Page 48 of Cursed Luck
“Over and over again, preferably,” Lily muttered, causing Mia to groan and Edward to cover his chuckle with a cough.
He decided then he liked her parents. They were easygoing and to the point, no matter the situation.
A customer joined them with the sound of the chime, and Mia pulled from his arms. “Hi, Karen! How are you today?”
“I’m doing great. I was hoping I’d find you open today. I’m having some guests over tonight and wanted a centerpiece for the dinner table. Nothing too large but something that will be pleasing to the eye.”
Edward watched Mia point toward a wall. An easy smile graced her lips, and genuine happiness at seeing her customer lit her face. He watched from afar as they chatted before Adam and Lily stepped closer.
“Does she know?” Lily asked.
His brows pinched in confusion. “Know what?”
“That you love her,” Adam stated.
Edward shook his head. “No. I didn’t even realize it until recently.”
Lily nodded. “I’m sure it will all work out.”
“Respect her, love her, and support her. That’s all we ask of you,” Adam told him, his eyes hard and challenging.
Edward nodded as he offered him his hand. “That’s a promise I can make.” It had not escaped him they hadn’t mentioned Edward taking care of her. Mia was a strong woman who would thrive with or without him. He just hoped she would choose him to be at her side. If she didn’t, he would do what he could to show her why she should.
“We planned on staying for dinner. Care to join us?” Lily asked.
He should ask Mia if it was what she wanted, but he wasn’t ready to part. “I’d love to.”
“Do you know why she would avoid the café she loves so much?” Adam asked.
Edward chuckled. “It’s my café, and my sister, Brandy, runs it. Well, that’s not completely truthful. I’m a silent partner, and it’s in Brandy’s name. She just doesn’t know it.”
“You gave your sister a café?” Adam asked with a tilt of his head.
He shook his head. “Not exactly. It’s a business venture. When I found it, Brandy couldn’t afford it. She’s been in charge since day one though. It was where she belonged, so I bought it.”
“Right… Family means a lot to you, doesn’t it?” Lily asked.
“They’re the only thing that really matters,” Edward stated.
He would give up each penny and possession in his name if he could guarantee his family’s happiness and safety. It did not matter he had never told any of them that. He was sure the others felt as deeply as he did about them.
“Why don’t I walk you two down there and we bring her back some tea? If Brandy is there, you can meet the youngest one in my family.”
Lily’s eyes lit up, and she bounced on the balls of her feet. “I’d love it!”
“Mia, honey? Sorry.” Adam said the latter to the woman. “We’ll be right back.”
Edward separated from the couple and pressed his lips to her temple. “Would you like a bite from the café?”
She shook her head, and he gave the customer a quick nod and followed the Hemlocks out. He listened to stories of Mia’s youth and answered questions along the way. It was clear Mia obtained her laid-back nature from them. He learned about their affinity for earth and their current adventure in trying to locate fairies.
Edward had never considered the magical world and was still trying to wrap his mind around what he did know. Tubars, demons, werewolves, nymphs, and witches were quite a bit to process, and now they wanted him to consider fairies also existed.
He held open the door and followed them into the café. The smell of pastries and freshly ground coffee beans reached his nose, and he smiled. When they opened the café, Brandy and he had argued about introducing too many food items. She insisted on certain items and that they sold well, reminding him why he’d bought the café.
“Edward?” Brandy asked from behind a machine.
“Hey!” he said, watching her eyes round and a grin transform her pretty face.
