Page 22 of Magic on the Prowl

Kade nodded, his expression growing serious. “And they will get tough, trust me. But that’s when you lean on each other, when you remember why you fell in love in the first place.”

Bram raised his glass, his voice ringing out through the brewery. “To love, gentlemen. May it always guide us, even when we’re knee-deep in dirty dishes and forgotten toilet seats.”

The men clinked their glasses together, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the brewery. As the night wore on, the conversation flowed as freely as the beer, the men sharing more stories of their misadventures in love and life.

Reed regaled them with the tale of the time he accidentally dyed all of Ellie’s white linens pink in the wash, while Kade shared the story of the disastrous couples cooking class he and Celeste had taken, which ended with a small kitchen fire and a lifetime ban from the community center.

Bram, not to be outdone, had the men in stitches with his account of the great squirrel incident, where a half-crazed rodent had snuck into the house and caused chaos, leading to a frantic, furniture-climbing chase that left both him and Tabitha breathless with laughter.

FIFTEEN

Daisy stepped into the Green Thicket Tea House, the soothing aroma of herbs and spices enveloping her like a warm hug. She spotted Sera and Ivy nestled in a cozy corner booth, their heads bowed in conversation. As she approached, they looked up, their faces breaking into welcoming smiles.

“Daisy, we’re so glad you could join us,” Ivy said, her green eyes sparkling with warmth. She gestured to the empty seat beside her. “Please, sit. I’ve just brewed a fresh pot of my special chamomile and lavender blend.”

Daisy slid into the booth, inhaling the fragrant steam wafting from the delicate porcelain teapot. “That sounds heavenly, Ivy. You always know just what I need.”

Sera reached across the table, giving Daisy’s hand a gentle squeeze. “How are you holding up, dear? We know things with Roarke are still new, and we wanted to check in on you.”

Daisy felt a rush of affection for her friends, their concern and support a balm to her soul. She took a deep breath, sorting through the jumble of emotions swirling within her. “It’s been wonderful, but also a bit overwhelming at times. Roarke is... he’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. There’s so much depth to him, layers I’m still trying to understand.”

Sera nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I can imagine. Roarke strikes me as someone who’s used to keeping people at a distance. It’s not easy for someone like that to let others in.”

Ivy poured the pale golden tea into three delicate cups, the aroma of chamomile and lavender intensifying. She handed a cup to Daisy, her touch gentle and reassuring. “Sera’s right. Being a loner... it changes you. It makes it harder to trust, to open up.”

Daisy cradled the warm cup between her palms, the heat seeping into her skin. She looked up at Sera, curiosity mingling with a hint of trepidation. “Sera, you were on your own for a long time. What’s it like? How does it feel to be a loner?”

Sera’s gaze turned inward, a flicker of old pain ghosting across her features. She took a sip of her tea, the steam curling around her face like a veil. “It’s... it’s like being on an island, watching the world go by from a distance. You build walls around yourself, not because you want to, but because it’s the only way you know how to survive.”

Ivy reached out, resting a comforting hand on Sera’s arm. “It’s a defense mechanism,” she said softly, her eyes full of understanding. “When you’ve been alone for so long, it’s hard to believe that anyone could truly want to be a part of your life.”

“Aw, honey,” Ivy said. “I’m so glad you found Lark and you’re not alone anymore.”

Sera’s smile lit up the room. “I know. I am too. He’s so different from me but in a great way. It can be hard at times, but I love him.”

Daisy felt a pang of empathy for Roarke, a new understanding dawning on her. “That’s why Roarke struggles to let me in,” she murmured, more to herself than to her friends. “He’s not used to having someone care, to having someone want to be close to him.”

Sera leaned forward, her gaze intense and earnest. “Daisy, the fact that Roarke is trying, that he’s opening up to you... it’s a testament to how much you mean to him. It’s not easy for someone like us to let down our guard, to allow ourselves to be vulnerable.”

Ivy nodded, her voice gentle but firm. “You’re doing everything right, Daisy. Just keep being yourself—loving, patient, understanding. Show him that you’re there for him, no matter what. In time, those walls will come down.”

Gratitude and love swelled in Daisy’s chest. She reached out, clasping Sera and Ivy’s hands in her own. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for helping me understand, for being here for me.”

Sera smiled. “We’re always here for you, Daisy. That’s what friends are for.”

Ivy lifted her cup. “To friendship, love, and breaking down walls.”

Daisy and Sera laughed, raising their cups to join the toast.

That evening, Daisy primped and pampered herself, choosing a flowy sundress in a mesmerizing shade of turquoise that perfectly complemented her pink locks. She had just finished twisting her hair into a loose braid when a knock sounded at her door. Her pulse fluttering, Daisy opened it to reveal a dashingly handsome Roarke, wearing a charcoal button-down and dark jeans.

“You look stunning,” he complimented, offering her his arm. “Ready for our adventure?”

Daisy beamed up at him, slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Absolutely.”

Roarke led her to his cabin at the edge of the woods, the secluded location providing a tranquil and intimate setting. Daisy marveled at the rustic charm of the exterior with its weathered logs and stone chimney. The warm glow of the porch light cast a welcoming aura, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze added to the serene ambiance.

As they approached the front door, Roarke turned to Daisy, his eyes shining with a mix of excitement and nervousness. “I hope you like it,” he said softly, his hand resting on the doorknob. “It’s become my little sanctuary.”

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