A Healer's Touch by Ashlynn Monroe Read Free Book Online

their show.  He made a few more calls and then he found her lying back on his couch with a cool cloth on her head.
    His expert in video met him at the local television studio.  For a hefty sum, the respected expert was willing to disavow the video and call it a well-done hoax.  His friend at the television station was happy to give him the first five minutes of each of the day’s news broadcasts. He had picked up the expert and now they just had to film the clip and soon Phoebe ’s vindication would happen.
    When the noon news was just about to start , he called Phoebe and told her to turn on the television, she did and he listened as she watched the segment.  She was quiet, he was unsure if it was a good or a bad quiet.  When she spoke, he was annoyed.
    “You did not have to do this Fabian.  I would have figured something out.”
    “You are the most stubborn woman in the world, but I’m falling in love with you and I want you to move in with me, Phoebe.  I really need you in my life. I’m a smart man and I know what I want when I find it, and I want you Phoebe.”
    It was quiet again, not a good sign.  What was he going to do if she said no?  He should never have rushed her.  He should have used patience. Rushing her might have scared her away, and that was the last thing he wanted.  What was it about the woman that made him lose his head?
    “Yes , Fabian.  It’s so crazy but I feel it too.  I’ve never considered moving in with a man before, I don’t want Simon to have an unstable environment, but I believe in us.  I’m willing to give you something I’ve never given another man before, my trust.”
    He laughed relieved she’d consented.
    ****
    Weeks past and Christmas came.  A perfect light snow covered everything in white freshness.  Phoebe made a delicious holiday Diner and Ivory celebrated with them at Fabian’s big lavishly decorated house, a house that was just beginning to feel like home to Phoebe and Simon.  Gifts were piled under the tree for Simon, Fabian had been very generous and she saw the bond forming between them.  She was glad she’d decided to move in, their relationship deepened each day.  She let herself daydream about a future with Fabian.
    The town always had a big nondenominational service with music and singing in the town square.  Fabian wanted them to skip all of it, but the town’s service had been her favorite part of Christmas all of her life so he gave in and they all went. 
    Children sang, the town prayed.  Everyone clapped when the star was placed on the tree, each year the order of the show remained the same, and after her parents died, it was the only thing about the holidays that resembled her happy memories of being part of a real family.  She always felt as if her parents joined her for the town’s festivities.  The day was lovely, perfect, until an older man walked past where they were sitting and out of nowhere; he slugged Fabian in the face.  She watched, horrified.  The old man hissed angrily, “Witch lover,” and then he walked off as if nothing had happened.
    Simon cried and they left.  Phoebe realized she couldn’t draw Fabian into the terrible ostracism.    Ivory knew her so well.  She’d kept glancing at her during the drive home but hadn’t said a word until they were in the safety of Fabian’s large garage.
    “I want Simon to come have a slumber party at my house.  I’ve missed him now that you haven’t been working.”  Ivory spoke cheerfully and Simon hurried to his room for his pajamas. 
    Fabian tried to embrace Phoebe the moment they were alone. She pushed him away.
    “I can’t do this anymore , Fabian.  It’s been a fun diversion, but we both know this won’t work.  We really have nothing in common.  It’s been nice of you letting us stay, but I’m leaving tonight and I’m not coming back.” She tried to sound honest as she uttered the terrible lie.
    He looked stunned .
    “If this is about the old