Page 9

Mia scowled at her usually reliable key when it failed to do its one job and open her front door. She wriggled it and huffed in annoyance. Just what she didn’t need after a long day nursing across the Hudsbury community. She loved her job, but there were weeks that it felt heavier than others. She tried the key again, hoping for third time lucky, and sighed when it let her down again. She’d just unzipped her bag, looking for her phone, when her door swung open.

‘Hey, Princess. My fault… I left my key in the lock on this side.’

‘It’s OK.’ She reached up to kiss Aiden.

‘I was explaining, not apologising. It was deliberate.’

‘Oh?’

‘I didn’t want you seeing anything until I’d finished. Bag please.’ He held out his hand.

‘Finished what?’

‘Your surprise.’ He stepped back to put the bag inside.

‘Can I come in now?’

‘Yes.’ He smiled. ‘But only if you close your eyes.’

‘Really?’

‘Please.’

Mia sighed and did as he asked.

‘Thank you.’ He stroked his hands down her arms, making her shiver as he entwined their fingers and tugged her towards him. ‘Step. Keep your eyes shut.’

He led her the few steps down her hallway and paused roughly where she thought the living room door was, let go of her hands, and stepped behind her. He reached up and covered her eyes with one hand.

‘Hey, I closed my eyes!’

‘I don’t want you to peek.’

‘Don’t you trust me?’

He stepped closer to her, pressing warmly against her back and sending a rush of his magic through her. She wasn’t gifted in her own right but loved that she could reflect and resonate his magic. ‘Of course I trust you.’ His breath was hot against her ear, and all trace of tiredness melted away. ‘But I’m still not letting you peek. Four steps forward.’

‘This is crazy.’ She giggled, excitement tingling through her. She could already smell the fire in the hearth, but under the smokiness was a hint of something green and plant-like too.

‘It’ll be worth it, I promise. Don’t you trust me?’ He placed a kiss just behind her ear.

‘You know I do. Always.’

‘Two more steps, please, this way.’ He guided her gently sideways. ‘Keep your eyes closed.’

‘I will.’

He pressed her shoulders down gently, and she sat carefully – but instead of the soft rug she’d expected, her fingers stroked woven wool. What was he up to?

‘OK, you can look now.’

Mia gasped as she opened her eyes. Her usually cosy living room had been transformed into something… incredible. The sofa had been pushed back, making way for huge pots that held tree branches which arched across the living room, illuminated by tiny golden specs of light that flickered and danced amongst the leaves. Large jars filled with herbs and Aiden’s magic burned in a circle, flickering different colours across the room, and lighting up the pinecones and branches that added their soft scent.

‘Oh, Aiden, this is wonderful.’

‘I couldn’t quite get an entire willow tree in here’ – he sat next to her – ‘but there are sausages already in the oven, rolls and onion relish.’

‘You’re recreating our first official date… indoors?’