“I might not be able to undo this,” he admits. “I’m going to try—I swear I am. But I don’t know how to separate our magic when it merged so thoroughly.” He looks defeated. “This might be permanent.”
“Since we’re talking about it, I need to ask you something as well—and you must tell me the truth. Let’s say I wasn’t here, and you changed back without my assistance. Would you marry Keira?”
I hold my breath as I wait for his answer.
His expression solemn, he holds my gaze for several seconds before he says, “No.”
I breathe out slowly, feeling a little lightheaded. “Really?”
“Really.” He frowns. “Have you been worried about that?”
“So worried,” I admit. “She’s beautiful, well-dressed, high fae, andtall.You two would have gorgeous children. And she?—”
“Isn’t you.”
“But if I weren’t here?—”
“Even then, I wouldn’t marry Keira.” He touches his forehead to mine. “I swear.”
“All right.” I close my eyes. “Are you still going to the college tomorrow to research all this?”
“That’s the plan.”
“You’ll be gone all day?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Fine,” I sigh and then look up at him through my lashes. “Then do you want to make out here for a bit longer before you have to take me home?”
Rowan laughs and tugs me close, sliding me across the counter until I’m flush against him. “Yeah, okay.”
Chapter 13
A Curious Lack of Squirrels
Wednesdays are quickly becoming my favorite days. I love running the tea shop, but it’s so pleasant to have an unhurried day at home. If Rowan were here, it would be perfect.
He drove to the college this morning, and I’ve spent the day reading. I can feel his absence. The longer he’s gone, the more uncomfortable I become. I shift on the couch, restless, unable to get comfortable. My magic is uneasy.
For now, it’s like a mild headache. I can ignore it. But I’m afraid that if he’s gone too long, I’m going to be miserable.
At least I’m not here alone. The cottage has been in a state of comforting activity most of the day.
Nadine was here this morning, working on several new hedgehogs. A few hours ago, she requested a ride to the parking garage and borrowed my car so she could do some shopping outside Moss Hollow. Mom and Dad have been in and out, working on projects. They just got back from the garden center.
Once Mom became comfortable calling the livery stable to request pickups, she and Dad started venturing all over MossHollow. Hudson’s service is a lot like a rideshare, but instead of using an app, you just call their office. (And instead of a car, you get a carriage.) Mom appreciates the simplicity.
“Kit,” Dad calls from the dining room. “Come look.”
I set my e-reader on the sofa table next to the couch and hurry into the kitchen. “What is it?”
Excited, he gestures for me to follow him through the French doors. “We’re making progress.”
I follow him onto the back patio. He’s cleaned it, cut back all the overgrown plants, and added a hanging swing and a birdbath. The kitchen garden Rowan built for Laverna when he was a teen is cleared and ready for planting.
“This looks amazing,” I exclaim. “I knew you were working on a gnome habitat. I didn’t realize you were going to fix up the patio.”
“I thought I might as well, while I was at it.” He smiles at his handiwork. “I found the swing in Laverna’s shed and gave it a new coat of paint. Your mom picked out the fabric for the cushions.”
