Chapter 4

FOUR

M ari's heart raced as she stepped into her new bakery, the comforting scent of freshly painted walls and dust-free counters enveloping her. She paused for a moment, inhaling deeply and allowing the familiar aromas to soothe her frazzled nerves. This was her fresh start, a chance to reclaim her life and rediscover her passions—and maybe, just maybe, find a little magic along the way.

As she unpacked boxes and added whimsical touches to the décor, Mari's thoughts drifted to Arden, the handsome deputy with the piercing green eyes. A mix of excitement and nervousness fluttered in her chest at the prospect of seeing him again. She shook her head, trying to dispel the distraction and focus on the task at hand. After all, she was here to bake, not to ogle the local eye candy.

Suddenly, the tinkling of the bell above the door jolted Mari from her musings, its cheerful chime echoing through the bakery like a chorus of giggling fairies. She turned as a vibrant array of quirky townsfolk filed into the shop, their faces alight with warm smiles and welcoming expressions.

Over the years, her sister Molly had talked about these people so much, Mari felt like she knew all of them already.

Leading the charge was Daisy Bloom, her bright pink hair bouncing with each enthusiastic step. "Welcome to Whispering Pines, Mari!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight. Before Mari could respond, Daisy bounded forward, enveloping her in a friendly hug that nearly knocked the wind out of her. Mari couldn't help but laugh, returning the embrace with equal warmth.

"Thank you, Daisy," Mari said, feeling the sincerity behind Daisy's words. "I'm thrilled to be here."

As Daisy stepped back, Ivy Sullivan, the owner of the Green Thicket Tea House, approached with a knowing smile. Her green eyes sparkled with mischief as she pressed a beautifully woven basket into Mari's hands. The scent of fragrant herbal teas and freshly baked scones wafted up, causing Mari's mouth to water.

"A little something to help you settle in," Ivy said, her voice as smooth as honey. She winked conspiratorially, leaning in close. "The lavender scones are infused with a touch of calming magic, perfect for those long days in the kitchen."

Mari's heart swelled with gratitude, touched by Ivy's thoughtful gesture. "This is so kind of you, Ivy. I can't wait to try them."

The bell chimed again, and Mari looked up to see Luna Nightshade, Tabitha Greer, and a very pregnant Celeste Blackwood entering the bakery. The three witches radiated an aura of shared understanding, their eyes sparkling with the knowledge of the magical world they inhabited.

Luna, her silver-streaked black hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders, approached Mari with a serene smile. "Good morning, Mari," she said, her voice soft and soothing like a gentle breeze. "If you ever need help practicing magic or assistance with your powers, don't hesitate to ask."

Mari felt a lump form in her throat, overwhelmed by the kindness and support these women offered. "Thank you, Luna. That means more to me than you know."

Celeste, her hand resting on her swollen belly, nodded in agreement. "We witches have to stick together," she added, her emerald eyes shining with a gentle smile. "Plus, I can't wait to see what magical creations you come up with in this bakery. I have a feeling my little one is going to be your biggest fan."

Laughter filled the air, and Mari found herself joining in, the weight of her past struggles momentarily lifted from her shoulders.

The bell chimed once more, and Ellie Theren entered, cradling her adorable baby Asher in her arms. The little boy's cherubic face lit up when he saw Mari, his tiny hands reaching out to her, grasping at the air with unbridled excitement.

"Someone wants to say hello," Ellie cooed, her expression soft with motherly love.

Mari's heart melted as she gently took Asher into her arms, his warm weight a comforting presence against her chest. The little boy gurgled joyfully, his tiny fingers wrapping around a lock of Mari's hair.

"Well, hello there, handsome," Mari whispered, her voice filled with affection. "Aren't you just the sweetest little thing?"

Asher giggled in response, his laughter like the tinkling of wind chimes on a breezy day. Mari found herself smiling, a genuine, heartfelt smile that reached her eyes for the first time in months.

As the townsfolk shared stories and presented small gifts, their warmth and acceptance wrapped around Mari like a comforting blanket. She listened intently, laughing at humorous anecdotes and marveling at the magical tales they shared.

Daisy regaled her with stories of mischievous ghosts playing pranks in her pharmacy, while Ivy spoke of the enchanted herbs she grew in her garden. Luna and Tabitha shared wisdom from their years of practicing magic, offering Mari guidance and support. Celeste, her hand never leaving her belly, talked about the joys and challenges of impending motherhood.

And through it all, little Asher cooed and gurgled, his tiny hand clinging to Mari's finger as if he, too, wanted to welcome her to Whispering Pines.

For the first time since her divorce, Mari felt a sense of belonging, a glimmer of hope that this magical town could truly become her home. The weight of her past seemed to lighten with each passing moment, replaced by the warmth and acceptance of these extraordinary individuals.

The real adventure began when Molly, ever the meddlesome sister, practically dragged Mari to the Lone Wolf Café for lunch, her eyes gleaming with mischief like a cat who'd just spotted a particularly juicy mouse.

As they entered the cozy establishment, the mouthwatering scent of freshly grilled burgers and the rich aroma of coffee enveloped them, making Mari's stomach grumble in anticipation. But her hunger was quickly forgotten when her gaze landed on Arden, sitting nearby like a delectable dessert just waiting to be savored.

Molly, observant as ever, nudged Mari with her elbow. "Close your mouth, sis. You're drooling."

Mari snapped her jaw shut, heat rushing to her cheeks. "I am not!" she hissed, tearing her gaze away from Arden and sliding into a booth.

Throughout the meal, Mari found herself stealing glances at Arden, her sandwich suddenly tasteless compared to the sight of him. Each time their eyes met, her heart raced, and she quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in the menu or the fascinating pattern of the tablecloth—anything to avoid getting lost in those dreamy green eyes.

Molly, unable to contain her amusement, leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You should go on a date with him," she suggested, waggling her eyebrows like a cartoon villain hatching a dastardly plan.

Mari nearly choked on her sandwich, coughing and sputtering as she reached for her water. "Molly!" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of shock and embarrassment. "I'm forty-five, and he looks like he's barely thirty. I could be his mother."

"Oh, please!" Molly laughed, her eyes crinkling with mirth. "You're a hot, single witch, not a nun. And while you could be a mom, you're not his mom. It could still work out—just think of the magical possibilities."

"I'm just saying," Molly continued, waving her hand in Arden's direction, "he's been eyeing you like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Or, well, a wolf in deputy's clothing."

Mari snorted, nearly spraying water across the table. "Molly!" she admonished, grabbing a napkin to dab at her face. "I'm pretty sure he's just being friendly. You know, welcoming the new witch in town and all that."

Molly leaned back, a knowing smirk on her face. "Sure, sure. And I don't try a cookie from every batch I make."

Despite her best efforts to dismiss her sister's teasing, Mari couldn't help but steal another glance at Arden. He was engrossed in conversation with Kade Blackwood, the owner of the café, but as if sensing her gaze, he turned, catching her eye once more. This time, he winked, a playful gesture that sent a flutter of butterflies through Mari's stomach.

Molly grinned triumphantly. "See? He's totally into you."

Mari ducked her head, focusing intently on her sandwich as if it held the secrets of the universe. "You're reading too much into it," she mumbled, hoping her hair would hide the blush creeping up her neck.

"I dunno about that," said Molly, "I don't think he's looking at Kade that way."

A giggle escaped from Mari's lips before she could stop it. "Okay, okay, you've made your point," she conceded, shaking her head in amusement. "But I'm not going to just ask him out like some lovesick teenager."

"Why not? You've got magic on your side." Molly grinned, wiggling her fingers as if casting a spell. "Just whip up a love potion, and he'll be putty in your hands."

"Molly!" Mari exclaimed, her eyes widening in horror. "That's not how magic works, and you know it."

"Relax, I'm just kidding." Molly laughed, holding up her hands in surrender. "But seriously, Mari, there's no harm in seeing where this could go. You deserve some happiness after everything you've been through."

Mari sighed, her gaze drifting back to Arden. As much as she hated to admit it, Molly had a point. The attraction between them was undeniable, and the idea of exploring it sent a thrill down her spine. Maybe, just maybe, there was a grain of truth in her sister's words.

"I'll think about it," Mari said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But no love potions, okay?"

Molly grinned, holding up her pinky finger. "Pinky promise. No love potions, just good old-fashioned flirting and maybe a little magical nudge here and there."

Maybe, just maybe, Molly was right. Maybe this was her chance to embrace the magic of new beginnings and take a leap of faith. After all, what did she have to lose? Her dignity? Her pride? Her sanity? Pfft, those were overrated anyway.

With a newfound sense of determination- and a healthy dose of butterflies in her stomach -Mari decided to take the plunge. She would regret it if she started to think about it too much, so she decided to act on her impulse, something she'd never done. Hell, she didn't even know how to flirt, but she was gonna try. She took a deep breath, channeled her inner goddess, and sauntered over to Arden's table, her hips swaying like a pendulum of seduction. If she didn't make a complete fool out of herself, she'd be damned proud.

"Hey, there, handsome," she purred, her voice dripping with honey and spice. "I couldn't help but notice you noticing me."

Arden looked up, his green eyes sparkling with amusement and a hint of something more. "Well, well, well," he drawled, a slow grin spreading across his face. "If it isn't the enchanting new dessert goddess in town. I was wondering when you'd come over and say hello."

Mari felt a blush creep up her neck, but she refused to let it show. Instead, she leaned in closer, her lips curving into a coy smile. "What can I say? I like to keep a man waiting. Builds anticipation."

With a wink and a sway of her hips, Mari turned and sashayed back to her table, feeling like a deity of love and baked goods. Molly, her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and glee, leaned in close, her voice a conspiratorial whisper.

"Did you just...? Did he...? Are you...?"

Mari grinned and couldn't believe what she'd just done. "Yes, yes, and oh, most definitely yes." Wow. Now she needed to get the hell out of there or she'd pass out.