It’s #BookQW and of course Fern & Beri are thankful for family. I also give ‘thanks’ to be able to share a new story!
More from my Winter Solstice short story:
Fern got the second box of tested lights and started on one of the trees still in the middle of the rug. The boys came in. Raven and Willow left to help Mom, and Beri began stringing the second tree feet away.
“Thanks,” Fern said as they circled and tucked lights between the boughs. “Did I tell you that yet?”
“Maybe.” He chuckled. “We’ve been a wee bit busy with your chores today.”
“And you wanted to sleep on your vacation. Sorry.”
“And spend time with you, you ken?” They were squeezing past each other between the trees, and he caught her around the waist. “Like this. Did you notice Lady Lark has also been decorating?” He pointed upward.
Sprigs of mistletoe tied with a red ribbon hung from a log beam.
Fern burst out laughing. “You put her up to that.”
His green eyes sparkling, Beri tugged her close, his arms warm around her. “I did nae,” he whispered. “But I’m nae about to let it go to waste.”
He leaned in, and so did she, even though Mom—or Dad or Gran!—could walk in at any moment. Yet Beri’s curly hair and freckle-dusted cheeks were so tempting. And his lips! Knowing how great they’d taste, she licked hers and closed her eyes.
His lips brushed hers. A buzz tingled over her skin, a warning of rising magic.
Nooo! Her eyes flashed open, and she froze. Beri’s gaze met hers, his eyes greener than seconds ago. Hold on a second—
“My magic is still locked in my cores,” she whispered. “From being at school. This is you.”
“Me? Blast.” He flinched back—into the tree. It swayed, and he jerked sideways to avoid it.
Laughing, she caught handfuls of his sweater, and they lurched upright together. “I don’t think the gift I made you is going to get the same reaction, so maybe I should wish you Happy Solstice now.”
* * *
A new wizard boyfriend.
Differing holiday traditions.
First gifts for each other.
’Tis the season to be jolly…and anxious.
Combining wizard and human holiday celebrations becomes tricky when everyone in Fern and Beri’s new family—even Hilda the guinea pig!—expects something different, causing trouble and tugging at their heartstrings!
SOLSTICE GIFTS is a fun and sweet romantic YA fantasy short story in the Windborne series, taking place after the events of The Witch of the Meadows.
Solstice Gifts releases November 29, 2019. Preorder it now!
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