Gavin returns to the clinic and makes it his priority to concoct the cure for Jolene’s curse. He adds the herbs to the boiling water, followed by the toad.
After the mixture becomes bubbly and warm, Gavin shakes it up to create the correct consistency.
As he mixes, Gavin thinks about his future here at the clinic. He would like more than anything for Jolene to be by his side as not only his assistant, but his partner for life. He has made his second decision.
The toad mixture comes out perfect.
He finds Jolene on the beach once again.
He gives her the balm. “I believe that this will cure the curse.”
Jolene looks so grateful and beautiful in the late morning sun that Gavin cannot resist leaning in and kissing her.
She is surprised, but she does not resist. She leans in and whispers in his ear, “You have no idea how long I have waited for you to do that.”
He answers by kissing her passionately once again.
He reluctantly pulls away from her. His mission is not complete. To cure the curse, he has to throw out the toad remains.
Gavin arrives at the well. He will toss out the remains here.
When no one is watching, he throws a bag of toad parts into the well, praying that it does not make anyone sick.
He listens until he can hear a faint splash as the remains hit the water below. According to the recipe, Jolene’s curse should now be cured.
Days later finds Bloodletter Gavin and Jolene at the Peteran church. Gavin has been a fool plenty of times in his life, but he is not going to make another mistake. He cannot imagine Jolene being away from him ever again. On this day he makes her his wife.
Gavin and Jolene stand hand in hand barely able to take their eyes off of each other.
“Marriage is an institution…a bond that can only be broken by the Watcher,” the priest says.
Gavin and Jolene smile at his words. They want nothing more than to be bonded for the rest of their lives.
Gavin and Jolene smile at his words. They want nothing more than to be bonded for the rest of their lives.
The priest continues, “When two people who love one another are brought together, the Watcher smiles upon the marriage.”
Gavin pulls a ring out of his pouch.
“This ring is a symbol of my love and bond to you forever.”
Jolene’s eyes fill with tears.
Jolene’s eyes fill with tears.
Jolene places Gavin’s ring upon his finger, “I give you my trust and my love forever. I promise to never leave your side.”
“You are now Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Okar. You may kiss to seal your bond.”
Jolene and Gavin do not hesitate.
Jolene and Gavin do not hesitate.
Now that the curse has been broken, Jolene cannot wait to return to the clinic with her new husband.
“Jolene you have made me the happiest man in Archolia. I have been a fool to not acknowledge what you mean to me sooner.”
“I knew you would come around,” Jolene says with a smile.
She knows deep in her heart that with Gavin by her side, she will not have to worry about any other curses. He will always be there to take care of her and keep her safe.
