The Good Witches New Life

Loss and Family

Cassie loved planting flowers on Jake's grave. The cool earth on her fingers was soothing and she knew how lovely they'd look. Pansy's with their yellow and purple faces, Marigolds sparkling in sun like forgotten treasure and Baby's Breath as innocent as a new born. Their white would be a lovely contrast.

She sat back on her heels and wiped her hands on her jeans. The sun above was warm, exceptionally warm for early springtime. Normally the ground was still slightly frozen and the temperatures nippy.

"He loved you very much."

Cassie started and turned her torso to stare at the stranger standing beside a huge gnarled tree. He wore all white and she didn't miss the redness of his eyes. Getting to her feet she greeted the older man with a warm smile. "Hello."

"You are as lovely as my...as Jake," he stumbled over the name as if it were unfamiliar, "described."

Patiently she waited, hoping her visitor would introduce himself. He seemed to know her.

"I could not attend his funeral." He stepped forward, treading lightly despite the sandals he wore. "It would not have been safe."

"Safe?" She frowned puzzled.

"For Jake. For you. For the children." He sighed heavily. "I knew when he died."

Since she sometimes knew things before they happened, she didn't doubt his last comment. Still, who was he and why would he have known when her husband died?

"You seem to know me." She extended her hand.

Lightly his rough hand took hers. "I am Caine."

Caine? Something tickled in her brain. A vague comment Jake had made once and then quickly laughed off. There had been a look a fear on his face and though she'd waited patiently, known he kept a secret from her, he'd never spoken of it again.

"Welcome to Middleton."

A sad smile tugged his lips. "I can not stay."

"Why not?"

"I will not bring danger upon you and my...your children."

"What danger could I possibly be in?" She crossed her arms over her blue t-shrit.

Caine cocked his head. She noticed the wispy Grey hair and the wrinkles lining his face. "He never told you."

"I really have no idea what you're talking about." She decided to switch tactics. "Why don't you come to Grey House. I'll fix you something to eat." He did look like he didn't eat often. His body was thin.

Uncertainty, fear, and hope all crossed his weathered face. "Thank you."

"My car is over here." She led him out of the graveyard with its many weathered stones and still bare trees. The drive to her home was quiet. He stared out the window, lost in thought.

When she reached her white and brick home, she took him to the kitchen and put on the pot. Tea was always good and she so enjoyed coming up with her own blends. Her guest sat at the bar, both at ease and ready to flee. She placed the delicate cup in front of him, the contents steaming. Cassie offered him a smile. "Best drink it while it's hot."

Again he cocked his head to the side, a smile tugging on his lips. "Thank you." He sampled his tea and nodded his approval. "Mint, black tea and a touch of ginger."