Page 45 of Black and White, Twice the Might

Their faces light up even more.

“Really?” Enoch asks, giving his signature grin.

“Yes, really,” he assures them, putting his hand on both of their shoulders.

“Thanks, John,” Xander says, with a final smile. We watch the boys and Sal walk out of the shop smiling happily.

John nods to us and walks back into the bookshop.

“You looked surprised just then, Ebby,” Titus comments.

I nod. “Surprised and happy that the boys feel safe enough to go off with Sal without us.”

“They know Sal and Nix won’t hurt them, and if needed, will do everything they can to protect them,” Jude adds.

I nod. “That certainly helps.”

While I finish my drink, the others start leaving, going back to work. We finally finish and walk back into the bookshop.

“Thank you, John,” I say to him.

“No thanks needed. You’re family and the boys need a grandpa figure in their lives. I have no magic in me, so they know they’re safe with me.”

“We’re not really family,” Sly pointed out.

“Too late, we’ve all claimed you,” Alfred tells us. “We can welcome you to the family at tomorrow’s BBQ.”

“I can lick you two if you want?” Ernest offers, grinning.

Alfred and Sly burst out laughing. I make a yuck face, and John just shakes his head.

“I blame your Ma. I’m sure she dropped you on your head when you were a baby,” John says to his son.

“I think we’re both fine without you licking us. Pretty sure you wouldn’t lick me as well as my Ebby does. He does this thing ...,”

I quickly put my hand over Sly’s mouth. I bet I’m blushing. “We’re fine with you not licking us and just say thank you for claiming us as family.” I take my hand away from Sly’s mouth and hold it close, in case I need to stop Sly from talking again. Honestly, no one wants to hear about our love life.

Sly laughs and grabs my hand, and kisses it. “Seriously, though, thank you,” Sly says. “Not many witches want anything to do with me.”

Ernest gives a rude snort. “We liked Sal before he was grey, the same with Justice and Cal. We don’t care what someone’s magical colour is, as long as they’re not trying to kill us or harm the town.”

“Yeah, and you’ve all been helpful. Don’t forget to come to dinner tonight. Nana found out Enoch’s favourite food and promised she’d cook it tonight,” Alfred tells us.

“Are you sure? We’ve eaten dinner at yours for the past few evenings.” I ask. I don’t want to impose on them too much, but it is nice having large family meals with them.

“Yep, it’s all good. Plus, it saves you having to find somewhere else to eat,” Alfred says.

“Thank you. Once we’ve moved in, you must all come to dinner at ours,” Sly offers.

“We’ll do that, thanks,” Ernest says.

“And with that, we’re off as we have a few free hours without the boys,” I say, grinning. I can’t remember the last time that happened.

“Enjoy your afternoon. By the way, I know for a fact that Larry and Janice are at the Haunted Farm all afternoon,” Ernest tells us.

Sly grins. “Good to know, see you at dinner,” and with that, Sly rushes me out of the shop with me shouting a hurried bye, their laughter following us out.

We makeit back to the B&B in record time with Sly again rushing us in, up the stairs and into our room. The door has barely shut when he pushes me up against it and kisses me senseless.