Epilogue
EPILOG
REMMIE
One year later
The air was clean and crisp as I stepped outside.
Perfect weather for a long Halloween night.
I lock the front door to the bakery, the last of the trick or treaters having moved on about thirty minutes ago.
Once the spell was lifted, my business picked up almost overnight.
I was even able to hire a few people for the first time ever last December.
The overall sigh of relief was felt all along our little street. Not only was my shop effected, three other businesses that still remained reported soaring sales after Dalia’s magic disappeared.
This year was the best Spooky Block Crawl I've ever seen.
So many fun costumes. These kids have amazing imaginations.
I used to love walking this street, grabbing sweets and other culinary delights with my mom and Gran when I was little, dressed up as a unicorn or a tiger.
Being able to be a part of it again filled my heart to bursting.
My spiderweb brownies were a hit and it truly feels like the worst is behind us.
Dalias’ own café is now boarded up, having to closed due to mysterious circumstances. It probably won’t stay closed for long. Some big business will snatch it up. Maybe another gourmet food spot. Personally, it will have to be something amazing for me to ever step foot in that place again.
After everything settled down, Helena started helping me figure out basic spells. My magic may be unique, but I have a long way to go if I ever want to master it. I think I’m ok with this pace though. Magic was something I never had growing up, so I am not in a rush to learn it all. I’ll get there.
We did go through my grandmothers’ boxes eventually.
We found so many books, candles, crystals and photos.
Even a picture of my mom when she was pregnant with me.
She had pink hair and I cried the whole day after that, finally able to feel her again.
Shade was right there with me, holding me until I stopped.
My new constant presence. I shared the rest of my findings with the coven, knowing they will take care of my gran’s precious things for me.
I can’t believe it’s been a year since Shade came into my life.
He works with me some days in the bakery.
But he went back to Demo Global to help Marla vet suspicious contracts so what happened to him won’t happen to other demons.
He also started a group for demons who didn’t want to walk their predetermined paths.
Because there were so many of them, Shade argued that not every demon should have to do the same things.
Many agreed, and he’s been helping them navigate the outside world, some for the very first time. He’s really grown since the time I found him in a food coma on my bakery floor. And I love him more and more each day.
He also moved in with me after the holidays and it’s been one fun day after another. Seeing his favorite combat boots next to my walking Sneakers by the door is the highlight of my day.
And I couldn’t imagine a better morning then when I wake up in his arms. I never would have thought I'd be head over heels in love with a demon of all things. But if our town showed us anything, it's to take every day as it comes and embrace change. Look at me, being all grown.
I start my walk back home when my phone buzzes in my back pocket. Speak of the devil or demon.
"Are you on your way, Sweetness?" Shade asks.
"Yep. Just locked up. Do you need anything on my way?"
"Nothing but you, mate. I hope you didn't fill up on candy tonight." I could hear the mischief in his voice.
“What is going on?” I ask.
“Hurry home and find out.” Shade chuckles, ending the call.
I can’t help but smile. Shade may be silly and flirty, and sometimes it’s hard to take him seriously.
But he showed up for me when I needed him, imbedding himself into my very soul.
So completely that even if I wanted to, which I don’t, I would never get him out again.
And he is as much mine as I am his. I have found a love that feels so unreal and I can’t wait to spend every day with him by my side.
The door to the house was unlocked when I turned the knob, entering the front entry.
It was pretty dark, save for an orange glow coming from the direction of our dining room.
Shade made my home his as soon as we recovered from Dalia, selling his Batchelor pad back to Marla and the company.
Living with him has been amazing. We work together from time to time at the bakery then cook dinner, watch movies and cuddle every night.
And of course, lots and lots of love making.
I place my bag down in the hallway and follow the glow, letting out a shocked gasp when I see the first set of candles leading me further into the house.
“Oh, my gods.” I whisper behind my hands.
There are candles and lit jack-o-lanterns everywhere in the kitchen and dining room.
Silly skulls and cat decorations hang from the walls and ceiling.
Fake fall leaves are scattered on the floor making a path to the small living room off the kitchen.
And in the middle of a huge pile of them stands Shade.
His horns were dusted with red glitter and he wore a red bow tie around his thick neck.
And it looked like nothing else.
Just standing there in all his golden glory. My eyes take in his thick shoulders and arms. His gloriously toned chest and stomach. Ugh. And a bowl hiding the goodies. Shade held an orange candy bowl in his strong hands, with a little sign sticking to the side that reads “Take One”.
He is so proud of himself that it takes everything in me not to laugh. In his own Shade way, he’s done the sweetest thing anyone has never done for me before. This is so him. My man. My demon. I shouldn’t expect anything different. And I would never want anything else.
“Happy Halloween, Sweetness.” Shade practically purrs. And I feel it all over my body.
“Ya know, I totally thought this was leading to something else. But I am happy to accept this treat any day.”
“Well, maybe you’ll get something pretty big if you reach into my candy bowl, little mate.”
My mouth waters at the thought of sucking his cock, totally in the mood to play.
Preparing for the Spooky Block Crawl had me so on edge and stressed out that playtime was the last thing on my mind.
Shade never complained, just helped me haul bags of sugar and flour about the bakery and crack eggs for days.
But now the event is behind me and I am so ready to make up for lost time.
I keep my eyes on his as I reach into the bowl. I don’t find what I expect to hidden within the candy, but instead, grip onto a much smaller object. Pulling it out, I gasp when I see a black ring box in my hand.
Putting the bowl down, Shade takes the box from me and lowers to one knee. I notice that he isn’t nude but is wearing red glitter hot pants. It’s something I’ll have to address later because the emotional dam breaks and I can’t stop the tears from flowing down my cheeks.
“Remmie. You are my mate, my match, in every way. You are beautifully human, something I love so much. So, to honor you and prove my love to you, I want to do this the human way. We are already forever but would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He opens the box and an excited scream escapes me.
Inside is my Grandmothers ring, completely restored.
It was one of the few pieces she gave to me before she died.
I never wore it because it was damaged and I only ever mentioned it to him once.
The fact that Shade remembered how much it meant to me to have it fixed like this just proves how much he loves me.
I have truly found my person. Even if that person just happens to be a demon.
“I can’t believe you chose to do this covered in red glitter and hot pants.” I giggle.
“Any other way would have been boring.” Shade Jokes.
“Will you put the ring on my finger already?”
“Hmm. I’m pretty sure you are supposed to say yes first.”
“Yes. Of course it is yes!”
He slides the rose gold ring on my finger. A perfect fit. The teardrop shaped yellow stone glows in the candle light. It’s beautiful. I fling myself into his arms and he holds me close as his lips cover mine, kissing me deeply.
“I love you.” I say as we pull apart. “But I believe I was told not to fill up on sweets by a certain golden demon. Did he have a treat for me?” I purr.
Shade groans and lifts me up, wrapping my legs around his waist.
“I love you too, Sweetness. And if my little witch wants to be filled, I think I have a few ideas for that.” He turns and heads towards our bedroom and I wouldn’t have it any other way.