Page 50 of Must Love Moss and Moonshine
Pippin darted toward us, his mossy coat shimmering faintly with dew.He leaped up, tail wagging furiously, and barked happily at Kellen, who crouched to greet him.
“Pippin, you little rascal,” Kellen murmured, scratching behind his ears.
Pippin yipped excitedly, licking Kellen’s hand before bounding in excited circles.
From the back of the shop, Juniper’s soft voice called out, “Good morning, you two!Just finishing a potion here.I’ll be out in a moment.”
Kellen and I made our way upstairs.The workshop door creaked as we stepped inside.The room glowed with the golden light cast from the garlands made from polished obsidian.Hanging cut crystals sent prisms of rainbow light spinning about the space, shining on my cases of gemstones and tools.
I settled in at my workbench, running my fingers over the unfinished amulet I’d started the day before.The amber stone in its silver setting caught the light, and I paused, marveling at how far I’d come.A part of me still couldn’t believe this was my life—a warm home in the forest, a dedicated workshop, a partner who made me feel more myself than I ever had, and a future that felt brighter than I ever imagined.
Kellen stayed near the doorway, watching me with a quiet intensity that made my cheeks flush.“You look beautiful when you’re working,” he said softly, his voice low and steady.
I smiled at him, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face.“Only when I’m working?”I asked playfully.
“Always.Every moment of the day,” he replied with a smile, coming to join me.He stood behind me, watching as I worked.I finished the final clasp on the amulet then set it aside, along with the amber earrings, bracelet, and ring I’d already created, a special order from one of my regular customers.
There was a knock on the door, and Juniper entered carrying a tray with tea.Her hands were steady, but her cheeks were slightly flushed.“Sorry.I was busy downstairs.The sunfire blossom is so temperamental to work with.I was trying not to blow up the shop.”
“That’s a good idea,” I replied with a laugh.
Juniper set the tray down on the table, her sharp eyes scanning the workshop, taking in the shelves brimming with supplies.“You’ve been busy.”
“It’s been wonderful having the space to work.”
Juniper bent down to pick up Pippin, cradling him gently in her arms.“Let me know if you need anything,” she said.Her gaze softened as she added, “And about that wedding… Well, you know where to find me when you need flowers, charms, or whatever else you dream up.You’ve got a whole town of people ready to celebrate.”
Juniper left quietly, closing the door with a soft click.I turned back to Kellen, my gaze lingering on him.I reached for his hand, wrapping my fingers around his.“Sometimes I can’t believe this is real.”
“It’s real,” he said, his forest-colored eyes steady on mine.“And it’s ours.”
He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine in a kiss so soft it made my knees weak.The world narrowed to just the two of us—his warmth, his steadiness, his love—it was everything I’d ever wanted, and more.
When we finally pulled apart, I rested my forehead against his and sighed happily, the golden light from the enchanted windows wrapping us in its warmth.
“I should probably head home,” Kellen said softly, his voice tinged with reluctance.“Marvelle will be waiting.And the brownie elders have summoned me.Again.”
“What this time?”I asked, arching an amused eyebrow.
“This time, they have an excellent plan to educate their youths in manners.Apparently, it involves a humbling episode of slime-cleaning duty.”
I laughed.“Good.Those little rascals deserve it.”
Kellen chuckled, the sound rich and low.
“Meet me at sunset?”I asked, my voice soft.
“Every day from now to eternity,” he replied, his eyes glowing with sincerity.
He kissed me again, a brief, tender brush of his lips against mine.“I love you,Sylvie,” he whispered.
“I love you too,” I replied, my voice filled with emotion.
He pressed a kiss to my forehead then departed.
I went to the window, watching as he made his way from the shop.Outside the garden gate, two older gnome ladies paused to curtsey to him.Their conversation grew animated, and after a moment, Kellen knelt to their height.One of the women rummaged in her bag before pulling out a woven scarf.She wrapped it snugly around his neck, patting his shoulder fondly.
He took her hand in thanks, inclining his head in a gesture of respect.Rising to his full height, he held the garden gate open for the women, waiting until they had passed before he turned to head off.
