“For Adam,” I said.

“For Adam.”

I clutched hands with Izzy as Nora strode over to the roses resting on the floor.

She planted her hands on her hips and stared down at the arrangement. “Disgusting.” She then scooped them up and marched past us, calling out, “Well, is everyone coming?”

“We’re coming,” I said. “We’re all coming.”

Chapter 48

We’ve gathered here on this sacred night to honor one of the finest humans the mortal world has ever produced.”

The garden had been transformed. Small lanterns glowed softly from every tree, and Nora had made sure all of the fall flowers, from the asters to the zinnias, were blooming, bringing color to every corner of the yard and filling the air with a rich, tranquil scent.

“Adam was more than the husband of our beloved niece. He was a treasured member of our family.”

I listened silently, twisting my hands together, as Nora continued telling the story of my husband’s life. She spoke of his passion for teaching, his wonder for the world, and his love for us. Really, it wasn’t all that different from his human funeral.

The next part, however, would be quite different. And that was the part that had me nervous.

All witch funerals had an enchanted component, a magical tribute given to the one who passed, and I wanted mine to be perfect just in case Adam could see it from wherever he was. I wanted it to be as beautiful as the love he had given me, and I was terrified I would let the both of us down.

When the time came, Nora moved to the side, and I stood in front of my family with my hands still clutched together. A thousand thoughts raced through my head. How was I going to do this? Where would I find the strength? Why did I want to do this? I didn’t get married to say goodbye. But I pushed them all away to focus on what it was I really wanted to say.

“There are no words that can ever truly express what Adam brought to the world. What he brought to my life.” My voice trembled. “My husband was so many things. Intelligent. Funny. Interesting. But more than anything, he was a good, kind man. Good and kind are simple words, but when you are lucky enough to meet someone rich in both those qualities, the effect is magnificent. Adam was magnificent.” Tears welled in my eyes.

“You are doing wonderfully, darling,” Izzy called to me.

“No, words alone are not enough to honor the man I had the greatest privilege of calling my husband.” I felt a mystical thrum of energy run through the garden in anticipation of my next words. The Warren family had been using them for hundreds of years. “So as is our tradition, I offer my tribute.”

I squeezed my fingers into my palms. I could suddenly hear Constance’s words to me. Her message from Adam.

He said, tell Brynn that I love her always, and that for my tribute, I want her to show me the stars.