Page 18 of Magic on the Prowl
TWELVE
The meeting with Reed and Kade lasted longer than Roarke had anticipated, the three of them studying maps and strategies into the evening while having beers and burgers. By the time they finally called it quits, Roarke’s head spun with plans and contingencies.
He stepped out into the cool night air, his mind still buzzing with thoughts of the battle and the future of Whispering Pines. Without realizing it, his feet carried him to Bewitched Bakery, the warm glow of the lights inside drawing him in like a moth to a flame.
“Roarke!” Molly said as he walked through the door, a smile spreading across her face. “What brings you here so late?”
Roarke shrugged, suddenly feeling foolish. “I don’t know,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair. “I guess I just needed to clear my head.”
Molly nodded. “Well, you’ve come to the right place,” she said, gesturing to a table in the corner. “Have a seat. I’ll bring you some tea and a cinnamon roll. On the house.”
Roarke sat, feeling some of the tension drain from his shoulders as he inhaled the comforting scent of baking bread and spices. Molly returned a few minutes later, setting a steaming mug and a plate with a gooey cinnamon roll in front of him.
“You know,” she said, taking a seat across from him, “I’m sure others have told you this too, and you probably don’t need to hear it again, but Daisy is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. She’s kind, and brave, and so full of love. Anyone would be lucky to have her in their life.”
His throat tightened with emotion. “I know,” he said softly, staring down into his tea. “I just... I don’t know if I’m right for her. I’m a loner. I don’t do relationships. I don’t know if I’m the person to be in one. I’m just not used to feeling this way about anyone.”
Molly reached across the table, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “Roarke, listen to me,” she said, her voice firm but kind. “You are worthy of love and happiness, just like anyone else. And Daisy? She sees something special in you. Don’t let your fears hold you back from something that could be amazing.”
“Thank you, Molly,” he said. “I needed to hear that.”
Molly just smiled, patting his hand before standing up. “Anytime, Roarke. Now, finish your tea and go get your girl.”
Roarke walked along the creek, his mind whirling with thoughts of Daisy and the future. The stars shone brightly above him, their gentle light reflecting off the water and casting a silvery glow across the landscape.
He thought back to the battle and the way he and Daisy had worked together seamlessly, their powers and skills complementing each other perfectly. He thought of the way she made him laugh, the way her smile lit up the room and made his heart skip a beat.
And he thought of the way she made him feel – like he was home, like he belonged, like he was worthy of love and happiness.
With a sudden clarity, Roarke knew what he had to do. He turned on his heel and headed toward Daisy’s house, his heart pounding as he walked up the steps and knocked on the door.
Daisy opened it a moment later, her face breaking into a brilliant smile when she saw him. “Roarke,” she breathed, stepping aside to let him in. “I was just about to watch a movie and relax. Want to join me?”
Roarke nodded, his throat tight with emotion. “Daisy, I-” he started, but she cut him off with a finger to his lips.
“Shh,” she said, her eyes full of warmth. “No more talking. Just come cuddle with me on the couch and watch a cheesy rom-com.”
Roarke laughed, the sound startled out of him by her playful tone. “Yes, ma’am,” he said, letting her lead him into the living room.
As they settled onto the couch, Daisy curled up against his side, her head resting on his shoulder. Roarke wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close and breathing in the sweet scent of her hair.
For the first time in his life, Roarke let himself imagine a future – a future with Daisy filled with laughter, love, and happiness. And as he held her close, he realized the idea wasn’t scary anymore.
Roarke stepped into Ellie and Reed’s cozy living room, Daisy’s hand clasped in his own. The room was alive with laughter and chatter, the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked treats. Twinkling fairy lights were strung along the walls, casting a warm, inviting glow over the gathered couples. His eyes swept over the room, taking in the sight of Ellie, her pregnant belly round and glowing, nestled against Reed’s side on the plush loveseat. Celeste, her own bump just beginning to show, was perched on Kade’s lap in the oversized armchair, her hand resting gently on his knee. Tabitha and Bram were sprawled out on the floor, their legs intertwined, while Sera and Lark cuddled on the opposite end of the sofa, their hands clasped together.
“Roarke, Daisy, you made it,” Ellie said, her face brightening with a radiant smile. She waved them over to the empty spot on the sofa. “Come, sit. We were just about to start the first round of trivia.”
As they settled into their seats, Reed grinned, his arm wrapped lovingly around Ellie’s shoulders. “All right, folks, let’s get this party started. First question: Which couple here has the most magical meet-cute story?”
Celeste’s hand shot up, her eyes dancing with excitement. “Oh, that’s definitely us. Kade and I were attached at the hip since I can remember?—”
“—she can’t help chasing after me. What can I say?”
Celeste swatted his arm playfully, her cheeks flushed with good-natured indignation. “I was a kid and so were you, furball.”
The room erupted in laughter, the couples exchanging knowing glances and playful jabs. Bram threw a pillow at Kade, his eyes twinkling with mirth. “Looks like someone’s been playing with fire, Kade.”
Kade caught the pillow effortlessly, tossing it back with a grin. “What can I say? I like my women spicy.”