Page 46 of Midnight Lessons

I wrap my arms around his neck. “You sure about this?”

“I’ve never been more certain of anything, Willow. I just wish I had more sense when I was nineteen so we didn’t waste all those years,” Owen mutters, his lips at my ear, his hands starting to wander.

“Oh, they weren’t wasted, darling. We were growing up. And believe me, grown up Owen is the only man I’ll ever want.” I whisper.

Owen hums with satisfaction. “Good, because grown up Willow? She’s as hot as fuck, and I love her to Halloween and back.”

I smile as Owen picks me up and carries me to our bedroom. We’re a couple now, the way I always dreamed about but gave up hope of ever seeing.

This man? He’s my soulmate. My lover. My perfect Halloween treat.

Epilogue

Owen

October 31st—One Year Later

The crisp October air is alive with the familiar sounds and scents of Halloween in Midnight Falls—children’s laughter, leaves crunching underfoot, and the faint aroma of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and woodsmoke wafting from the decorated houses lining the streets. But it all fades into the background as I take in the sight before me.

Willow’s parents’ house has been transformed into a veritable Halloween wonderland. Orange and purple lights drape over the porch railings,glowing pumpkins of every shape and size line the walkway, and hand-carved wooden witches, ghosts, and black cats stand guard around the yard. The grand finale is a massive, grinning jack-o'-lantern that dominates the front steps—one that I carved earlier today.

And now, beneath the twinkling lights, in front of her family and friends, I’m about to ask the woman I love more than life to be my wife.

Willow stands on the front porch, chatting animatedly with her mom, her cheeks flushed with excitement. She’s glowing tonight, dressed in a black velvet dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, her hair a cascade of fiery waves tumbling over her shoulders. I can’t take my eyes off her.

One year. That’s how long it’s been since I came back to Midnight Falls—since I walked into her bakery and realized that she was still everything I ever wanted and more. It’s been a year of rebuilding, of healing old wounds, of proving to her that I’m here to stay.

My parents' house sold quickly to Linda, of all people. She’d been looking for a place for her andher son, Billy, for a while, having outgrown her tiny apartment above the florist shop. I’m glad it’s someone local, and I know she and Billy will have many happy years there.

My job at the high school has been more rewarding than I ever imagined. Teaching biology to a bunch of rowdy teenagers keeps me on my toes, but I love it. There’s a satisfaction in watching their eyes light up when they finally grasp a difficult concept or when we delve into a fascinating topic like the ecology of our own Midnight Falls forest. I’ve built a life here that feels right—solid and permanent.

And Willow? Her bakery has gone from strength to strength.The Bewitched Bakeryis the place to be in town now, her shelves stocked with everything from cookies to cakes, all with her signature creative flair. I’m so damn proud of her. She’s worked her ass off, and it shows.

We’ve talked about the future—about houses, kids, and what comes next. But tonight, I’m taking it a step further. I’m done waiting.

Taking a deep breath, I step onto the porch, drawing everyone’s attention. Willow’s gaze snapsto mine, and I see the flicker of curiosity in her green eyes.

“Can I steal you for a moment?” I ask, my voice steady despite the wild thumping of my heart.

She nods, frowning slightly as I take her hand and guide her to the center of the yard. The crowd around us murmurs, a few soft laughs and whispers of anticipation filling the air.

“Everyone,” I say, raising my voice slightly to be heard. “I’m sorry to interrupt the festivities, but I have something important to say.”

Willow glances around, confusion mingling with a hint of amusement. “Owen, what are you doing?”

I take a deep breath, dropping to one knee as I reach into my pocket for the small velvet box I’ve been carrying around all day. The crowd gasps, and Willow’s eyes widen, her hand flying to her mouth.

“Willow Winters,” I begin, my voice low but clear. “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. You’ve been the one constant in my life, the one person who makes everything make sense.Coming back to Midnight Falls was the best decision I ever made because it led me back to you.”

Her eyes shine, brimming with unshed tears, and my throat tightens.

“I want to spend my life with you, Low. I want to wake up every morning beside you, build a home with you, have a family with you. You’re my heart, my best friend, my everything. So… will you marry me?”

I flip open the box, revealing the ring I chose—a delicate vintage-style band set with a single diamond flanked by tiny emeralds that remind me of her eyes.

The world seems to stand still as Willow stares down at me, her mouth open, her hand trembling. I see the exact moment it sinks in, the moment she realizes I’m serious.

“Yes,” she breathes, her voice breaking. “Yes, Owen, I’ll marry you.”

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