Page 117 of The Spellreader and the Phoenix

Epilogue

Thanksgiving

Max could state categorically and without hesitation that he’d never imagined having Thanksgiving in a mansion. But Rory hadn’t been the only one curious about whatever was going on between Peter and the lawyer.

Their friends had been curious enough about the whole thing to come as well, and Fiona Finch had jumped at the opportunity to feed them all. Everything had been up in the air since Mr. Jones had died, and Max was happy to provide a happy moment for her if he could. (There was no downside to getting delicious food.)

Alex’s mom had to work, and she’d seemed honestly relieved when Max had invited Alex. Max was pretty sure she was treating him and Rory like some kind of honorary uncles at this point. Tom still wasn’t fully comfortable with them, but Max was pretty sure he’d been a bit relieved by the invitation. Had he not had anyone to spend Thanksgiving with? Had he not had anyone for years, and if only Max had known, he could have invited him over? He grimaced. But would he have done so? Before Rory, would it even have occurred to him to interrupt his solitude that way?

He looked at David. Now that man should have thought to invite Tom to every holiday ever. He still looked miserable. There were dark circles under his eyes, and it looked like he’d lost weight.

It would be wrong of Max to lock them in a room together and see what happened, wouldn’t it? Oh, who was he kidding? He’d totally do it… except it was possible it would make everything worse, and Max didn’t want that. No need for Tom to feel more betrayed.

Ugh. This was why Max had avoided people and emotional tangles. But also… he liked these people, and he wanted to make it better. He was choosing to take it as a positive sign that the World Spell hadn’t obscured what had happened. Tom had kept all his memories, so if he was meant to know—look at Max, sounding like Rory now!—then he was hopefully meant to stay with them after all.

And hopefully David would soon stop looking like he wasn’t eating or sleeping.

Stella and Sam usually celebrated Thanksgiving with Stella’s parents, but apparently, everyone had been intrigued by the “weird opportunity to spend Thanksgiving in an old witch’s mansion.” So that was something. Edward had thought he might not be able to make it, but apparently, things had crashed and burned with his latest girlfriend just in time for him to be single and available for Thanksgiving.

So it sure wasn’t sunshine and roses for everyone in the group, but Max had never been happier. He and Rory were bonded mates. Rory was his familiar. It was amazing.

And apart from the fact that they were experimenting with wild things like telepathy and emotions through the bond, their life hadn’t actually changed that much. They already spent most of their time together, and Rory still understood when Max needed a bit of alone time. Max’s spell retention had gotten even better, suggesting magic had been involved in his excellent recall. Perhaps it was a factor in being a Spellreader?

Whatever the case, Max was kind of reassured that everything and nothing had changed.

Evie had nearly keeled over in shock when Max had told her that he had plans for Thanksgiving.

Most annoying sibling in the entire world

You mean you’re not going to sit at home and eat PB&J and grumble at people for being loud?

Max

I’m going to eat a fabulous turkey dinner and *then* grumble.

Most annoying sibling in the entire world

LOL Seriously, though, I’m proud of you. I figured you’d get scared and run, but you didn’t.

Max had decided he was definitely not explaining the near-death experience to her until they were in person and he could make sure she listened to the whole story.

And she’d forgive him about the bonding as long as he let her host a party or something when she came out, right?

Yeah, it would be fine.

Or Rory would save him.

Max

Rory’s worth it.

Most annoying sibling in the entire world

[heart emoji x1000]

You’re so cute when you’re in love.

Max