“I can’t imagine home without River Run Gifts.”
“I can’t either. And you know Mom and Dad have been talking about moving to Oregon to be closer to Kaylyn. Washington doesn’t really feel like home anymore, especially now that you’ve left.”
“How long are you planning to stay here?”
“I don’t know. I don’t have to be back anytime in particular, and I’m doing okay financially. I squirreled away quite a bit of money into my savings.”
Wish I could say the same.
“Why don’t you just stay here for a few months—get to know Moss Hollow and hang out at the tea shop? You know, see how you like it?”
“You’re sure?”
“Absolutely. Then you can decide if you want to work for me after Rowan leaves.”
Talking about him going back to college makes me feel despondent again. I don’t like it. The bond doesn’t like it, either.
Yes, I’d love to have Nadine here, but why can’t I have both? Maybe that’s greedy, though.
Nadine’s expression softens with pity. “Let’s get back out there, huh?”
“Yeah.”
When we step into the living room, I find Rowan standing next to the couch as though he’s trying to make his escape.
“Kit,” he says, looking relieved that I’m back. “I need to get going.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
“We’ll see you in the morning?” Dad asks. “You said you’ll give us a ride to the tea shop, correct?”
“Yes, sir.”
Rowan says his goodbyes, and then we step into the pleasant summer night. The earthy, green smell of the surrounding forest permeates the air, along with campfire smoke and the fragrance of all the cottage flowers growing with wild abandon in my garden.
The moon is nearly full, but hazy clouds pass over it, blocking its light.
Rowan takes a deep breath, looking stressed.
“Sorry you got trapped here,” I say as we round the cottage and head toward the old garden.
“I didn’t make the best first impression.”
“You were kind and polite—that’s all my parents really care about. I’m sure they loved you.”
“I suspect they don’t like that I’m a mage, and your father isn’t happy that I lived here with you.”
“I’m a grown woman, and you were an owl at the time. He’ll get over it.”
He manages a wry smile. “And the mage part?”
“That might take some time, but it will be fine—I promise. My parents are kind and welcoming pixies. Our relationship might have startled them, but I’m sure they won’t hold your heritage against you.”
Not believing me, Rowan groans. “I should go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The bond protests, urging me to wrap my arms around his middle and forbid him from leaving. At least, I think it’s the bond. Maybe I just don’t want him to go.
Rowan pauses. “I can’t make out your expression in the dark, but your magic is absent, so I know you’re not happy.”
