Read Fate's Hand: Book One of The Celtic Prophecy for Free Online Page B

house.”
    “Really, she didn’t tell me that!” Maggie exclaimed as she bolted from behind the counter and skipped around the two of them.
    “Child, you didn’t give her a chance.” Leo called out as Maggie ran past. “That girl never gives anyone a chance to say anything. Always talking, talking, talking.”
    Alex admired Maggie’s youthful exuberance even though he knew that at this moment it was contrived to avoid a very serious matter. He’d look into that later today. His smile deepened when he heard her squeal as she ambushed Brenawyn. Turning back to Leo, he put his hands on the counter, “Well, it was just a few words over coffee.”
    Assessing Alex’s qualifications with the keen eye of a grandmother, Leo mused, “Perhaps she can find someone else and build a life.”
    Amused and interested that she would even find him suitable for her only grandchild, he asked, “Wha’ makes ye say tha’ she wants tha’?”
    Shrugging her shoulders, Leo guessed, “Hope?” She looked in the direction of her granddaughter and sighed. “She tells me that she wants to move on with her life. Maybe now she can find one.”
    Her eyes misted with tears and Alex covered her folded hands with his own, giving them a slight squeeze. Trying to lighten the mood, he suggested, “Well, let’s see if I can help,” then flashing a big smile, “Formally introduce me ta yer granddaughter, Mrs. Callahan.”
    “You are too handsome for your own good. And you know it.” This response made him grin, and he relaxed to put an elbow on the counter.
    “Ah, my charm is working.” Grabbing her hands, Alex looked playfully in her eyes, “Unless…tell me noo. Will ye run away with me instead?”
    Slipping her hands from his and slapping at the air in front of him, “Tcha.” Leo shook her head in exasperation, and raising her voice to be heard above the instrumental music piped through the store’s speakers, “Brenawyn, could you please come over here?”
    “Sure, Nana. Be right there.”
    Leo turned to Alex, “Irreverent clod. No respect for your elders,” as she fussed with his collar. “Remember, be good.”
    “I promise—my verra best, charming self,” he playfully answered as he stood up to his full height of 6’5 with blatant exaggeration.
    Brenawyn came over, put the box on the counter, and wiped her hands on the back of her denim shorts. “These are the beeswax candles. Are they the ones for the ritual?”
    “Yes, they are. Thank you for getting them for me.” Drawing Brenawyn’s attention to the man standing next to her, Leo made the introductions. “Brenawyn, this is Alexander Sinclair. Alex, this is my granddaughter, Brenawyn McAllister. I believe you two have already met.”
    She had a strong handshake, confident and self-assured, contradictory to the dainty appearance of her tiny hand in his much larger one. She glanced away, letting her long lashes fall against her rose-kissed cheeks.
    “Well, I didna ha’ ta wait long ta see ye again.”
    She smiled genuinely but didn’t meet his eyes, “Nana, I met Alex this morning over coffee across the street at the bakery.”
    “Yes, I know, he told me. He’s the one that works at the community college that I told you about this morning.”
    “Hmm, talking about me already, Leo? Yer granddaughter hasna even fully settled in yet, though I cannae say tha’ I’m disappointed,” Alex said smugly.
    “Away with you and your teasing! I merely mentioned you in case Brenawyn wants to apply for a teaching position at the school. I thought perhaps you could forward her resumé.”
    More serious now, Alex turned his full attention to Brenawyn. “I could dae tha’ for ye if ye wish. Wha’ dae ye teach?”
    “I taught English literature and composition for seven years, but I’m taking a break from it for the time being to help Nana with the store, especially now that she’s in a cast. Of course that is if she can ever be convinced to stop micromanaging and allow