Page 71 of Hex and the Kitty

FIFTY-SIX

Up close, Molly noticed details of his appearance she’d missed at first glance—the subtle tiger emblem on his cufflinks, the perfect knot of his tie, the faint scent of sandalwood and spice that always clung to his skin.

“I have something else for you,” he said, reaching into his pocket to withdraw a small velvet pouch. “If you’ll accept it.”

Warrick opened the pouch and tipped the contents into his palm—a delicate antique bracelet with tiger’s eye stones set in ornate silver. The polished gemstones caught the light, their golden-brown bands seeming to shift and move like liquid fire.

“This belonged to my grandmother,” he explained, voice softening with reverence. “She wore it for over a century. In our culture, tiger’s eye stones represent protection and commitment.” His eyes met hers, direct and honest. “I’d be honored if you’d wear it tonight.”

Molly extended her wrist without hesitation. The gesture represented more than accepting jewelry—it acknowledged the deeper bond forming between them. Warrick’s fingers brushed her skin as he fastened the clasp, sending shivers up her arm. The moment the bracelet closed, a tingling warmth spread from the stones—ancient magic recognizing its new bearer.

“Tiger’s eye also symbolizes clarity of purpose,” Warrick continued, his thumb tracing a gentle circle on her inner wrist. “Something you’ve helped me find since coming to Whispering Pines.”

The confession, spoken quietly with Ellie and Celeste still present, revealed just how far he’d come from the reserved, stoic man who’d first arrived in town. That he would share such personal sentiments with an audience spoke volumes about his commitment to their relationship.

Moved beyond words, Molly rose on tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. His skin radiated heat, a reminder of the tiger shifter’s naturally elevated temperature. The brief contact wasn’t enough. She shifted slightly, finding his lips with hers.

The kiss remained gentle, mindful of her carefully applied makeup, but carried unmistakable promise. Against her lips, she felt his smile—that rare, genuine expression that transformed his serious features.

Ellie cleared her throat. “As much as we’re enjoying this romantic display, you two have a ball to attend.”

Molly stepped back reluctantly, noting with satisfaction that Warrick seemed equally affected by their brief connection. “Let me grab my cupcakes.”

She retrieved the specially prepared box of Fire & Spice cupcakes, handling it with care. “For the firefighters,” she explained to Warrick. “A magical tribute.”

His expression softened with understanding that went beyond words. After his confession last night and her protective magic today, they’d entered a new phase of their relationship—one where words sometimes proved inadequate for the depth of feeling between them.

As twilight deepened outside, Warrick offered his arm. “Your carriage awaits, my lady.”

“Carriage?” Molly echoed, curious.

“Figure of speech,” he chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “Though you deserve nothing less. It’s actually David’s truck, decorated by the station crew.”

Outside, Molly discovered that “decorated” hardly described David’s black pickup truck. The vehicle gleamed with a fresh wash and subtle magical lights that twinkled like fireflies around the cab. A hand-painted banner on the side proclaimed “Whispering Pines Fire Chief and His Lady.”

“Your crew did this?” Molly asked, touched by the gesture.

“They insisted.” A hint of embarrassment colored Warrick’s tone. “Said it was time we made things official.”

Celeste and Ellie exchanged triumphant looks as Warrick helped Molly into the passenger seat, careful of her gown. She balanced the precious cupcake box on her lap as he closed her door with a gentlemanly flourish.

Through the window, Molly mouthed “thank you” to her friends.

“Have fun!” they called in unison. “We’ll see you there!”

As they pulled away from the bakery, Molly studied Warrick’s profile, illuminated by the dashboard lights. The strong line of his jaw, usually set with determination, had relaxed. His golden eyes occasionally flickered in her direction, his mouth curving into the subtle smile she’d grown to cherish.

“Ready for this?” he asked, his deep voice steady despite the weight of everything the night might bring.

Molly touched the tiger’s eye bracelet, drawing strength from its warmth and the unspoken promise it represented. The path ahead might hold danger—Gus’s threats loomed in the background of tonight’s celebration. But for the first time in years, she didn’t face uncertainty alone. Beside her sat a man who’d proven himself worthy of her trust through actions as well as words.

“More than ready,” she replied, her voice steady with newfound certainty.

FIFTY-SEVEN

The truck’s engine hummed beneath them as Warrick navigated the winding streets of Whispering Pines. Beside him, Molly fidgeted with the tiger’s eye bracelet at her wrist, her fingers tracing the ancient stones. Streetlights caught in her vibrant red curls, creating a halo effect against the emerald green of her dress.

“Nervous?” Warrick asked, stealing a glance at her profile.

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