Epilogue

B en

Ben stood in the wishing well grove, hands clasped behind his back as he surveyed the townspeople that had gathered for the town's rededication ceremony.

"Good evening, my fellow citizens. I've asked you here tonight because I had a dream that inspired me to rename our home. No longer will we be known as Whitlock. From this day forth, we shall be called Hope."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some nodded, intrigued by the significance of the new name.

"With this change also comes new rules for our wishing well." He cleared his throat as he unrolled a parchment with the rules he had written down based on talking with Candace and Roderick in his dream. "Wishes will only be granted during the Winter Solstice, starting next year."

There were a few grumblings that were quickly hushed. Candace and Roderick would need the year to build up their power after everything they had done in the past week.

"Supplicants will only wish for their heart's desire. And no wishing for more wishes." He glared out at the crowd. "Be advised that only those who are worthy will have their wishes granted. And be careful with your wishes. You are only allowed one."

There was a lot of discussion, some bickering, and a lot more questions. Most of them he couldn't answer. They would all have to wait until the next year to see what would happen.

He waited until the last of the townspeople drifted away and it was just him and the ancient well, its rough stones glinting in the moonlight. Reaching out, his fingers brushed the weathered edge of the well. The stone was cold and solid beneath his touch.

"I know I'm early, but I figured I'd give you some time to work out the logistics." He turned the handle until the bucket came up. There was just one ladle full of water left.

Ben drank it, the water surprisingly cold and sweet. "If you find me worthy, wishing well and fae rulers of dreams and nightmares, please send my soul mate to me."

He waited, but he didn't get a signal that anything had heard his wish. Then again, Candace and Roderick were probably recharging their energy or going at it like bunnies. He gently lowered the bucket back to the well.

After a long moment, Ben sighed and stepped back. The cool air wrapped around him like a bittersweet caress as he walked slowly away. Only time would tell if his wish would be granted. For now, he could only wait...and hope.

Does Ben get his wish? Find out in A Mistletoe Wish available on all e-retailers.