Page 57 of Herbs & Hex-breaking

“Any sort of dessert would be good,” Circe said. “Our family is huge.”

Circe and Lorna began discussing options as they left. I overheard Circe tell Lorna we’d be leaving around eleven and how she and Dex could ride with us, as they let themselves out.

“And you?” I asked Dex. “Would you like to have Thanksgiving dinner with me and my family? There’ll be plenty of sides, so you can stick to your vegetarian diet—”

My words were cut off as he leaned over and kissed me. “Yes,” he said, lifting his lips from mine. “Yes, I would.”

“Good.” I kissed him again. “I think it’s important for you to meet my family.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said as we sat there on the couch smiling at each other.

“Well,” I said, scooching forward so I could more easily stand. “I suppose we better get started making—”

Dex jumped to his feet, dropped his hands to my hips, and began to steer me toward my bedroom. “Gods, I love you.”

“Dex.” I chuckled. “I meant that I needed to get started with the baking. I still have to put a couple of apple pies together.”

He swooped down and planted one on me. My mind went blank for a few moments until I felt the back of my knees bump against the mattress.

“Er...Dex?” I said. “I’m not saying, no. But I’m still covered in bruises. I don’t look so good.”

“You’re absolutely beautiful,” he said, nudging me back to sit on my bed.

“Well, I—”

Don’t worry, Kate,” he said, his voice rumbling low. “I’ll be gentle.”

Hearing that, I shivered.

Dex dropped his hands on either side of my hips as he bent over me. “We can set the alarm and get up early tomorrow. I’ll be happy to help you bake those pies—” He kissed me long and hard before lifting his mouth from mine. “—in the morning.”

I smiled up at him. “Aren’t you sweet?”

He eased me down to the mattress. “When I get done with you, I promise that you’re going to think I’m a hell of a lot more than sweet.”

And with a burst of laughter, we happily lost ourselves in each other.

EPILOGUE

Thanksgiving eve was the turning point in our relationship. Dex and I were now officially a couple, and I’d never been happier. He and Lorna joined my family for Thanksgiving dinner, and we all had a great time.

Oh, and in case you wondered…Dex did in fact help me get those apple pies in the oven early the next morning. Once the pies were in and the timer was set, he picked me up, sat me on the counter and proceeded to thoroughly make love to me…in the kitchen.

It was fabulous, but now I can’t smell apples and cinnamon without getting turned on.

The holidays passed in a colorful and happy blur. My Yia-yia sent me a new Hekate’s Wheel pendant from Greece that was enchanted—or blessed if you prefer—by her. I wear it every day now.

In late January, Dex and I went to Hattie and Johnny’s wedding. Lorna and Circe also attended. It was a beautiful day, and the four of us sat at a table together at the reception.

Hattie was stunning in her vintage bridal gown, and I was touched to see that she still was wearing the protective pendant that I’d given her. Johnny was handsome in his navy-blue tux, and each reception table boasted a large bouquet of blue hydrangeas, which the magickal herbalist in me approved of. Those blooms would help enforce protection for the bride and groom’s big day, plus they also symbolize devotion.

Circe returned to our table carrying four glasses: a soft drink for Dex and white wines for the rest of us.

“Guess what?” she said, placing my drink in front of me. “I just overheard Hattie’s mom telling someone that Jolene came down with a rampant case of mono, and that she had to miss her cousin’s big day.”

“What a shame,” Lorna said dryly.

“Couldn’t have happened to a nicer person,” Circe agreed.