“I know.” His smile softens, words earnest, only for her. “I love you, too.”
Epilogue
Winter has never been Veda’s favorite time of year, but now that it’s here, she realizes its purpose isn’t only frigid dormancy. It’s a season for growth and evolution. Veda has picked through the rubble of her old life and made a new one that’s all her own.
Under the cold winter sun, in her freshly constructed greenhouse, she stands in a new safe space as Hiram wraps his arms around her. There aren’t any plants yet, and the fruit trees won’t arrive until next month, but soon enough this place will be teeming with life. Veda winces through each movement thanks to soreness—from an exhaustive afternoon not of pleasure, but of hard work. Thickening by the hour, a blanket of white stretches beyond the windows. In the warmth of the greenhouse, Hiram has a picnic set up. It’s a Vietnamese spread, and more than enough for them. They eat until they’re stuffed while Hiram listens to Veda’s plans for the space with a small smile on his face. The food is incredible, but watching the snowfall on the other side of the glass is better.
“I have something for you,” Hiram says after a while. He reaches into the basket, pulling out a slender box.
Veda’s brow rises as she accepts the gift. “Christmas isn’t for another two weeks.”
“It’s something I’ve been working on since July. Took longer than I planned, but ... it’s yours.”
She doesn’t understand until she opens the box and sees it. She’s utterly shocked. Mouth parted, her hands tremble as she lifts it from its velvet cradle. The chain has been replaced, and though the twisted stones still bear the same cracks, there’s something different about it. It hums in her palm when she touches it. Beneath the sapphire, a soft white light glows, reminding her of a moonlit night. There is no doubt in her mind what it is. And whom it belongs to.
“My amulet ...” Her voice breaks as she looks at him, tears in her eyes. Hiram helps her clasp it around her neck, the feeling both new and familiar. Changed, but undeniably hers.
“Where did you—”
“I brought it back myself.”
“With your magic? That must have takenmonths.”
“Yeah, a few drops of magic every day paid for with temporary but blinding headaches.”
“You couldn’t use your amulet.”
“No.” Hiram touches the gemstone. “You’re worth it.” He cups her face, pressing a kiss to her forehead, then her lips.
Reborn. For her.Becauseof her. Love was his driving point. His purpose.
“You’re making Christmas gifts hard for me to top.”
Hiram laughs, but his smile slowly sobers. “I’m happy you’re here.”
Veda’s heart melts. “Me too.”
The moment is broken by the buzz of Hiram’s phone. It’s Antaris, calling from Gabriel’s place, where he’s staying with August. At first, he doesn’t say much, but August’s enthusiastic chatter hypes him up enough to get him talking about learning to ice-skate. When the call ends, Hiram sets the phone down, a thoughtful look on his face.
“I didn’t have to tell him that I’m coming back.”
Veda leans in, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Because he knows.”
The celebration of Hiram’s law firm opening takes place a few days later, surrounded by everyone who helped bring it to life.
Peter, who has been newly elected to the Oracle Council, is there with Khadijah, Clinton, and the rest of the new appointees, all of whom are now clients. Everly and Marlene are here, too. Francisco comes late, followed by Gabriel and August. John will be in town for the grand opening the week after New Year’s. A surprising number of Seers turn up to show their support. When Hiram’s parents arrive, late and unannounced, Veda watches Hiram quietly excuse himself from his conversation with Moab’s oldest son and Francisco. He crosses the room to greet them. Simran hands him a gift bag while Antaris tentatively approaches Barrett with the cat he’s introduced to every adult in the room.
Much to Veda and Hiram’s surprise, his father scratches the growing cat behind his ears. His deep voice carries when he asks, “What’s his name?”
“Mint,” Antaris says bashfully, then flees to her side.
Veda hugs him close until he settles.
“Thanks, Mom.”
And he’s off to the next person. She can’t help but smile.
Peter sits next to her. “Five minutes.”
