Page 42 of Nanny for the Demon's Twins

"Always a pleasure. Go on now, enjoy your evening."

The walk back to the shop takes half the time without two toddlers in tow. I just need to change after getting covered in flour — and more fucking glitter, how did that even happen? — and I'll be ready to go. I unlock the door to my shop, climb the steps up to the living area, and freeze.

Mira is standing in the living room, stealing my breath as I take her in. She's wearing a deep blue dress that flows like water around her curves. The neckline dips just low enough to make my mouth go dry. Her dark hair falls in soft curls past her shoulders, and a hint of color stains her cheeks as I stare.

"I found this in one of the boxes you left for me," she says, fingers playing with the fabric. "I'm not sure how I feel-"

"Fuck." The word comes out rough. "You look..." I cross the room in three strides, backing her against the wall. My hands find her waist, feeling the silk beneath my callused fingers.

Her green eyes dart up to mine, pupils wide. "I can change if-"

"Don't you dare." I lean down, breathing in her scent. "Though I'm having thoughts about getting you out of it myself."

Her breath hitches. "The dress might get wrinkled."

"Worth it." I brush my lips against her neck, feeling her pulse race beneath my touch.

"Karn," she admonishes with a laugh, and I sigh.

Romantic shit. Right. That's what I wanted, and she laughed — though rightfully so given how quickly this went off the rails. Well, now I'm determined to show her I can be romantic as fuck.

"Let me change." I take a step back, hating it already. "And then we can go."

I rush to my room, stripping off my work clothes and yanking on the formal outfit I'd laid out. The black silk shirt and fitted pants feel foreign after days in the forge. At least the boots are comfortable - I'm not suffering through fancy shoes for anyone. Fine, I would if Mira asked.

Back in the living roomI Mira's waiting by the stairs. The conjured light catches the silver threads woven through her dress, making her shimmer. I offer my arm, leading her outside to where the carriage waits.

"An enchanted carriage?" Her eyes widen at the ethereal vehicle, its framework traced in softly glowing purple runes. "This must have cost-"

"Worth every coin." I help her up, settling beside her. The carriage starts moving on its own, following the path I'd specified. "Though I might have traded some specialty work instead of paying outright."

She laughs, relaxing against the plush seat. "Of course you did."

The ride takes us through winding streets and up into the hills. When we reach the grove, Mira's quiet gasp tells me I chose right.

Floating lights drift between the ancient trees like stars come down to dance. A stream winds through the clearing, its water singing soft harmonies as it flows over enchanted stones. The whole place is filled with magic and gorgeous.

Almost as gorgeous as she is.

"This is beautiful." She steps down from the carriage, turning slowly to take it all in.

"Ash brought Sarah here to propose." My voice roughens at the memory. "He spent weeks setting up the enchantments, wanted everything perfect. Drove me crazy asking for help with the spellwork."

"Did she like it?"

"She cried." I smile, remembering Sarah's joy, Ash's relief. "Then she tackled him into the stream. They were soaked and laughing and so fucking happy."

Mira's hand finds mine, her fingers intertwining with my scarred ones. "Thank you for sharing this with me."

I squeeze her hand gently, watching the lights reflect in her eyes. Maybe I can do this romantic shit after all.

Grabbing the supplies I brought from the carriage. I spread the blanket near the stream, setting out dishes from the basket. The floating lights cast a soft glow over the feast I'd arranged - roasted meats, fresh bread, and those little fruit tarts Mira loves. She settles beside me, tucking her dress beneath her.

"This is too much." She picks up a tart, inhaling the sweet scent.

"You haven't eaten properly all week." I fill a plate for her. "Between the twins' magical mishaps and me keeping you busy at night-"

"Thanks!" Her face turns red as she cuts me off.

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