“Don’t changethe subject.” I reached over and grabbed his arm gently. “What did you mean?”
“Let’s get backto the cabin. We’ll get cleaned up and I’ll make us a beautiful supper. I’llchoose a nice wine from the cellar, and we can talk about it then, okay?”
“The cabin has awine cellar?”
“Yes, love,” hesaid with a smile. “It’s otherwise known as the bottom of the coat closet.”
* * *
Phineas was seriouslyunderselling his culinary skills when he said he’d make us a ‘nice supper.’ Themeal he prepared using only what was in the makeshift pantry, fresh herbs fromthe back garden, and our catch of the day, was nothing short of miraculous.
The cabin hadbeen upgraded at some point, but the stove was still a wood burning one thathad to be constantly manned, which Phineas did with ease, and there were onlythree burners, which he had to make sure were lit at all times.
I even liked thesalmon, and I was typically not a fan. Also, as promised, he selected a bottleof wine from a wooden crate sitting at the bottom of the coat closet, fromwhich he also selected a bottle of scotch for himself.
“Now that you’vesuccessfully satiated me with food and wine, how about we finish our earlierconversation?” I suggested.
“About what?”Phin asked innocently, pouring me another glass of wine.
“I’ve beentrying to get inside your head, but I can’t seem to find any answers.”
“That’s becauseI’m working hard to block you.”
“Then tell meout loud what you meant by ‘human for now.’”
Phin emptied hisglass of scotch with a single shot and took a deep breath. “Lennox, we didn’tmeet by chance, and there’s a reason you feel drawn to me.”
“I never said Iwas drawn—”
“Hold on, let meexplain,” he said, gently. “Iknowyou’re drawn to me, because I knowthe truth about why you’re here.”
“Which is what?”
He took my handsin his. “The Fates have brought us together in order to be bound to oneanother.”
“Bound?”
He smiled. “Aye.Bound as mates.”
“As in getmarried?”
Phin shook hishead. “Marriage is a contract of partnership. Binding is like nothing humanscan or have ever experienced.”
“I’m confused.If a human can’t be bound to a Cauld Ane—”
“Then the humanmustbecomeCauld Ane.”
I swallowedbefore whispering, “You’re saying the Fates have designated us to be cosmicsoul mates, and that once we’re bound, I’ll turn into a Cauld Ane?”
“There’s a bitmore to it than that, but that’s the general idea.”
“The generalidea? The general idea of accepting a godless universe where cosmic matchmakerspull the strings of my liferegardlessof my thoughts or opinions on thematter. Is that what you’re asking me to sign off on? Generally?”
“You’llunderstand once we’re bound.”
“Oncewe’re bound? I’m sorry, I don’t recall you proposing to me or me saying ‘yes,’for that matter. In fact, I don’t recall ever saying I love you or kissing you.Better yet still, I don’t even remember us going on a date. So, I think it’smore than a little presumptuous that you—”
“Lennox,” heinterrupted softly.
