Page 99

Miri reached across the table, putting one hand on her husband and one hand on Jade. “Behave, babies. You know Mommy has plenty of love for you both.”

Across from her, Leo swallowed hard at the words, immediately averting his gaze and shifting in his seat some.

“Maybe we should just let the lore stay lore,” Aja offered, ever the diplomatic one. “Maybe Minnie is back there right now rolling out pie dough, or maybe she died and left her recipes to her family. Hell, maybe she was never a real person in the first place.”

“Yeah,” Miri interjected. “And maybe she’s the greatest witch Greenbelt has ever seen.”

“Anyway,” Aja continued. “All I’m saying is that, maybe Minnieis whoever we need her to be. As long as we can come in here, sit down, and eat food in this place, that’s what matters.”

“Keeping the mystery alive.” Olivia nodded. “I respect that.”

While they all mulled it over, Jade took her spoon, scooping up a big hunk of cobbler and ice cream, and offering it to the woman next to her. Franny’s eyes were soft like dandelion buds when they landed on her. Jade let the warmth of her gaze float over her skin. It was hot but gentle, and when Franny opened her lips, Jade didn’t hesitate to feed her.

She watched as her girlfriend savored the flavors of the dessert, swallowing it down and running a tongue over her pink lips for just one more taste once it was done.

“The cobbler abides,” Franny said to the group but didn’t take her eyes off Jade’s.

“Damn right it does.” Jade grinned.