Page 24 of Hex and the Kitty

The thought made Molly’s chest tighten with a mixture of hope and fear. She remembered how Warrick had spoken of Whispering Pines—with cautious appreciation as if testing the idea that it might become more than just another temporary stop.

“So what do I do?” she asked, surprising herself with the question. She hadn’t meant to seek their advice, but now that the words were out, she realized she wanted it.

“Be yourself,” Luna said simply. “That’s who he’s interested in.”

“But also,” Tabitha added with a wicked smile, “maybe wear that green dress again. His eyes practically glowed when you mentioned it.”

“How do you know what I wore?” Molly demanded.

“Mrs. Finch saw you through the window,” Celeste explained. “Said you looked, and I quote, ‘like spring personified, and that tiger-eyed fireman looked ready to combust.’”

“Goddess save me from small towns,” Molly groaned, burying her face in her hands.

“You love it,” Fia laughed. “Now, about those baking skills of yours...”

“What about them?” Molly asked suspiciously.

“Have you considered making something specifically for shifter taste buds?” Mari suggested. “They experience flavors differently—more intensely. A dessert that speaks to that sensitivity would show you’re paying attention to his unique needs.”

“Like those Fire Lotus petals he brought,” Luna added. “They respond to emotion, right? You could create something that reveals feelings without words.”

Molly’s mind was already racing with possibilities. A pastry infused with the Fire Lotus, perhaps combined with the mist essence for clarity of emotion. Something that would respond to both their energies, revealing through flavor what neither was ready to say aloud.

“That’s... actually a good idea,” she admitted.

“And find out his favorite meals from his travels,” Celeste suggested, bouncing a fussing Amara. “Recreate flavors that remind him of places he’s loved. Food is memory for everyone, but especially for shifters.”

“The way to a tiger’s heart is definitely through his stomach,” Ellie agreed. “Especially when the chef is as pretty as you.”

Molly felt her cheeks warm again. “You all are incorrigible.”

“We’re invested,” Tabitha corrected. “It’s been ages since we’ve had such juicy romance in our little town.”

“It’s not a romance,” Molly insisted weakly. “It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement to stop the gossip.”

The entire kitchen—rolling pins, wooden spoons, whisk, and all—vibrated with magical energy at her words. Even the children stopped playing to stare as utensils danced briefly in the air before settling back down.

Everyone turned to Molly with identical knowing smiles.

“Want to try that again, honey?” Luna asked gently. “Maybe this time without making your entire kitchen call you a liar?”

Molly buried her face in her hands again, but couldn’t stop the smile spreading across her lips. “Fine. I like him. I like him a ridiculous amount for someone I’ve only had one real conversation with.”

“That’s more like it,” Celeste approved. “Admitting it is the first step.”

“To what, Shifter-holics Anonymous?” Molly quipped.

“To letting yourself be happy,” Mari said softly. “You’ve been alone in this bakery for years, Molls. Always giving joy to others through your baking, but keeping yourself apart.”

“She’s right,” Fia nodded. “You light up when you talk about him. I haven’t seen that spark in your eyes since... well, since before…”

Molly knew what Fia meant. Before her parents’ accident. Before she’d thrown herself into the bakery as both shield and purpose.

“It’s scary,” she admitted quietly. “He’s lived so long, seen so much. What if I’m just another interesting diversion for him? A small-town witch with a quaint little bakery who’ll be a pleasant memory in his centuries-long life?”

“Or maybe,” Celeste said, her voice gentle but firm, “you’re the reason he finally stops wandering. The place his long journey has been leading to all along.”

“She’s right,” Luna added. “Three centuries is a long time to search for something without knowing what you’re looking for.”

---