Page 31 of Spellbound & Speechless (Witches of Starbrook #2)

Aspen

Even though I’ve known her my entire life, Juniper surprises me.

It would be easy for her to continue lecturing and voicing her disapproval, but she doesn’t.

Before she knew Ozan, I think she would have.

Our oldest sister may not be as vocal about her happy relationship, but it’s clear by the small things that she is happy… and I’m delighted for her.

Instead of lecturing, she helps plan—and she parties with us. How fun!

We spend the upcoming days preparing for the event. I’m lucky my sisters are taking care of everything else because it takes days of sketching, cutting, and sewing for my dress to come together. The vision is finally perfect, and at last, I can relax with the people I love.

“Goddess, I can’t believe I’m getting married.” It already feels as if I am married to him.

Ozan and Mac work the bar together, giving us the night off, and my heart goes racing every time I see him. But tonight isn’t about him. It’s about us—my sisters. I intend to have a lovely night with them.

“You better believe it.” The corner of Rowan’s lip twitches up.

Drinks flow, soft music plays, and everyone is upbeat. Even Juniper seems to be in a happier mood than I am used to, and she deserves it. She can trust someone else to take care of the bar for one night, and we can act like patrons rather than employees.

“I have to say…” Juniper hiccups. “Not to toot my own horn?—”

“I hate that phrase,” Rowan says.

“—but these bliss drinks are my best yet.”

I lift my glass before drinking the sweet, citrusy drink. “You’re so right. They’re even better than the ones in the city. You found the perfect balance.”

Between the drinks and the good company, everything is glowing. It feels like the perfect way to spend the evening before my… well, my wedding . Most of our extended family is coming, save for a few who are out of town, and everyone in Starbrook will be there.

I’ve always wanted my wedding to be an enormous affair. Compared to my dreams, this will be smaller than I imagined—but for Starbrook, it’s grand. It may be even bigger than this year’s harvest festival.

“Oh, we have to serve these at the wedding!” Maple says. “They’ll go perfectly with the cake and snacks.”

“Just don’t make them too strong!” I giggle. “I don’t want my wedding to lead to anything crazy.”

“That’s right.” Juniper nods. “There’s still a corrupt witch around, after all. We shouldn’t forget it.”

Which means we still have a family legacy to protect. Our grimoire sits in the middle of the table, and I wonder if we should have it out at all. It’s the weapon, or the closest we have to one. There were no other options. Bring it with us or leave it at home for the witch to steal.

The looming threat of the evil witch is the one thing that could ruin our wedding, but I won’t let it. Optimism has carried me this far, and I intend to keep riding it as far as possible.

“Mac says he thinks the corrupt one is gone,” I say, ignoring the worries living in the back of my mind. “He can’t smell her at all these days. That means something.”

“Good! That’s good.” Laurel pushes a tarot card closer to me—the four of wands. “My cards say it will be a lovely wedding, Aspen. I don’t think you need to worry.”

“We need to keep our guards up.” Thanks to the potion, Juniper is smiling along with her warning.

Somehow, that makes it more ominous, but it’s not enough to bring me down. Not yet. Not when I’m spending the night living in bliss and anticipation.

My eyes lock with Mac’s across the bar, and it settles something in me.

“I’m not worried about anything,” I say. “If you want to keep your guard up, go right ahead. I’m celebrating.”

“Aspen!” Juniper laughs.

I know she wouldn’t usually be so cheery about it, and I’m grateful the potions will keep her from bringing the mood down.

“What?” I giggle. “It’s my wedding.”

“Which means…” Laurel stands. “We need another round of bliss. I’ll get it!”

My life differs from what it was in New York, and it’s different from what I wanted it to be, but it’s better now. I’m surrounded by the best people I could ask for, and I’m in love. The pain and loss I went through led me here .

Mac captures my attention from across the bar again. He smiles softly, a smile he only shares with me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, not even the life I once coveted.