Chapter 16

Tabitha twirled in front of the full-length mirror, admiring her shimmering satin dress the color of autumn leaves. The garment hugged her curves before flaring into a flowy skirt perfect for dancing under the moonlight. She couldn't wait to see Bram's reaction when he laid eyes on her.

Their relationship had blossomed from a ruse into something real and wonderful. Bram brought joy and laughter into her life like no one else ever had. Tabitha wanted tonight to be magical - a night neither of them would ever forget.

She fastened a delicate silver pendant around her neck, an heirloom from her grandmother. Tabitha sensed the power thrumming within the metal as she whispered an enchantment. The necklace glowed faintly, imbuing her with an extra boost of charm and confidence. Perfect.

Slipping on strappy heels, she gave herself one last appraisal before heading out the door, excitement building in her chest. Whispering Pines was alive with activity as Tabitha strolled through the quaint cobblestone streets toward the festival grounds. Cheerful music drifted on the crisp evening air mingled with the sweet aroma of caramel apples and cinnamon donuts.

Townsfolk called out friendly greetings as she passed, their smiles warm and welcoming. In the months since moving here, Tabitha had made a concerted effort to get to know her neighbors, both human and supernatural. It warmed her heart to feel so accepted like she truly belonged.

Twinkling fairy lights in the trees cast a magical glow over the clearing where the festival was being held. Hay bales and pumpkins provided rustic autumn flair. Children shrieked with laughter as they bobbed for apples while couples swayed together on the dance floor.

"There you are," a deep, familiar voice rumbled behind her. "I was starting to think you'd changed your mind about being my date."

Tabitha turned to find Bram looking devastatingly handsome in dark jeans and an emerald-green Henley that made his eyes gleam. Her heart flipped at his roguish grin.

"And miss all this?" She gestured at the lively scene. "Not a chance. Besides, I believe I was promised a night of fun and romance."

"That you were." Bram produced a beautiful wrist corsage seemingly from thin air. Delicate orange roses and baby's breath were nestled among glowing amber crystals. "For you, my lady."

"It's stunning," Tabitha breathed as he slid it onto her wrist. The crystals pulsed with enchantment. "Where in the world did you find something like this?"

"I may have had some help from Celeste," Bram admitted with a wink. "She's a whiz with flower magic."

Speaking of the vivacious redhead, Celeste bounded up to them with Kade in tow, her emerald dress swishing around her ankles.

"You two are just the most gorgeous couple," she declared, pulling them both into an exuberant hug. "Doesn't Tabby look divine, Bram? That dress is to die for."

"She certainly does," Bram agreed, smiling down at Tabitha in a way that made her insides melt.

Kade chuckled and wrapped an arm around his wife. "All right, let's not embarrass them. There's plenty of time for that later."

They all laughed and chatted a bit longer before the cafe owner dragged his bubbly bride toward the refreshments. Bram took Tabitha's hand, lacing their fingers together.

"What do you say we check out some of these carnival games? I'm feeling lucky."

"You're on." Tabitha grinned. "But don't think I'll go easy on you."

They made their way to the ring toss, playfully trash-talking to each other. On her first throw, Tabitha's ring hooked neatly around the neck of a bottle. She whooped in victory.

"Nice one, city girl," Bram teased. "Beginner's luck."

"Skill," she corrected primly. "I have many talents you've yet to discover."

His eyes darkened. "I look forward to learning every single one."

Tabitha's cheeks heated at the flirtatious promise in his tone. Thankfully, he was distracted by his own turn, giving her a moment to collect herself. They continued from booth to booth, playing games and laughing, the competition between them good-natured.

It wasn't about winning, but simply sharing in the joy of being together. When Bram threw an arm around her shoulders, tucking her into his side, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

As night fell, twinkling stars emerged and the music shifted to slow, romantic songs. Couples began to drift onto the dance floor. Bram took Tabitha's hand and spun her beneath his arm before reeling her in close.

"Dance with me?" His voice was low and enticing.

Tabitha nodded, resting her palms on his broad shoulders as they began to sway together. She caught glimpses of their friends on the dance floor - Celeste and Kade gazing lovingly into each other's eyes, Reed and Ellie two-stepping with surprising grace for the gruff sheriff.

But then Bram drew her even nearer and the rest of the world faded away. All Tabitha could focus on was the heat of his body seeping into hers, the spicy vanilla scent of his cologne, and the soft caress of his hand on the small of her back.

Magic sparked to life inside her, drawn forth by the heady combination of moonlight and Bram's closeness. Unconsciously, she tapped into the elements, calling a gentle breeze to swirl around them as they turned on the dance floor.

Bram smiled as the wind teased his hair. "You never cease to amaze me," he murmured. "So beautiful and powerful."

Pride and affection surged through her. Here with Bram's arms around her, Tabitha had never felt more cherished, more complete. As the song ended, an elderly witch approached them, her silver hair coiled beneath a pointed hat.

"Pardon the intrusion," she said kindly. "I couldn't help but notice your magical display, young lady. You have a remarkable gift."

"Thank you," Tabitha replied, startled but pleased by the compliment. "I'm still learning to harness it."

The crone's eyes twinkled knowingly. "Keep practicing, my dear. I suspect it will lead you to uncover more about your family's legacy than you ever imagined possible."

With those cryptic parting words, she ambled away, leaving Tabitha blinking after her while questions whirled through her mind. Her family's legacy? Did this woman know something about her heritage that Tabitha herself was unaware of?

Bram squeezed her shoulders gently, bringing her back to the present. "You all right, love? You looked miles away."

Tabitha shook her head, smiling up at him. "I'm wonderful. Just pondering the mysteries of my past. But you know what? I think it's time Whispering Pines got a firsthand demonstration of what this witch can do."

Mischief sparked in Bram's eyes. "Oh really? This I have to see."

Taking a deep breath, Tabitha raised her hands and began to chant, ancient words of power falling from her lips. Streams of multi-colored light flowed from her fingertips, coalescing into shapes that danced above the crowd - leaping foxes, soaring owls, galloping horses.

The children clapped in delight as glowing butterflies flitted between the creatures. Adults gasped in wonder, their faces bathed in the magical glow. Tabitha conducted the display like an orchestra, her magic vibrant and strong, responding to her will.

As the final sparks faded away, the townsfolk burst into applause. Tabitha laughed breathlessly and took a little bow, glancing over to see Bram beaming at her with pride. He wrapped his arms around her waist and spun her in a circle.

"That was incredible!" he exclaimed. "You're amazing."

She grinned up at him, still riding the high of her successful performance. "Come on, let's take a walk before my head gets too big to fit through the door."

Hand in hand, they strolled to the quiet outskirts of the festival, fairy lights giving way to silver moonlight. A sense of peace enveloped them.

"I never thought I would find a place like this," Tabitha mused quietly. "Or a man like you. Someone who fills my life with laughter and happiness."

Bram smiled tenderly down at her. "A relationship was never part of my plan when I met you. But now? I can't imagine my world without you in it."

"Bram, that's so sweet."

"Does this mean you'll consider my offer to have a whole football team's worth of children together?"

Tabitha huffed out a very unladylike laugh and nudged him with her elbow. "Sure, if you're the one giving birth to them, stud."

"Ouch! You drive a hard bargain." His exaggerated wounded expression had her giggling again.

Bram grinned mischievously, his brown irises dancing with humor. "How about we name our firstborn son Bartholomew Reginald? We can call him Barfy for short."

Tabitha snorted inelegantly, nearly choking on her laughter. "Oh lord, that's awful. The poor kid would be scarred for life. No, no, if we're going for terrible names, we have to go all out. Like... Dorothea Ethel for a girl."

"Dorothea Ethel Hartley," Bram said, testing it out. He made a face. "Oof, yeah, that's rough. She'd never forgive us. What about Igor Gorgonzola Fartel."

"That child would need therapy from birth."

"Yeah. Isn't it great?"

"Okay, okay, I've got one." Tabitha could barely get the words out, she was giggling so hard. "Alphabeta Prudence."

Bram howled, clutching his stomach. "Wow. You win. That's got to be the worst one so far."

They leaned against each other, shoulders shaking with mirth. Every time they managed to compose themselves, they'd catch each other's eye and dissolve into laughter all over again.

Tabitha's cheeks ached from grinning so widely and there was a stitch in her side, but she couldn't remember the last time she'd laughed this freely, this unabashedly. Being with Bram was like basking in pure sunlight - he chased away every shadow, illuminating all the best parts of her.

Wiping tears of joy from her eyes, Tabitha gazed up at Bram, committing every beloved detail to memory - the adorable dimple in his left cheek and the way his hair curled just so over his brow. Her heart swelled with so much affection, she thought it might actually burst from the sheer happiness expanding inside her chest.

Just when she thought she couldn't possibly love this man more, Bram surprised her yet again. His chuckles faded and he reached out to tenderly brush a lock of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering.

"I want you to know how much I admire your courage. Uprooting your whole life, moving to a strange town, taking a chance on a magical inheritance - and on me. You're incredible."

Tabitha's breath caught at the sincere emotion shining in his expression. Bram took her hands in his much larger ones, enveloping them in comforting warmth.

"I know I tease and joke around a lot, but underneath all that, I need you to understand... You've brought so much light and laughter into my world. I didn't realize how much I was missing until you came along."

Tears welled up again, but this time they were born from the overwhelming swell of love and gratitude rising in Tabitha's throat, threatening to choke her. How had she gotten so lucky to find a man like Bram Hartley? Someone who could make her laugh until she cried one minute and feel treasured beyond measure the next.

"Bram, I..." Tabitha swallowed hard against the constriction in her chest. "You've changed my life too."

The kiss Bram gave her was searing in its intensity, sinking into her very bones. Tabitha melted into his sturdy body as he wrapped her in his strong arms, pouring every ounce of love and devotion into the hot press of his mouth on hers.

When they eventually surfaced for air, both were pleasantly dazed, pulses racing.

"We should probably control ourselves." She glanced around at the families with children all around them.

"Yeah. Don't need to get kicked out of the festival for indecent exposure."

She shook her head and elbowed his side.

"In all seriousness though," he said, eyes intent on hers, "let's talk about something that's been on my mind. What are your hopes and dreams for the future? Not the funny ones, but the deep desires of your heart?"

At her hesitation, he hurried to add, "You don't have to answer if it's too personal. I just want you to know that I'm here, and I'm always ready to listen without judgment."

Tabitha's throat tightened with emotion. Bram's earnest support touched her deeply. She realized there was nothing she couldn't share with this wonderful man.

"I want to use my magic to help people," she confessed softly. "To uncover my family's full history and hopefully heal old wounds. Most of all, I want a love that lasts - with loyalty, laughter, and a true partner to share all of life's ups and downs."

She stopped herself short of saying someone like you, but left the words hanging. She didn't want to sound too desperate.

Bram cupped her face between his big hands, his calloused thumbs ever so gently stroking her cheekbones. "You have me, Tabby cat. Now and for as long as you'll have me."

He dotted sweet kisses to her forehead, nose, and cheeks before claiming her mouth in a slow, thorough kiss that weakened her knees and sent tingles racing across her skin.

When lack of oxygen finally forced them apart, Tabitha noticed they had wandered to a secluded little hill overlooking the festival grounds. A checkered blanket was spread out, along with a wicker basket.

"What's this?" she asked.

"Thought we might like a private place to cuddle and watch the fireworks," Bram grinned. "Celeste helped me set it up earlier."

Tabitha pressed her face into his muscular chest to hide the sudden prick of happy tears. "Have I mentioned lately how wonderful you are?"

His husky chuckle rumbled beneath her cheek. "Hmm, I might need you to repeat that a few hundred times. Just to make sure it sinks in."

"Gladly," she laughed. "But first..."

Tabitha tugged Bram down onto the blanket and snuggled into his embrace, resting her head on his shoulder. He draped an arm around her, strong and secure. They gazed at the night sky, admiring the stars high above.

Suddenly, a burst of color lit up the heavens with a resounding boom. Pinks, greens, and purples exploded in showers of sparks. Tabitha sighed with pleasure, completely at peace in her love's arms as the fireworks show began.

Each new blast painted the sky in vivid hues - passionate crimsons giving way to cheerful yellows, then romantic lavenders fading to serene blues. It was as if the very universe was reflecting their growing love, their deepening bond.

Bram dropped a kiss on the top of her head and Tabitha laced her fingers through his, marveling at how perfectly they fit together.

As the fireworks built to a triumphant finale, Tabitha gazed into Bram's eyes, falling into their clear depths. She loved this man. And the thought didn't scare her anymore.