“But what?”
“I just want to work in the tea shop.” He runs a hand through his hair. “No, that’s not true. I want…”
“You want torunthe tea shop?” I ask gently. “I stole your dream, didn’t I?”
“It wasn’t a dream I was allowed to have.” He reaches for me. “And I’m glad for that. Because if I hadn’t turned myself into an owl, and Laverna had left the shop to me, I wouldn’t have met you. And I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world. Things worked out the way they were meant to. You are the tea shop proprietress, and I’m going to be a sorcerer.”
“Is there room for another sorcerer in Moss Hollow?” I ask. “I mean, Ansel’s in charge of the fireworks and…rock things. What would that leave you?”
“I’ll just kick him out.”
I laugh. “I’m serious. If you become a sorcerer, can you make a living in Moss Hollow?”
He’s quiet, thinking about my question. Finally, he sighs. “I don’t know.”
“I want you to pursue the path that makes you the happiest, and if that means becoming a sorcerer, I’ll support it. But please know, I would be honored to run the tea shop with you. Just imagine it—your name next to mine on all the paperwork. Partners. You could stay here…with me.” I gulp. “What do you think?”
Rowan smiles in the dark, bringing his hand to my face and gently stroking my cheek. “I think I’ll give you my answer after we break the mate bond. Let’s make sure you’re actually in love with me first.”
I turn my head, catching his hand and cuddling against it like a cat. “So I guess we’re going to try the shadow pixie magic?”
“It’s the best option we’ve got.”
“Okay,” I murmur. “I’m going to go to bed and try not to stress over it all night.”
“One second.” He pulls me back when I turn toward the fence. “Promise me something.”
“Anything.”
“If I go insane, you’ll find me a fae infirmary with decent tea, won’t you?”
I shove his chest, huffing out a breath. “That’s not funny.”
He grins. “It was a little funny.”
“Goodnight, Rowan.”
Before I can pull away, he kisses me softly, stealing my annoyance. “Goodnight, Kit.”
“Are you really going to try to fly home?” I ask him before he goes.
“Either that, or I’m taking a really long walk.”
“What are you going to do with your clothes?”
He looks flummoxed, realizing that’s an issue.
“You can take them off in the back garden,” I suggest, trying not to laugh at the horrified look on his face. “Just jump into the bushes if you hear someone coming down the road on your way to Marshall’s.”
“This was a bad idea.”
“Not necessarily. Getting caught streaking is perhaps good motivation to turn into an owl.” I bite my lip, holding back a grin. “The gate’s unlocked. Best of luck to you.”
I walk into the house, grinning when I hear his frustrated laughter. But as soon as I’m inside, my amusement fades.
I don’t know exactly what tomorrow is going to look like, but I know everything is going to change.
Chapter 23
