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‘Well, that too. But mostly I wanted to make sure you had this moment.’ He kissed her temple.

‘You know I have spells that will protect it, and your batters, while we work.’ Ophelia studied the rings. ‘Diamonds and emeralds – for commitment and unconditional love. Beautiful choice. So, so many congratulations to you both!’

‘Thank you.’ Mia beamed again. ‘Don’t worry, Kitikat. I’ll let the shock wear off a bit before I remind you about your pinkie promise to be my bridesmaid!’

‘That was years ago.’

‘I still don’t want anyone else. You still will, won’t you?’

‘Of course I will!’ She squealed and hugged her friend, before her face fell. ‘Pixie poop. I’ve just remembered the other part of that promise. You’re not planning to hold me to the pink lace dress bit, are you?’

‘Depends on how many more times you hit my fiancé.’ She laughed. ‘Wow. I have a fiancé!’

Aiden grinned. It was amazing how much his life had changed in a few short months.

‘Oh, crusty cauldrons!’ Katie borrowed another curse from her other half. ‘I need to go. I’m going to be late for school… and the kids get really sarcastic about that.’ She hugged Aiden, then Mia, quickly. ‘I really am thrilled for you both. Shocked… but still thrilled. And I’m expecting all the details later!’

‘You’re not the only one who has to run,’ Mia admitted. ‘I’ll walk with you.’ She hesitated and reached up to brush a kiss against Aiden’s lips. ‘Have a good day, future husband.’ He felt it through his magic as she thrilled at the words.

‘Have a great day, future wifey.’

‘Oh, I like that.’ Mia smiled, even as Katie grabbed her hand and pulled her away.

‘Come on, work beckons.’

* * *

Four hours later Aiden placed a tray of tea and biscuits on the shop counter. ‘Time for a break.’

‘You do remember I’m your boss, right?’ Ophelia moved the crystals she was working on anyway.

‘Are you saying you don’t want to take a break and try my latest bake?’

‘I can fire you,’ she threatened with a laugh.

‘We’ve been over this. Mist would revolt and Katie would hire me back anyway.’

‘Hand over the treats already.’ She laughed and took a bite.

Did someone say treats? Mist leapt up to the counter.

‘These are good.’ Ophelia nodded. ‘Simple, clean, but tasty. Honey and oat I’m getting clearly… but there’s something else, isn’t there? Beneath your usual flourish and magic.’

It’s the honey. Mist sniffed. It’s heather and… blossom?

‘Apple blossom, according to Lily-Ann.’

Perfect for your first Imbolc since you awoke to magic, Mist purred approvingly.

‘She’s right.’ Ophelia smiled. ‘I think Imbolc might be one of my favourite festivals. Don’t get me wrong, I love Samhain and Yule, and Beltane is always good fun, but there’s something quite peaceful and special about the first day of spring.’

They all jumped at the loud bang that rattled the window, shattering anything peaceful.

‘I swear by the goddess if that’s Father Michaels again, I really will curse him – karma be damned!’ Ophelia stalked off and came back waving her favourite broomstick.

Aiden held his breath, waiting for the next blast of… whatever it was for a few seconds before gingerly investigating. He hoped he wasn’t about to get a holy water super-soaking or scolding from the local priest, though he was worried it was overdue. It had been a while since the elderly father had got it into his head to attempt exorcising Glimmers. Again.

He headed outside and winced when he found Mist gently batting a mangled heap of far-too-still whitish-blonde feathers. The bird’s head was hidden beneath one wing as if the poor critter had tried to protect itself at the last moment. Mist nudged the wing gently with her nose before looking up at him and letting out the saddest mewl he’d ever heard.