Free Spellbound Falls by Janet Chapman

sessions.” He patted Henry’s leg. “She’s going to love the idea, because I happen to know she’s quite determined to be your favorite aunt.”
Henry frowned up to him again. “But she’s my only aunt.”
Mac lifted the boy off his lap and set him down facing the door. “And if you’re a wise young man, you won’t be too quick to point that out to her,” he said with a chuckle, giving him a nudge to get him moving. “Not if you want herto keep sending you gifts. Now go brush your teeth and strip off for bed, and I’ll be along to tuck you in.”
Henry stopped at the door. “Are you sure Mama doesn’t mind that I don’t wear pajamas?” he asked, the moonlight revealing his suspicion.
“She never used to mind when I didn’t wear any,” Mac drawled. He stood up. “But if you’re worried, tonight just before you go to sleep maybe you should ask her.”
“But what if she doesn’t answer me?”
“She will, son, I promise. Only remember you’ll hear her answer with your heart instead of your ears. And in the morning, if your mama told you she prefers you wear pajamas, tomorrow we’ll go into town and buy you some.”
Henry’s shoulders slumped. “Can we go to town even if she says it’s okay if I sleep naked? That way I’ll have something to do while Sophie’s gone on her picnic.” He took a deep breath. “I’ve decided picnics must be something only
mamas
do with their children. And dads do… they do something else with them.”
“You mean like teach their sons how to handle a sword?” Mac asked quietly.
Henry’s eyes widened. “A sword? Truly?” He stepped closer. “Will you teach me how to fight with
your
sword?”
Mac folded his arms over his chest, biting back a laugh. “I think we should start with one you can actually lift.” He canted his head. “Perhaps you would enjoy wielding the small sword my father gave me when I was your age.”
The one Carolina had thoughtfully hidden inside the giant stuffed whale.
Henry’s eyes widened even more. “Grandfather gave you a toy sword when you were my age? And you’re going to let me use it? Oh, Father, I promise to be very careful not to break it, as you must hold it dear to your heart. Can we start my lessons tomorrow while Sophie’s gone on her picnic?”
Mac could feel the excitement humming through his son clear across the porch. “I’m not just letting you use the sword your Grampy gave me; I’m giving it to you to hold dear in your heart as a gift from your
dad
. One that I hopeyou will someday have the good fortune to pass down to your own son.” He walked over and opened the door of the cabin. “And you needn’t worry about it breaking; it’s a true and lethal weapon, Henry, except that it’s sized for a smaller hand. And for that reason alone you must always treat it with respect.” He turned him around and gently shoved him inside. “Now go get ready for bed.”
Henry took all of two steps and turned back, his young eyes filled with doubt. “We will begin my lessons tomorrow?”
Mac shook his head. “Not in the light of day; but I give you my word we’ll have our first lesson tomorrow night. We’ll go on a hike tomorrow instead, and find a clearing in the forest we can use.” He leaned down to look Henry level in the eyes. “And you will give me your word that you’ll not tell anyone, including Sophie, what we’re doing, if you don’t want to feel the flat of
my
sword on your backside. Understand?” he asked, stifling a smile when his son vigorously nodded.
Mac straightened. “The same rules apply to your lessons as to everything else we’ve talked about. The less people know about us, the better for everyone.”
The boy nodded even more vigorously.
Mac shoved his hands in his pockets. “I know what a burden it is to keep secrets, Henry, especially at your age and especially when those secrets don’t even make sense to you half the time. And I’m really proud of you for handling them as well as you