“Where are you going tomorrow?” Magnus asked.
Sven sighed sadly. “It’s the anniversary of her disappearance, so I’m visiting her empty grave and then Hetty is going to make me some dinner. I promise, when I get home, I’ll just head up to my ivory tower and wallow.”
“Mercedes can see ghosts, maybe…”
“Don’t even say it,” Sven said quickly, his spine straightening. “I don’t even want to think of her being locked here and me not being able to see her. That’s a special kind of torture and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
“I get that,” Magnus commiserated.
“Besides, I have a lot to focus on. Our first guests arrive in two days. This is a big deal.”
“It is.” Magnus floated away from his brother who went back to work on his computer.
He was glad he had the talk with Sven and told him everything. He had hidden so much from him since the bad date—the whole cursing thing, the dreams he’d been having about Mercedes, just everything.
Although he was slightly worried that this wouldn’t work out with her, it was a dwindling worry, because something deep inside him was telling him that this was it. She was it. Whether his curse would end or not, he wasn’t sure. All he knew was that he wanted to be with her, and he was glad for this opportunity for a second chance and righting his wrong.
Magnus barely slept.
He was excited about the date with Mercedes, and though he didn’t doubt his culinary abilities, he was still a bit nervous about cooking for her.
It was then he also realized that most of his interactions with women had been casual and he really didn’t know what to do for an important first date. He threw off the covers, had a quick shower, and then got dressed.
It was early in the morning, but he needed some help planning this first date. Since Pearl was out of town, he knew the next best person to turn to was Margaid.
Magnus snuck out the back door of Room with a Tomb and headed along Pleasant Street, through downtown. Most of the stores were closed still, and a fine autumn mist crept across the ground.
This was one of his favorite times to walk through Harmony Glen, and he would usually have a leisurely stroll, but there was no time for that. He was on a mission, because everything about tonight had to be perfect for Mercedes. He didn’t want to take any chances.
He turned on Verdant Street and went straight to Margaid and Finn’s little cottage, which had once been Hetty’s little rental, but now was home base for Margaid and Finn. As he approached the bright yellow house, he saw Finn and Margaid on the front stoop, her arms around him as she stood on the top step and he on the bottom so he could look her in the eye. Or rather, so they could kiss. Her hands were wrapped around his neck and playing with his mane.
“Morning,” Magnus called out.
Finn craned his neck to look at him, frowning. “Magnus.” It was said through clenched teeth.
“Morning, Magnus,” Margaid replied brightly, stepping back from Finn. “You’re out and about early.”
“Well, I don’t mean to interrupt, but I need some help.”
“If you need another boat rental, then just take one, you can materialize through the walls,” Finn growled.
“No. I need Margaid’s help.”
Margaid’s eyes widened and she pushed her glasses up her nose. “Mine?”
Finn’s eyes narrowed. “Hers?”
“It’s about my love life. Sort of.”
Margaid giggled softly behind her hand, and Finn rolled his eyes and let out a huff.
“I’m going to the marina.” Finn glared at Magnus as he left, slamming the little picket fence gate behind him.
Magnus opened the gate and dashed up the path. “I’m sorry for coming here so early, but I knew you’d be up.”
There was a flash on Margaid’s finger. “It’s fine. Would you like some coffee?”
“Wait, are you wearing a ring?” Magnus took her hand and stared at the new shiny ring on her left hand.
