Tracy Madison - A Breath of Magic

Let me get this straight. You want to magically coerce your boyfriend into marrying you? Are you crazy? My cousin Elizabeth gaped at me as if Id suddenly sprouted a set of horns. Or maybe a third eye.

I cant magically coerce anyone. And no, that isnt what I want. Not exactly, anyway. We were ensconced in her office at A Taste of Magic, and while Id known before arriving at the bakery that gaining her approval would be difficult, Id hoped, at the very least, for her understanding. Its more that I want to use magic to take away Kyles reservations about commitment.

Her brown eyes darkened to the same shade as her hair, either in anger or disbelief. Or maybe both. There isnt much distinction between the two, Chloe. Besides, do you really want to marry a man who wouldnt say yes on his own?

That same question had been bobbing around in my head for weeks, and my answer changed repeatedly. I inhaled a quick breath, hoping to smother the uneasiness that knotted my stomach. Instead, the thick, buttery, almost too-sweet scent of the bakery assailed my senses, adding queasiness to the mix. Weve been dating for nearly a year. Marriage is the obvious next step.

But why the hurry? Just let your relationship progress naturally, and youll end up where youre supposed to.

Her logic, right or wrong, made me want to scream. Of course, I didnt. Doing so would only paint me as an emotional basket case. And I wasnt. Okay, maybe I was slightly emotional, but my reasons for going forward were sound. Fidgeting in my seat, I offered, Its almost like were already married. He just needsa little shove to make it official.

And you think Im that shove?

Well, its not like I can do it myself! After a few more breaths, I reined in the quick temper that accompanied my red hair. Im sorry, but youre the only one who can do this.

Compassion replaced Elizabeths disapproval. She reached across her desk to grasp my hand. Is that what this is about? We all believe the magic will find you. Both Alice and I have gifted it to you several times, but maybe youre not in the right place to receive your power yet. Be patient, sweetie. It will come.

Yeah, right. Patient. Id been best friends with Alice, Elizabeths sister, long before I discovered we were related, so at first Id been pleased to learn we were cousins. Nowwell, the blood relation should have been enough for me to claim the familys Gypsy magic. But so far? Nada. The bluebird of patience had long since flown the coop. Worse, instead of feeling closer to my newfound relatives, Id never felt more alone.

Except for Kyle.

I pulled my hand away. Ive given up on receiving the magic, Liz. So to answer your question, no, thats not what this is about. I counted to three and then gave my request another go. What Im asking for is simple.

She tilted her head, staring into my eyes. Maybe I misunderstood you. Please ask again.

No way had she misunderstood, but Id ask again. Heck, Id ask one hundred more times if it worked. I wanted to become Chloe Ackers instead of Chloe Nichols so badly, it still surprised me. I didnt understand the urgency, but I trusted it. Straightening my shoulders, I said, Id like you to bake something special I can serve tonight, because I plan on proposing.

And special means what, exactly?

Liz probably figured that by forcing me to say in detail what I wanted, Id decide the idea was ludicrous. Of course, she had no way of knowing that Id been contemplating this for the past six weeks and had long since gotten over my qualms. Well, most of them. Just bake me a cake with the wish that Kyles fears about commitment vanish. Thats it. After he eats the cake, I can propose. If he says no then, Ill know the reason is because he doesnt love me, and I can live with that. But if I ask him without your magic, Ill never know if his rejection is because his feelings for me arent strong enough, or if its because hes too afraid of marrying anyone.

With a sigh, Elizabeth tucked a stray strand of hair back in place. Its not a good idea, Chloe. It isnt fair to Kyle, and it isnt fair to you, either. You deserve a man who wants to be with you because of youa man who loves you so much, hed never need a spell to push him along. Dont you want that?

I heard her words, and the sentiment behind them, and a sudden longing for exactly that pulled at me. But I knew better. Other than with Kyle, Id never had a relationship last more than a few months. Besides, Kyle was my highschool sweetheart, my first love, and after years of separation we were a couple again. That had to mean something. Otherwise, why had fate bothered to bring us back together?

Not everyone is as lucky as you and Alice, I said softly.

She snorted. We werent always so lucky in loveor are you forgetting that? What we have now isnt luck. Sometimes, it takes a while. But trust me, the wait is worth it.

Maybe. If I believed that what shed found with Nate, and what Alice found with Ethan, would happen for me, then maybe the wait would be worthwhile. But I didnt. Ive never asked you to use your magic for me before. I swear, Liz, if you do thisIll never ask again.

Why is this so important to you now? She gasped. Are you pregnant?

No! Not that I hadnt thought of going that route, because I had. For about three seconds flat. Trapping Kyle, no matter what Elizabeth thought, was not my intention. Besides, if I were, we wouldnt be having this conversation.

We wouldnt?

Exasperation curled in my chest. I freed it with a loud sigh. You know Kyle. If I told him he was going to be a father, what do you think hed do?

Run for the hills?

And no amount of magic would get him back. I shook my head. No, this is the only way.

Liz picked up a stray pen from her desk, fiddled with it for a minute and then plopped it back down. And yet, you want to marry him.

Just because he isnt ready for kids doesnt mean he wont ever be. And we have to start somewhere. I stared at Elizabeth, trying to find the right words to get her to agree. You used your magic for Alice, I pointed out.

Uh-huh, to help her find Ethan. Not to compel him to be with her. Elizabeth stood and paced the small area in front of her office door.

But we are together, so Im not trying to force him to be with me. Why are you opposed to this? Its not a big deal. Not really.

She stopped. Turning to face me, she planted both hands on her hips. Dont ever say that to me again, Chloe. Altering Kyles perception so hell agree to something he normally wouldnt is a huge deal. Massive. And the resultgood or badwould rest on