Page 145 of Magical Melee

“Where’s your big sword?” I teased.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” His usual gruff tone was softened by a faint smile as I blushed and looked away.

“Very funny,” I grumbled.

He set the basket on the counter and glanced around. “Smells amazing in here. Happy Thanksgiving.”

“Thank you,” Stella said, taking the apples. “Maeve is quite the chef. You’re just in time. We’re about to put the pies in the oven.”

Keegan shrugged off his coat and rolled up his sleeves. “How can I help?”

I couldn’t help but notice how big and muscular his forearms were as the fabric revealed his toned arms. But what impressed me more was how willing he was to get in and help us out with dinner. In all my years of marriage, Alex never once lifted a finger.

I glanced at Stella, who looked back at me, and I frowned, walking over to the hutch to grab my special spell so Alex thoughts tasted bitter again.

As Keegan got to work, Ember and Nova arrived, each carrying their own contributions—a basket of herbs from Nova and a tray of honey-glazed pecans from Ember. The kitchen grew even livelier as they joined in, their laughter and chatter mixed with the clatter of pots and pans, and I never dreamed my Thanksgiving would be okay without Celeste.

Just the thought of my daughter made my heart ache. I swallowed the potion and sighed.

“Pardon me,” I said softly. “I’m going to text Celeste.”

Nova smiled and nodded as I slipped out of the room. Frank was just waking up again when I sat on the couch with my cell phone and sent a quick message wishing Celeste a Happy Thanksgiving.

Her message back surprised me.

I miss you, mom. Please promise me we can have Christmas together. Dad’s girlfriend is so annoying. She’s just two years older than me. Two! But she acts like she’s in high school.

I chuckled to myself, realizing he’d already switched mistresses again. The last one was at least thirty. Although, I guess they weren’t technically mistresses since we were officially divorced.

My mouth filled with a vinegar-like taste from the potion, and I scowled and wrote back.

I love you and miss you more than you can imagine. Working at the tea shop has been surprisingly exciting. Can’t wait to see you soon.

“Maeve,” Stella called.

“Do come in,” Miora repeated.

Ah, she’s back. I chuckled to myself and hopped up.

Stella nodded toward the pile of cranberries on the counter.

“Show them the spell you learned,” Miora gestured with a wispy hand.

I felt a small surge of pride and picked up the sprig of rosemary. “Watch this,” I said, giving Keegan a quick glance as I murmured, “Culina Octuria.”

The cranberries immediately began to hop and roll into the pot, their shiny red skins gleaming as they piled in perfectly.

For a moment, I basked in their impressed expressions.

“That’s not bad,” Ember said, leaning on the counter. “Looks like you’ve got the hang of it.”

Feeling bold, I decided to try something more advanced.

“How about this?” I said, picking up a whisk. I waved the rosemary over the bowl of heavy cream, concentrating hard. “Culina Octuria, double-time.”

The whisk sprang to life, spinning wildly. But instead of focusing on the cream, it whipped the air and danced around the kitchen, banging into pots, pans, and glasses.

My eyes widened as I darted toward the whisk, hoping to catch it.