Page 57 of Charmed, I’m Sure (Witches of Bellevue #1)

After a lot of convincing, Aunt Evie had pressed charges once she got the police report after the holidays. Kyle was now under house arrest and serving an ungodly amount of community service hours.

A lesser sentence than he should have received, but at least for once, he wasn’t getting off scot-free.

I waggled my fingers at Sophie as she and her mother left. As soon as the door shut behind them, Jaelyn and I burst into laughter.

“I thought her head was going to explode,” she wheezed, tears leaking down her cheeks.

“Highlight of my life. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that happening.”

“I still don’t understand why you didn’t just curse her ass. She deserves at least that after all the bullshit she’s put you through.”

I shouldn’t have been surprised that she wasn’t surprised when I finally told her I was a witch.

But now that the proverbial cat was out of the bag, I was thrilled that I didn’t have to hide that part of myself anymore.

It was like I could finally breathe now that all of the people closest to me knew… all of me.

Ever since I’d told her, she’d asked me time and time again why I didn’t use my magic more.

She’d gaped at me when I told her that magic was a gift, not a shortcut, when she’d asked why I did things the ‘normal’ way and not what she considered the ‘fun’ way.

But the question she asked repeatedly was why I hadn’t sought revenge on the people who’d wronged me in town.

“Vengeful magic comes with a price, Jae. And it’s much too high for my blood.”

She huffed but grabbed her tray and headed toward the kitchen.

“Don’t forget we’re closing early today! I have to go—”

“I know,” she drawled. “Geez, mom.”

“Not yet,” I joked, smiling as I turned to greet the next customer.

Taylor

Smoke billowed from the chimney as I pulled into the driveway, and a smile formed instantly. Coming home to Magnolia was the highlight of my day. Getting to relax, to just be in a shared space without watchful eyes, felt like a weight off my shoulders.

She’d been gradually moving in over the last month, adding personal touches to every room in the house.

Her sister’s books had their own dedicated shelf in the living room.

Her clothes were slowly encroaching on my side of the walk-in closet.

She’d rearranged the kitchen at least three times before deciding the original layout was best. We’d even hosted a few family dinners.

Every day with her was a new adventure, and I couldn’t wait to see what else was in store.

“Mags,” I called when I walked through the door.

Instead of her voice, I was met with excited yips and laughter.

“Shhh, you have to be quiet,” she whispered, amusement lacing her tone.

Thoroughly intrigued, I dropped my bag by the door and made my way toward the living room. But I didn’t see her.

“Sunshine?”

“Arf, arf, arf!”

“Hush, you’re going to get us in trouble,” she giggled.

Rounding the couch, I spotted a pair of slippered feet poking out from the other side. Chuckling, I closed the distance.

“Baby, what are you—” The words stalled in my throat as I took her in. Magnolia was sprawled on the floor, holding onto a very wiggly—was that a puppy?

“What do you think?” she asked nervously, struggling to contain the spotted creature in her arms as it whined and scrambled to get free.

“It’s a Catahoula,” she added quickly, as if I might protest. “Is that okay? You never mentioned a specific breed, so I just went with the cutest one I could find, and—”

“It’s mine?” I asked, awed, crouching down beside her.

“He’s yours, yes.”

She loosened her grip, and the little fur ball immediately bolted toward me, jumping up and pawing at my chest, desperate to lick my face. I laughed until my stomach ached. He was mostly gray, with black spots along his back, a sable-colored snout and paws, and sky-blue eyes.

He was perfect.

“You got me a dog,” I breathed through my laughter, trying—and failing—to calm the puppy. “Does he have a name?”

She shook her head. “I thought you’d want to name him.”

Grabbing his face between my hands, I rubbed his head and watched as his velvety ears flopped around.

“Gumbo.”

“You want gumbo?” she asked, already turning toward the kitchen. “I think we still have some in the freezer.”

“No, baby.” I grinned. “The dog. His name is Gumbo.”

“Whatever you say, babe,” she laughed. But as her smile faded, something flickered in her eyes.

Suspicion tightened my chest. “What is it?” I asked, drawing out the words.

“Do you like your puppy?”

“Of course I do… Why?”

“Because that’s not the only surprise I have.”

Something about the way she said it—hesitant, nervous—made the hairs on my neck stand on end.

She took a step back.

Memories of New Year's Eve flashed through my mind. We’d both been drunk, a little careless… Surely not—

She could be.

I was a doctor, for fuck’s sake. How had I not noticed?

“Magnolia, are you…” My gaze flicked to her abdomen. I swallowed—hard.

“What? No!” Her eyes widened. “Oh my lanta. Hold, please.”

She bolted from the room, disappearing down the hall toward our bedroom.

My heart thundered as I tried to recall when her last period had been—just in case. But when she reappeared, peeking into the living room from behind the wall, my anxiety over an unplanned pregnancy shifted to… curiosity?

“You ready?” she asked.

“As I’ll ever be, I guess.”

Blowing out a slow breath, she stepped into view. Nestled in her arms was a tiny, striped kitten.

“Meet… I don’t know her name yet. She just showed up today.”

“A cat?”

“Technically, it’s a familiar in cat form, but yes.”

“What about the cats at the manor?”

She padded over to where I still sat on the floor, Gumbo curled up in my lap, snoring.

“Meowfoy and Hermeownie are family familiars. They stay at the manor.” She glanced down at the kitten. “And this little girl found me. Here. And since I’m moving in, I guess the Mother decided to gift me with my own.”

“You haven’t named her yet?” I carefully stretched out a hand, stroking a gentle path down the kitten’s back. She was tiny, gray and black with faint tiger stripes and a pink nose. I might not have been a cat person, but even I melted a little over the tiny fluff ball.

“I haven’t, but since you named the puppy Gumbo, I think I’ll name her… Filé.”

“Filé and Gumbo.” I huffed a laugh. “If those aren’t the most Southern pet names I’ve ever heard, I don’t know what is.”

“You’re sure you’re okay with this? Pets are a big responsibility.”

“They’re perfect, Magnolia. Thank you.”

“Okay, good.” She let out a relieved breath. “Because I’ve already set up their food bowls and bedding… and spent way too much on toys.”

“Of course you did.” I chuckled, gently shifting Gumbo onto the floor before leaning in to press my lips to hers.

She sighed against my mouth, then whispered, “Hold that thought.” Pulling back, she stepped toward the window and placed the kitten in her chair.

I stood as well, wrapping my arms around her the moment she turned back to me.

“You have me completely charmed, Magnolia Bellevue.”

“The feeling is mutual, Taylor Hallows.” She slid her hand into mine, backing toward the hallway. “Now, why don’t we take advantage of the kids being asleep before they keep us up all night?”

I grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.”