“I can’t wait to see what kind of magic you come up with,” he told them. “But for now, it’s time for you to go home.”

“One more book, Mr. John,” cried a voice from the group.

He shook his head. “Nope, I can only read you two books tonight. You all have to eat dinner and go to bed soon.”

Eventually the crowd dispersed as mothers gathered coats and their own children. Victoria stood and made her way to John. “You had me a little nervous there,” she said.

John peered down at her with a grin. “Oh?”

“Your taxonomy of witches had me on the edge of my seat.”

“A little Halloween magic can’t be bad. They’re at the age where everything is still mysterious.”

Katie’s mother approached them while her daughter explained the details of Coco’s magic to a small crowd of children. “Mr. John,” she started. “Thank you for what you did this evening.”

John’s face softened. “Of course, how long has Katie dealt with anxiety issues?”

The mother nodded. “For the past two years. We’ve taken her to a pediatrician who specializes in ADD and anxiety, and we’re working on a plan to help her.”

“I’m assuming Coco is a big help?”

“A tremendous help,” she said. “It’s interesting how powerful one anxious bunny can feel when she’s taking care of another. You telling her that Coco is magical might rub off on her as well.” She glanced over her shoulder at her daughter, who was still holding court. “Before, she would never have asked you that question. And she certainly wouldn’t be talking to the other children like that.”

Victoria found herself grinning at the girl. “She’s quite the authority on rabbits. She looks like she has the makings of a professor.”

“I know.” The mother chuckled. “It’s wonderful to see her shining.”

“Send me an email and I can suggest some helpful books for you and Katie,” John said, offering a business card from his wallet. “I have experience with this and I can relay some tricks I’ve used.”

“That would be wonderful,” Katie’s mother said, taking the card. “Thank you for being understanding.”

“It’s no problem.”

“Now I’ve got to pry my child from her adoring fans.” She laughed.

When the woman wandered off to collect her daughter, Victoria turned to John. “When we first met, you said you had a hard time staying on subject. Did you mean that you have ADD?”

His green eyes smiled. “In that situation, I had a difficult time keeping my mind on business. It wasn’t my ADD though.”

She averted her eyes to make sure they were out of earshot of the children. “Right. I didn’t realize,” she said, suddenly remembering how she teased him about his messy desk. “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?”