Page 16 of With the Potion in the Courtyard

I sat down beside him, the grass beneath us as plush as any cushion back home. The anticipation bubbled up inside me, a mix of hunger and curiosity about what Robbie had prepared. He opened the basket, revealing a spread that would make any gourmet chef nod in appreciation.

"Wow, you went all out," I said, impressed by the array of treats neatlypacked within.

"Only the best for this date," Robbie said with a wink. "I hope you're hungry."

"Starving," I admitted, and meant it too. The food looked delicious, sandwich triangles with crusts cut off, miniature quiches, and fruits that shone with a fresh dewiness. There were also little desserts, tiny cakes with frosting that glistened under the slowly fading light of the sunset.

We reached for the food at the same time, hands brushing against each other before we both pulled back and laughed a little awkwardly. Then, with a silent agreement, we began to share the meal. I took a bite of a sandwich, the flavors bursting on my tongue.

"Try this," Robbie handed me a quiche. "Made them myself."

"You're kidding," I said, and the taste was out of this world. It was perfect, the crust flaky and the filling savory. "These are amazing."

"Thanks." He beamed at the compliment. "Cooking's always been a passion of mine."

I passed him a slice of watermelon, watching as he bit into it, juice dribbling down his chin. We both chuckled, and he wiped it away with the back of hishand. We continued like that, exchanging favorites, offering bites, and chatting between mouthfuls. The food was fantastic, but the company. Even better.

"How is it that a man like you never married?" The second the question leaves my mouth, I wish I could take it back, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

He tilts his head, finishing chewing. "I had a few longer-term relationships, but none of them… felt exactly right. Even from the beginning, it was like not having a fitting when trying to put two PVC pipes together. It just didn’t quite work. And, eventually, I had to listen to that nagging voice at the back of my mind that I just hadn’t found the right person for me."

"I can understand that," I admitted. "I can’t regret my marriage because I got my amazing daughter out of it, but there were never any sparks with him. And, who knew, that spark was important?"

"Spark is so important. As important as similar interests and similar morals, maybe more so." He casts me a funny look. "That’s something I like about you. We seem to have all those things aligned, plus something else. Something I can’t put my finger on. And that somethingelse, I really like it."

My cheeks heat. "What’s a girl to say to that?"

"You don’t have to say anything," he tells me, lifting his glass.

I lift mine, and we clink glasses, then drink the sweet wine. We continue eating. I talk to him about gardening, and he talks to me about cooking. It’s nice that we’re both so excited about our hobbies. I feel like I could talk with Robbie forever.

"I never knew a picnic could be this much fun," I said after swallowing a particularly scrumptious chocolate-dipped strawberry.

"Me neither." Robbie looked at me over the top of a half-eaten scone. There was something in that look, a spark that seemed to say this was more than just a picnic. This was a beginning.

And I couldn't wait to see where it would lead.

The last bite of strawberry still lingered on my tongue when a soft melody began to weave through the air. I looked around, but no musicians were in sight. The sound seemed to bubble up from the very ground.

"Where's that coming from?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Robbie just winked and stood, offering his hand. "Does it matter?"

I giggled and took his hand, allowing him to pull me to my feet. We started swaying to the music, an impromptu dance on the plush grass. Above us, the sky was a canvas splashed with the deepest blues and purples, stars twinkling like glitter tossed by a playful hand.

"Ever danced under the stars before?" Robbie asked as we spun lightly.

"Can't say that I have." I laughed when he dipped me slightly, the world tilting in a delightful way.

"First time for everything." He grinned.

As we moved together, our laughter mingling with the enchanting tunes, I was lighter than I had in years. It was as if the magic had seeped into my bones, making me forget I was ever anything but this moment.

"Tell me about your dreams," Robbie said softly as we slowed, movingmore intimately now.

"Besides spoiling nonexistent grandchildren?" I said, then sighed. "I want a garden. Not just flowers, but a place where magic and nature meet. A sanctuary."

"I'd like to see that," Robbie said earnestly. "One day, maybe you'll create it."