Dullahan Boyfriend: Curran (rough draft)

Several years ago, your husband had been murdered. He was sacrificed by his own kin, his old coven. You were so immobilized by grief and all you could do was take care of your daughter, Daisy. You relied heavily on your own coven, who helped take care of you and tried to mend the wounds this loss caused. Unfortunately, anger took hold of you, and in a moment of weakness you let it power and move you.

Beyond your home there was an old graveyard. You had played there as a child, collected herbs from graves, even planted a garden amongst the tombstones. It was a quiet and lovely place that you and your coven respected. But your anger was stronger, and you sought out the grave you desired. You unearthed the grave, tossing aside the sacred earth and throwing away the lid of the coffin, seizing the skull from inside.

You enchanted the skull and placed gold coins in the mouth. You then buried it under the roots of an oak tree and waited for night to fall. You waited in the dark for him, knowing he would come to ask for his head back. You heard hoofbeats in the distance, slowly approaching you as you stood to greet him. The dullahan arrived before you, dismounting his steed and extended out his hand for his skull.

“It will be returned to you, but first you must do something for me,” you said sternly.

The dullahan moaned and smoke billowed from the headless neck. “I knew it would not be so easy. What are your terms, witch?” His arms crossed in defiance.

You stiffen your jaw, letting the anger still in your blood flow. “I want you to destroy the coven that killed my husband. Once they are gone, you can have your head back.”

He chuckled and smoothed his fingers along his neck. “So, that’s why you chose me. A sacrifice to avenge a sacrifice.”

“I chose you because of reputation, Mr. O’Hart. The fact you suffered the same fate as my husband was merely a bonus.” You stepped closer to him. “With each proven kill I’ll grant you a favor. Do this timely and I will grant you a wish along with your head.”

“Curran,” he corrected you. “I am no mister. I am barely a being.” His shoulders shifted so one leaned more forward. “What is timely to you?”

You lifted three fingers into the air. “Three years. Have them all gone by then.”

He breathed and smoke billowed more thickly from his neck. “This husband of yours must have been really something.”

“You have your task, Curran. That is all you need to know.”

Curran then seized your hand. “Then we shall seal it.” Using a small dagger he pricked your middle finger. He then smeared the blood along his neck which formed a black collar with a golden lock. He then released your hand and a gold chain formed around your wrist.

“I’ll be seeing you again, witch.” He rubbed at the collar around his neck. “Hopefully soon.” He returned back to his horse and they vanished off into the dark night.

You did not see him for months after that on the eve of your daughter’s second birthday. You were up late wrapping gifts and you happened to spot him outside your window.  You went outside and met him on your porch.

“Good evening, Ms. Witch.” Curran bowed, smoke streaming with his neck. “I have brought to you, your first object of proof.” He handed you a pair of cufflinks made from gold teeth. “Such ugly things, but they were the least offensive of what he wore.”

“You took them based on taste?”

Curran shrugged. “I had it in life, why would it go away?” He then looked inside your door. “May I come in.”

“Of course,” you lead him inside. “Make yourself comfortable if you wish. I’m sure you’ve had quite the journey.”

Curran breathed in deeply then spotted the cupcakes and presents on the table. “Am I interrupting.”

“No. Daisy is in bed, and I am simply getting ready for her birthday tomorrow.”

Curran took a seat at the table, curling pink, metallic ribbon around his thick finger. “How old?”

You placed the cufflinks into a box sitting on the mantle. “She’ll be three.”

“I see,” he breathed. “Well, do I still get my favor?”

You went back to wrapping a birthday present. “Of course, Curran. What is it you’d like for your first?”

Curran cracked his knuckles, turning his palms outwards to bend the fingers. There you see old sigils tattooed to his palms. You know them, but they’re so faded you could barely read them. Something about them reminded you of your husband.

“I would like a bed to sleep in. I can’t recall the last one I slept in, and I’ve barely rested at all since you took my head.”

“That’s fine. I’ll go and sleep with Daisy tonight. She’ll like that anyways.” You set the wrapped gift aside.

Curran clapped his hands together. “Good! Now, do you play chess?”

“Not in a long while. But I still know my stuff.” You smiled at him. “I’ll have to unearth my set if that’s what you’d like.”

Curran chuckled, his smoke coming out much thicker. “I would, very much.”

You find the old set in the hidden cupboard under the floor. You set it up and Curran eagerly sat down to begin a match.

“This was always my favorite part of the day,” Curran said. “Playing with my father each night before we went to bed.”

“You’re quite good,” you remarked.

“Not as good as my father,” Curren sighed, making his next move. “You’re not too shabby, Ms. Witch.”

You gave him a look and carefully assessed your next move. This would come to be his regular request. He’d ask for a game of chess and then to spend the night in a bed. In the beginning he would usually leave by dawn. But as time passed, he spent a few days around your home. He visited his own grave, spent time with the ghosts of the cemetery. He even taught Daisy to play chess.

After the first few deaths, the hunted coven had spread out for their own protection. You had assumed this, which was why you gave Curran three years to make his kills. You knew he would need the time.

“I can taste them on the wind,” he told you. “They’re sparse and no longer touching. The scent is thin, but I can at least track it.”

“That’s good,” you murmured.

Curran leaned forward at the table, bracing his arm upon his knee. “You have such a bitterness towards them.You did say they killed your husband. But there is more to it that you aren’t sharing with me.”

“I see no reason I have to share those details with you, Curran,” you replied rather coldly. “You have your task.”

Curran sighed. “Come now After all this time, it is more than a task to you. These people have done a great wrong in your eyes. Perhaps if I knew more, I would act with more haste.”

You smirked at him. “Is that what you think or are you just nosey?”

He laughed. “Perhaps both.”

You sighed and scratched along your hairline. “They were my husband’s former coven. His own flesh and blood. Because he left them for me, and his own desires, they decided to take him back.”

Curran is quiet for a moment, his smoke comes out in a small, thin trail. “I once knew this kid a long time ago. I was still in my grave, mind you. But this kid would hide behind my tombstone and we would talk. He was always worried that because he didn’t think like his family they wouldn’t care for him. I taught him to play chess so he would have something in common with his parents. I also told him the spell that would summon me if he ever needed help. I dunno why, but that reminded me of him.”

“What happened to the boy?” You asked.

“Not sure. People grow up. I assume he did. Hope he did.” Turned his body towards the window. “Lots of people have come through that old graveyard. But that boy, he always stuck out. I always wanted kids when I was alive.”

“Really?” You smiled at him. “Is that why you like Daisy so much?”

Curran turned back towards you. “My sisters all had daughters and I loved them immensely. Daisy reminds me of those bygone days.”

One autumn, just after the second year was over, Curran returned with proof of his next kill. He laid the old brooch in your hands and you were ready to go to the chessboard like always. You placed the brooch in the box with all the other trinkets.

“Daisy so wanted to have a game with you,” you said “But she’s been asleep a good long time now.”

Curran came up behind you. “I don’t want to play chess tonight.” His voice was low and quiet. “I have a different favor to ask for.”

The hairs on the back of your neck bristled as his hand circled around your waist. You glanced behind you then faced forward to look into the mirror over the mantle. “What do you want, Curran?”

“I wish to see you naked, Ms. Witch.” Smoke billowed heavily from his neck, scented like lilies and musk. “I wish to share the bed with you this evening.”

You pushed his hand aside and looked up at him with a scowl. “How long have you been thinking about this?”

“Too long,” Curran answered bluntly. “But only recently have I wanted it with you.” His fingers brushed down the side of your face. “I am lonely, Ms. Witch, and I know you are lonely too. I only long for touch, for warmth. I do not ask for more than skin on skin.”

He was right, you were lonely, and your bed had felt so big for far too long. “What if you want more in the night?”

Curran laughed. “I am a big boy and I can keep my hands to myself. I know I am allowed only one favor.” He then touched the buttons on his jacket. “I can go first.”

“Allow me.” You reached up, undoing the buttons of his coat. His tunic underneath was stained and filthy. “You’re a fucking mess,” you scolded. “When have you last washed these things, let alone had a bath?”

“Does it matter?”

You glare up at Curran’s neck. “I’m not sharing my bed with someone filthy. Get undressed and I’ll get your clothes in the washing machine. Go take a shower.”

“You’re serious,” he laughed. “Fine.” He removed all his clothes, standing naked before you. His skin is slate gray and his body is in much better shape than you expected. There are scars on his rugged chest, hidden amongst the coarse dark hair.

“I’m surprised,” you remarked.

Curran placed his arm around his middle. “What does that mean?” He scoffed.

You bit back a smile. “I didn’t expect so much hair. You said skin to skin. Not skin to pelt.” You were happy to tease him.

Curran pointed at you. “I could also slap my palm to your rear, Ms. Witch. That too is skin to skin. Best keep your sniggers in check. Now where’s the bathroom?”

You showed him the way then went off and put his old clothes into the washing machine. You then went into the bedroom to wait on him. You take off your clothes then slipped under the blankets. It had been so long since you shared your bed with someone other than Daisy. It felt quite strange to be waiting on him.

Eventually he emerged from the steam of the bathroom. Hi sgray skin looked supple, his chest hair glistened. He stalled when he realized you were already in bed. “Couldn’t wait on me?” He tossed the towel away and got in bed. “Let me see now.”

You start to cover yourself but stop, realizing there’s not point to it. “Have your gander,” you rolled your eyes.

“Not bad, but I think you have the better view.” He laid in the bed, letting the covers fall over you. “Now come to me.” He held his arm out and you moved towards him. Your back curled to his chest and his broad arm laid over you. His body felt cool to the touch, but it was his presence there you found strangely welcome.

“You smell nice,” you murmured as the lights went out.

Curran sighed. “Used your fancy soaps and shit. You feel soft.”

“Fancy soap and shit.” You rolled onto your back, letting his hand touch your breast then stroke down your body. “Have you really been lonely, Curran?”

“I have.” He poked a finger into your belly button. “Even before I died, I was lonesome. I was used to my big family and always having someone around.” His fingers touched the mound of fluff between your thighs then quickly moved away. “That’s why I like Daisy. I miss my little sisters, my nieces.”

“I was an only child,” you confessed. “The closest thing I had to a big family was my mother’s herd of cats.”

“Did you plan to have my children with your husband?” Curran asked.

It was a steak through your heart.

“I’m sorry.” He moved his hand away from you. His thumb then brushed under your eye, capturing the tears that fell. “I didn’t mean-”

“It’s fine, just-” You held his wrist and kept it on your face.

“You summoned me because of him, and yet I have never seen a hint of him here, or heard his name spoken.” He laid closer to you, keeping his hand upon your face. “Why is that?”

You rolled over, burying your face against his chest. “I can’t.” That would be all you could give him that night. You fell asleep with Curran, wrapped up in his strong arms.

In the morning you were frightened by your desire to linger in bed, to touch him, to be comforted by his masculine attributes. Instead, you got up and dressed and fetched his clothes for him, laying them out so he could dress when he awoke.

You prepared breakfast for Daisy in the kitchen, listening to the sound of rain pitter patter all around you. Eventually you heard the floorboards creak with the weight of Curran’s footsteps. He came into the kitchen, standing in the doorway as you poured pancake batter into the pan.

“You woke up early,” he said and leaned into the frame. “Sleep soundly?”

You looked towards him only briefly before focusing on the pancake. “I suppose I did. Given the circumstances. Did you?”

“I don’t sleep like one would think. But I haven’t felt so warm between the sheets in such a long time. It was nice to let that carry me away into something I would consider rest.” Curran left the doorway and sat down at the table. “Is that rain I hear?”

“It is,” you sighed. “I think it rained all night.”

“I never noticed.” He rubs at the collar around his neck. “Thanks to you.”

“It was your favor after all.” You then sighed. “That rain is probably why Daisy hasn’t woken up yet.” You took the pancake from the pan and onto a plate. “I should go get her.”

“Let me.” Curran stood up. “You’re cooking.” He left the kitchen again and just as your making another pancake, he came out from the hallway carrying Daisy in his arms. She curled up to him, her hair an absolute mess.

“I’m making your favorite,” you approached to take her. “Don’t you want to wake up?”

Daisy clung tighter to Curran grumbling something in a sleep addled way. Curran petted her back and sighed. “Worry about cooking. I’ll get her woken up.”

“Her hair is so ratted up,” you huffed.

“I can get it.” Curran sat Daisy down at the table. While you cooked, he took a brush to her hair and combed it all out. Daisy insisted he sit by her while she ate. She even tried to offer him a bite but he had to turn it away with a laugh. In a way, you were relieved to see him and Daisy get along so well.

Curran stayed another day. The rain from that morning had turned into a horrible storm by the afternoon. He played chess with Daisy most of that day, teaching her new tricks to better her game. The rain continued well on into the evening, so he decided to stay until morning.

That evening, after Daisy was put to bed, you went to get a shower, only to find Curran emerging from the steam. He stood there naked and you could not take your eyes off him. You quickly averted your eyes though and cleared your throat.

“I didn’t notice the amount of scars you had last night.” You approached the vanity to distract yourself while he dried off. “You’ve really grown fond of the shower, I see.”

“I like the warmth of it.” Curran chuckled. “If you’d like, I could show you my scars.”

A tickle ran down your spine and between your legs. “No thank you.” You busied yourself by brushing your teeth.

Curran laid the towel aside and he groaned. “Where shall I sleep tonight?”

You spit into the sink and wiped at the corner of your mouth. You looked into the mirror where you could see he was waiting on you. “Go to the bed,” you murmured decisively.

Smoke flowed from his neck. “I don’t have a favor.”

You turned away from the sink and looked sternly at him. “Do you wish to sleep elsewhere? It’s your choice, you know where to go inside this house better than most.”

Curran went still and quiet. His body stiffened then relaxed. “I want to be with you, Ms. Witch. Just like last night.” He then breathed. “More than last night.”

You stepped towards him. “It will not be like last night.” You smoothed your palm through his body hair, going down his chest and stomach. “Just this once-” Your voice caught in the back of your throat.

A low raspy sound came from deep in his chest. “Just this once.” He grabbed your hand before it sunk too low. “Do not be afraid to take what you want tonight, Ms. Witch. I will give you my all.”

You shivered and your lashes fluttered. “Do not think this means that this will be our game of chess from here on out.” You felt weak at the knees as he touched you. His hand moved down your arm, brushing against your side and undoing the belt of your robe.

“Of course.” His big hand cupped around your face. His thumb smoothed over your lips, which you parted and let his thumb onto your tongue. “We are weak because of the rain.” He then moaned deeply as you sucked upon his thumb. That was the excuse you needed.

You went to bed with Curran, mounting him, grabbing him. Taking him deeply inside you until you were fulfilled. His hands roamed your body, studying the sigil tattoos on his skin. You touched his scars the same way, kissing them, licking them. He shivered for you and you responded in kind.

Curran’s form was heavy upon you, but you wanted him closer. You wrapped your legs around his thick waist, keeping him locked in place. You cried a little, having not felt this in so long, having not felt anger inside since your husband died. Curran coaxed from you relief and satisfaction. His strong body held you in many ways. He buried your face into pillows to muffle your cries. You took him into your mouth to let him finish, swallowing his release.

You laid beside him when it was over, feeling strangely guilty yet relieved all at once. You wanted to speak to him, to talk through the night, but you could not find the words to say. You laid there, gazing towards the window.

Curran’s arm suddenly wrapped around you and pulled you to his chest again. “You should sleep, Ms. Witch.”

“My mind won’t stay quiet,” you breathe. “My body is sated, but my mind still has much to worry about.”

Curran’s fingers touched your temple like a kiss. “Do you wish to speak to me about it?” He asked gently.

“I wouldn’t know where to begin,” you eased back closer to his chest. “There’s so much I might overflow, but I can’t spill either.”

His fingers glided down your spine. “If there is anything about last night in there-”

“There is,” you stop him in time. “But it’s nothing I would consider worrisome.”

Curran sighed with relief and his fingers tapped to your lips. “I do like you, Ms. Witch. I have for a while now.”

You took his hand and snuggled your cheek into it. “I can’t like you back, not yet.” He leaned more into you so you could feel his weight.

“I’ll leave today,” he said to you. “Did you get all that you needed?”

You took his hand, kissing his palm affectionately. “For the time being.” You rose up from the bed and looked down upon him. “How long will you be gone?”

“Depends on who I find first.” He sat up with you, touching your shoulder and smoothing his big palm down your back. “But I will come back once they are dealt with.”

You kissed his neck and laid your head upon his chest. “As always, I am assured you will do what’s needed. Avenge my Caleb.”

Curran was still. His hand cupped your cheek and you leaned into it. “I will, Ms. Witch. As we promised.”

He left in the fog, and you returned to yourself, putting that one weak night behind you. After a few weeks had passed, you took out a box from under your bed that contained your husband’s old belongings. You had hidden them all this time, but you could not bear to get rid of them. You took out the pictures of him, his favorite shirt, his diary. You had hidden them away because it had been too hard to look at them, too painful to acknowledge. Caleb had left his coven for you. A risk which he ultimately paid for. He had grown weary of their ways and their darkness, falling in love with you was just the final straw. He had meticulously kept his diary ever since he was small. But since his death you had not been able to bring yourself to read the pages until now.

Curran returned months later in the middle of the night. He came to you from the cold, and sighed heavily as he felt the warmth of your home. You had missed him so much, it was a relief to finally see him home again.

“Welcome back,” you said to him in a soft voice. “You were much faster than you usually are. I’m impressed.”

Curran gave you the proof of his kill, and you knew there was only one remaining. “I got angry this time.” The smoke from his neck was thick and heavy. It laid strangely upon his shoulders, like steam on a pond.

“You knew my Caleb,” you say to Curran as you took the trinket. “He was the little boy you taught chess to, wasn’t he? I read his diary and he spoke about you often.”

Curran sighed and his shoulder slouched down low. “I did not realize he was yours. You never spoke his name, so I never put the pieces together until the night I left. You said his name to me for the first time, and I realized who you were. I saw him like a little brother. And knowing what befell him, I went out in rage this time.”

You took hold of Curran’s hand and raised it so you could kiss his palm. “That’s why I chose you. He took me to your grave often when we first met, that’s how I knew you were a warrior. I didn’t realize your significance until I read his diary. I didn’t know it was you who taught him the dullahan spell.”

Curran put one arm around you. “I cannot stay long this time,” he said low. “ I just had to bring you this proof to assure you. But this final one may take me all the time I have left to find them.”

“Three years.” Those words got caught and hung in your throat.

Curran scooped you up off the ground. “I’ll take my favor from you to last me these remaining months.”

“Just once more.” You kissed his neck and he shivered.

“Just once more.” Curran carried you off to the bedroom, throwing you down upon the bed. You both were so urgent to fulfill this favor you didn’t take the time to remove your clothes. He opened his pants while you kissed his neck. You grabbed hold tight of his arms, bringing him on top of you. He made you felt so desperate for this moment, so weak to his touch. But you had no rain to blame it on this time.

Curran ripped your tights to gain access to what he wanted. You did not stop him, you wanted him, you needed this. His strong body, his powerful strokes, his rough hands. You kissed what you could, wishing there was more than smoke above his head. He used his fingers to show affection, touching them to your lips and pressing his thumb upon your tongue. He moaned and cried out, driving himself to find the quickening of you. He made you weak, just like Caleb had. It was frightening to think you desired Curran in the same way as him. You never thought another man could do that to you.

You woke in the morning to the touch of his fingers upon your lips. He was dressed and ready to leave.

“I don’t have much time left if I wish to fulfill my promise,” he said softly. His fingers brushed through your hair. “I’ll claim my wish when I return. No more small favors.”

“I know.” You looked at him and tried to smile. “Try and hurry.”

“I will,” he laughed. “I want to get this over with. I want my head back, it’s driving me crazy.” He pressed his fingers over your lips again. “Give Daisy my best. I am sorry I did not get to see her this visit.”

“She’ll miss you too.” You walk him to the door. Outside the world is still quiet and dark. “Be safe.”

“You’ve never said that to me before,” he said hushedly. “Why now?”

You swallowed, wondering that yourself. “I guess just to have something to say.”

He leaned down so his neck was near your ear. “Be prepared for the end. Once this is over, I hope you have the peace you were looking for.” He vanished into the dark, and you wonder what the end will be.

“Mama?” You were awoken to the sound of Daisy calling for you. You sat up in bed, looking towards the window where all you can see is a sea of gray fog. Daisy is there at the window looking out, her long hair mussed from sleep.

“What time is it?” You mumbled, looking to the clock. “It’s still early. What are you doing up?”

Daisy looked back at you. “I thought I heard Curran coming home.”

It was a few days before the third year was up, and still there was no sign of Curran. Both you had grown worried. You opened up the blankets for her, letting her crawl into bed with you. “You miss him, huh?” You yawned.

“I do.” It made sense, after all, Curran had been there for half her life now.

You ran your fingers through her hair, something Curran always took care of when he was around. “This will be his last time coming home. You know that don’t you?”

She looked up at you with those big eyes. “But why?”

“Because that is how the spell works. I summoned him to do this job for me, and when it is done, he will get his head back and he will leave.” You smoothed your palm across her forehead. “He will probably return to his grave.”

“Can I still see him?” Daisy chirped hopefully.

You smiled. “You can visit as much as you want.”

Her smile did not surface. “But I’d rather have him here. With us. He makes you happy Mama.”

That was a surprise, and it was like a kick to the gut too. “That-” You didn’t know how to respond. “That’s not our choice. It’s his.”

“I could ask him,” Daisy said with a small pout.

“You can,” you murmured. “But I don’t want you to get your hopes up, baby. Curran may want to return to rest again.” Daisy was silent after that. She was determined, no matter the warning you knew she would want to ask Curran to stay.

The fog remained all day, growing thicker by the hour. You could barely see beyond your front porch when you stood in the doorway. Daisy went down for her nap, but she asked for her curtains to be drawn so she couldn’t see the fog. After she went to sleep, you stepped outside, looking through the fog. The world was silent, and then you heard the echoing trot of hooves.

You held your breath tight in your chest and waited. You stepped closer to the stairs of your porch and hands rose out from in the fog. “I got the last one.” He showed you a locket you knew all too well.

You hesitated taking it or touching Curran at all. You were relieved to see him, but now a fear crep over you that this could be the last time you’ll see him. “I was worried.”

“It took me some time.” He placed the locket into your palm and walked up onto the porch. His clothes looked ragged and worn out. One sleeve of his coat was nearly ripped off, and there was evidence of stabbing all over.

“My god, what happened?” You touch his chest, tugging at the fabric to see all the holes that had been made.

“A fight was put up. But I still won.” He placed his fingertips to your forehead.

You look up at his neck, the smoke that usually seeped out blended into the fog. “Are you okay?”

“I will be.” He murmured.

You sighed and averted your eyes. “Let me go get my shovel.”

“Is Daisy here?” Curran asked.

You nod. “She’s asleep though, she’s taking her nap.”

“Oh,” he huffed. “That’s okay.” He followed you to the backyard. You walked slowly, taking your time as you fetched your gardening spade from the shed.

Over three years growth had taken over his head’s burial spot. There was moss and vines, and lots of strange little golden flowers. You dug through it all, unearthing his skull from the ground. You dusted it and then held it tenderly in your arms.

“I can wash it if you want me to,” you offered, hoping to delay it a bit more.

Curran pointed to his head. “Just take the gold from the mouth. That’s all I need you to do for now.”

You looked down at the skull and tears began to fill your eyes. Your cradled it closely, beginning to weep as Curran watched.

“What’s this?” Curran reached out, stroking your hair. “Ms. Witch, look at me.”

You shook your head. “I know I made a promise,” you wept. “But I don’t want you to go, Curran. Daisy likes I-” The tears rolled down your cheeks.

“Give me my head, Ms. Witch,” he commanded. “So I can take my wish as well.”

You blubbered, managing to remove the gold coins from his mouth. The gold chain around your wrist broke and fell to the ground. Curran took his head in one hand and carefully placed it upon his neck. The smoke spewed from inside, billowing out until the entire top half of him was invisible in the fog. There were spurts of fire and golden embers, cracking sounds, snapping. Curran gurgled and coughed, dropping to his knees.

You ran to his side, kneeling beside him. His body felt warm to the touch. The lock on the collar broke, and it fell to the ground with a heavy thud. He breathed out slowly, raising up just enough so that long, long hair fell over his shoulder. There was a golden glow from his eyes and mouth. He then looked up and spat out a gold coin into his palm.

“You missed one.” A black tongue darted out. “Disgusting.”

You took the gold coin then looked into his face. His eyes glowed bright gold, as did the interior of his mouth, which stretched back like the grin of a jack o’ lantern. His slate gray skin was covered in dark freckles, including a small mole near his bottom lip. You touched his face, cupping his cheek then gently combing his hair away.

His wicked smile grew and he held your hand in place. “How do I look?”

“I didn’t expect freckles,” you breathed.

Curran kissed your palm. “Adorable aren’t they?” He then places a kiss upon your forehead. “I’d kiss you, but I’m sure my breath is wretched.”

You wrapped your arms around him, holding him in a fond embrace. “Don’t go just yet,” you whispered. “Wait for Daisy to say goodbye.”

Curran held you in return, thick strong arms locking you to his now warm body. “I want to see her. Part of my wish relies on her.”

“Oh right, your wish.” He would be gone after it was granted, so you hoped Daisy would sleep in. “What do you want?”

“I have to wait on Daisy.” His fingers combed through your hair. “I’m cold, can we go inside?”

“Of course.” You stood, taking him inside where his sleeve finally fell off.

“Dammit, and I have no clothes.” He picked up the sleeve from the ground. “I don’t suppose you have anything.”

“Not in your size.” You rubbed your palm to his bare arm. “I’ll see what I do have though.” You went back to your bedroom, taking out the chest with Caleb’s belongings inside. You took out a long sleeved shirt of his and a pair of pants. They’d probably be a bit snug on Curran, but it was all you had.

“Curran! You’re home!” You heard Daisy squeal with excitement. “And you have a head!”

You stepped out, seeing Daisy hugging his neck tightly. She then sat in his lap, studying his face. “Do you like me with a head?”

“It’s different.” Daisy giggled.

“I can take it off if you’d like,” he teased. He grabbed the nape of his neck and lifted his head off, which made Daisy squeal and laugh.

“I found you some clothes,” you finally spoke up.

Daisy looked up and smile at you then slipped off Curran’s lap so he could stand. “Thank you.” He took the clothes. “I’ll go change. Got any mouth wash?”

“On the sink, help yourself,” you murmured. You felt sick to the stomach. Once he asked his wish, he would be gone.

“I’m gonna ask him, Mama,” Daisy explained to you. “He’ll stay. I know he will!”

You didn’t say anything, you just gave her a sad smile.

Curran walked out a bit later. The clothes were indeed a bit tight on him, but at least they fit. “Okay, Daisy, can you come here a second?” he crooked his finger. “I need to ask you something in secret.”

“I need to ask you something too! Let’s go to my room.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him back. You went up to the closed door, pressing your ear there hoping you could hear something. But they were speaking low, so all you heard was some unintelligible mumbling.

The door opened and Daisy stood there trying her hardest not to smile.But you could tell she was struggling.

“I’m ready to make my wish,” Curran said. He stood up from the floor and approached you. “Daisy gave me her permission.” He tapped his fingertips to your lips, and you looked up at him.

“Okay, I’m ready.” You started shaking, so you put your hands on his arms to steady yourself.

“Ms. Witch,” he breathed close to your ear. “Will you marry me?”

Chills raked down your back and through your bones. You looked up at him, taking in a breath but forgetting how to exhale. You stared in disbelief.

Curran grinned. “I want to stay with you and Daisy, I don’t desire to return to my grave without you.” He wiped away the tears coming from your eyes. “I love you, Ms. Witch. Please become Mrs. Witch.”

The damn broke and you blubbered before him. You kissed him so hard his head almost came off again. It was an easy question to answer, but it took you a few minutes before you actually sputter out that grateful yes.

After Daisy went to bed, you took Curran to bed. He would never leave again, he would be sleeping beside you from this night forward. It felt too good to be true. You took your time with him, kissing him, touching him. You wanted to make sure this was all real, no dream, no fantasy. His body was warm now, and that felt so good against your tongue. He moaned and struggled to breathe the more you touched him.

“Enough,” Curran rasped. “You’re too strong for me tonight, come back here.”

You rose from between his thighs. Your lips glossy from the effort. He pulled you up, kissing you as he rolled you onto the bed. “Let me look at you,” he breathed. “You’ve been so intent tonight.”

You touched his chest then captured the ends of his long hair in your hands. “I was terrified I’d never see you again. Now I’m so relieved, all I want to do it touch you.”

“With your mouth I see,” he chuckled. “I knew early on I never wanted to leave you. You took my head, but you also took my heart.”

You smiled. “I never expected you to be corny.”

Curran grinned. “You can’t tell me I didn’t steal yours as well, Ms. Witch. All those tears from before weren’t just because of allergies.”

You shook your head. “No. I did fall in love with you.” You pulled him on top of you. “I didn’t think I could again.”

“I’m yours,” he breathed into your ear. “And no one will take me away from you. That I vow.”

You held on fast to him, taking him deep inside where he rocked slowly. His thrusts coursed through your body, igniting your veins. Your back arched, his body trembled. Ou both slowed to prolong the end.

“I love you,” you moaned into his ear.

“I love you too, Mrs. Witch.” His hand scooped under your lower back. “From here and even in our graves.”