“I am sorry for what you had to experience.” Prospero sounded stiff, and Ellie had to admit that her wife would likely never be friends with Maggie.
“Whatever. I have my kid in my life, and I’m happydespite you.” Maggie’s smile looked more like showing her teeth in aggression. “And my friend can drain you. Useful information to have.”
“Mags…” Ellie sighed.
Maggie shrugged. “Let’s grab a drink next week. Just us. We have a kiss between us to discuss.”
Ellie flinched at that, until she realized that Maggie was just trying to bait Prospero. “Sorry. I’m taken.”
Maggie, Dan, and Axell all left then. And for a moment, Ellie felt a little left out. Then Maggie called, “The four of us, tavern, tomorrow?”
And Ellie reminded herself that they were all her friends, too. Tonight, her nearly deceased wife was her priority.
Prospero looked at her oddly for a moment. “The prophecy was that without you I’d die. Then a lot of others… Scylla, Walt, Sondre… you were essential. I was to save us, so I guess I’m still going after Aggie, but without you, I’d die.”
“Not going to happen.” Ellie gave her a look. “I don’t need a prophecy to know I’ll choose you. You can keep Crenshaw safe, but I’ll take care of you.”
Prospero smiled tremulously. “I’m not sure how good I’ll be at being taken care of. I’m used to counting on myself.”
“Even when I knew we fought, I still loved you. You’remine.” Ellie cupped her face in both hands. “You can be terrifying and powerful and all the rest, but I’ll still be here. And I’ll still protect you.”
Prospero pulled her into an embrace, holding her tightly. Then after a moment, she relaxed slightly.
“Let me tell Scylla we’re leaving,” Prospero whispered against Ellie’s ear. “I want to go to our home.”
“Me too.”
Ellie watched as Prospero talked to the doctor and Lord Scylla briefly.This is my life.Crenshaw was hidden again, air cleaned, and water purified. That last detail gave Ellie a wonderful idea.
When Prospero rejoined her, Ellie said, “Take us home.”
“With pleasure.” Prospero wrapped her arms around Ellie, who leaned her head on Prospero’s shoulder.
In the next moment, they were standing at the door of their home.
Ellie looked at Prospero as they stood in front of the house. “I love you. I know our wedding wasn’t real, but Iwouldmarry you.”
“I would be honored to have you as my wife.” Prospero cupped Ellie’s cheek in her hand. “To share my life with you. To cherish you and hold you.”
“I want a ceremony,” Ellie confesses. “Vows in public.”
“How public?” Prospero asked.
“Small, private ceremony? Large one in the middle of the town? Whatever. Whenever.” Ellie kissed her lightly. “Not tonight, obviously. After Aggie is caught.”
“Should I be planning to propose or expecting a proposal?” Prospero asked.
“Yes.” Ellie swept her wife up into a cradle in her arms. “For tonight, though, I give you my vow, Prospero. I will love you.” She stepped up to the door, which opened at their approach. “I will cherish you and protect you.” Ellie stepped across the threshold. “For as long as we both shall live.”
“Witches live for centuries,” Prospero reminded her.
“I’m counting on that.” Ellie lowered her feet to the ground, and they twined their hands together.
“Bedroom?”
“Close.” Ellie led them to the bathroom that adjoined the bedroom. The tub was stained from the bad water, so Ellie concentrated on reshaping it into a much larger black marble tub with jets.
Prospero turned the tap, and beautiful clear water filled the tub.
