Page 89 of Magic and Matrimony

“I’m still mad at you. And I still love you.” My heart is full, swelling in my chest. Ambrose lowers his forehead to mine.

“What if it’s my curse making you feel this way?”

I consider for a moment before I respond. “Then I guess I don’t care.” I rest my head on his chest, where his heart races beneath my ear.

“I love you, Piper. I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

“You’d only be taking advantage if I didn’t want this,” I whisper. He brushes my hair back from my forehead. My stomach growls obscenely loud, breaking the solemnity of the moment.

“Do you want to go get tacos?”

“Maiden, yes. Please. I do not want to eat that pickle.”

After I shower and change, we head downtown. Ambrose grabs tacos while I wait on the Briar Hollow’s Bridge. The last of the ice melted has finally melted from the river. The water rushes beneath my feet like a swirling cauldron, while a gentle wind dries my still-wet hair. My thoughts drift to the legend of the Briar Witch. Her true love, her fated bond, was killed in front of her on this bridge. And then she killed herself, cursing all of the horrible people who caused her pain. They valued power over love. It’s amazing how many centuries have passed since that night and so many people who live in this town have yet to learn the lesson.

I know the depths of the icy water below. It’s silly that we make wishes on what is essentially a watery grave. My heart breaks for the Briar Witch because now I know the ache of true love. I might have been angry at Ambrose for making decisions without consulting me, but I’m smart enough to see his heart was in the right place. I may have walked away for a night, but the truth is, my life would be colorless without him. There would be no laughter, no joy. He’s brought all that into my life and more.

Months ago, I wished for freedom on this bridge, but I had no idea what that looked like. I didn’t know if I would ever be free from Tucker. One of my curses still lingers, even though myillness wasn’t nearly as bad this time. And while I shed the hex my father placed on me, I’ve gained the curse of Ambrose’s kiss. Maybe his curse doesn’t matter anymore because I don’t care if it makes me love him more. I’m already head over heels in love with the man.

“You look very contemplative for someone who’s had so many successes lately.”

Morty and Fitz are walking across the bridge arm and arm. They’re always such an odd duo. Fitz, who’s a hundred and something years old with her scowling face, long white braid, and love of velour tracksuits. Then there’s Morty, whose age is questionable. Today, he’s wearing an asymmetrical skirt that’s higher on one side than the other, with a pair of combat boots, and a pink and green crocheted cardigan. It’s buttoned near his belly button, but otherwise exposes his bare chest to the world.

“Aren’t you cold?” I’m one to ask, since my hair is wet and I’m wearing flip-flops.

Morty tips his face back to the sun. “What are you talking about? It’s a beautiful spring day.”

The two of them disentangle. Morty leans on the railing of the bridge on one side of me and Fitz takes the spot on the other. She faces me and her stare drills into my cheek.

“Aren’t you happy?” she finally asks.

The question is loaded. With Fitz, you never know exactly what information she’s hunting for. Does she mean happy in general? With my life? I contemplate for a minute because, yes, actually, I am happy with my life. Ambrose and I still have some things to figure out. I don’t know if we’re going to stay married or get a divorce.

Would we start dating, then?

It’s all really confusing, but I am really happy.

She could also be talking about the coven council. Or about my Uncle Tucker. I’m sure she’s found out about that somehow. Nothing happens in this town without Fitz knowing about it.

Regardless of her intention, the answer is the same. “Yes. I am happy.”

Fitz raises her brows and shakes her head. “I can’t believe another pair of you bonded.”

She says it so offhandedly, it takes a minute for her words to catch up. I snap my head around to look at her, my brows drawn in confusion. “Excuse me? What did you say?”

Ambrose chooses that moment to return with the tacos, his eyebrows raised as he looks pointedly at Fitz, and then Morty.

“What kind of trouble are you three getting up to?”

“I think it’s the two of you who have been getting into trouble.” Morty takes a taco from the tray in Ambrose's hands with a smirk. Ambrose glares at him, but ultimately lets him take the food. Morty grins as he takes a massive bite.

“To be fair, that doesn’t narrow things down much. What have I done now?” Ambrose hands me a taco, and I take it with numb shock. I’m still stuck on what Fitz said. She couldn’t have meant…

Ambrose offers a taco to Fitz, but she waves him away. He’s just shoved half a taco in his mouth when Fitz says, “You dummies didn’t even look under your rings, did you? I guess it’s sweet that you never take them off.” She grimaces as she says the word “sweet.”

Ambrose swallows and smacks his chest as if his food is stuck in his throat. I’m still holding my taco, my entire body buzzing with a magical energy.

“Why would we take off our rings?” Ambrose throws a worried glance at me. “Are you… Do you want to…” There’s fear in his eyes, and I know he’s thinking I want to get a divorce.

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