Shugo clears his throat and looks up. “Well, you know how I’ve moved into Loxley’s former room?”
“Yeah?” Auntie asks.
“And you know how you said no pets in the main house?”
I exchange a concerned look with Gordy, and Auntie asks, “Okay?”
“Um…” Shugo is cut off by another person opening the back door and approaching us with ease.
It’s a tall White dude I’ve never seen before. And he’s only wearing boxer shorts. “Hi, everybody, ba-gawk!”
Shugo winces, and my jaw drops. Who is this guy with the tight abs, and why does he have a weird, red, mohawk-looking hairstyle? Unless…
“I thought I told you to stay in my room,” Shugo says with a sigh.
“But everyone’s out here, ba-gawk!” The man ambles about with a big smile on his face. The way his neck is moving forward and back, it’s almost like a…
No way.“Cluckboy?!” I yelp.
The man puts his thumbs up with a huge grin, and everyone gasps. Shugo proceeds to tell us what’s going on with his familiar-turned-muscular-man. As the others inquire about this bizarre turn of events, I turn back to my boyfriend.
“Never a dull moment here,” Gordy says. I snigger and shrug. He continues, “Guess I’m not the only big familiar dude in Cosmo.” Gordy laughs softly, but my smile falls, and I squeeze his hand.
“You’re…not…”
He shakes his head. “It’s okay. I don’t mind. If being a familiar means I get to help you every day, then I am more than happy to be yours.”
My heart wants to burst. Gordy has always lit a fire in me, even before I knew we were online chat buddies. But hearing him own the title of familiar lights me up more than any spellcasting ever could. Filled with such love, I lean forward and kiss him slowly. “I’m yours too,” I whisper.
He smiles softly at me, and I lay my head on his shoulder. Whatever witchy adventures might come our way, Gordy and I will take them on together. I have my fated mate, my ruby red glow. I have my destiny, and I have my new magical family?there’s not much more I need.
EPILOGUE- GORDY
THE AUTUMN LEAVESwere a beautiful sight that I took for granted during all the decades I lived here in North Carolina. But as I carry our massive suitcase of clothes, I take in the scene. My childhood home is a sight to behold. My turtle tail wags once I get out of the car, and there’s a pep in my step as I walk forward. I don’t even make it up the porch before Mama opens the door. The emotion in her eyes makes me almost shed a tear.
“Gordy!” When I reach her, I drop the suitcase, and she kisses me on the cheek.
Hugging her back, I say, “Hey, Mama.”
“Son! You made it!” Papa trails behind her, and I hug him as well. “Okay, so where’s the famous Loxley?”
“Yes, you’re only staying for two nights, and I want to get as much time with him,” Mama adds.
“Please don’t scare him away.” We laugh like it’s a joke, but I’m forty percent serious. I spent the three-hour trip calming Loxley down; he claims meeting my folks is a huge deal and wants to make a good first impression, which means he put major pressure on himself.
When I turn around, I spot my boyfriend. Judging by his fidgety stance, he’s just as nervous as ever. He approaches us and pushes up his glasses. The look on his face screams, “I wish the ground would swallow me whole.” It’s adorable that this amazing guy is anxious to make a good first impression with my parents.
“You must be Loxley!” Mama says cheerfully once he walks up the porch steps.
“H-h-h-hi,” he stammers. I already informed my parents that he has dysarthria, so they should be cool.Please, please, please be cool.
Mama pulls him into a tight embrace, and Loxley is as tense as ever. As Papa approaches him, I pick up the luggage.
“Nice to meet you, son!” Papa says.
“Likewise, Mister, uh…”
“Call me Papa!” Dad hugs him and, fortunately, lets go quickly.
