Page 31 of Bearly Believable Romance

They all laughed and chatted a bit longer before the cafe owner dragged his bubbly bride toward the refreshments. Bram took Tabitha’s hand, lacing their fingers together.

“What do you say we check out some of these carnival games? I’m feeling lucky.”

“You’re on.” Tabitha grinned. “But don’t think I’ll go easy on you.”

They made their way to the ring toss, playfully trash-talking to each other. On her first throw, Tabitha’s ring hooked neatly around the neck of a bottle. She whooped in victory.

“Nice one, city girl,” Bram teased. “Beginner’s luck.”

“Skill,” she corrected primly. “I have many talents you’ve yet to discover.”

His eyes darkened. “I look forward to learning every single one.”

Tabitha’s cheeks heated at the flirtatious promise in his tone. Thankfully, he was distracted by his own turn, giving her a moment to collect herself. They continued from booth to booth, playing games and laughing, the competition between them good-natured.

It wasn’t about winning, but simply sharing in the joy of being together. When Bram threw an arm around her shoulders, tucking her into his side, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

As night fell, twinkling stars emerged and the music shifted to slow, romantic songs. Couples began to drift onto the dance floor. Bram took Tabitha’s hand and spun her beneath his arm before reeling her in close.

“Dance with me?” His voice was low and enticing.

Tabitha nodded, resting her palms on his broad shoulders as they began to sway together. She caught glimpses of their friends on the dance floor - Celeste and Kade gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes, Reed and Ellie two-stepping with surprising grace for the gruff sheriff.

But then Bram drew her even nearer and the rest of the world faded away. All Tabitha could focus on was the heat of his body seeping into hers, the spicy vanilla scent of his cologne, and the soft caress of his hand on the small of her back.

Magic sparked to life inside her, drawn forth by the heady combination of moonlight and Bram’s closeness. Unconsciously, she tapped into the elements, calling a gentle breeze to swirl around them as they turned on the dance floor.

Bram smiled as the wind teased his hair. “You never cease to amaze me,” he murmured. “So beautiful and powerful.”

Pride and affection surged through her. Here with Bram’s arms around her, Tabitha had never felt more cherished, more complete. As the song ended, an elderly witch approached them, her silver hair coiled beneath a pointed hat.

“Pardon the intrusion,” she said kindly. “I couldn’t help but notice your magical display, young lady. You have a remarkable gift.”

“Thank you,” Tabitha replied, startled but pleased by the compliment. “I’m still learning to harness it.”

The crone’s eyes twinkled knowingly. “Keep practicing, my dear. I suspect it will lead you to uncover more about your family’s legacy than you ever imagined possible.”

With those cryptic parting words, she ambled away, leaving Tabitha blinking after her while questions whirled through her mind. Her family’s legacy? Did this woman know something about her heritage that Tabitha herself was unaware of?

Bram squeezed her shoulders gently, bringing her back to the present. “You all right, love? You looked miles away.”

Tabitha shook her head, smiling up at him. “I’m wonderful. Just pondering the mysteries of my past. But you know what? I think it’s time Whispering Pines got a firsthand demonstration of what this witch can do.”

Mischief sparked in Bram’s eyes. “Oh really? This I have to see.”

Taking a deep breath, Tabitha raised her hands and began to chant, ancient words of power falling from her lips. Streams of multi-colored light flowed from her fingertips, coalescing into shapes that danced above the crowd - leaping foxes, soaring owls, galloping horses.

The children clapped in delight as glowing butterflies flitted between the creatures. Adults gasped in wonder, their faces bathed in the magical glow. Tabitha conducted the display like an orchestra, her magic vibrant and strong, responding to her will.

As the final sparks faded away, the townsfolk burst into applause. Tabitha laughed breathlessly and took a little bow, glancing over to see Bram beaming at her with pride. He wrapped his arms around her waist and spun her in a circle.

“That was incredible!” he exclaimed. “You’re amazing.”

She grinned up at him, still riding the high of her successful performance. “Come on, let’s take a walk before my head gets too big to fit through the door.”

Hand in hand, they strolled to the quiet outskirts of the festival, fairy lights giving way to silver moonlight. A sense of peace enveloped them.

“I never thought I would find a place like this,” Tabitha mused quietly. “Or a man like you. Someone who fills my life with laughter and happiness.”

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