Page 43 of Howling for Cupcakes

As the celebration continued in full swing, Arden leaned close to Mari, his breath tickling her ear. “Can I steal you away for a moment? There’s something I want to show you in the kitchen.”

Curious and excited, Mari allowed Arden to lead her through the crowd and into the cozy interior of the bakery. The familiar scents of sugar, spice, and everything nice enveloped them, and Mari felt a rush of pride and love for the haven she had created.

Arden guided her to a small table in the corner, where a single cupcake sat on a delicate china plate. Mari recognized it as one of Molly’s special creations, the frosting swirled in an intricate pattern that seemed to hold a secret message.

“Be careful when you take a bite,” Arden said, his voice soft and filled with anticipation.

Intrigued, Mari leaned closer to inspect the cupcake. As she did so, a glint of light caught her eye, and she gasped. There, nestled atop the creamy frosting, was a ring - a stunning band of gold adorned with a sparkling diamond that seemed to capture all the love and promise of their relationship.

Tears of joy welled up in Mari’s eyes as Arden dropped to one knee before her, his handsome face alight with love and sincerity. He took her hand in his, his touch sending a thrill of electricity through her body.

“Mari, my beautiful witch,” Arden began, his voice thick with emotion. “I knew you were my mate the moment I saw you. You’ve shown me what it means to be brave, to fight for what you believe in, and to never give up on love. You’ve brought joy, laughter, and magic into my life, and I can’t imagine spending a single day without you by my side. I promise to be your partner in every adventure, to support you in your dreams, and to make you laugh every day. And I promise to take those dance lessons with you, so we can dazzle everyone at our wedding. Will you marry me?”

Mari couldn’t contain her excitement any longer. She jumped up and down, her heart bursting with happiness, before throwing her arms around Arden’s neck and peppering his face with kisses. “Yes, yes, yes!” she exclaimed, her voice ringing with joy.

Arden slipped the ring onto her finger, a perfect fit, before rising to his feet and pulling her into a passionate embrace. They kissed, pouring all their love and devotion into the tender moment, as the sounds of cheers and applause filled the bakery.

Their friends, who had been watching from the doorway, burst into the room, their faces alight with happiness and congratulations. Hugs were exchanged, tears were shed, and laughter echoed off the walls as the celebration took on a new meaning - the joining of two hearts, two lives, two souls.

As the festivities continued, Mari and Arden found a quiet moment to themselves, standing in the warm glow of the bakery’s twinkling lights. They held each other close, their hearts beating in perfect sync as they whispered promises and dreams for the future.

“I never thought I could be this happy,” Mari confessed, her eyes shining with love. “I was scared when I met you. Scared to hope. But now I know that hope should never die. That love always finds a way.”

“I love you, my beautiful witch.”

She leaned in and kissed him. “I love you my handsome wolf.”

The end…for now.