t be because I trapped him into it. That’s not love, Skye. Now, I’m fine, and I love you, but I need some time to myself for a bit.”

“I’ll be here if you need me.” He hugged her and she left through the kitchen door.

* * * *

Liv leaned against one of the big stones of the ancient circle. It was a place of beginnings and endings. How many storms had it withstood? How many lovers had it brought together? How many lives had it seen born and pass while it lingered on? What would she tell him? He’d told her once how much he and Serena had wanted children. Would he even want a child that was his and hers?

She felt him before she could see him climb the rise. He’d come.

“You took your own time, didn’t you?”

“Olivia. I’m here and I’m not leaving until you give me a chance. I want it all, Liv.”

“I won’t go back there, Jack. I’m not going to share you with her.”

“I’m not asking you to, but I can’t forget her completely. She was a part of me for too long, but I can let her go. I found it’s not nearly as wrenching as losing you. I’m here if you’ll have me.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, looked up at him. “Was there a proposal in there somewhere?”

“You read my mind.” He grinned. “Yes.”

“That’s my line and yes, I will.”

“I knew that’s what you would say.” He swept her up into his arms. “You should rest in bed with me. It’s good for your condition. No, Skye didn’t tell me. Psychic, remember? We’re definitely going to have a girl, with her daddy’s good looks.”

“A boy, with his ma’s striking Irish coloring. Are you really happy, Jack?”

He carried her away from the standing stones back down the rise, to the little cottage by the sea.

“I have everything a man could want. Happy doesn’t cover it. Let’s go home, Liv.” He threw back his head and laughed when the earth trembled beneath his feet.

“Looks like the legend is true after all. I can’t wait for Skye’s turn. Won’t that be fun to watch?” Liv kissed him.

“It will at that.”

Somewhere within the magic, Briella smiled.

Brynna Curry

I always remember having this yearning for home.
 
Twice now I’ve found that peace and welcome for my heart and my soul, but my blood still begs to see its homeland of Ireland.
 
I hope to make it there one day, to take my children, especially Kayla, to that land of magic and loyalty.
 
Until then, I always add a bit of Irish luck to my stories, using characters and settings inspired by my dream of the land.
 
The Elemental Magic Series begins with Liv’s story and continues with Ryan, Skye, and yes even Devin’s fall into love.
 
I hope you enjoy your journey with the Corrigan family.

Be blessed.

Brynna

Also by Brynna Curry

Elemental Magic Series

Earth Enchanted

To Take Up the Sword

Wait For the Wind

Sea’s Sorceress

Fire’s Ice

Triple Star Ranch Series

Claiming Ana

Lyrical Press books are published by

Kensington Publishing Corp. 119 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018

Copyright © 2009 Brynna Curry

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

Lyrical Press and the L logo are trademarks of Kensington Publishing Corp.

First Electronic Edition: December 2009

ISBN-13: 978-1-61650-098-6