Page 26 of Howling for Cupcakes

These women with their fierce loyalty and open hearts had become more than just friends. They were a sisterhood, bound by shared joys and sorrows, triumphs and hardships.

As the night wore on, laughter and chatter filled the air, flowing as freely as the drinks. Mari found herself the center of attention as the conversation turned to her blossoming romance with Arden.

“I never thought I’d find any type of connection with a man,” she admitted, toying with the rim of her margarita glass. “Especially not with someone so much younger. Sometimes I worry...”

“Hush that nonsense right now,” Elsie chided, waving a churro for emphasis. “That boy looks at you like you hung the moon and stars. Age is just a number, chickadee.”

Sera nodded sagely, sipping her virgin sangria. “Elsie’s right, Mari. I had the same worries about Lark at first but in the end? Love is love. Grab it with both hands and never let go.”

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the group, Molly suddenly appearing with a tray of her famous cupcakes. Mari eyed them warily, knowing her sister’s baked goods often carried glimpses of the future.

“Oh, go on,” Molly urged, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Live a little.”

Throwing caution to the wind, Mari snagged a cupcake and took a hearty bite. Instantly, the room fell away, replaced by a vision that stole her breath.

She saw herself in a wedding gown, radiant with joy as Arden twirled her around a candlelit dance floor. The love in his eyes, the surety of his hold...it was everything she’d ever dreamed of and more.

Blinking back to the present, Mari found herself surrounded by expectant faces. “I saw...what I have always wished for. Is it my future?”

Molly shrugged. “It’s a possibility. Only your decisions can make it a reality.”

“I really want that.”

Squeals of delight erupted, Mari engulfed in a flurry of hugs and excitement. She laughed, heart so full, it felt fit to burst.

Across the room, Ophelia let out a soft gasp, drawing all eyes to her flushed face. “I saw him,” she whispered, wonder and trepidation warring in her gaze. “The man I’m meant to love. But I’ve never seen him before...”

Elsie rubbed her hands together gleefully, a determined glint in her eye. “Just you leave that to me, sugar. I’ll sniff out your mystery man quicker than a hound on the hunt.”

As the night wore on, the women gravitated to the community center’s cozy lounge area where Tabitha had set up a spirited game of Loteria. The colorful cards and intricately painted boards drew appreciative murmurs from the group as they settled in, drinks in hand.

“I haven’t played this since I was in college,” Marianne remarked, running a finger over the vibrant images. “My roommate used to call the cards for us during our gatherings.”

Elsie chuckled, taking a sip of her margarita. “Well, I hope you’re ready for some stiff competition, dear. These old eyes might not be what they used to, but my ears are as sharp as ever.”

Laughter rippled through the room as Tabitha took her place as the caller. “All right, ladies, let’s see who Lady Luck favors tonight!”

As the game began, the women fell into an easy rhythm of banter and playful trash talk. Ivy was the first to call out a win, her triumphant shout of “Loteria!” met with good-natured groans and accusations of cheating.

“I swear, she must have charmed those cards,” Daisy grumbled, tossing back the last of her paloma. “No one’s that lucky.” Then she scrunched her nose, “Not true. I’ve got Roarke and that makes me extra lucky.” She gave a silly grin.

“You sound like the cat that ate the canary,” Elsie joked.

“If I have it my way,” Daisy winked, “he’s going to be the one doing that.”

“Daisy!” Elsie laughed.

“What? It’s girls’ night. Anything goes. Besides, there’s more women in here with hot men than you can count.”

“Right you are.” Elsie chuckled. “I’m doing a damn good job at this matchmaking thing.”

Daisy nodded. “Keep it going, Elsie. Find a man for Ivy so she can stop winning all our games.”

Ivy preened, collecting her winnings with a smug grin. “Don’t hate the player, hate the game, darling.”

The laughter that followed was infectious, Mari feeling the last of her tension melt away in the face of such unbridled joy and camaraderie.

The game continued and the drinks flowed, conversation turned to their significant others holed up at the brewery for a “guys’ night” of their own.

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