Page 116 of Hexed & Hazy

I wrinkle my nose. “Water flosser, toothbrush, and floss. Period products and potions.”

“Excellent.”

Seth and I may not quite be ready to move in together, and it’s hard to say whether I’ll ever want to move out of my family home, but I know this is a big step for him. He’s the one who asked me to bring some of my things over—it’s far better than sneaking into my house early in the morning in the clothes I wore the night before.

There are other things in the bag. Shampoo, skincare, body lotion. He already bought me all of my favorite snacks and teas. Everything to make me feel at home.

“We’ll find a place for all of this in my bathroom.” He steps closer and smooths his hands over my hair. “Mom is going to love having you around more often.”

“And I’m going to love being around more often.” I sigh softly. “I still don’t know if I’m ready to move in.”

“And that’s all right.” He kisses me, just a peck, but it’s enough to give me butterflies. “Maybe you won’t move in until we get married. Mom will probably approve. In Filipino families, it’s pretty common to live at home until marriage.”

“Married?” I smirk, tilting my head to the side. “I didn’t take you for the marrying type.”

“I wasn’t.” He kisses me longer, dragging his teeth against my lower lip. “But I am with you. Just you wait.”

“Hm… no more waiting.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “I’m happy here. Like this.”

“Does that mean you don’t want to marry me? I’m wounded.”

I snort. “Shut up.”

Before he can find something else to whine about, I plant my lips on his. Firm. Decisive.

That should answer the question for him.

Despite the waiting, the long-gone hex, and everything else we’ve been through to get here, it doesn’t feel like I’m in limbo anymore. I’m happy here, and someday, when we’re ready…

Yes. I think I’ll marry him. In front of the coven and all of Starbrook, we’ll bind our hands and become one.

And what a good life it will be.

FIVE MONTHS LATER

The Liezel Bautista Community Garden.

The name was my idea. Liezel will be with us for quite some time, but even when she’s gone… this garden, and everything Seth built, will be here to honor her.

Seth and I hold his mother’s hands as we lead her down the leaf-covered path. Donnie’s greenhouse in the park remains, but there’s one just across from it, for the community. Outside the greenhouse, flower beds flourish, and vegetable and herb beds are filled with plants.

Liezel gasps, squeezing my hand.

“Well?” Seth asks. “What do you think? It took a little longer to put together than we wanted, but it’s worth it, right?”

He’s looking between the two of us for confirmation, and I give him a warm smile. This isn’t my first time seeing the garden. I spent weeks and months sitting on one white bench in particular, watching him hard at work.

There’s nothing quite like seeing Seth get his hands dirty.

And it’s a beautiful space. Marble statues of the gods—Demeter, Persephone, Dionysus, and others—rest about the place. Statues of animals do, too. Watchers. Protectors of Starbrook, in their own right.

We’re not the only ones here. Donnie and Regan are knee-deep in the dirt, and others roam around. Liezel lowers herself onto a bench—my favorite bench.

I tilt my head.

There’s something new about it.

A little golden plaque with words engraved on it.