It’s #BookQW and ‘dark’ times will change with the Solstice!
Can you believe it is December? More from Chapter 3:
Dad gestured to the woodstove. “The fire is ready for the lighting. Are we all ready?”
Mom turned out the overhead lights, and Raven ran to turn off the others in the kitchen. With the house darkened, the view through the windows showed the spruce and pines surrounding the cabin. Everybody clustered into a semicircle facing the hearth.
“Heather?” Dad asked quietly. “Who shall do the lighting this year?”
“I’d like Mum to have the honor, if she will?”
Gran swished her hand. “Because I am the oldest here?” she grumbled.
Mom laughed. “Of course. We need to pick up the old traditions, and what better way to do it than to grant this down through our ages?” She handed Gran the box of matches.
Gran shook her head as she accepted them, but Fern could tell she was pleased. “Not our tradition, but it’ll do.” She struck one and held it to the dried pine needles and sticks Dad had stacked against the charred logs he and Gran had brought. Soon, flames licked across everything.
Beri slipped an arm around Fern’s waist, warm and comforting, as they watched the growing light. It’ll be all right that I don’t have a special gift for him. He wanted time together, and we have that.
Gran poked the fire. “I believe it’s time to add this year’s Yule log. Did you select a particular one, Heather?”
“Any of the cedars I propped to the side. They give off a nice fragrance.”
Dad leaned over the pile on the hearth and picked up the smallest of the round logs. His back gave an odd squeak as he rose, and he froze, holding the log.
“Dad?” Fern clutched his arm. “You okay?”
He started laughing. “Aye, I’m nae that old, lass.”
“Nooo.” Mom groaned. “Don’t tell me we have mice again!”
“Ye don’t, but I think this is something Fern needs to address.” He beckoned her to take his place.
She searched where he pointed, trying to make out what was in the shadows of the logs.
***
Solstice Gifts is fun, friendship and fantasy! Fern & Beri navigate their first holiday together, with their new family causing trouble and tugging at their heartstrings! This holiday short story follows The Witch of the Meadows. You don’t need to have read Book 1 to enjoy this bonus story…though it will contain minor spoilers!
Pick up Solstice Gifts today for .99 from my Payhip store or on your favorite retailer.
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