45. Daisy

CHAPTER 45

Daisy

A fter the movie last night, Daisy and Sloan were too tired to talk like Daisy had planned. They changed, and with some convincing, Sloan climbed into the bed with Daisy, where they both passed out instantly. Daisy hadn't planned to wake up curled against Sloan, but she also wasn't going to complain. Feeling Sloan's heat against her chest reminded her why she was here and what she truly wanted.

The first full day of Mixing Our Spirits is a blur. Daisy, along with Sloan, do their best to visit as many of the activities as possible. One of the more popular options is the visit to Dee-lightful Farms. Pumpkin carving contests, apple picking, and hayrides appear to be the most attended events as the farm is filled with their guests laughing with each other. Everywhere Daisy turns, she sees their work come to life. Everywhere she looks, she also sees what she missed out on, and it is here that she vows to make sure that no one else in Leeside experiences the kind of ostracization that she did.

"You have a wonderful turnout," Petra says as she comes up behind Daisy and Sloan. "We've had so many people coming up to us, thanking us for having them."

Daisy and Sloan look at each other, and a silent conversation happens before Daisy says, "Honestly, we can't thank you enough for the opportunity. Organizing this was an… experience. That said, we would do it all again to see these people feel a sense of connection they haven't had in a long time."

"Well, we're so happy it worked out, and we can't wait to see what you two can create for next year," Ecia, the troll representative for the supernatural council, says, winking playfully.

Anxiety flows through Daisy, causing her magic to spark unexpectedly. "Careful. We don't want to set fire to the farm now," Sloan jokes, taking her hand and instantly calming her.

"Ha, ha. I've got much better control of it now, thank you."

Sloan squeezes her hand quickly three times in reassurance and lets go.

"Anyway, we wanted to stop by and let you know how pleased the council is, and we look forward to working together again on future events," Ecia says.

Petra leans over and gives Daisy a giant hug. "I'm so proud of you, Daze. I knew you would show everyone who you truly are—a badass witch with a heart of gold!"

"Thanks, westie," Daisy replies. After a life being told she is worthless and a bottom-feeder, it's hard to accept that she has done something well. Something that others are legitimately happy to see her succeed at. She does her best to silence that kernel of doubt that maybe this is all an elaborate prank. But try as she might, it's not until Sloan's hand finds hers again that the thoughts finally stop. It's as if Sloan has been her key the entire time.

Barker waves at them as they approach the shuttle bus to be taken back to The Dandelion. Daisy waves back and mouths thank you . He didn't need to be as kind as he was, but he accepted that her heart belonged to someone else long before she realized that was the case.

Once back at the inn, Daisy and Sloan complete another circuit of the activities, stopping in at the painting class, the spa, and even the yoga class. With their circuit complete, they settle on the sofas in the main lounge, and each breathes a sigh of relief. Everything has been going off without a single hitch. It's magical.

Wait.

Daisy lays her head back on the back of the couch. Staring at the ceiling, she asks the question that will haunt her if it's true. "This may be a dumb question, but you haven't been using your power to ensure this weekend goes smoothly, have you?"

Sloan scoffs. "Do you really think I would do something like that?"

Turning to look at Sloan, Daisy levels her with a suspicious glare. "That doesn't answer the question."

Sloan shifts, turning her entire body to face Daisy head on. "No, Daisy, I haven't tampered with this weekend. I'm appalled that you would even feel the need to ask."

A long breath escapes Daisy, a mix of relief and self-doubt. The weekend has been so perfect that she felt she needed to ask to be sure. "I didn't necessarily think that you did, but I think I needed to ask to be sure there was no outside influence. I'm still struggling to believe that I—no, we —pulled this off. That I've been a part of something so good."

Sloan's hand finds Daisy's chin, and with her forefinger and thumb, she makes Daisy look at her. Her chocolate eyes are heated. "You, my cupcake, have so much to be proud of. You are kind, caring, and so entirely selfless that I can only hope to live up to a shred of what you put into the world. I've said it before, and I will say it again: I am so sorry that I had any part in your pain and that my actions led you to believe you are less than you are."

Hearing that nickname from Sloan again ignites her insides. Hope fills her. Hope that Sloan feels the same way she does. Hope that what Sloan says is true.

Daisy wipes a tear away. She's never been a big crier, but goddess, has she done a lot of it lately. "Thank you. I needed to hear that. It's so hard. I get stuck in my head and worry that I'm fucking it all up."

Sloan's hand releases her, and in that single move, Daisy feels lost and untethered. "Babe, look around. This is a resounding success. Everyone is happy and forming new relationships. Everything that happens here will ripple out into the community. I can feel it."

Daisy smiles faintly. She wants to believe it. She desperately wants to believe that how she is perceived is changing. Only time will tell.

"While we have a moment, and we seem to be in a good place, can we talk about us?" Daisy asks hesitantly.

Sloan tenses, turning her body away slightly but keeping her face toward Daisy.

Daisy lifts her eyes, meeting Sloan's. Despite the sudden nerves rattling throughout her body, she relaxes in the seat, knowing what she is about to say is something she feels with all her heart. "I'm sorry for pushing you away. I have been terrified to let myself fall into this. Into us . I think I was trying to keep you at a distance so that I wouldn't risk being hurt, and in doing so, I hurt you. I never meant to do that. I have feelings for you and have for a while. I hope you have, or still have, feelings for me. I would love nothing more than to give us a shot, and I hope you do, too."

Sloan sucks in a breath as if there isn't enough air in the lounge. She folds forward, placing her head between her knees. Daisy's hand reaches out of its own volition and begins rubbing comforting circles over Sloan's back. Daisy probably should have held off, but the urge to touch and comfort her was too much. Their brief moments of handholding have not satisfied her need to feel her.

Once Sloan has composed herself enough, her breath returning to normal, she sits up, taking Daisy's hand in hers. She caresses the soft skin along the underside of Daisy's wrist, sending goosebumps up her arm and down to her toes. Please. Please say you want this too . Sloan removes one hand, sliding it under Daisy's hair and cradling the back of her neck. She leans forward, resting their foreheads together, and says, "I thought you'd never ask," before her lips find Daisy's in a gentle kiss.