Page 47 of Hex and the Kitty

“She’s here!” Daisy exclaimed, pink hair bobbing as she jumped up to relieve Molly of the pastry carrier. “Please tell me these are your vision cupcakes. I need guidance on which spell to use for the Phantasm Pharmacy’s new protection barriers.”

“They might not work that specifically,” Molly said, surrendering her baked goods, “but they’ll give you a glimpse of something meaningful.”

The sunroom pulsed with feminine energy. Mari occupied a cushioned window seat, sunlight playing in her dark hair. Ellie and Tabitha shared the wicker sofa, deep in conversation. Fia arranged strawberries and blueberries into a pentagram pattern on a platter while Sera aligned napkins with mathematical precision. Briar stirred a pitcher of something fruity and vibrant.

“The mocktail bar is fully stocked,” Briar announced, pouring a ruby-colored drink into a crystal glass. “Non-alcoholic mimosas, sparkling cider, and my special berry elixir with ginger for any morning sickness sufferers.”

Molly accepted a glass from Celeste and settled beside Mari, who squeezed her hand in greeting.

“So,” Ellie said, turning toward Molly with bright eyes, “I drove past the bakery last night and saw a certain fire chief at your door.”

Heat bloomed across Molly’s cheeks as the memory of Warrick’s goodnight kiss resurfaced—the press of his body against hers, the gentle firmness of his hands at her waist, the golden flecks in his eyes darkening with desire.

“We’re taking things slow,” she managed, fingers fidgeting with the stem of her glass.

“That wasn’t the impression I got,” Ellie teased gently.

“Can we please talk about something else?” Molly pleaded, reaching for a fortune cupcake to occupy her hands.

Tabitha exchanged a look with Avelyn, who’d been quietly sipping her drink near the bay window. She set down her glass, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Actually, I have some news to share.”

The room quieted as Tabitha sat up straighter, her blonde hair catching the sunlight. “Bram and I are expecting. Fourteen weeks along.”

A collective gasp rose, followed by exclamations of delight. Daisy sprang up to embrace Tabitha, nearly upending the pastry tower. Celeste bounced baby Amara, who joined the celebration with happy babbling.

Molly’s hand flew to her heart. “Tabitha, that’s wonderful!”

“There’s more,” Mari said, her voice soft but carrying an undercurrent of joy. She glanced at Molly, who nodded encouragement. “Arden and I are expecting too. Nine weeks yesterday.”

Before the excitement could settle, Fia cleared her throat. “Well, since we’re creating a baby boom...” She smiled, one hand drifting to her stomach. “Sayer and I are giving Vienna a sibling. Twelve weeks and counting.”

Sera adjusted her glasses, a rare smile gracing her usually composed features. “It appears the universe had a synchronistic plan. Lark and I are expecting as well. Ten weeks yesterday.”

Stunned silence fell before the room erupted in astonished laughter. Four pregnancies announced in the span of minutes—even in magical Whispering Pines, the coincidence bordered on miraculous.

“Did someone charm the full moon ritual last equinox?” Daisy asked, eyes wide with amazement. She glanced at Roarke, who stood by the doorway bringing in extra chairs. “Don’t get any ideas, mister.”

Roarke raised an eyebrow, a hint of mischief in his usually stoic expression. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Not yet, anyway.”

“Maybe it’s the magical convergence from the ley lines shifting last autumn,” Celeste suggested, settling Amara on a play mat surrounded by plush woodland creatures.

“Or maybe,” Fia said, popping a blueberry into her mouth, “we all just happened to marry extremely virile supernatural men.”

Laughter rippled through the room as they settled into brunch, conversation naturally flowing to pregnancy symptoms, nursery plans, and the fathers-to-be.

“Bram’s the one with the cravings,” Tabitha confided, tearing off a piece of honey bun. “He woke me at three in the morning desperate for pickle juice mixed with chocolate syrup.”

Daisy wrinkled her nose. “Please tell me you didn’t kiss him after that concoction.”

“Bear shifters,” Avelyn nodded knowingly, her eyes twinkling. “During pre-hibernation season, their taste buds go haywire. My late husband once ate an entire jar of olives stuffed with peanut butter and honey.”

Sera dabbed her lips with a napkin. “Lark’s created seventeen different lists. Meal plans, vitamin schedules, approved exercise routines.” She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Yesterday he presented me with a chart of optimal snack times, color-coded by nutrient density. I’m ready to strangle him, but...” Her expression softened. “His dedication is rather endearing.”

“Arden’s wolf instincts are in overdrive,” Mari shared. “He scents the air when I walk into a room, checking for anything that might upset me. And the foot massages every night, even though I’ve explained the swelling doesn’t start for months.”

“Sayer won’t let me carry Vienna anymore,” Fia added, selecting a fortune cupcake from the tower. “He’s instituted mandatory rest periods throughout my day and hired additional help at work.” She shook her head, but a smile played at her lips. “Dragons and their treasures. The way he’s stepped up so I can rest...”

“Wolf shifters aren’t much better,” Celeste chimed in, glancing toward the kitchen where Kade could be heard preparing more food. “When I was carrying Amara, Kade nearly drove me mad with his protective hovering. I couldn’t even pick up a broom without him appearing from nowhere to take it from me.”

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