Page 8 of Howling for Cupcakes

As she unpacked boxes and added whimsical touches to the décor, Mari’s thoughts drifted to Arden, the handsome deputy with the piercing green eyes. A mix of excitement and nervousness fluttered in her chest at the prospect of seeing him again. She shook her head, trying to dispel the distraction and focus on the task at hand. After all, she was here to bake, not to ogle the local eye candy.

Suddenly, the tinkling of the bell above the door jolted Mari from her musings, its cheerful chime echoing through the bakery like a chorus of giggling fairies. She turned as a vibrant array of quirky townsfolk filed into the shop, their faces alight with warm smiles and welcoming expressions.

Over the years, her sister Molly had talked about these people so much, Mari felt like she knew all of them already.

Leading the charge was Daisy Bloom, her bright pink hair bouncing with each enthusiastic step. “Welcome to Whispering Pines, Mari!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight. Before Mari could respond, Daisy bounded forward, enveloping her in a friendly hug that nearly knocked the wind out of her. Mari couldn’t help but laugh, returning the embrace with equal warmth.

“Thank you, Daisy,” Mari said, feeling the sincerity behind Daisy’s words. “I’m thrilled to be here.”

As Daisy stepped back, Ivy Sullivan, the owner of the Green Thicket Tea House, approached with a knowing smile. Her green eyes sparkled with mischief as she pressed a beautifully woven basket into Mari’s hands. The scent of fragrant herbal teas and freshly baked scones wafted up, causing Mari’s mouth to water.

“A little something to help you settle in,” Ivy said, her voice as smooth as honey. She winked conspiratorially, leaning in close. “The lavender scones are infused with a touch of calming magic, perfect for those long days in the kitchen.”

Mari’s heart swelled with gratitude, touched by Ivy’s thoughtful gesture. “This is so kind of you, Ivy. I can’t wait to try them.”

The bell chimed again, and Mari looked up to see Luna Nightshade, Tabitha Greer, and a very pregnant Celeste Blackwood entering the bakery. The three witches radiated an aura of shared understanding, their eyes sparkling with the knowledge of the magical world they inhabited.

Luna, her silver-streaked black hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders, approached Mari with a serene smile. “Good morning, Mari,” she said, her voice soft and soothing like a gentle breeze. “If you ever need help practicing magic or assistance with your powers, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Mari felt a lump form in her throat, overwhelmed by the kindness and support these women offered. “Thank you, Luna. That means more to me than you know.”

Celeste, her hand resting on her swollen belly, nodded in agreement. “We witches have to stick together,” she added, her emerald eyes shining with a gentle smile. “Plus, I can’t wait to see what magical creations you come up with in this bakery. I have a feeling my little one is going to be your biggest fan.”

Laughter filled the air, and Mari found herself joining in, the weight of her past struggles momentarily lifted from her shoulders.

The bell chimed once more, and Ellie Theren entered, cradling her adorable baby Asher in her arms. The little boy’s cherubic face lit up when he saw Mari, his tiny hands reaching out to her, grasping at the air with unbridled excitement.

“Someone wants to say hello,” Ellie cooed, her expression soft with motherly love.

Mari’s heart melted as she gently took Asher into her arms, his warm weight a comforting presence against her chest. The little boy gurgled joyfully, his tiny fingers wrapping around a lock of Mari’s hair.

“Well, hello there, handsome,” Mari whispered, her voice filled with affection. “Aren’t you just the sweetest little thing?”

Asher giggled in response, his laughter like the tinkling of wind chimes on a breezy day. Mari found herself smiling, a genuine, heartfelt smile that reached her eyes for the first time in months.

As the townsfolk shared stories and presented small gifts, their warmth and acceptance wrapped around Mari like a comforting blanket. She listened intently, laughing at humorous anecdotes and marveling at the magical tales they shared.

Daisy regaled her with stories of mischievous ghosts playing pranks in her pharmacy, while Ivy spoke of the enchanted herbs she grew in her garden. Luna and Tabitha shared wisdom from their years of practicing magic, offering Mari guidance and support. Celeste, her hand never leaving her belly, talked about the joys and challenges of impending motherhood.

And through it all, little Asher cooed and gurgled, his tiny hand clinging to Mari’s finger as if he, too, wanted to welcome her to Whispering Pines.

For the first time since her divorce, Mari felt a sense of belonging, a glimmer of hope that this magical town could truly become her home. The weight of her past seemed to lighten with each passing moment, replaced by the warmth and acceptance of these extraordinary individuals.

The real adventure began when Molly, ever the meddlesome sister, practically dragged Mari to the Lone Wolf Café for lunch, her eyes gleaming with mischief like a cat who’d just spotted a particularly juicy mouse.

As they entered the cozy establishment, the mouthwatering scent of freshly grilled burgers and the rich aroma of coffee enveloped them, making Mari’s stomach grumble in anticipation. But her hunger was quickly forgotten when her gaze landed on Arden, sitting nearby like a delectable dessert just waiting to be savored.

Molly, observant as ever, nudged Mari with her elbow. “Close your mouth, sis. You’re drooling.”

Mari snapped her jaw shut, heat rushing to her cheeks. “I am not!” she hissed, tearing her gaze away from Arden and sliding into a booth.

Throughout the meal, Mari found herself stealing glances at Arden, her sandwich suddenly tasteless compared to the sight of him. Each time their eyes met, her heart raced, and she quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in the menu or the fascinating pattern of the tablecloth—anything to avoid getting lost in those dreamy green eyes.

Molly, unable to contain her amusement, leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. “You should go on a date with him,” she suggested, waggling her eyebrows like a cartoon villain hatching a dastardly plan.

Mari nearly choked on her sandwich, coughing and sputtering as she reached for her water. “Molly!” she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of shock and embarrassment. “I’m forty-five, and he looks like he’s barely thirty. I could be his mother.”

“Oh, please!” Molly laughed, her eyes crinkling with mirth. “You’re a hot, single witch, not a nun. And while you could be a mom, you’re not his mom. It could still work out—just think of the magical possibilities.”

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