Chapter 13

The morning sun peeked over the horizon when Reed and Ellie stepped into Molly's Bewitched Bakery. The bell above the door jingled merrily, announcing their arrival.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite couple!" Molly exclaimed from behind the counter, her round face split in a wide grin. "Ellie, per your request, I've got your usual ready to go. Blueberry scones for you and a cinnamon roll the size of your head for Reed."

Reed laughed, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the gooey, oversized pastry. "Molly, you're incredible."

Molly winked. "It's all her, Sheriff. Now, you two lovebirds have fun today. And don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Ellie rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips as she accepted their coffee and pastries. "Thanks, Molly. We'll try to stay out of trouble."

As they settled into Ellie's car, Reed raised an eyebrow, curiosity gleaming in his amber eyes. "So, what's on the agenda for today? You've been awfully secretive."

Ellie grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. "After all the exhaustive work we've been doing, we need a break or we'll be too drained when the time comes. So, just a few surprises. Starting with... this."

She pulled into the parking lot of the Whispering Pines Gun Range, laughing at the look of shock on Reed's face.

"Target practice? El, you hate guns."

Ellie shrugged, a playful smile on her face. "But you love them. And today is about trying new things, stepping out of our comfort zones."

Reed shook his head, amazement and adoration warring on his face. "You never cease to surprise me, my beautiful Ellie."

They spent the morning at the range, Reed patiently teaching Ellie the proper stance, how to aim and fire. To his surprise and delight, she was a natural, her aim steadily improving with each shot.

"Remind me never to get on your bad side," Reed teased as they packed up, Ellie having thoroughly trounced him in their final round.

The next stop was even more surprising. A two-hour drive to the nearby city where Ellie had booked them a session at an indoor skydiving facility.

"I figured if we're going to take leaps in our relationship, we might as well practice the physical kind first," she joked as they suited up.

The experience was exhilarating, the rush of the wind, the feeling of weightlessness. But for Reed, the real thrill was watching Ellie, seeing the pure, uninhibited joy on her face as she soared.

Afterward, giddy with adrenaline and laughter, they found a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint. Over beer and slices loaded with toppings, they talked, really talked, in a way they hadn't in years.

"I can't believe you like pineapple on your pizza," Ellie teased, wrinkling her nose at Reed's choice. "I'm not sure I can be with someone with such questionable taste."

Reed grinned, taking an exaggerated bite. "Don't knock it till you've tried it, El. It's a sweet and savory masterpiece."

Ellie laughed, shaking her head. "I'll stick with my classic pepperoni, thanks. Some things are better left traditional."

But even as she said it, she knew it wasn't true. Not when it came to them. Their love, their bond, was anything but traditional. It was magical, unexpected, a constant adventure.

As the sun began to set, they found themselves walking hand in hand through a park, ice cream cones in their free hands. Ellie had opted for a daring flavor - lavender honey - while Reed had stuck with his tried and true chocolate.

"I have to admit," Reed said, licking a drip from his cone, "when you said you had surprises planned, I wasn't expecting all this. Target practice, skydiving, questionable pizza toppings..."

Ellie stopped, turning to face him. Her hazel eyes were soft, serious in a way that made Reed's heart skip a beat.

"Reed, I... I know I hurt you when I left. I didn't try to explain myself. I didn't fight for us." She shook her head. "I was young, na?ve, and overwhelmed by what was going on at the time. But I love you. I always have."

Reed stopped and turned to her. "I'm not always the best at expressing my feelings. At letting you in. You are everything to me."

"Reed-"

"You are everything to me, Ellie. I love you. I've never stopped. Not for a second. You've been my constant and no one has ever taken your place."

"I never want to do life without you again. Ever."

Reed felt his throat tighten, his eyes stinging with the force of his emotions. He pulled her close, his forehead resting against hers.

"I love you, my beautiful witch."