I watched my daughter run from the room. I know where she was headed, the same place she always runs to when she’s upset; the old willow tree. I’ve always wondered if my daughter would be a healer. The way she is with plants and animals would make you think that she would be but no one ever knows what their affinity will be until they start their second year of school. Luke got up to run after her but I put a hand out to stop him.

“Let her go. She needs time to think.” he nodded and followed me into the kitchen. Luke took a seat at the island while I put the kettle on to boil. I’m what you call a Kitchen witch. I’m good with spells and potions but I also have an affinity to feel what others are feeling and closer you are to someone the stronger the connection. That’s how right now I know that Lily needs time to herself. Lily’s isn’t the only one whose emotions I can feel, I can also feel worry and sorrow coming from Luke. I touched his shoulder and kissed him on the top of his head. He put his hand over mine and gave me a crooked smile… We’ve been through so much together, and after all these years apart it feels like nothing’s changed between us. I still love him. I know Lily doesn’t understand yet but in witch family’s it’s hard to break free. They either have to kick you out or you have to disappear. Luke chose to stay to protect us. He comes from a powerful family. If he had chosen to disobey them I’m afraid that none of us would be here now. The only reason he’s able to come back now is that he had a contract written up that he had his family sign. A contract written in blood that said he would stay with the family and live how they told him to until his daughter turned sixteen. “Give it some time.”

Luke knew Rose was right. He looked at her and felt a pang in his heart. She hadn’t aged a day since the last time he saw her. She was still his sunshine. Her warm blonde hair hung to the middle of her back, her light blue eyes sparkled with every smile. Luke had longed for her every day that he was away. He hated that he had missed sixteen years with his women and their beautiful daughter. He watched as Rose worked in the kitchen, her movements so graceful and elegant. She reminded him so much of light and day yet she loved the night. Dancing in the moonlight or counting stars. She once got him to go swimming in the middle of the night. It was cold as hell but he had loved every second of it because he had been with her.

I could feel when Luke’s mood changed from worry and sorrow to sorrow and love. I’ve been so lonely for so long, missing him every single day. I put a tray of cookies into the oven and walked over to the phone that hung on the wall. I dialed a number that I have had to use many times over the years. I knew from the moment Lily brought him home with her for the first time so many years ago that he is the only one in this world who would love her; so I called him knowing that he’s the only one she wanted right now.