Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist (Maple Hollow #1)

“I can’t believe you didn’t warn me!” I hissed, looking back at Willow. “I could’ve worn a cuter outfit! Where’s your sisterly loyalty? Traitor!”

“You look great,” my sister encouraged. “Go on.” She leaned over and gave me a quick, fierce hug. “I love you, Harlow.”

I smiled at her even as I said, “I’m never going to let you live this down, you know?”

She huffed. “Yeah, I know.”

I tried—and failed—to gracefully exit the car, my foot slipping on a patch of ice and forcing me to grip the car door for dear life. Willow offered me a guilty smile as I straightened and shut the car door. I walked tentatively down the aisle of candles, my heart thundering as Jordyn beamed at me.

When I climbed the steps to the gazebo, she said, “Hey,” the word coming out all squeaky. Something about her being just as nervous as I was made me calm down a little. We couldn’t both be panicking.

“Hey,” I said, brushing a quick kiss to her glossy red lips. “Want to tell me why Iris is hiding in that bush?”

I heard a muttered curse and the bush rattled.

Jordyn and I chuckled.

“Harlow.” Jordyn grabbed my hand. “You captured my heart from the moment I first laid eyes on you. Maybe it took a few ghosts and cups of pumpkin spice to get me to realize it.” We both laughed again. “But deep down, I always knew. The moon drew me to you like the waves to the shore. A beautiful siren’s song, one I tried to pretend I didn’t hear at first.”

Her eyes were fixed on my face, but mine were taking in this moment and committing it to memory. The way the snow hung from the tree branches contrasted with her dark hair and soft eyes.

“But I knew when I had the courage to listen that you were always meant to be mine,” Jordyn continued, “as I was always meant to be yours. You are brave and funny and smart and full of life and adventure, and I want to spend the rest of my life by your side. You and me,” she finished with a hopeful smile.

Dammit, now my eyes were pricking with tears.

The edges of Jordyn’s lashes were hung with her own as she fished a ring box out of her pocket. She took a deep breath before dropping to one knee. The small green leather box was emblazoned with my initials in gold, and she opened it to reveal a giant emerald set in a ring of diamonds on a latticed silver band.

I gasped. I couldn’t have picked a ring more perfect for myself if I’d tried.

My chest filled with all the love that we’d built in the last year. Had it really only been a year? It felt like a lifetime. And I wanted a million more.

“Harlow,” Jordyn said, getting choked up, “will you marry me?”

A tear slid down my cheek, and I shifted on my feet. The nervous energy and happiness made it hard to find the words.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this right now in the middle of the square.” I choked on a laugh, remembering our first official date and the millions of wishes for more time in the small hours of the morning.

She pursed her lips, a slight tremble in her hand while she held out the biggest gesture anyone could have ever given me.

I closed my eyes as I reached into the pocket of my puffer vest and pulled out my own ring box. The one I’d been carrying around for weeks, not sure what the right time or the right place would be or if I’d picked the right ring. The box had become a comfort blanket that I couldn’t leave the house without.

But of course, Jordyn was the one who took the lead.

I dropped to one knee across from her and opened the box.

The ring was her grandmother’s. She’d given it to me three months ago when I’d gone to ask her coven for their blessing. It was a silver band dotted with delicate pearls that led to a square-cut diamond in the center.

“Only if you marry me too.”

Tears streamed down Jordyn’s face even as she laughed and nodded. “Yes.”

“Yes,” I said at the same time.

I grabbed her and pulled her into a kiss, our mouths colliding and our tear-streaked cheeks pressing against each other.

A cacophony of cheers erupted around us, and I pulled back to see half the town leaping up from behind trees, shrubs, and snowbanks. My mouth fell open as I looked around the square. I’d been so nervous I hadn’t seen all of them.

Willow shouted, “Let’s go celebrate in the Witch’s Brew!” And everyone cheered in hearty agreement. “A round of hot chocolate on me!”