One month later
Cat hoisted the box out of the back seat and trudged toward the Salvation Army store. Finally, she’d managed to carve out time and get rid of some old clothes and belongings since her father had moved. The cashier pointed her toward the back for drop-offs, and she chatted with the sweet young girl who helped her remove the items for tagging purposes.
Toward the bottom, her hands closed around the fabric-covered book, and she pulled it out in surprise. Holy crap, she’d forgotten about the love spell. “Do you want me to take that for the book section?” the girl asked.
Cat shook her head. “Actually, I’m going to keep this one, thanks.” She slipped it in her purse, finished up, and walked back to the car. Alone, she took out the book again and flipped through the pages. Amused, she remembered how pissed she had been at Earth Mother when Rip had announced they needed to marry. Who would’ve thought he’d end up being her true soulmate?
The image of her list danced in her mind, and she mentally recited the traits she requested. Huh. Interesting. Rip was everything she’d asked for. How odd.
Even weirder? He’d shown up right after she’d cast the spell. Of course, it had taken her a while to realize he was the one, but was it coincidence he’d appeared in Italy hours after the spell? And what about the strong connection between them? It had been instant attraction, as if it was meant to be. As if Earth Mother had taken care of her but liked to play a few games first.
A chill skated down her spine. She closed the book and tucked it back into her purse. Why did she suddenly feel like she’d dropped into one of her favorite movies, Practical Magic? And why did she have this sudden urge to pass it on to the next woman?
Shaking her head at her silliness, she drove to the grocery store to grab a few things, then decided to stop in town and hit the bookstore. Rip had an eclectic taste for books, and she was dying to pick up the new Emma Chase novel. Chase’s portrayal of heroes always made her laugh and swoon at the same time, nailing the male perspective with skill.
The bell tinkled merrily as she walked into Bookcrazy and lost herself amidst the shelves of books. The store was well thought out, with interesting nooks and crannies offering readers different experiences. Apple green velvet chairs were comfortably set up, along with a small platform where a poetry night was held and catered to local writers. The delicious scent of paper and vanilla drifted in the air. She grabbed the new Ruth Ware thriller, a political memoir, and Emma Chase’s Getting Schooled, then headed toward the register.
“Caterina, I haven’t seen you in so long! I also hear congratulations are in order—you got married!”
The enthusiastic greeting made her smile as she turned to face the owner, Alexa McKenzie. With her black corkscrew curls and bright blue eyes, she radiated a warmth and energy that made everyone around her happy. Cat hadn’t seen her since returning from Italy and missed chatting with her. She reached out and gave the woman a hug. “Yes, the wedding was last month. I’m sorry I haven’t come in sooner; things have been crazy.”
Alexa rolled her eyes. “Boy, do I understand that. I’m just glad to see you. How’s Winsor Winery? And your new hubby—Ripley, right?”
“Yes, everything is wonderful. We’re actually hosting weddings now, so let me know if anyone is in need of a new venue.”
Alexa squealed with delight. “Why don’t you get me some brochures? I can leave them here in the bookshop. I’m so happy for you. You’re absolutely glowing.”
“Thank you. Sometimes, you have to kiss a lot of frogs to get to Mr. Right.” Alexa had known about her humiliation and heartbreak with her ex-fiancé and had encouraged her to take some time away. It was amazing how things could change with time, patience, and the guts to take some chances.
Alexa gave a sigh. “Unless you got the last prince,” she said. “I swear, I’ve tried everything but I can’t seem to find any man worth even a second date. I’m losing heart.”
Her friend’s glum expression reminded her of the frustration of a nice single woman trying to find a worthy man. Almost on cue, her fingers tingled, and she acted on instinct. Cat unzipped her purse and removed the Book of Spells. “Are you up for a more creative way to find Mr. Right?”
Alexa frowned, taking the book. Her fingers drifted over the purple fabric cover. “Cat, what the heck is this? Do not tell me you turned away from Catholicism to the occult?”
She laughed. “No, I found this book when I was in Italy and did the love spell. Crazy, right? Anyway, I know it sounds ridiculous but I met Rip that very night.”
Alexa flipped through the pages. “Oh, my God, the fact I’m even considering this shows me I’ve reached my breaking point.”
“Listen, grab a bottle of wine one night and just do it for fun. But when you meet Mr. Right, make sure you get married at Winsor Winery.”
Alexa shook her head and laughed. “You have a deal. Here, let me ring you up. And thanks for the book.”
“My pleasure.” She paused, considering how much to admit. “And, Alexa?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t be surprised if Mr. Right seems to be Mr. Wrong at first. I have a feeling Earth Mother is a complicated entity.”
Alexa quirked a brow, obviously confused, but nodded with her usual sunny smile. “Of course.”
Caterina bought her books, hugged Alexa goodbye, and headed back to the winery.
Whether it had been the Book of Spells, or her father, or just plain old-fashioned luck and Fate, she was grateful to have met Rip Savage.
She was grateful she’d never given up on love.
The End
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