Page 60 of Kiss and Spell

What else was there to say? Lincoln worked his jaw and stared at her. Discomfort flickered in his eyes, but she said nothing else to him. He’d take her truth because it would help them both move on. To claim their own separate happy endings. She didn’t need this much drama on a Saturday morning. She was going to dab a whole lotta frankincense to clear out the energy from this interaction. Did Gwen go to Red Bank to get Lincoln’s receipt?

Ursula glanced around for her sister.

She noticed Gwen was helping a barista fulfill a massive coffee and drink order.

Ursula met Lincoln’s quiet, intense stare.

“I didn’t want to hurt you,” he said slowly. “I thought the best thing I could do for us—for me—was to walk away. I loved you but knew it wasn’t enough.”

Damn. That truth was so heavy, it sat on her chest and stole her voice for an instant. But she understood. Love was a good place to start for a relationship, but there had to be room for trust, connection, and laughter. She couldn’t remember if she ever laughed with Lincoln or if she genuinely trusted him with her magic. To show him all the messy parts of herself.

It was just easier to hide that part of her rather than share with him.

So, Ursula the witch pretended to be the princess.

“My magic didn’t scare you away, did it?” she said, trying lift to heaviness of this moment.

His expression grew serious. “No, but I shouldn’t have dismissed it.”

Lincoln had treated her like a princess, and she’d felt immense pressure to be perfect. So, she put away her magic to focus on embodying perfection. He’d put an engagement ring on her finger and then barely touched her as if she were a valuable artifact he’d just acquired. A kiss there. A caress here. A random side hug. At first she’d felt treasured that he’d treat her so delicately, but then loneliness settled in and remained. She didn’t want to be treated like she was on a pedestal anymore. It was terrible when you were knocked down to the ground from such a dazzling height. She’d fallen hard, but she survived.

“I wish we’d talked to each other sooner,” he said.

“Well, we’re talking now,” she said.

A quiet realization came over Ursula. She had loved Lincoln, but not as much as she craved the security of being a Walker. It was a security that she wanted since her Ellis family quietly ignored her and Mama. The security she yearned for when she reread and remembered her fairy tales and folklore. Ursula, while under the spell, believed that having the last name Caraway had been a curse, but it was a blessing.

Lincoln lingered for a moment, his body tense. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about… everything. I’m sorry.”

Ursula placed a light hand to his shoulder. “I wish you nothing but the best.”

She meant it. Since she decided to fully embrace her magic and commit herself to her list, she released any hurt she had over Lincoln. Any lingering shame over their relationship washed away like leftover beach sand being rinsed off her body. She had to let go if she was going to try to love another man. And she wanted—so desperately—to love. Besides, Lincoln was back in the Grove, and she’d have to get used to seeing him around with Zoe picking up underwear or buying groceries. She let the peace she felt flow from her hand and ease into Lincoln. The tension left his body. He leaned into her touch for an instant, then stepped away.

Gwen came over with the receipt in hand. “I apologize for the wait. Apparently we’ve got a film crew nearby in need of a huge coffee fix.”

Lincoln took it from Gwen, a small smile playing on his face. “That’s okay. Ursula and I were just catching up.”

Gwen looked between them. “Is everything cool?”

“We’re getting there.” Lincoln looked to Ursula expectantly. “So, I’ll see you and Xavier at the party.”

“I don’t have to get you a gift, do I?” Ursula asked with a grin.

Lincoln made a face. “No, after everything I did, Mom says I owe you a gift and a spa vacation.”

Ursula laughed. “I’ll take a job interview if you have it.”

His face turned thoughtful. “I got you. I’ll let Mom know in case there’s a job opening at city hall.”

“I was kidding, Lincoln.”

“I’m not. She could use a person like you by her side. You’re welcome to come to the party either way. We’d like to have you and Xavier there to celebrate.”

There was no bitterness or anger in his words, only a sincere invitation.

She stood up from the booth to properly see him off. “I’ll let Xavier know.”

Lincoln waved goodbye to Gwen and Ursula and left.