Before Nell could offer her hand, Gladys was grabbing it, bending over close to get a good, long look. “Should have known that Todd boy would do a good job.” She gave a nod of approval, then looked up at Nell. “You got a winner there, and I don’t mean the ring.”

“I know it.”

“I watched him grow up. Once he got some man on him, if you know what I mean, I used to wonder what sort of woman would catch his fancy. I like knowing it’s you. I’ve got a fondness for you.”

“Mrs. Macey.” Undone, Nell hugged her. “Thank you.”

“You’ll be good for him.” She patted Nell’s back. “And he’ll be good for you. I know you’ve had some troubles.” She simply nodded as Nell drew back. “You had something in your eyes when you came here. It’s not there much anymore.”

“I left all that behind. I’m happy.”

“It shows. Have you set the date?”

“No, not yet.” Nell thought of lawyers, of conflict. Of Evan. She would deal with it, she told herself. With all of it. “As soon as we can.”

“I want a front-row seat at the wedding.”

“You’ll have one. And all the champagne you can drink at our thirtieth anniversary party.”

“I’ll hold you to it. Well, I’ve got to get on. Monsters’ll come knocking at the door before long, and I don’t want my windows soaped. You tell that man of yours I said he did well.”

“I will.” That man of hers, Nell thought as she began to walk again. What a wonderful phrase.

She quickened her steps. She was going to have to hurry to beat dusk.

She went to the front of the cottage, glancing around a bit self-consciously. Secure that she was alone in the lowering light, she held her arms out toward her jack-o’-lanterns, breathed in, focused.

It took some work, a hard slap of effort, and a match would certainly have been quicker. But it wouldn’t have given her the same rush as watching the candles spurt flame and the pumpkins glow from the fire in her mind.

Boy! She let out her breath on a quick laugh. Boy, oh boy, that was so cool.

It wasn’t just the magic, she decided. It was the knowing—who and what she was. It was finding her strength, her purpose, and her heart. Taking back control so that she could share it with a man who believed in her.

Whatever happened tomorrow, or a year from tomorrow, she was now and always Nell.

She danced up the steps and into the front door.

“Diego! I’m home. You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had. Absolutely the best day.”