Page 117 of Bewitched & Bewildered
“What did you say?” I fight a smile.
She glares. How does she still look entirely in love with me when she’s glaring like that?
“Don’t make me say it again.”
“Say what again?”
“I love you!” Her voice raises.
The server glances at us, and her brows lift in shock. She darts away.
I let out a loud burst of laughter.
“Don’t laugh at me!” Juniper exclaims.
“I’m not!”
I take her hand and weave our fingers together. “You’re cute. That’s all.”
“And…? You’re going to force it out of me, but you won’t?—”
“I love you too,” I say, cutting her off. “I loved you first.”
“It’s not a competition!”
“Since when? It’s always been a competition with us.”
She shakes her head, and a smile breaks out on her face. It’s big and silly, unlike anything I’ve ever seen. “You’re an idiot.”
“You can insult me all you want. I still love you.”
“I know. You can stop saying it now.”
“No. I don’t think I will.”
She inhales slowly and fights to temper her smile. “The bar is the most important thing to me right now. I don’t want any distractions.”
“I know.”
“I need to focus on that.”
“You know I support you. I have my business to focus on, too.”
“What I’m trying to say is… you can’t be my only priority right now. But I’ll still make time for you and… for us.” She pauses. “If you want to be together.”
“I do.” I squeeze her hand and stare into her eyes. “I admire you for putting your career first. I’m going to make that a priority, too. You have me now. We’re a team.”
Her smile returns. “I like the sound of that.”
“Mm… you know what? I do, too.”
Chapter 28
Juniper
ONE MONTH LATER
Turninga shop into a bar is no easy task. Maple and I empty our savings into it, call in a few favors, use a touch of magic, and the place is coming together within a month. There’s still a way to go, but I can finally see the vision. My sisters and I stand outside as they put up the new sign.
