Page 46 of Must Love Moss and Moonshine
“He’s not coming because I’m here,” I said, my voice cracking under the weight of my spiraling thoughts.“I should leave.I won’t put the health of Moonshine Hollow at risk because I’m here.You need the moonshine plant.If I go back to the caravan, he’ll come with the delivery.”I grabbed my satchel, my hands trembling as I fumbled with the strap.It was stuffed with my old, well-worn clothes.Yet, here I was, dressed in the stunning green gown.It felt like a mockery now.I’d even asked Juniper to fix my hair.She’d pulled my long, black tresses into a braided bun, weaving in greenery and small purple flowers.I’d felt beautiful—hopeful—but now?Now, I just felt ridiculous.
“I’m sorry, Juniper.It’s my fault he’s not here.I need to leave,” I said, slinging the bag over my shoulder.I headed toward the door, my throat tightening with unshed tears.
“Tansy…” Juniper called, setting down her tea and rising.Pippin barked and trotted after Juniper as she followed me to the door.
“I’ll be back in the morning,” I called over my shoulder as I departed.I didn’t dare look back.My vision blurred as tears welled in my eyes.How can I face Bromir and tell him what happened?The thought was humiliating.
“Tansy,” Juniper called again, but I ignored her, rushing through the garden.The garden gate clicked closed behind me.As I turned onto the street, tears began streaming down my cheeks.I felt so stupid.I should have known better.What happened between us was just the product of his loneliness—and mine.That’s all it was.
My chest ached with the sharp pain of disappointment.I dashed the tears from my cheeks, willing my head to quiet.Maybe I’m just not the kind of girl who marries.Maybe I’m meant to wander all my life.Maybe I’m not supposed to fall in love or have a family.
“Tansy?”
The voice startled me, pulling me out of my thoughts.I stopped mid-step and looked around.Lost in my thoughts, I had made my way back to the river.I was crossing the arched stone bridge that spanned the waterway, my feet leading me back to the caravan camp.Enchanted lanterns illuminated the bridge.Behind me was a cloaked figure, tall and imposing in the moonlight.
I felt momentarily worried.“I… Do I know you, sir?I’m sorry, I?—”
The figure pushed back his hood, revealing woody horns and a familiar, handsome face.
“Kellen?”I whispered, my heart skipping a beat.
“I’m sorry if I alarmed you,” he said, stepping closer.“Juniper told me you were headed back to your camp.She said you’d been there waiting for me.”
I swallowed hard, the knot in my stomach loosening ever so slightly.I nodded, unable to find the right words.
“Please, forgive me for being late,” he said.He stepped forward, gently taking my hand.His eyes swept over me, and he smiled softly.“Tansy, you look so beautiful,” he said, his fingers brushing the delicate embroidery on the sleeve of my dress.“Like the forest come alive.”His hand rose to touch my chin, tilting my face toward his.“With eyes like diamonds and skin as bright as moonshine.Tansy, have you been crying?”he asked gently, wiping a tear from my cheek.
“Kellen,” I breathed, my voice trembling.“Kellen, I love you,” I blurted out, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.“I love you.Tell me our time together meant something to you too.Tell me.If not, I’ll go, but Kellen?—”
He stepped back, and my heart plummeted to my feet.For an agonizing moment, I thought I’d made a mistake.But then, to my utter surprise, he sank to one knee and took my hand in his.
“Not only do I love you,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, “but I don’t want to live another moment without you.Not now, not ever.You make me feel things I didn’t know I could.I love you too.”
“Kellen,” I whispered, my breath catching in my throat.
“Marry me.Be my wife.”
Tears blurred my vision again, but this time, they were tears of joy.“Yes… Yes!”
Kellen rose, his eyes never leaving mine, and reached into his pocket, pulling out a ring.The sight of it took my breath away.I recognized Bromir’s craftsmanship immediately, but the stone…
“The forest quartz,” I said, my fingers brushing over the gem.
Kellen nodded.“This is why I was late.Bromir helped me,” he said, slipping the ring onto my finger.“I used to believe I was alone in the world, but now I know I was just waiting for you.”
“Oh, Kellen,” I said, my voice breaking with emotion.
He pulled me into his arms, his lips finding mine in a kiss so full of love it made my heart feel as if it might burst.I melted into the moment, the world around us fading until it was just the two of us under the stars.
This was everything I had been waiting for, everything I had ever wanted.
And from that moment on, I knew my life was just beginning.
CHAPTER23
KELLEN
The scene at the caravan camp that night was raucous, a lively symphony of laughter, music, and the hum of voices overlapping under the moonlit sky.But for the first time, the noise and crush of people didn’t bother me.Instead, I felt a warmth deep in my chest, a lightness that was unfamiliar yet welcome.Over and over, I accepted congratulations from those who knew and loved Tansy.Their joy radiated toward me, and I basked in the glow of her world.
