Astrea smacked her arm before hissing. “I haven’t told him yet!”
Felix blinked before asking, “You’re selling Gran’s house?”
Astrea sighed. “I have to, Felix. Just thinking about it is causing me stress.” She gave Felix a pleading look. “I don’t want to go back to that town.”
“Rea,” Felix breathed. “I would never blame you for selling, I was just surprised you hadn’t told me, or at least talked to me about it.”
“You haven’t exactly been easy to grab for a serious chat these past few days,” Astrea reminded him with a knowing grin.
Felix’s cheeks reddened, but he waved her off. “I would never turn you away if you needed to talk. But now that wearetalking about it, I think it would be a good idea to sell. I’m selling the store, too. Just need to figure out how to do so from here.”
“We can hire some people to grab what you need from both properties,” I assured him. “The castle is big enough for all of us, and speaking for myself, I would really enjoy having you all live here, if you want to.”
“Really?” Astrea asked, her eyes full of excitement. “We can stay here permanently?”
I nodded. “Of course. You are family, and I like having you here with us.”
“Me, too?” Claire asked, her tone unsure.
“You are family, too. Are you not?” I teased, hoping that would help clear her unease.
She gave me a grin. “I sure hope so.”
“I’m staying, too,” Dina declared, glaring at me like I was about to object to it.
“I counted on it,” I replied. “Joel, too,” I added, more for his benefit than for Dina’s. Felix and I had seen them get closer, small stolen glances and hand holding, but neither of us knew if it was serious yet or not.
“Are you sure?” Joel asked, looking from me to Felix.
It was Felix who answered. “We have all these empty rooms, just begging for someone to make them a home. Please don’t leave them empty. We like having you around, making it a real home.” I had not known how much Felix cared for their presence until now. He felt just like I did myself. Glad to be surrounded by family again.
“It’s nice having people around you,” Astrea agreed. “We never really had that growing up. Felix and I just had our mom. We only stayed at Gran’s when mom needed to travel for the coven or work.”
“Don’t forget Mr. Keeler,” Felix said with a shudder.
Astrea matched his shudder with her own. I did not ask. I would rather not know.
The morning after, we were lazing in the garden, this time on top of a blanket on the grass closer to the castle. Felix had taken some fresh herbs he needed to dry out for his potions, something he was eager to get back into.
We all had sat together as they ate breakfast this morning, all except for Claire and Astrea, who were still asleep. Felix had mentioned how much he missed creating his potions, and was considering making them here to sell online. He already had his online shop; he just needed his supplies. So, yesterday I hired a moving company to drive into Felix’s old town and carefully pack everything anddrive it here. They would be here later tonight with everything he needed. The rest would be sold with the store.
“Is that an important step?” I questioned, eying the way he rolled the stem between his palms.
“It is,” he replied. “Basil stems need to be warmed up before drying out to let out their inner moisture so the stem is more potent. It makes it much more effective when dry.”
I nodded, pleased to learn something new. “What about parsley?”
“Parsley?” he asked, sounding almost offended that I would even dare mention another herb.
I gave him a tentative smile before answering, “Yes?”
“Parsley isn’t used for potions. For salves, yes. And cooking, but not potions.”
“Oh,” was all I said, allowing him his space to do whatever he needed to. I could learn the rest by watching, I guess.
“Hey!” Giro called out in greeting. He seemed to be alone, something that was very unusual. Peter, like myself, preferred to be glued to his fated’s side.
“Oh, hey! Want to help me with the herbs?” Felix asked, a kind smile on his face.
