Page 62 of Shadow Witch

“It’s fine. You’ll win it in the next round. Although, you may be marrying Ivy because I may be the one who fails.”

“You’re not going to fail, Paige. You’re so smart, and kind, and nice, and pretty.”

“And human.”

“But a very awesome human,” Devon said with a coy smile as he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

“Stop hitting on me. Now’s not the time for romance, Devon.”

“I think it is. A time to remind you why you’re so special to me. A time to–“

Paige clamped her hand over his mouth. “Save it. You should have said all this stuff during the stupid competition, and then maybe we’d be getting married tomorrow if I can manage to keep myself together and win today.”

“You’re going to do it, baby, I know it.”

“Thanks for the confidence boost. Let’s hope I can wrap this up, and we’re one step closer to getting married.”

“Aw, Paigey. I’m so excited that you can’t wait to get married.”

“To find…yep. Super excited. Let’s hope I can box out Ivy today.”

The door burst open before Devon could answer her.

“Paige? What the heck?” Dewey said as he buzzed inside with Drucinda following. “We have the dress shopping. What did you run off for?”

“To escape the insanity going on down there. I mean, seriously? A massive brawl?”

“Awesome, right?” Dewey answered. “Anyway, we had to leave because we really need to get your dress. Come on, we’re set up in the upstairs sitting room. I’ve got everything ready.”

Devon slipped his hand into Paige’s and took a step toward the door.

“Whoa,” Dewey said, pressing a paw against his chest, “where do you think you’re going, Lover Boy?”

“To the dress shopping party.”

“I don’t think so, buddy. Do you want your wedding ruined? You can’t see Paige in her dress before the wedding!”

“That’s just an old wives’ tale,” Devon said with a wave of his hand. “I want to go.”

“And I want to be a regular-sized dragon, but here we are. Get over yourself. Maybe go practice for the last round in the Amor Fortis so you don’t lose it.”

“That was low, Dewey. I didn’t try to lose the second round. I just…” Devon’s eyes turned glassy. “Fell short in explaining how much Paige means to me.”

“It’s fine,” Paige said, “but Dewey’s right. We have enough working against us, I don’t want to mess it up with this dress thing.”

Devon offered her a warm smile. “Aww, Paige. Okay. If you want to dress shop alone, I get it. I’ll just…go workout.”

“Perfect. You work out. I’ll buy a dress, kick Ivy’s butt, we’ll have lunch–“

“Oh, wait,” Devon said as he flicked his gaze to Dewey, “am I invited to the shower?”

“No, Dimples, you are not. Girls only…and me. Although, you should arrive right at the end with a single rose for maximum romantic impact. I’ll text you.”

“Perfect. I really wanted to come though. I hope we got that toaster.”

“Well, you’ll find out at the end,” Paige answered. “And with any luck, I won’t have to go through two battles today because I can win the gauntlet thing.”

“Okay, enough hoping. Let’s go buy a dress,” Dewey said with a grin as he landed on Paige’s shoulder.

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