Page 42 of Must Love Lavender and Little Lies
At that, we all laughed.
“To coming to your senses,” Narrow said, lifting his ale.
“To coming to your senses,” the others agreed, drinking with a cheer.
“Another round?” Narrow asked.
“Yes,” I said, polishing off my cup. “Wholeheartedly, yes. On me.”
“Now you’re talking,” my da said with a laugh.
I laughed merrily.
Coming to my senses.
Was that what was happening? Because I was starting to feel that I would be a fool to let Juniper go.
And what in the world was I going to do about that?
CHAPTER 15
JUNIPER
Surrounded by a gaggle of excited orc women all talking to me at once, we made our way into town. Several locals paused to smile and wave to me, grinning at the scene. When we passed Sir Hootington’s, I spotted Portia working outside at her stuff-swap table. She was negotiating with a gnomish boy who was trying to trade her something in a wiggling bag for a book. She gave me a small wave, then turned back to the boy.
Finally, we arrived at the small square where all the dressmakers, tailors, and fabric artists could be found. There were a dozen shops in all, selling everything from hats to purses, from shoes to gowns.
I led Kika to Zelda’s shop. Zelda, who was one of Zarina’s older sisters, was an excellent sewing witch. I was always happy with her beautiful designs and enchanted fabrics, and I owned more of them than I cared to admit.
“Her dresses last for years. She puts magic into all her stitches, and she knows just the right dress for every woman,” I told the others. “Add to that her magic and, well, you’ll see. If you see a dress you like in the store, let her know. She can make sure it fits.”
“Any dress?” Kika asked.
“I promise, she is a witch like no other.”
The bell over the door chimed when we entered. Inside, several ladies were perusing the wares. The Greening always brought in people from all around Moonshine Hollow. It was a fun celebration beloved by all—especially by us merchants. Busy festivals meant sales.
“Juniper,” Zelda called, joining us. As usual, her glasses sat on the tip of her nose, her measuring tape wrapped around her neck like a scarf, and a jewel-topped hairpin held up her mop of curly black hair. “So good to see you.”
“I’ve brought company,” I said. “This is Granik’s grandmother, mother, sisters-in-law, and nieces. I told them I knew the best place to look for dresses in Moonshine Hollow.”
“Thank you,” she said with a smile. “Welcome, all. Please, take your time, and if there is any dress you like, let me know. I have it in your size. Guaranteed.”
“Mom, look,” Kika said, swishing a dress in front of her. It was a pretty blue gown with an enchanting design that featured a garden scene complete with sprites and fairies that seemed to move as the fabric moved. “Do you see? They’re moving.”
And they were. Fairies flitted from flower to flower; sprites ran between the trees.
Zelda grinned at them, then turned to me. “Zarina told us all your exciting news. Let me see the ring.”
I held out my hand to her. “So beautiful. Tansy’s work, for sure.”
I nodded.
Zelda sighed happily. “I’m so glad to see you and Granik finally together. It warms my heart to see a couple so happy.”
“Thank you.”
“Oh, too small for an orc,” Kika lamented, looking over the petite gown.
