Page 39 of Extra Witchy

After a moment of proper consideration, she said, “I think I like it.”

“When will you know for sure?” he asked.

“When you share the reasoning behind it.”

“Butterflies are beautiful, obviously. And so are you. But they’re also super helpful—they pollinate flowers and nosh on weeds. Yet go ask anybody, ‘What’s a butterfly’s deal?’ They’ll be like, ‘Well, it’s pretty. It flutters around being colorful, right?’” Trev shook his head. “Nah, if you pay attention, they’re aboutwaymore than looking good. Just like you.”

She closed her eyes, more touched than she wanted to be by his artless explanation. With effort, she kept from tearing up. If any droplets slipped out, hopefully she could blame the recent shower. “Yeah, Ilovethat. Carry on.”

In appreciation, she gave him a long, deep kiss, and he responded by pressing close, leaving no doubt about how ready he was for their wedding night. Finally, Trev pulled away, breathing hard. “Out, temptress, or my pants won’t fit.”

She smirked, but she sauntered out anyway, quickly touching up the glamour spell on her face, and she extended it to her hair while he was busy. The magic lent luster to the bright-red strands and added dexterity and skill to her hands, so she coiled it into a style she’d seen in a beauty tutorial.

Her phone rang, actually rang. And what the hell was that about? Leanne answered, although she didn’t recognize the number. If it was a coven sister calling from a different phone due to an emergency, she’d never forgive herself if she didn’t pick up.

Hell, I hope the witch hunter isn’t—

“Hope I’m not disturbing you, Ms. Vanderpol.” Dan Rutherford’s oily voice oozed over the line, making her feel like she needed another shower.

Obviously, you are.

“I’m out of town, and it’s the weekend,” she said, letting him draw his own conclusions.

“Well, I won’t keep you long. Just wanted to let you know that a little bird told me you’re planning to go up against me. You sure that’s the right move, darling? I absolutely hate making a pretty girl look bad.”

“I guess we’ll see.”

“Indeed we shall. You’ll soon learn you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. At every turn, I’ve tried to—”

Leanne hung up without letting Rutherford finish the rest of his bullshit sentence, then she blocked the number for good measure. This wasn’t his cell phone—that would’ve popped up in her contacts—so it might be his landline at home. Irritation popped in her head like firecrackers, but she refused to let that asshole ruin her mood.

Not today. Not with this witch. Get it together, and remember why you’re here.

With effort, she calmed herself. This wasexactlywhy she’d given notice, however. The mayor hadn’t wasted any time spilling everything he knew her to opponent, and she hadn’t even officially announced her candidacy. Rutherford must already be contemplating strategies to use against her.It’ll be fine. I expected this.By the time Trev emerged from the bathroom, she was putting on her dress and checking herself from all angles in the mirror.

He dropped the towel he was using to dry off his hair, his face glowing with awe. “You are a goddess. How is this real life? Seriously.How?”

“Good question! Put your fancy suit on and let’s get married.”

***

Vegas had quick weddings down to an art form.

There were five other couples in their wedding clothes getting marriage licenses as well, and thanks to Leanne having filled out the forms ahead of time, they breezed through the process, made the payment, and moved on. The wedding chapel was nicer than Trev had pictured. He’d imagined “Vegas style” and that there would be sequins, rhinestones, and Elvis impersonators in white spandex jumpsuits everywhere. But he was pleasantly surprised at how elegant everything was. A young woman greeted them and explained the process. Their officiant was included in the package, and two witnesses would be provided from the chapel staff. It all happened so freaking fast that it felt like he was sleepwalking through his own wedding.

He must’ve said all the right things, because the next thing he knew, he was slipping the ring on Leanne’s finger, and she did the same to him. They’d been sized perfectly, and he stared for a moment at the silver band marking him as Leanne’s husband.Holy fuck, I’m her husband.

“You may kiss the bride,” the officiant said.

Silently, he tried to convey his wild emotions with a deep, sweet kiss. Hard to know if he succeeded, but when he pulled back, she was smiling up at him, perfect as a pinup model. It still absolutely blew his mind that this woman had carved through a crowd straight to his side. Hell, he’d never been picked first for anything in his life, not even dodgeball in elementary school.

Just her. Only her.

“We’ll file the necessary paperwork,” the woman said, smiling. “If you’ll both sign here, and witnesses, if you please…”

Soon, it was all done, and they moved along to the brief photo shoot included in their package, seven poses that would be provided in digital form: classic side by side, one with Trev behind her, another with them kissing, a fourth back-to-back and laughing wildly. Number five showed them facing each other while holding hands, six had them making silly faces, and in the last one, the photographer said, “Gaze at her like she’s the person you love most in the world.”

Trev had no idea how that expression was supposed to appear so he just…looked. At Leanne, envisioning a real future with her. That moment left him breathless, aching with want edging toward need.If you were mine, Butterfly—truly mine—I would never ask the universe for anything else.

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