Page 34 of Magic on the Prowl

Daisy waved her hands and the stroller she’d gotten baby Asher was assembled and ready to go in front of them. She went to the room, lifted the baby, and laid him in the stroller. He slept through it all.

“We’ll be right back.”

Roarke’s expression softened, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. “In that case, I’d like that,” he said softly, squeezing her hand.

She pushed the stroller for less than five minutes before he took it out of her hands and pushed it. Daisy enchanted the wheels so the baby wouldn’t feel any of the rolling over cobblestones or rocks.

They stepped out into the night, the crisp autumn air invigorating and fresh. As they walked down the cobblestone streets, Daisy marveled at the way the town had changed since Roarke’s arrival. The once-sleepy hamlet had come alive, its residents more connected and engaged than ever before.

She knew that much of that was due to Roarke’s influence, his tactical mind and protective instincts helping to strengthen the town’s defenses and bring its people together. But it was more than that, she realized. It was the way he had opened himself up, letting others see the kind, caring man beneath the tough exterior.

As they passed by the Bewitched Bakery, Daisy caught a glimpse of Molly through the window, her bright pink curls bouncing as she worked on a new batch of magical pastries. She thought back to the countless girls’ nights they had shared, the laughter and tears and secrets whispered over cups of tea and plates of cookies.

She remembered the way Molly’s face had lit up when Daisy told her about Roarke, the knowing smile that had played at the corners of her mouth. “He’s the one, isn’t he?” Molly had asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “The one you’ve been waiting for all this time?”

Daisy had blushed, ducking her head to hide her smile. “I think so,” she had admitted, her voice soft and shy. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone.”

Now, walking hand in hand with Roarke, Daisy knew that Molly had been right. This was the man she was meant to be with, the one who completed her in ways she had never even known she needed.

They continued their walk, stopping to chat with friends and neighbors along the way. Everyone seemed to sense the change in Roarke, the way he had softened and opened up since his arrival in Whispering Pines. They greeted him with warm smiles and friendly waves, making him feel like a true part of the community.

As they neared the edge of town, Daisy tugged on Roarke’s hand, leading him down a narrow path that wound through the woods. He followed willingly, his curiosity piqued.

After a few minutes of walking, they came to a small clearing, the moonlight filtering through the trees and casting a silvery glow over the scene. In the center of the clearing stood a small, stone cottage, its walls covered in ivy and its windows glowing with a warm, inviting light.

“What is this place?” Roarke asked, his voice filled with wonder.

Daisy smiled, leading him toward the cottage. “This is where I come when I need to think,” she explained, pushing open the heavy wooden door. “It’s my secret hideaway, a place where I can be alone with my thoughts and my magic.”

She stepped inside, gesturing for Roarke and the baby to follow. He did so, his eyes widening as he took in the cozy interior. The walls were lined with bookshelves, each filled to bursting with ancient tomes and magical artifacts. A large fireplace dominated one wall, its flames crackling merrily and casting a warm glow over the room.

In the center of the space stood a large, wooden table, its surface covered in maps and diagrams. Daisy moved toward it, running her fingers over the intricate lines and symbols.

“This is where I’ve been working on the new magical defenses,” she explained, her voice low and serious. “I’ve been researching ancient protection spells, trying to find a way to make Whispering Pines truly impenetrable.”

Roarke moved to stand beside her, his eyes scanning the maps with a keen gaze. “You’ve put a lot of thought into this,” he murmured, his voice filled with admiration. “I’m impressed.”

Daisy felt a flush of pride at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest. “I learned from the best,” she said softly, bumping her shoulder against his.

They spent the next hour going over the diagrams, bouncing ideas off each other and debating the merits of different magical approaches. Roarke offered his own insights, his years of military training and experience helping to refine and strengthen Daisy’s plans.

As the night wore on, they found themselves drawn closer together, the crackling fire and the soft glow of the lanterns creating an intimate, romantic atmosphere. Daisy leaned into Roarke’s side, her head resting on his shoulder as they talked and laughed and dreamed of the future.

TWENTY-TWO

Finally, as the first hints of dawn began to peek through the cottage windows, Daisy stifled a yawn. Roarke chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“We should probably head back,” he said softly, his voice tinged with reluctance. “Ellie and Reed will be home soon, and we don’t want them to worry.”

Daisy nodded, stretching her arms above her head. “You’re right,” she agreed, stifling another yawn. “But before we go, there’s one more thing I want to do.”

She stood, moving toward the fireplace. With a wave of her hand, the flames died down, leaving only glowing embers in their wake. Daisy reached for a small, wooden box on the mantelpiece, lifting the lid to reveal a handful of sparkling powder.

“What’s that?” Roarke asked, his eyes curious.

Daisy smiled. “It’s a special blend of herbs and minerals,” she explained, scooping up a pinch of the powder. “When you throw it into the embers, it creates a magical fire that can show you glimpses of the future.”

Roarke’s eyes widened, a hint of skepticism in his voice. “Really?” he asked, moving to stand beside her.

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