Page 77 of Of Poison & Pumpkins
“Yeah, well, I guess we need to catch up. Mom and Dad told me about how Brooke treated you when we were kids. Believe me, I was clueless about all that. I swear! Otherwise I would’ve stepped in.”
A traitorous tear trickles down. “Really? I thought you didn’t care.”
“Naw, Rynn. Come on, you were smart as fuck in high school, and I never considered that someone would have the nerve to mess with you. Especially our own baby sister.” Orion pauses. “Since I work remote, how about Vanessa and I stay here for a few months? But before the baby comes, we’ll need to head back home.”
Who is Vanessa? There’s a baby on the way? Am I going to be an aunt? Shit, I’m a terrible sister. I don’t know anything about Orion’s life. Starting today, I pledge to mend my relationship with my family, Orion first.
I nod, unable to find words, and let Orion place his hand over mine.
“I’m glad you’re okay. We’re staying at the Merlin’s Hotel around the corner, so I’ll text you in the morning, okay?”
“Yeah, that sounds good,” I say, trying to keep the confusion out of my voice.
After my brother saved the day, he walks off into the sunset towards a life that didn’t include me before today. I plan to change that.
Elias blows out a deep breath.
I half-chuckle and lean my temple against his arm. “Thank you. I’m not sure how you managed to find my family’s contact information, but whatever charm you bespelled them with worked.” I look up at him, but he’s already watching me. “But how on earth did you get one hundred signatures? Everyone must hate me after hearing I was behind the cursed paint.”
“You own the most beloved shop in town. Everyone loves you, Rynn. The whole town was outraged by your arrest. Even Nergs. Sheila, at the ice cream place, was planning to barge in and knock down the station’s walls. You wouldn’t believe how mad she was.”
I’m pretty sure my jaw hits the ground. “Seriously? I barely know her.”
“Like I said, Oakmar adores you. At least ten women said they wished they knew you better, or that you should join their book club. One invited you to brunch on Sunday afternoons. Plus, did you know that Willow and Jane also rock climb?”
“Who?” I squeeze my eyes shut, ashamed I have no idea who he’s talking about.
“Don’t worry. I’ll introduce you. I know Tinsley is sprinkles on a cake, but you need a bigger support system. What if one day I break my leg and can’t walk? Who will reach Goosie’s food on the top shelf of your cabinet?”
The wind rustles his hair in the most adorable way. Goddess, I love this man. And he needs to know.
“You moved Goosie into my apartment?”
“No. I moved us both into our apartment.”
My chest constricts. I should be terrified of this leap of faith, but he’s who I want. “This is definitely the moment then.”
“For what?”
I face him straight on and take a deep breath. If I’m going to do this right, I need to speak his language.
“I love you more than a rose loves the morning sun, more than a dancer loves the thudding of a drum, in a way that’s stronger than two magnets stuck together.”
He smiles so wide, so genuine, full of such giddy glee it’s like I handed over a box of kittens.
“Don’t make me laugh.” I gulp, “Let me finish this stupid speech.”
“Go on.” He bites his bottom lip, adorably I might add.
“I love your charm, Lias, and charisma and energy. You bring joy to everyone around you and make my life better,” I say, feeling tears pool, threatening to betray me.
“And you love my muscles.”
“Sshh, I’m not done. I love you more than a sculptor loves art. More than a key loves a hole.”
“I’ll fill your hole with my key.”
“Oh my Goddess, fine, I give up!”
