Page 67

Chapter Sixty-Seven

W hit floated in blissful warmth, his wife safely wrapped in his arms. She trailed her delicate fingers across his chest as the morning sunlight lit up her auburn hair.

“What do you think our children will be like?” she murmured. “Do you think they’ll be summer or winter witches?”

Whit thought about it. “Have you ever wondered whether being a winter witch or a summer witch is more nature or more nurture?”

She hummed.

“Because it occurs to me that it’s more about the gods we worship and the magic we perform. But we’re taught magic by our families. So it’s possible that, as children, we’re capable of all magic; we just learn certain kinds.”

“But there are magical children who are innately talented at certain things,” she countered.

Whit nodded, his hair ruffling against the pillow. “That’s true. But what about goddesses like Persephone? She’s queen of the underworld, but she’s also the goddess of spring. Which faction does she rule?”

“There are plenty of stories where winter and summer are at odds. Take Brighid and the Cailleach, for instance. The Cailleach literally holds Brighid captive because she wants dominion, wants it to be winter forever.”

Whit was silent for a while. “I’ve read versions of that story where the Cailleach and Brighid aren’t in opposition, where the Cailleach transforms into Brighid after drinking from a sacred well.”

Clover tilted her head up to look at him and smiled. “I like that one better.”

He returned her smile, lifting her hand to his lips. “Me, too.”

“If that’s true, then our children could learn all kinds of magic,” Clover said. “They could be superheroes.”

Whit chuckled. “Or they could just explore whatever magic they’re best at regardless of faction.”

Clover closed her eyes and snuggled in closer to him. “You’re so practical, Husband,” she praised.

They were quiet for a while. Whit was just enjoying the feeling of her body’s warmth, the sounds of their mingled breathing.

Finally, he sighed. “As someone who’s practical, I can’t help but think about where we’ll live now.”

“I’m sure my parents won’t mind if we stay here for a while—at least until we find an apartment.”

Whit frowned. “There’s a room above my shop. I’m using it for storage right now, but there’s a bathroom already. It wouldn’t be too much work to put in a kitchenette.”

Clover smiled up at him. “I’ll be happy wherever we are. A cozy little studio sounds perfect for newlyweds.”

“You’re so easy to please, Wife,” Whit admired.

“Well”—Propping herself up on her elbow, Clover leaned up and kissed him—“I wouldn’t say that. You’re just up to the challenge.”

Desire shot through Whit, and he pulled her closer, kissing her more deeply. He vaguely heard the sound of Clover’s phone chiming.

She moved to answer it, but he stopped her with another kiss. “Ignore it,” he said, his blood heating further.

Clover giggled. “I’m learning new things about you. Have I unleashed a monster?” But even as she placated him by stroking his hair, she reached for her phone.

She smiled down at the screen.

“Who is it?” Whit asked before pressing his lips to her bare collarbone.

“My brother. He said this is the last time he’s going to cover for me at work.” She set aside her phone. “He said it’s his wedding present to us.”

Whit’s eyes widened, and he sat up with a start. “Oh shit. It’s a work day. I have to go open the shop.”

Clover trailed her fingertips down his arm. “Do you though? Because…I have the whole day off.”

Whit looked at his wife—completely naked but for the sheet draped over her waist. He hesitated. “I really should take a look at the space. I could start moving things around if it’s not busy.”

“I have the whole day off, though. Won’t there be time for that later…like after lunch?”

She fixed him with a heated gaze, pouting her lips in a plea. His cock stiffened.

“You’re a bad influence,” he scolded playfully, pressing a kiss to her throat.

“The best kind,” she breathed.

It was well into the afternoon when they finally made it to the antique shop. But as Clover laced her fingers with his on the short walk from the truck to the door, he was glad he’d spent the morning the way he had. There was nothing better than that satisfied smile on her face.

When he reached the glass door, he found an envelope taped to it. Releasing Clover’s hand, he took down the note and opened it.

It read simply: Come to the house after you close.

Whit recognized Grandfather’s handwriting. He sighed, offering the paper to Clover to read.

“Do you want me to go with you?” she asked.

He didn’t know what to expect, and he wanted to protect her from the potentially hurtful things his grandfather might say to her. But they were in this together now, and she deserved to know the truth of the matter.

“Yes. We can pack up some stuff while we’re there.”

For the rest of the afternoon, Whit worked upstairs while Clover watched the cash register. It would be at least a couple of weeks before the space would pass for a proper apartment. But he’d managed to clean it up and move some of the stuff to his workroom.

As he drove to his grandfather’s house, a pit formed in Whit’s stomach. He didn’t know what to expect.

Clover rested her hand over his, smiling as he glanced at her.

“It will be all right,” she assured.

Turning his hand to squeeze her fingers, he returned her smile. “I know it will.”

Whit pulled into the driveway and parked. Then, he looked at his wife one more time to remind himself of why he was doing this before climbing out.

Clover rested her head against Whit’s arm while they stood on the doorstep, waiting for someone to answer his knock.

A few moments passed before Whit’s grandfather opened the door. He stared at them solemnly, the expression making Whit feel defiant.

Without a word, Grandfather stepped aside and motioned them toward the dining room.

Whit entered first, pulling Clover gently by the hand after him. But he stopped short when he saw Caldwell sitting at the table—papers spread out before him.

Whit blinked. “Caldwell? I didn’t see your car.”

Caldwell smiled tightly. “Grandfather picked me up.”

“I didn’t want to tip you off. Have a seat,” Grandfather said.

They moved to the dining room, and Clover took a seat beside Whit, who sat across from Grandfather.

“What is this?” Whit asked.

Grandfather smiled a mischievous grin. “I’m signing the house over to you right now.”

Whit’s mouth dropped open in shock.

Grandfather held up his hand to stop Whit from speaking—not that he was even capable of forming words at the moment. “I’m going to move into a senior living community. I had a lot of fun on that cruise. Your grandmother had been right to book it though gods know I resisted her. But you’re married now. You have a wife. And maybe one day, you’ll have children. You don’t want an old man hanging around all the time.”

“That’s not true,” Clover said. “We’d never want you to feel unwelcome.”

Grandfather smiled warmly at her. “It’s sweet of you to say so, dear.”

“I don’t understand.” Whit tried to wade through his confusion. “This isn’t what you said last night.”

Grandfather burst out laughing, a full-bellied laugh. “My boy, you think too much,” Grandfather remarked. “You weren’t always like that, you know. When you were younger, you never hesitated to open your heart and share your feelings.” He shook his head. “But along the way, you lost what was important. You only cared about things—the house, your shop, and all the useless trinkets inside. I couldn’t leave this plane without trying to help you.”

“Are you saying all of this was some joke?” Whit asked flatly.

“Not a joke,” Grandfather responded. “A life lesson. My gift to you. I held what you wanted most over your head in the hopes you would learn that it really didn’t matter at all. And you did! Congratulations.”

Whit sighed, covering his eyes as exhaustion drained him. “You are a troublesome old man.”

Grandfather grinned. “Ain’t I just?”

Lowering his hand from his eyes, Whit stared at his grandfather, a deep feeling of gratitude filling his heart. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome! Now, let’s get these papers signed already and be done with this business. I want to get to know my granddaughter-in-law.”