Witching You Weren’t Snowed In (Witching You #2)

Epilogue

Leo

“Have I ever told you how much I love this mattress?” Sage stretched like a cat, and I pulled her closer, nuzzling my face into her neck. Our feet tangled together, my body wrapped around hers. I was a man obsessed.

“You have. I remember it vividly. Among other things.”

Sage chuckled and ran her fingers through my disheveled hair. “Well, as much as I adore it, and have plans to return pretty much exclusively, we can't stay in it all day. It's Christmas, and we have plans.”

“Plans to shovel? Because one of your magical storms basically shut down Cold Spell. Sorry, sweetheart, Christmas is cance—”

Her hand slapped over my mouth. “Don't ever say those words. And don't ever underestimate the magic of Christmas.”

Never again. It was impossible not to believe after I'd received everything I'd ever wanted this year. And the greatest gift of all was the incredible woman lying in my arms. I'd never look at snow the same way again. Every flake, every storm would remind me of her. Luckily, I owned a ski resort.

Sage rolled out of bed and shuffled to the window. She pulled back the heavy curtain and waved her arms like she was unveiling the world's most elaborate ice sculpture.

“See. That's the fun of mystical blizzards. All the snow. None of the cleanup. The roads are clear and the power's back on. Get dressed. We're having lunch with my parents.”

I should grieve the end of our snowed-in experience, and a part of me wanted to close the curtain and pretend, but I'd never had a true family Christmas before. While the Bennetts had their quirks, they cared about each other. If I was given the chance to earn even a little of that, not even a mountain of snow would keep me away.

“Do you think your dad will teach me how to make his famous quiche?” I asked over my shoulder as I turned the handle on the shower.

Sage poked her head into the bathroom. “Be careful what you wish for. My dad will be so excited you want to learn, the two of you will be wearing matching ‘kiss the cook’ aprons next Christmas.”

“Is that a promise? Because I’m my most attractive while wearing an apron with a witty catchphrase.”

“Not according to my spell book. Less is more.” Sage winked, and somehow, I fell even a little more in love with her.

After a quick shower and calls to the staff, wishing them a happy holiday with orders to stay home and enjoy a few days off, Sage and I walked through the empty lobby on our way to her parent's house.

Sage slowed as she approached the counter, finding a white envelope with a strange logo stamped on the outside.

“That wasn't there last night, was it?” she asked, lifting the envelope and turning it over to study the emblem.

“No. Who's it from?” I peered over her shoulder as she warily removed the folded parchment.

From the Desk of Valerie Spellman

Hey guys! Merry Christmas.

Sorry, I can't be there to celebrate. From one agent to another, there's nothing better than getting to revel in the afterglow of a holiday miracle. Especially one as magical as yours. Though you guys kept me on my toes.

Sage, I am your biggest fan and modeled my casework after yours. Minus the Fourth of July incident—it shall henceforth never be mentioned again—but you're my inspiration.

I hope we can officially work together someday, and if not soon, then save me a spot in the Conga line at the next kickoff party. I hear you have some pretty sweet dance moves.

And Leo, best boss ever. Sorry, you have to find another assistant. I will miss being your festive minion.

P.S. My bad for disabling the backup generator. It's not broken. Just reconnect the battery. But I hope you found other ways to keep warm.

Take care!

Valerie

“Did I read that right?” I shook my head, trying to make sense of Valerie’s letter. “Does she work with you?”

Sage laughed and pressed the letter to her heart. “It seems so. We're tricky witches and show up where you least expect. But we’re always there, working behind the scenes.”

I wrapped my arms around Sage’s shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “Us regular folks are just fortunate to have you.” My brow creased. “By the way, what's the Fourth of July incident?”

Sage tensed. She turned in my arms, her bottom lip bending under the crush of her teeth. After a few seconds of indecision, she patted my chest and huffed a breath.

“All right, Grayson. Let's go get my parents' car. I'll tell you on the way. But if you even think about telling anyone, I'll have to silence you and tie you up with Christmas lights.”

I chuckled under my breath and leaned forward to whisper in her ear, “That’s not the threat you think it is, Bennett.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Only a villain would say that.”

My fingers interlaced with hers as I tugged her toward the door. “You keep my secret, and I'll keep yours.”