Page 57 of Kissing Potions and Elves (Oakvale Ever After #1)

ISOBEL

S oft afternoon sunlight warms Lyrion’s study, painting the room in shades of gold. Quietly, I step through the open doorway, pausing as my gaze lands on him. He’s hunched thoughtfully over his desk, elegant fingers moving gracefully as he scribbles notes into his well-worn notebook.

He glances up, violet eyes softening immediately as they catch mine. “Hello, my love.” He smiles and pushes his chair back, silently inviting me closer.

Crossing the short distance, I settle onto his lap, sighing contentedly as his strong arms circle protectively around me. He splays his palm over the gentle swell of my belly, and a light flutter moves beneath our joined hands. Our twins are already so loved and cherished.

“I have something for you,” Lyrion murmurs, brushing a kiss to my temple before pulling a thick, leather-bound book from his desk drawer.

Anticipation flutters through me. It’s his compendium—the one he’s been working on tirelessly for months. I’ve watched him labor over every page, pouring his heart and soul into the carefully documented illustrations and meticulous notes.

I trace my fingers across the intricate designs on the cover. “It’s finally finished?”

“It is. I wanted you to be the first to see it.”

A smile crests my lips as I flip open the cover, and my breath catches sharply. There, written in Lyrion’s elegant handwriting, is a dedication:

To my beloved Isobel,

You are my sunshine, my heart, and my home. And I am forever yours.

Always, Lyrion.

Tears blur my vision as emotion wells in my chest. “Lyrion,” I whisper, my voice trembling as I brush the tips of my fingers over the words. “This is beautiful.”

“It’s true.” His violet eyes stare deep into mine as he cups my cheek. “You are the sun that brought light into my darkened world, Isobel. You are my heart.”

He gives me a tender kiss and then drops his forehead gently to mine. “I didn’t know it was possible to be this happy, Isobel.”

I run my fingers through the silken strands of his long, black hair. “I hope our children look like you. I’d love for them to have your violet eyes.”

“And I hope they look like you,” Lyrion murmurs. He touches my lips. “I want them to have your smile.”

“Well, I hope they at least have your Elvish ears.” I grin.

The door swings open, interrupting our quiet moment. Rhystan steps in, his expression bright and cheerful, Errol trotting regally beside him, fluffy tail held high.

Errol leaps gracefully onto the desk, planting himself in front of us, his eyes fixed intently on Lyrion.

Rhystan crosses his arms, grinning mischievously. “Our esteemed feline has something very important he’d like to share. Again .”

I tilt my head curiously. “What is it?”

Lyrion sighs dramatically, but his lips twitch with suppressed amusement as he listens to Errol. “He’s insisting, once more, that if one of the twins is a boy, we should name him Errol.”

I laugh, warmth filling my chest as the cat lifts his chin higher, looking very dignified, especially with his little velvet bow tie proudly tied around his neck.

Rhystan chuckles, eyes twinkling. “He’s quite persistent, this one. Though I’ve told him that would mean we’d have three Errols in the family—him, our father, and your child. It might become a bit confusing.”

Errol gives an imperious meow, prompting Lyrion to roll his eyes and relay the message. “He says he doesn’t care and that if we happen to have two boys, we could give the second twin his middle name.”

I blink. “You have a middle name?”

He puffs up his chest proudly, whiskers twitching as he meows again.

Lyrion glances at Rhystan, who bites his lip to hold back laughter, his eyes dancing with humor. “Yes,” Lyrion finally translates. “Apparently, he chose it himself.”

“Well, what is it?”

Errol gives another authoritative meow, his tail flicking sharply.

Lyrion struggles visibly to remain serious, his voice barely steady as he reveals, “Tiberyus.”

Unable to hold it in any longer, Rhystan bursts into laughter.

I press my lips together, fighting desperately to stifle a laugh, but a soft giggle slips free a moment before Lyrion laughs too.

Errol glares indignantly at us.

“Oh, Errol,” I murmur, stroking his head. “It’s a lovely name. Just perhaps a bit too… grand for a small child.”

“I’m afraid I agree,” Lyrion adds as he gently pets Errol.

“Perhaps we can name the next cat Tiberyus instead,” Rhystan offers. “Maybe another feline friend would be good for you… someone to keep you company.”

Errol turns his gaze sharply to Rhystan, clearly unimpressed.

Lyrion’s lips twitch. “He says there will be no other cats. He prefers to rule over his domain alone.”

Rhystan laughs, then gathers Errol into his arms. “Come along, Errol Tiberyus ,” he says playfully, carrying the disgruntled cat from the room. “Let’s leave these two alone. They obviously have important things to discuss.”

As the door shuts behind them, Lyrion pulls me closer. He rests his hand lovingly over the slight swell of my abdomen. “I’m so glad I came into the café that day.” His voice thickens with emotion. “Who knew one little potion mistake would give me everything?”

As I gaze into his eyes, I see my future shining back at me, filled with laughter, whispered secrets, and endless kisses beneath the stars.

I’ve finally found the place where I belong. In Lyrion’s arms, I am whole and loved beyond measure. And I know deep in my heart, our forever is only just beginning.