The Witch of Roan Mountain Read Online Free PDF

heel after he’d left the hospital and had time, while he was on patrol, to think about his behavior.
    He’d seen Maeve leaving Bertie’s and he’d fallen in step with her as she walked back to the hospital where her car was parked. He’d behaved like a child and he wanted to make amends. She crossed her arms and stared at him.
    “I know you love Granny and that you’ll do the best for her.”
    Maeve nodded. “Okay.”
    “Can we just start over?”
    She raised one eyebrow.
    “There’s no reason for us to be at odds when we both want the same thing.”
    “I agree.”
    “So we can start over?”
    “Only if you’ll buy me a mug of apple cider.”
    “Still your favorite, huh?”
    Maeve nodded. “It doesn’t taste the same in Atlanta.”
    They walked past the hospital to the small market at the end of the block. In addition to carrying local fruits, vegetables and honey, they made the best apple cider in the world. North Carolina apples were the finest to be had anywhere.
    After ordering two mugs, Campbell took them to a small table in the back and pulled out a chair for Maeve. “They’ll bring them to the table,” he said. “I wish every argument was this easy to solve.”
    “Me and you both,” she agreed.
    After they got their mugs, he asked, “What’s it like to back here after such a long time?”
    “It’s weird. Everything mostly looks the same but it feels different. I see it with new eyes. I hadn’t realized how much I missed the place.”
    “Think you’ll ever come back for good?”
    She shook her head. “Too hard to find a good-paying job.”
    He figured that would be her answer but he’d felt compelled to ask. Deep in his heart, he always hoped she’d see that she belonged here, at home.
    “Would you ever leave?” she asked.
    “No way. I love this place. I was born here and I’ll be buried here.”
    “You belong here.”
    So did Maeve, she just didn’t know it.
    “Ever wonder what might have happened if you’d stayed?”
    The look in her eyes told him she’d wondered that a lot. Just like him.
    “Maybe this is your chance to give it another try,” he offered.
    After they finished the cider, Campbell suggested a walk through town before they headed to the hospital to check on Granny. When they reached the park, they sat under one of the picnic shelters and sat down at one of the tables across from each other.
    “Thanks for all you’ve done for Granny while I’ve been away. I really appreciate it.”
    “I didn’t just do it for you, although that was part of it. I did because I love her. She’s a wonderful woman who always makes me feel like I’m her own grandson.”
    Maeve placed her hand on top of Campbell’s. “I’m sorry about this morning, too. I was being stubborn and bull-headed.”
    “There’s a first time for everything,” he quipped sarcastically.
    “I’m not stubborn.”
    “Don’t forget that I’ve known you since kindergarten.”
    “Okay,” she admitted. “Maybe a little.”
    When he looked into her eyes, he saw a flicker of the old flame that used to burn between them. He was just as attracted to her as he’d been years ago. It didn’t take much to imagine the way she’d looked in prom dress, the way her body had felt against his when they’d made love on top of Jane’s Bald, a mountain devoid of trees.
    He rose and walked around the table and sat beside her, never letting go of her hand. “Your bull-headedness never deterred me. I was always the kind of man who could handle that in a woman.”
    “You’re so full of shit,” she said. “It’s a wonder your eyes aren’t brown.”
    He leaned in, unable to help himself, and kissed her. Her lips were soft and plump and she still tasted the same as he remembered. He wished the kiss would never end.
    When he pulled away, her eyes were wide. “I, we shouldn’t. . . ”
    “It was a simple kiss, Maeve. Not a wedding proposal.”
    “I know, it’s just that—”
    “Don’t take it too