Page 71 of Wicked Witch

“Did you carve little brooms into the steps?”

“Yes, and the wooden furniture in the master bedroom has crystal balls, my little witch.”

Tears prick my eyes, but I force them back. I know when I see their ‘surprise’ I am going to be a blubbering, snotty mess.

As we reach the attic, Cirrus spins me around carefully and covers my eyes.

“No peeking, my little eagle eye.”

“Okay, but seriously what are with the nicknames today?” I grumble.

“Ugh, love cakes, I don’t know. I think I’m nervous,” he mutters and sighs.

I keep my eyes closed as he opens the door.

Astor helps guide me inside and I smile. “Open your eyes, baby,” he whispers.

“What?” I gasp. “How?”

They tricked me. This space isn’t covered in purples and magical stencils.

Soft gray and pink cover the walls with the tiniest little elephant stencils.

There is a huge bay window, with a dark gray bench seat and matching pillows.

A white crib is placed in the center of the room with a twinkling chandelier above it.

Tears run down my cheeks, and I don’t even care.

This is better than what I envisioned.

Arsen is quiet, sitting in a rocking chair next to a white dresser with a changing pad on top.

“This is perfect,” I cry, and they laugh. Reaching over, Sin grabs a box of tissues and stands, moving over to me.

Dropping to one knee, he hands me the box, and I laugh until I see that he also has a ring.

“Arsen,” I gasp and he gives me a huge grin.

“You have always been mine, Wynter. Since the moment I saw you walking through the courtyard at school. Your dark hair shining in the light as the snow fell around you. You looked up and smiled before opening your mouth and catching a flake on your tongue. Everyone else was rushing to get inside where it was warm, but not you…

“You were always sweet and willing to help anyone in need. You’re beautiful inside and out and I know you will be an amazing mother to our children. I’ve admired you from afar for too long and I won’t risk losing you again. You were always meant to be mine and I promise that if you chose to marry me, I will be there at the altar. Curse or no curse, I will be there… Will you marry me?”

I look at the others, surprised that they are allowing this, but Cirrus winks at me, and Astor nods his head.

It doesn’t take me long to decide. I know what he’s saying is the truth. Arsen has never hurt me, and I was the fool to let him go.

I place my hand over my stomach and nod.

Our little family is growing… I just wish this curse would break already.

But like he said… Curse or no curse, I am going to live in this moment.

“Yes.”

CIRRUS

THREE MONTHS LATER

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