52. Chapter Fifty-Two
Chapter Fifty-Two
T he brief rap on the Emporium’s door interrupted Willow’s thoughts. Grabbing the bowl of sweets, she glanced in the mirror to adjust her black velvet pointy hat. Halloween was the only day she dressed in the full garb of a stereotypical witch from her black dress and hat to her purple stripy stockings. Another drunken tradition Louise started, and Willow had revived to reward the few brave children who ventured into Witch’s Yard. She was unsure which they preferred, the old, abandoned building hidden in darkness and cobwebs perpetuating the haunted legend, or the current one with the window display alight with candles, pumpkins, and bats.
She opened the door. A chill swooped around her ankles with an unusual display of affection from Black Cat. No one was there. An amber flicker on the doorstep caught her eye where the largest, most perfectly formed pumpkin she had seen glowed. She crouched down to see it more clearly. It was a work of art, the intricately carved design of a heart filled with ivy and flowers danced in the candlelight. A figure stepped out from the shadows in the courtyard.
‘It nearly weighs as much as that blasted cat of yours,’ said Nate, swooping down to pick it up and rotate it to reveal more carvings. Written in calligraphy, Will you marry me?
Words failed her as she reread the message again and again before stepping aside to allow him in. As the flickering pumpkin sat on the counter and illuminated the store, Nate knelt on one knee and held her shaking hand.
‘I’ve loved you ever since I saw your dancing silhouette behind the Emporium’s blind and heard your rendition of Boney M’s ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ through the door. It was untuneful, but blissfully happy. A complete contrast to the grouch who flung the door open. But she soon faded away. You and your magic captured my heart. I want to wake up with you every morning, debate the properties of tea vs coffee, and face any challenges ahead together. I want to see you sparkle every full moon when you return from the orchard or the headland. Willow Anderson, please, will you marry me?’
She stood in silence studying him, the curve of his face, the faint shadow of stubble on his chin that would be rough against her touch, and the scar on his hand holding a black box. He wanted to marry her. Be with her. Her heart skipped a beat, followed by a flood of warmth and happiness. This man she knew every inch of and thought she’d lost wanted all of her.
He snapped open the box to reveal a simple platinum diamond ring on a bed of velvet. ‘It’s beautiful,’ she whispered.
‘Come on, Wills. It’s Samhain and a new moon. According to my trusted source, it’s the ideal time to release the past and begin new projects and adventures. How about doing them with me? Vincent tolerates me—’ nodding to the cat who edged closer to her, ‘—and the ghosts agree. I know they’re here. Just like I know Mrs Marley watches me in the shower until she’s dragged away. There is a distinct chill on my left side.’
Willow chuckled at Mrs Marley stammering to her husband. Nate asked again, ‘Will you, Willow Sarah Anderson, marry me?’
She looked around. The old apothecary had paused his duties at the counter. Black Cat sat upright next to the orange pumpkin while the previous owner and wife stood side by side nodding. ‘You always know the one, dear, and when you do it’s time to share your heart,’ said Mrs Marley, beaming.
Willow knew. She’d always known from the moment she reached out to help him from the tangled fairy lights.
‘Please give me an answer. This floor is uncomfy and if they were not dead already, those three will die of suspense.’
‘You want to marry me? Even with the ghosts?’ Willow clarified.
‘Even with added house guests.’
‘And the teacups?’
‘We can add to them if we must when we make memories together. But we need some mugs too.’
‘Compromises have to be made, I guess.’ Willow conceded and grinned. ‘Yes. I’ll marry you.’ She squealed, pulling him up, and welcoming the familiar tingle flooding her body when she drew close. ‘But no fancy churches. Or …’
‘Whatever you want.’ He kissed her and lifted her onto the counter. The hat slipped off, but Nate caught it and placed it firmly on her head. ‘Keep it on. It suits you. When I imagined this moment, I never once saw you in an outlandish outfit.’
Their kisses deepened until she pulled away. ‘I think we need to stop. You’re making Mrs Marley blush.’
‘Maybe we should go upstairs to celebrate?’ His fingers caressed her back and hovered over the buttons of her dress. It was tempting to agree, but she shook her head.
‘You will have to wait. It’s Samhain. We witches have things to do.’