Page 65 of Mistletoe & Magic
The night is quiet except for the crackling of the fire. I wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her in close.
“I don’t want to waste a second,” I say quietly. “Not with you. Not with us.”
She lifts her head just enough to look at me, her eyes shining in the firelight. “Then we don’t hold back. Not anymore.”
I nod, my throat tight. “We go all in. Whatever comes, we face it together.”
Her fingers curl into my shirt, like she is anchoring herself to me. “Together,” she echoes.
The fire pops and the night settles around us, but I feel lighter, stronger, like something inside me has finally clicked into place. I pull her even closer and let myself breathe her in, let myself believe this can last.
For the first time in years, I am not just surviving. I am ready to live. With her.
Chapter 19
Ivy
My mom’s kitchen smells like cinnamon and rosemary…like home. She’s always got something simmering in her big pot on the stove or fresh bread baking in the oven. Rarely did we ever go out to eat while growing up here, because nobody can cook as good as our mom. She puts love and intention into every bowl and bread she makes for us, and you can just taste both. Rowan and Willa are perched at the island with mugs of tea, and I’m cross-legged on one of the barstools, feeling lighter than I have in years. I keep glancing at my phone, thinking about texting Remy to see what he’s doing. I miss him.
Junie’s on the rug with Lola sprawled beside her, one paw gently draped over Cobweb, who purrs so loudly it’s practically a motor. Junie giggles every time the kitten bats at Lola’s tail, and Lola just sighs like she was born to babysit a tiny human and a cat cousin.
“See?” Willa says, nodding toward them. “I told you Cobweb would win her over.”
“She’s a good girl,” I say, smiling as Lola rolls onto her backso Junie can rub her belly. “Honestly, I think she’d follow Junie to the moon if she could.”
My mom sets a plate of cookies on the island, hands a napkin of them to Junie, and sits, brushing flour from her hands. “All this love in my house,” she teases, her eyes sparkling. “Tate and Willa making eyes at each other every time they breathe, and now Remy and Ivy…who knew?”
My face goes hot, but Willa grins like a cat. “Oh, everyone knows,” she says. “You two have that look.”
“What look?” I protest, but I can feel the smile tugging at my lips.
“The look,” Rowan says knowingly. “Like you’re half annoyed and half dying to climb him like a tree every time he walks into the room.”
I bury my face in my hands, my face going hot. “You’re all ridiculous.”
My mom laughs. “You’re glowing, sweetheart. It’s a good thing. Must be all those romance novels you’ve been reading.”
The truth is that I haven’t even had time to read any of them. I’ve been too busy living out my own romance novel, and I’m not complaining.
“So,” Rowan says, taking a sip of tea. “Speaking of couples, I’m going on a date this weekend.”
All of us turn to stare at her.
“What?” Willa gapes. “With who?”
“His name’s Jonah,” Rowan shrugs, trying to look nonchalant, but her cheeks are pink. “He’s new in town. Works down on the boats.”
“Wait, wait, wait,” I say, leaning forward. “Are you serious?”
Rowan nods.
Wow.
“Oh, boy.” Willa grins and sucks in a breath. “Does Finn know?”
Rowan shrugs, too casually. “Why would he care?”
I can’t help but wonder that myself. Because Finn will absolutely care. Finn’s face flashes in my mind, solid, steady with his broad shoulders and quiet watchfulness. Finn who is wildly in love with my sister and has been for years. Finn, who is also her best friend. Picturing him hurt makes me feel so upset for him.
