“Might have a couple of kinks to work through," Hale admitted then reached for her hand. As soon as he touched her, Kat knew there was no such thing as curses. People make and break their own fortunes--they are the masters of their own fate. And right then Kat wouldn't have changed a thing.”

“Kat turned back to Hale. "The Mary Poppins?""Seemed like a good idea at the time.""Oh. Yeah. Obviously. Just so we're clear, this master plan of yours...""Might have a couple kinks to work through," Hale admitted, then reached for her hand. As soon as he touched her, Kat knew there was no such thing as curses. People make and break their own fortunes-they are the masters of their own fate. And right then Kat wouldn't have changed a thing.She kissed him, quick and feather soft."What was that for?" he asked.Kat placed her fingers on his face and brought his forehead close to hers, touching as she whispered, "For luck.”

“...there was no such thing as curses. People make and break their own fortunes -they are the masters of their own fate.”

“Yes, of course. But ... how?"Kat felt her crew around her: Hamish's arm hung around Simon's shoulders; Gabrielle's delicate hands draped through the arms of Angus and Nick. Kat's own hand found Hale's, then, fingers interlacing, palms pressing together so tightly that Kat knew nothing could come between them. Nothing. She looked at him. No one."It's easy," Kat said, "when you don't have to do it alone.”

“Kat felt her heart beat faster, adrenaline pumping through her veins, and she knew he was right. She studied him for a long time. "Do you believe in curses, Hale?"He looked at her. "I believe in you.”

“I wouldn't mind meeting a dashing thief," the woman's friend whispered. Hale winked at Kat. Kat raised her eyebrows and whispered, "I'd like to meet one of those, too.”