Page 93 of Hex and the Kitty

“I pay attention,” he replied simply, his hand settling at the small of her back—that familiar, grounding touch she’d come to rely on. “And I had some help from Mari.”

“My sister was in on this too?” Molly’s eyes widened. “No wonder she’s been acting strange lately!”

Through the happy chaos, Warrick kept her anchored against him, his presence solid and reassuring. When she glanced up, the tender expression on his face—normally so reserved and controlled—nearly undid her.

“Thank you,” she whispered, standing on tiptoes to reach his ear. “For letting them be part of this. For knowing how much they mean to me.”

“They’re family,” he replied simply. “Our family.”

Our family. The words resonated deep within her heart. After years of creating community through her bakery, of connecting people with her pastries and her magic, she’d found someone who understood exactly what she needed—belonging, connection, love.

As friends clinked glasses of champagne that materialized from somewhere, Molly’s heart swelled with gratitude. This moment—surrounded by loved ones, Warrick’s ring on her finger, his arm secure around her waist—represented everything she’d secretly hoped for but never dared expect.

The frosting incident at the social seemed a lifetime ago. Who could have predicted that an embarrassing magical mishap would lead to this perfect moment? Though perhaps she should have known—after all, she was the prediction cupcake expert.

“What are you smiling about?” Warrick murmured, his lips brushing her temple.

“Everything,” she answered truthfully. “The journey. The destination. The fact that my magical frosting had excellent taste in men.”

His laugh rumbled, warm and genuine. “Remind me to send that frosting a thank-you note.”

“I have a better idea,” Molly replied, twining her arms around his neck. “Let’s name our first child after it. Little Frosting Shaw has a certain ring to it.”

“Absolutely not.” But his eyes crinkled with amusement, his hands pulling her closer.

“Fine. We’ll discuss baby names later. Right now, I’d rather focus on celebrating our engagement.”

“As you wish, future Mrs. Shaw.” He bent to meet her halfway sealing their future with a kiss that promised forever—magic, chaos, and sentient baked goods included.

And in Whispering Pines, where magic entwined with everyday life, that promise guaranteed a chaotically perfect happily ever after.

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