Danny and Jamey

“I have a surprise for you,” Madylyn said as Danyka joined her in the hallway.

“I love surprises.” Her brow arched. “Is it chocolate or weapons?” When Maddy just stared at her, Danny’s expression changed from pleasure to horrified. “For God’s sake, don’t tell me you bought me a dress?”

A deep chuckle carried up to them from the foyer, and Danny’s jaw dropped as a blast from the past came back to haunt her. Eyes wide, she gaped at Madylyn. “He’s back, really?” she whispered excitedly. “Is he staying?”

Madylyn smiled, happy to have brought a smile to her friend’s face. Danny had missed him, although she would never admit it.  She hoped Danny would realize the gift that this man was and never let him go.  His feelings for her were obvious, but some people never saw what was right in front of them. “Guess that’s up to you. You ready for another partner?”

“YES!” she hooted in delight, taking the steps two at a time.  Half way down the last flight she yelled, “Jameson!” 

The object of her attention turned just in time to see her leap off the banister.  He caught her slight form and swung her around with a laugh.  Danyka hooked her legs around his hips, grabbed a hold of his cheeks and kissed him full on the lips.

“I didn’t know you were coming,” she whispered when she released him from the lip lock.  Her blue eyes traced his face, settling on his amber gaze.

“I take it you’ve missed me then, Hellion?” he asked, his gravelly voice doing something to her stomach that it hadn’t done before.

She smiled at his use of her nickname. “Mayhap.” She unhooked her legs and set her feet back on the floor. “Then again, mayhap not.”  Laughing, she hugged him again and tucked her arm through his elbow before remembering they weren’t alone.

“Ye gave us quite the show!”  Fergus said appreciatively. “Good catch, lad.”

“Welcome back, Jamey.”  Rhyanna said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “I am so glad ye’ve come home. ‘Tis not the same without you.” 

He blushed at the compliment and turned to Maddy.

“You’ve done me a favor, feeling sorry for me and taking me back into the fold.”  He looked around at all the wardens gathered and said with a catch in his voice, “I’ve missed it here,” he said as he gazed at each of them. “And I’ve missed all of you. Thank you all for the opportunity to return and for the warm welcome.” He coughed, embarrassed.

“This calls fer a drink!” Ferg shouted. Most anything was a reason to celebrate in his world. “To the bar!” He headed for his favorite room in the castle, leading the way.

Jamey looked horrified as he said, “Please tell me he’s not still mixing magic with his drinks.”

Peals of laughter were all the answer he needed. “God help me. The last one I drank nearly killed me.”

“God’s ain’t much help here, but you’ll build up a tolerance soon enough.”

“Or an ulcer,” Rhy said dryly.

“Stick to beer or wine,” Maddy suggested.

Arm in arm, he and Danny marched behind Fergus, leaving Rhy and Maddy behind.

“Do ye think she realizes how important he is to her yet?”  Rhyanna asked Maddy softly, wistfully.

“She may not now, but she will soon. Whether or not she wants to,” Madelyn answered quietly.

“Do ye think they’ll survive what’s coming?”

“Rhy, I don’t know if any of us will survive what’s coming, and it scares the living hell out of me.”

“Aye, Maddy. It terrifies me too.”