Chapter 27
A Summer Pixie and Her Steadfast Owl
ONE MONTH LATER
Isit on the back porch swing, soaking in the smells of summer.
Chester plays on the lawn, chasing grasshoppers.
The evening light shines through the leaves, turning the yard golden.
The breeze is warm, the smell of blooming flowers is in the air, and a happy cardinal twitters from the gnome garden gate.
For the last month, Dad has been working tirelessly on the habitat, preparing it for the society’s first visit. Already, we’ve lured in three more gnome families. We only have one more to go.
At this rate, the tea garden will be ready for Mrs. Neilfellow’s garden party next month.
She’s visited the tea shop every day, ordering a cup of Earl Grey and making an effort to spend time with Rowan. I think she regrets the decision she and her husband made all those years ago, though she’s still making excuses. It’s going to take a long time to repair the rift.
Gideon and Anna were horrified when they discovered the unsavory magic performed on Rowan. They’ve rallied around their cousin, refusing to let him ostracize himself again, taking his side and standing against their mother.
Even Ash is trying, though he and Rowan usually end up bickering if they’re in a room for more than an hour. But all in all, Rowan’s family is drawing him closer instead of pushing him away, and though they are undeniably dysfunctional, they’re trying.
Speaking of families, I think mine has finally forgiven Rowan for our cohabitation during his owl days, and thank goodness, since we all spend a lot of time here in the cottage together.
My parents aren’t here right now, though. Nadine is out as well, on a date with Jax. It’s just Rowan and me this evening.
Finished with a phone call with Maknihl, Rowan steps out the French doors, pausing to look at the carrot sprouts poking up from the kitchen garden bed. “When did you plant those?”
“I didn’t. The gnomes did.”
“Handy, aren’t they?”
I smile, content. “What did Maknihl need?”
“He and his boys finished the roof this afternoon. He said they’ll start on attic repairs on Monday.”
“It will be a relief to have it done. Remind me to thank Mr. Eastwilden if I ever see him again.”
“I’m sure he’ll love that.”
I chuckle to myself. The magistrate charged the leprechaun with all manner of unsavory crimes and “threw the book at him,” according to Ash.
In addition to spending a few years in fae prison, to atone for the crimes he committed against me, the magistrate ordered him to pay me a large sum of compensation money.
Not only did it cover the repairs for the roof and attic, but it will easily pad my savings so I will be able to run the tea shop until my aunt’s full estate unlocks.
Apparently, gnomes really do bring good fortune.
Rowan joins me on the swing, his leg pressing comfortably against mine. “Are your parents out with their realtor again?”
I nod. “They’re revisiting a house they looked at last week. Mom can’t stop talking about the cabinets.”
“I can’t say I’ll mind them moving out and giving us some privacy again.”
“This is nice, isn’t it?” I say. “Just the two of us.”
“Mmm,” he agrees, resting his head back on the cushion. After a moment, he releases a long, relaxed sigh.
“What are you thinking about?” I ask him.
He angles his head to look at me. “We should get married.”
My heart leaps, and I sit forward, sending the swing rocking back and forth. “You can’t just ask me.”
He smiles. “Why not?”
“Because…” I laugh. “You’re supposed to make it romantic.”
Rowan pushes himself off the swing and kneels on one knee in front of me, producing a modest diamond ring. “Is this better?”
“Where did you get that?” I breathe when I realize he’s serious. “And how did you afford it?”
“I sold a few wands.”
“Are you serious?” I whisper, my effervescent magic surrounding me.
“I love you, Kit,” Rowan says. “You are my favorite, my everything, and I want to live my life by your side. Will you marry me?”
“Really?” I whisper.
“Really.”
“What about college? Have you decided what you’re going to do?”
“For years, I bent over backwards trying to make my aunt and uncle proud of me. I pursued magic. I dated who they wanted me to date. I did everything for them and nothing for myself. But I’m done with that. It’s time to say goodbye to that chapter of my life.”
“Does that mean you’re staying here? In Moss Hollow?”
“It does.”
“You were so close to getting your degree,” I whisper.
“I was so close to a life I didn’t want.”
“Won’t you miss it? Part of you loves magic—don’t tell me you don’t.”
“I do love it, but it will become a hobby instead of my life’s pursuit.
I no longer have a burning desire to prove I’m worthy of the Neilfellow name and have no use for a sorcerer’s title.
I would much rather work for you, in a tea shop I’ve loved since I was a boy, carrying on a legacy for a woman who loved me like a grandmother. ”
“Instead of working for me, we’ll work together. I want nothing more than to share this dream with you.”
“I’d like that.” He nods toward my hand. “So, is that a yes? Can I put this on your finger now?”
I hold out my hand. “That’s an exuberant yes.”
And just like that, we’re bonded. Not by magic this time, but by a commitment freely made.
I smile, my heart full. “Now fess up—are you marrying me to get my tea shop?”
“Absolutely.” Rowan grins as he rises to sit on the swing next to me. He drops his arm over my shoulders and pulls me close. “That and a steady supply of hugs.”
“And my cute and worthless summer magic,” I tease. “Don’t forget that.”
“How could I?” Rowan kisses my temple, settling in to listen to the evening sounds of the summer garden. “It’s my favorite.”
I rest my head against his shoulder. “I’m so grateful Laverna left me the tea shop so I could meet you.”
“Laverna gifted you the tea shop, but I received the true treasure.”
I smile as I interlace our fingers. “There’s only one thing that would make this moment better.”
Rowan smiles to himself. “What’s that?”
I pull him off the swing, heading toward the cottage. “A nice cup of tea.”
Thank you for reading the series!