Chapter 8

Celeste stepped out into the crisp evening air, her arm linked with Molly’s as they left the Lone Wolf Café behind. The streets of Whispering Pines were alive with the gentle hum of conversation and the soft glow of street lamps casting a warm and inviting atmosphere.

“So, where to first?” Celeste asked, a playful smile dancing on her lips. She felt a surge of excitement coursing through her veins, eager to explore the town’s nightlife with her newfound friend.

Molly grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, I have a few ideas up my sleeve,” she replied, her voice laced with anticipation. “But first, we need to make a quick stop at the Bewitched Bakery. I have a surprise for you.”

Celeste raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “A surprise? Molly, you shouldn’t have.”

Molly waved her hand dismissively. “Nonsense. It’s not every day we get to have a proper girls’ night out. And besides, what’s a little surprise between friends?”

As they walked along the rough-hewn streets, Celeste couldn’t help but marvel at the quaint charm of Whispering Pines. The small shops and cafes that lined the sidewalk seemed to hold a certain magic, their windows displaying an array of enchanting wares.

The Bewitched Bakery came into view, its storefront adorned with twinkling fairy lights and a whimsical sign that depicted a cupcake with a witch’s hat. The aroma of freshly baked treats wafted through the air, making Celeste’s mouth water.

Molly pushed open the door, the tinkling of a bell announcing their arrival. The interior of the bakery was just as enchanting as the outside, with shelves lined with an assortment of pastries and confections that seemed to sparkle with a magical sheen.

“Wait right here,” Molly instructed, disappearing behind the counter. She rummaged through a few boxes before emerging with a triumphant grin, holding a small, ornate box.

Celeste watched with growing anticipation as Molly placed the box on the counter and lifted the lid. Inside, nestled on a bed of soft tissue paper, were two delicate cupcakes, each topped with a swirl of shimmering frosting.

“These,” Molly announced, her voice filled with pride, “are my special fortune cupcakes. One bite, and you’ll get a glimpse of your future.”

Celeste’s eyes widened, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through her. “Are you serious? They can really show me my future?”

Molly winked, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Only one way to find out,” she said, plucking a cupcake from the box and holding it out to Celeste.

With a deep breath, Celeste accepted the cupcake, the weight of it feeling substantial in her hand. She glanced at Molly, who nodded encouragingly before taking a tentative bite.

The moment the cupcake touched her tongue, Celeste’s world exploded in a kaleidoscope of colors and sensations. Images flashed before her eyes, a whirlwind of scenes she could barely comprehend.

She saw herself, standing hand in hand with Kade, their faces aglow with love and happiness. She saw the Lone Wolf Café, bustling with customers and filled with the sound of laughter. And she saw Whispering Pines, the town she had come to call home, thriving and vibrant, a beacon of magic and community. She saw herself holding a small girl by the hand.

As the visions faded, Celeste blinked, her heart racing with the weight of what she had seen. She turned to Molly, her eyes wide with wonder.

“That was... incredible,” she breathed, her voice trembling with emotion. “Is that really what the future holds?”

Molly smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “The future is always in motion, Celeste. But those cupcakes have a way of showing us the path we’re meant to walk. And from what I saw on your face, it looks like a pretty bright future ahead.”

A sense of hope and excitement for what lay ahead filled Celeste. There would be challenges and obstacles to overcome, but if those cupcakes were right, her future looked beautiful.

“Thank you, Molly. This is already shaping up to be the best girls’ night ever.”

Molly grinned, linking her arm with Celeste’s once more. “Oh, honey, we’re just getting started. The night is young, and we have a whole town to paint red.”

A little while later, Celeste and Molly found themselves at Molly’s cozy apartment nestled above the Bewitched Bakery. The aroma of freshly baked treats mingled with the savory scent of pizza as they stepped inside, greeted by the inviting atmosphere.

To their delight, Daisy Bloom was already there, her bubbly personality filling the room with laughter. She had a bottle of wine in one hand and a stack of pizza boxes in the other, a grin spreading across her face when she saw them.

“Well, look who decided to join the party,” Daisy exclaimed, setting the pizza and wine on the coffee table. “I hope you ladies are ready for a night of fun because I’ve got enough pizza and wine to keep us going until dawn.”

Celeste and Molly exchanged a smile. They settled onto the plush sofa, the soft cushions enveloping them in comfort. Daisy poured each of them a generous glass of wine, the rich, ruby liquid swirling in the glasses.

As they dug into the pizza, the conversation flowed freely, laughter punctuating the air. The three women shared stories and dreams, their bond growing stronger with each passing minute.

“So, ladies,” Daisy said, a mischievous glint in her eye, “let’s talk about men. Because I have had zero luck lately in that department. So what are we looking for in our perfect match?”

Molly sighed, a dreamy expression on her face. “Oh, I want someone who can make me laugh, someone who doesn’t take life too seriously. And of course, he has to appreciate my baking skills.”

Celeste chuckled, taking a sip of her wine. “For me, it’s all about the connection. That spark, you know? I need him to understand me, even when I don’t fully understand myself.”

As the words left her lips, Celeste’s mind drifted to her own romantic past. Snippets of memories of disappointing dates and failed relationships flashed before her eyes, a twinge of sadness tugging at her heart.

“Let’s just say I don’t think my track record hasn’t been the best,” she admitted, a wry smile on her face. “I seem to have a knack for attracting the wrong kind of guys.”

Daisy reached over, giving Celeste’s hand a comforting squeeze. “Oh, honey, we’ve all been there. But I have a feeling your luck is about to change. Whispering Pines has a way of bringing the right people together.”

Molly nodded in agreement, a knowing smile on her face. “And I think we all know a certain brooding wolf who might just be the perfect match for our dear Celeste.”

Celeste felt a blush creep up her cheeks, her heart fluttering at the thought of Kade. Ah hell. She didn’t want to be too obvious, but she wanted Kade damn bad. He was so kind, sweet, strong, and a beast in bed. Plus, she couldn’t deny the pull she felt toward him, the way his presence both excited and comforted her. Her heart already claimed him as her own, but her brain kept telling her to think it through.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, the women sharing funny stories and playful banter. They laughed until their sides ached, the warmth of friendship and wine filling the room.

Suddenly, a memory flashed through Celeste’s mind, a face she hadn’t thought of in what felt like ages. Her adoptive sister, the one constant in her life before coming to Whispering Pines.

“Oh my gosh,” Celeste gasped, her eyes widening. “I…I have a sister. I need to call her. We were on the phone when I crashed my car. She must be worried sick about me.”

Molly and Daisy exchanged a glance, their expressions filled with understanding. Molly reached for her phone, handing it to Celeste.

“Here, use my phone,” she said, a reassuring smile on her face. “Take all the time you need.”

Celeste stepped into the kitchen, her fingers trembling slightly as she dialed the familiar number. The phone rang once, twice, before a voice she knew well answered on the other end.

“It’s me, Celeste.”

“Celeste? Is that really you?” her sister’s voice came through the phone, a mixture of worry and joy.

“It’s me, sis,” Celeste replied, her own voice thick with emotion. “I’m so sorry I didn’t call sooner.”

“Are you okay? I’ve been calling every town with the name Whispering in it and none of them are where you are. I know it was Whispering Pines. I remember you saying it. But it’s like it doesn’t exist.”

“I am so sorry. I had a car accident and I lost my phone among other things. Things have been... well, let’s just say it’s been an adventure.”

“But you’re okay?”

She proceeded to assure her sister that she was safe and happy, promising to call back at a more decent hour to fill her in on all the details. As she hung up, Celeste felt a weight lift from her shoulders, a sense of peace washing over her. She remembered a little more. Not everything, but more.

Returning to the living room, Celeste found Molly and Daisy engrossed in a conversation about the latest romantic comedy they had watched. They were gushing over the lead actor, a certain heartthrob named Heath Ledger.

“Oh my gosh, he was so dreamy in that movie,” Daisy said, her eyes wide with admiration. “Those dimples, that smile... I could watch him all day.”

Molly nodded in agreement, a wistful sigh escaping her lips. “And the way he looked at her, like she was the only woman in the world. Talk about swoon-worthy.”

Celeste settled back onto the sofa, a smile playing on her lips as she listened to her friends’ animated chatter. She reached for another slice of pizza, the warm, gooey cheese a comforting presence in her hand.