Epilogue
A listair stood in the archway between the tea shop and the bookstore, leaning against the wall, looking badass in the navy suit he’d brought with him from England. They’d spent the Christmas season together in Poppy’s house. Her parents, George and Bronte had flown over as well. They’d had a big celebration combining the winter solstice and Christmas at Liberty and Merle’s new house.
Today was Sera’s wedding to Wes. It was a small ceremony to be held in WiCKed Sisters. Wes, his dad and brother were all waiting at the end of an aisle that had been formed by moving the book tables around. Liberty had made an arch out of branches and seasonal flowers for them to be married under. Greer and their partner were off to one side talking to Merle and his entire family.
“I can’t believe they all came,” Liberty said.
“I invited them,” Sera said. “His brothers are sweet, and your aunt Regina has definitely warmed up lately.”
“She has,” Poppy agreed. “She asked me about the journals you make, Sera. I think she might buy one.”
“She also had me do a reading for her,” Liberty admitted. “But I’m not allowed to ever mention it in front of Coach.”
“Ha. That sounds like her. She has loosened up a lot since you and Merle got together.”
“I still can’t believe I’m getting married today,” Sera said. “You guys have changed my life so much. I don’t think I ever would have been able to trust any man without your friendship. You two have helped me to be the main character in my own life instead of just the best friend.”
“You were always the main character, you simply didn’t see it,” Liberty said.
“Agreed. From the moment I met you, I saw it.” Poppy adjusted the flower wreath she’d made for Sera on her head. Her friend’s brown curls were perfect today. Her wedding dress featured a fitted corset-type bodice with a skirt of tulle and layers of beaded lace.
“While we’re doing the thanks thing...I wouldn’t have even met Merle if not for you, Poppy. I totally wouldn’t have made it through Nan’s Alzheimer’s without you both by my side,” Liberty said.
Poppy just hugged her tight. Nan and Lourdes, Liberty’s mom, were both out in the shop as well, talking quietly to Hamish, who had been Sera’s mentor Ford’s best friend.
“Writing in the journals you made for us gave us this,” Poppy said. “I never would have dreamed this big on my own.”
“You always dreamed big,” Liberty said. “When we first met, you told me that one day Lancaster-Spencer would come crawling to you.”
“That’s right,” Poppy said with a laugh. “I didn’t really believe it.”
“I didn’t believe that we’d be able to make this place a success. Mom tried to have a shop here when I was ten. She was only able to keep it open for a few months,” Liberty added. “But we did it.”
“Together,” Sera said. “We were all strong on our own, but together, we’re...unstoppable.”
Sera and Wes’s ceremony was simple but sweet, making Poppy tear up seeing the love they shared. Alistair handed her a monogramed handkerchief, which she used before tucking it back into his pocket.
“Thanks for asking me to be your fake husband for the day,” he whispered in her ear as they swayed to “Dancing in the Moonlight” at the reception in the tea shop.
“I figured you owed me,” she said.
“I owe you my life, moon fairy.”
She owed him hers. By forcing her to realize that the life she’d thought she wanted was an illusion, he’d given her a gift. His business marriage had forced her to find these women and this place.
The magic of Birch Lake and WiCKed Sisters had enriched all of their lives. Glancing around, she saw Merle and Liberty holding each other tight; Wes and Sera hadn’t taken their hands off each other since they’d exchanged I dos. But more than that was the larger community they’d created.
Owen had a date with the woman he’d been seeing in Bangor, and Lily and Lars were still here. Wes’s dad and brother were both dancing with their dates, and Lourdes had returned from dropping Nan back at the care home.
“ Our life. You owe me our life,” Poppy said with a smile.