Page 109 of The Misfit Mage and His Devilish Desires

Wally stared at the assortment, eyes fixed on the crunchy spring rolls. “How’d you make all this?”

“I cooked it, obviously.”

“Since when do you cook?”

“I cook all the time.”

“Yes, but this looks…normal.” He sniffed, nostrils flaring as he searched the lingering aromas for every ingredient. “You didn’t add anything…well, Bez-like.”

“Ugh, the restraint that took.” I groaned.

“Are you not eating?”

“I’m eating.”

“Yeah, but you never cook normal stuff.” Wally squinted with suspicion. “What’s the special occasion?”

I had no intention of telling him, so I smirked, silently staring back as he chuckled. That laughter began lightheartedly but quickly evolved into something with an edge of anxiety.

“Wait. What is the special occasion?” he asked, frantically mumbling to himself. “What is today’s date? What have I forgotten?”

“You haven’t forgotten anything, Wally,” I replied.

“No, there’s something. You’re not telling me something. What’s going on? Is the essence reacting poorly?” Wally tugged his curls. “This is my fault. You’re eating human food because I broke your terrible tastebuds. I’m so sorry.”

“First off, I eat human food all the time. You make me sound like Weather with his puppy chow and fire rocks.”

Walter grimaced. “I mean…”

“Secondly, I’m not broken. I’m happy.”

“Because there’s something special about today?” he asked with his brows raised, searching my expression for the slightest reaction.

“You’re impossible.” I sighed. “There’s nothing special about today’s date. Nothing yet, anyway.”

With that, I slid out of my seat and dropped to one knee.

“I was hoping we could change that.”

I’d hoped to share this news with him after dinner like I’d rehearsed, but Wally’s beautiful hazel eyes widened and washed away my desires. All I wanted was to see him happy in this moment.

“We talk about eternity all the time, and I want to make that commitment official. I want to scream my love for you in front of everyone.”

“Yes!”

“You didn’t even let me finish.”

“That’s what she…never mind.” Wally giggled.

“I had a whole big speech. There were drafts and papers, and the bug helped me practice.”

“And I wanna hear it all. I wanna listen again and again and again.” Wally fell to his knees in front of me and pulled me into a kiss.

“You know I cooked and everything?” I panted between kisses.

“And it looks delicious.” Wally ran his tongue along my neck and nibbled. “But I’m only hungry for one thing tonight.”

He squeezed my ass, not so subtly indicating where he planned to redirect this evening. I’d had the same plans but after food. After my full speech. After making Wally gush like a weepy little bitch overjoyed by the proposal.

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