Page 106 of Upside Down Magic

“Congratulations,Hope.TheTeaCauldronis officially yours.Ihave some formsIneed you to sign and?—”

“What?”

Doyle’seyes crinkled at the corners, she was smiling so wide. “Theshop is officially yours.TheCouncilhas determined that your actions in the past few months show that you’re more than qualified to take ownership of theTeaCauldronand have brought your probation to an end.”

Ijumped up from the chair and punched the air with both fists. “Yes!”

Doylechuckled. “Now, about these forms…”

Thirtyminutes later, after a lot of signing, another round of congratulations, and a lot of internalthank you, universe,Ileft theCouncilbuilding in a cloud.Iall but ran to the park and launched myself straight intoIan’sarms

Hecaught me effortlessly and held me close. “Whatis it, angel?”

Iwas almost too excited to be able to speak. “TheTeaCauldronis mine!”

Hisanswering grin was wide and immediate. “Isit now?”

“Yes!”Isquealed and hugged him hard. “Theygave it to me!”

FluffyandRufuscrowded us, barking and yipping in concern.Idisentangled myself fromIan’sarms and bent to hug them.

“Fluffy!Rufus!TheCouncilthinksI’ma good witch!”

Fluffyhappily slobbered all over my face, whichIdidn’t even mind, andRufuslet out a woof that sounded very much like aduh.Gettingback to my feet,Iaccepted a tissue fromIanand wiped my cheek.

“Tellme everything,” he said, still smiling.

SoItold him, and hugged him again, and kissed him right on the lips, and then he kissed me back, and a few long minutes later we parted, breathless.

“Ican’t believe it,”Isaid.Iwas pretty sure stars were still shooting out of my eyes.

“Believeit.”Hetucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his smile a little too smug.

“Didyou know?”Iasked with sudden suspicion.

“No.ButIthought it likely.”

“Youdid not!”Fluffypawed at my leg, seeking more attention, soIgathered her in my arms and rubbed my face against her fur. “Iwas so worried about this meeting.Whydidn’t you say anything?”

“SometimesI’mwrong.”

Ihuffed. “Sure.”Butit was impossible to remain peeved at anything.Mysmile grew bright again. “Ian, theTeaCauldronis mine.”

Hecradled my cheek tenderly, andIleaned into his hand, peering deeply into his eyes, seeing my joy reflected there.Bestmate in the world.

“Let’sgo home,” he said.

Wepiled into theSUVand began the long drive home, whichIspent brainstorming aloud all my plans for improving the shop.ToIan,Rufus, andFluffy’scredit, none of them seemed to mindthe explosion of ideas.Fluffyyipped in approval every timeIstopped to catch my breath, andRufuslet out wise woofs from time to time.

Iandrove, lips curved in amusement, responding agreeably every single timeIasked, “Whatdo you think?”

Ithit me then—how wonderful my new family was.

HowhadIgotten this lucky?

Darknesswas falling by the time we got toOlmeda.Ihummed in happiness at the beautiful sight of the streets and colorfulChristmaslights draped everywhere.MaybeI’dget an extra bright string of lights to hang from the upstairs windows to celebrate they were nowmywindows.

Somethingcaught my attention. “Thisis not the way home.”Eitherof our homes.

---