Page 48 of How To Summon A Memory
“I must admit, I was enthralled,” Wick says, surprising me.
My grandmother stops and turns to stare at him. “Truly?”
“Yes. Everything was on point and I agreed with it all. I remember Ethan talking about it when we were younger. I’m glad his dream is finally taking root.”
She nods. “He and Florence would be good leaders.”
I hold up my hands and back away. “Nope. I don’t want that kind of responsibility. My big boy job is teaching, that’s it.”
Wick snorts at me and scoops me in his arms. “And that’s enough.” He turns to my grandmother. “I just wanted to say how much I’m impressed with how the meeting went. You did a good job.”
“I appreciate that, Warwick.”
“Wick, please,” he says.
Grandmother tips her head. “Wick.” She pats his shoulder. “The two of you need to come and raid my library some time. I’m downsizing again. Bring Flo when you do.” She turns, and before she steps up onto her porch, she asks, “How’s Rosco?”
“Good,” Wick grins. “He’s so good.”
“He’s getting apples?”
“So many,” I say as I squeeze Wick’s hand.
“Good. Good,” my grandmother nods and takes the few steps up the porch.
Wick presses a kiss to my head as he teleports us and it’s just the two of us in our cottage living room.
“Have I told you how much I love Hex,” Wick says. “And the new leadership is just going to make everything better.”
“You used to hate it here.”
“I was wrong.” He flops down on the couch and Rosco scurries over and pounces in his lap.
Vi happily buzzes in the little indoor garden by the big bay window. It’s got all her favorite flowers and a feeder I clean for her every day.
Outside, Florence’s Hellhound, Fleece, who looks like a Basset Hound, brays at something she’s found.
There’s nothing I’d change. Not the journey to get here, nor who I’m with. It’s been a ridiculous winding road to get here, but Wick’s my person and I’m never letting him go.
Epilogue
SIX MONTHS LATER
Warwick
Warwick’s Wicked Bakery looks like it needs a hazard sign out front, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Ethan grins up at me from the register as I flip the open sign to closed. The bright blue apron with his name embroidered into the chest brings out his eyes. I smooth his floppy hair out of his face. Without his encouragement, I never would have been brave enough to open this place.
My tail wraps around his arm and pulls him closer to me. “I think we had a successful opening day, don’t you think?”
“Very successful. Everyone loves this place.” His eyes take in the place. Not one goodie left behind. “You need to make more for tomorrow. A lot more. Might need to hire some help.”
“I’m considering it. I need to figure out how much to make each day,but…”
Ethan cocks a brow and tips his head.
“I got something just for you. Come with me?” I say as I nod to the back room where I bake all the goodies.
“Something just for me?” He acts all innocent. I’ve got him all week for spring break. That’s why we chose to open this week. I figured I needed some extra help opening, but things mightdie down. I hope they don’t. I loved today and hope it’s like this all the time. The morning rush was exhilarating. Then came the afternoon rush and I’m glad we shut down at three. I need the rest, but first… I need Ethan.
