Page 60 of Whisked Away
Her using my actual name makes me come up short, pausing before I respond. I want to argue—but deep down, I know she’s right.
As I stand there, covered in frosting and reeling from Zoe’s words, I think about Alex—her sharp intellect, the way she could dissect a recipe with a single taste, her keen observations of the town and its people.
How protective she was of her sister. How determined.
I’ve done her a disservice by making this decision for her—by forcing her out before she even had a chance to understand. The realization sits heavy in my chest, along with a flicker of something I’m almost afraid to name. Hope.
What if I explain everything—my past, the magic, the dangers—and she accepts me? What if I’ve found someone who actually wants me? Loves me?
I’ve been a coward. Letting her go was easier than facing the truth. Maybe the person who needed a Courage Cupcake all along was me.
“You’re right, Zoe,” I say. “She deserves the truth. All of it.”
Zoe’s face breaks into a crooked, triumphant grin. “Now that’s what I like to hear! What’s the plan, Boss?”
I take a deep breath and square my shoulders, knowing theonly answer. “I’m going to have to get permission from the Council.”
Zoe nods. “You’ve got this, Ethan. Just share your heart. You’ve been a member of this community for years—you deserve more credit than you get. And for what it’s worth, I think Alex is going to surprise you.”
Her belief is almost enough to bolster my own. My heart is thudding again, though first, I have to clean up. Damn, I was an idiot. Zoe literally had to throw a bucket of sugared butter at me to snap me out of it.
“Thanks, Zoe. For everything.”
She waves a hand dismissively, but her cheeks flush. “Yeah, yeah. Besides, you always think you’re so terrifying, Ethan. You’re nothing more than a teddy bear—I’m just bringing you down a notch.”
I snort a laugh. “That’s deserved.”
“I agree. Now, I’ve got the Whisk under control for the morning. You get cleaned up and gather the Council. You’ve got a foodie to win back!”
As I head to the bathroom to change, a spark ignites in my chest. I’ve made mistakes, but maybe the situation isn’t hopeless. Maybe I’m not.
The Council chamber feels colder than usual as I stand before the group, my heart pounding but my resolve firm. I’ve just finished explaining my request, and the silence that follows is deafening.
Councilwoman Frome scoffs, breaking the tension. “And why, Mr. Hart, even if we agreed to give Ms. Sinclair an opportunity to join our community, should we trust you with such a monumental task? Leaving the island before your term is up? Revealing magic to a human?”
I meet her gaze steadily. “Because I’ll take Dean with me.”
A ripple of surprise runs through the room. Dean’s shock reaches me without me even looking at him.
“I know the risks. I know what I am and what I’ve done before. But I think I’ve proven myself in my time here. And I’m willing to vouch whatever goodwill I’ve gained on Alex. We can trust her. I’ll accept any conditions, any restrictions you deem necessary, if it means I have this chance.”
The Council members exchange glances, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, Councilman Hawthorne leans forward. “And if she rejects your proposal?”
I swallow hard, pushing down the knot in my throat. “I vow to maintain myself, even if that happens. Plus, Dean will be there if magical intervention is necessary.”
Another long moment of silence follows. Then, slowly, Councilwoman Evelyn nods. “Very well, Mr. Hart. You have our permission, with Dean as your… chaperone.”
I fight a shiver at the word. I’ve wanted nothing more than to break Dean’s shackles since I arrived at Magnolia Cove. Now, I’m walking into a cage—but with a bigger purpose. Because Alex is worth the sacrifice.
As I leave the chamber, Dean falls into step beside me.
“You know,” he says, his voice gruff but not unkind, “I’ve always wanted to see New York City.”
“Sounds like you’re in luck.”
Dean’s face falls into its normal scowl, but I can’t help the hope rushing through me. If even Dean Markham is willing to give me a chance, maybe this isn’t as impossible as I thought.
Maybe there’s a real shot at making things right with Alex.
