Page 53 of Hex and the Kitty (Whispering Pines #9)
FIFTY-THREE
T he bakery kitchen welcomed Molly with familiar comfort—gleaming countertops, the faint scent of vanilla lingering in the air, soft morning light streaming through windows. She tied on her favorite apron, embroidered with tiny baking utensils that occasionally animated when she hummed while working.
The Fire & Spice cupcakes represented weeks of recipe development. She’d begun experimenting after watching Warrick rush into the smoke-monster-filled bakery, risking himself to protect her from those cursed things. His bravery had inspired both the flavor profile and the protective enchantment.
Molly gathered ingredients with practiced precision: cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and a whisper of chili. The base cake needed to carry enough heat to activate the magic without overwhelming the palate. She sifted flour, channeling patience into each motion.
As she worked, her thoughts drifted to the journey that had brought her and Warrick together. From their collision at the social to fake dating to something profoundly real. How strange that what began as a scheme to stop matchmaking had blossomed into genuine connection.
“Cinnamon for protection,” she murmured, measuring the spice into her bowl. “Star anise for clarity.”
Each ingredient carried magical properties that would enhance the spell. But the true power came from her intent—her deep-seated desire to protect those she cared about. And somewhere along their chaotic path, Warrick Shaw had become someone she cared for deeply.
The realization no longer startled her as it once might have. Last night, sitting at the kitchen table, something fundamental had shifted when he’d spoken those words: “I love you, Molly Hues.”
No man had ever looked at her that way before—as though she were both miracle and anchor. His confession had unlocked something within her, a capacity for trust she’d forgotten she possessed.
Molly poured batter into cupcake tins, her hands steady despite the emotional current running beneath her skin. For years, she’d poured her heart into her bakery, into community events, into helping others glimpse their futures through her enchanted pastries. Always giving, rarely receiving. But Warrick gave back—his protection, his respect, his vulnerability.
As the cupcakes baked, filling the kitchen with spicy warmth, Molly prepared golden frosting that shimmered like embers. This would carry the most powerful aspect of her spell—temporary heat resistance. She whispered incantations over the bowl, channeling protection magic from her core.
By early afternoon, rows of completed cupcakes cooled on racks. Molly piped decorative swirls of enchanted frosting onto each one, adding a final incantation with every finished cupcake. Tiny embers sparked momentarily in the frosting before subsiding to a gentle glow.
She set aside one special cupcake in a small box, infusing it with a stronger enchantment tailored specifically for Warrick. This one carried not only protection but also her emotions—gratitude for his steadfast presence, admiration for his courage, and yes, the blossoming love she now allowed herself to acknowledge.
The bakery door chimed as Molly finished boxing the last batch. She glanced up, surprised to find Celeste and Ellie entering with determined expressions and suspicious bags.
“We’ve come to help you get ready,” Celeste announced, holding up what appeared to be a cosmetics case.
“The ball doesn’t start for hours,” Molly protested.
“Exactly,” Ellie agreed. “Barely enough time.”
Before Molly could argue further, a knock sounded at the rear entrance. Celeste’s eyes widened with poorly concealed excitement. “That’ll be Luna with the special delivery.”
“What special delivery?” Molly asked, suspicion growing.
Celeste practically skipped to the back door, admitting Luna Nightshade. The elegant apothecary swept in, silver-streaked hair flowing behind her, carrying a long garment bag with reverence.
“Right on time,” Ellie approved. “Let’s head upstairs.”
“Will someone explain what’s happening?” Molly demanded, untying her apron.
Luna’s violet eyes twinkled. “A gift from your fire chief. Shall we?”
Curiosity overrode Molly’s protests as she followed the women up to her apartment. Luna carefully hung the garment bag on Molly’s bedroom door while Ellie arranged hair supplies and cosmetics on the coffee table.
“Open it,” Luna urged gently.