Free wicked witches 08.6 - a witch in time by Amanda M. Lee Page B

and then on her wedding day. When do you think we are now?”
    “How should I know?”
    “What’s out at the bluff, Bay?” Landon pressed
    “Do you know something I don’t?” I asked. That didn’t seem possible, but he almost seemed resigned.
    “I know what’s on the far side of the bluff,” Landon answered. “It was the first thing I noticed when you took me up there after we started dating. I pointed something out to you and you very reluctantly explained it to me. Do you remember what that was?”
    I racked my brain. “I … don’t remember. I remember taking a walk with you. If you must know, though, my heart was pounding really hard because you were holding my hand and I thought we might do some kissing. That was long before we kissed on a regular basis.”
    Landon snorted. “You’re so annoyingly cute sometimes,” he said. “I was nervous that night, too. I have no idea why, looking back on the situation. It was a great night. However, you took me to the bluff from this direction. You told me you guys rarely access the bluff from this direction for a reason. What was that reason?”
    “Oh,” I intoned, realization dawning. “Grandma Ginger’s ashes were scattered on this side.”
    “And you have a simple marker for her just on the other side of those trees,” Landon said. “I can’t remember anyone from your family coming out to this specific site other than that night. I’ve looked for you a few times – I’ve seen the marker on each occasion – but no one ever comes out here.”
    “I think it makes people too sad.”
    “Well, Aunt Tillie didn’t seem as if her head was in a good place when we saw her last,” Landon pointed out. “I think it’s entirely possible that triggered a sad memory. What’s sadder than Ginger dying?”
    “Uncle Calvin dying.”
    “I don’t think we’re there yet,” Landon said. “Didn’t he live for several years after Ginger died?”
    The timeline was murky in my head, but I knew Uncle Calvin lived long enough to see my mother and aunts marry, because he walked all of them down the aisle. “Yeah. You’re probably right.”
    “I have to redeem myself after you were right about us not time traveling,” Landon said. “I should’ve known that because the cut on your cheek is gone. That means we’re not really here, despite how much it hurts.”
    “You weren’t wrong,” I clarified. “You were excited to think you might be in a Star Trek episode.”
    Landon scowled. “Make all the fun you want, little missy,” he said. “I’m buying one of those short costume dresses and making you parade around in it while calling me ‘captain’ before everything is said and done.”
    Sadly, that sounded more fun than horrible. “I want a blue one. I look terrible in red.”
    Landon smirked. “Done,” he said, extending his hand. “Let’s go to a funeral, shall we?”
    We were quiet as we made our way to the top of the bluff, being careful to skirt close to the trees so we didn’t intrude. Even though I knew Landon was right about the memory before we caught sight of a grieving Aunt Tillie, Uncle Calvin and the three nieces who would soon become their wards, my heart still rolled at the sight.
    Landon kept his arm around me as we watched. Ginger had been cremated. Mom, Marnie and Twila carried her urn to the edge of the bluff to scatter her ashes in the wind so she would always be a part of the land she loved so much. Calvin and Tillie were stoic as they watched, although it was obvious five hearts were broken at having to say goodbye.
    I glanced around for a glimpse of my Aunt Tillie, but wherever she was I couldn’t find her.
    “What are we going to do now?” Twila asked.
    “We’re going back to the house to have dinner,” Tillie replied, resting her hand on Twila’s shoulder. “Then you guys should think about going to bed early. Things won’t be better when you wake up, but a new day marks new beginnings.”
    “Maybe we don’t want