A laugh of relief and astonishment bursts from my chest, and I allow myself to hug the ridiculous witch back.
Nothing I did tonight was for the books. It was all for her.
Because she’s what matters.
To me. Mor matters to me.
I close my eyes and enjoy the embrace as I try to keep doubtful thoughts at bay.
Is this me repeating the past? Falling for the first woman who shows me a hint of kindness?
Will Mor drop me just like Georgiana did once she gets whatever it is she wants?
33
Mor
It’sa few days after the destructive thunderstorm, and I’m pleasantly tipsy.
When my siblings and I were officially invited to join the Folk Haven coven, I expected meetings to take place late in the evening, maybe under a full moon.
Turns out, they happen over Sunday brunch. Witches like pomegranate mimosas.
I’m sporting not a full buzz, but a little bubbly feeling when I return from the monthly get-together. The outing was much needed after the stress of cataloguing the repairs my home needs. Luckily, my room was the only one to take true damage, mainly because of Bo’s quick reaction.
But sleeping in a spare room as opposed to my tower for the last few nights has me sad, especially whenever I think about how long it’ll take me to arrange for contractors to come out to my library.
Instead of going inside, I meander down to the dock, sit cross-legged on the edge, and stare out at the glimmering water.
“The window is done.”
I jerk in surprise at the unexpected voice, turning to find Bo standing on the shore with his hands tucked in his pockets.
“You mean it’s covered?” I ask, shielding my eyes against the sun. “Like, you nailed some plywood over it?” That’s somehow more depressing than the idea of plastic stretching over the hole.
“No. It’s a skylight again. Wanna come see?”
“I … do.”
Being in my bedroom with Bo is not going to help me subdue the growing attraction I have toward him, but I can at least keep a handle on my actions. No matter how close we get to my bed, I will not launch myself at him.
I have self-control.
At least I think I do.
Truth is, I’ve never been tested before.
Bo waves for me to lead the way through the house, even though he’s the one who has something to show me. He claimed that it’s fixed? How did he get a window here so fast? The skylight is not a normal shape, and Folk Haven is kind of off the beaten path.
Curious, I climb the steep steps to my tower room. The furniture did not sustain any damage, only had to be cleaned and dried. Now everything is arranged as it once was, no sign of any construction having gone on.
My eyes track upward, and I gasp.
There is a window, but that seems like too tame of a word to describe the beautiful piece in place of what was once just clear glass.
The largest sections are still simple transparent glass, which I appreciate because I would have missed the stars. But curling around the edge is a thorny vine that ends in a delicately blooming rose.
My favorite flower.
