Leo laughed all the way to the bathroom.
Sonny slid on his robe and debated shutting the balcony doors before deciding to leave them open. The room smelled of sex now and could use some airing out.
The cats followed him downstairs, doing their best to murder him on the stairs as they darted between his feet.
He filled their feed bowls and refreshed their water before turning his attention to his own breakfast. He quickly brewed another pot of coffee for Leo and made himself a cup of red raspberry leaf tea, pre-spelled to treat nausea and mood swings.
Sonny sipped his tea, then put together the batter for the pancakes, adding his intentions for the day. “A little orange peel for centering and blessings and all the strawberries in the world because I need them.” He popped a strawberry in his mouth and moaned, wiggling in happiness. “Also good for health, luck, and reinforcing love and romance.”
And fertility, he added to himself, smiling at his secret. They had been eating strawberry pancakes every morning for two months now, only partially because Sonny had been craving them.
He walked onto the first story balcony and picked a few leaves of peppermint from his potted herb rack. “Can’t forget the most important herb. Peppermint for love, healing, and energy.”
Sonny had the table set and their breakfast laid out by the time Leo came down the stairs. His mate looked as yummy as ever in his work coveralls with the Rocci’s Garage logo covering the back.
Leo gave him a kiss and held his chair for him as he sat. “This looks as good as always, love.”
“I made a spinach basil lasagna for you to take in today.” Sonny stuffed a strawberry in his mouth. Basil could be spelled to help with businesses and money making, so he usually tried to make dishes with it to send with Leo to his family’s garage.
Fortunately, the family of bear shifters loved his cooking and were happy to have homemade lunches every Tuesday and Friday.
“That’s Coleen’s favorite.” Leo methodically worked his way through his pancakes. “Thank you for taking care of us, sunshine.”
Warmth filled Sonny at Leo’s words. Sonny loved having a family to take care of. His mentor, Myrtle, would only let him coddle her so much before she yelled and threatened to turn him into a hamster.
“You’re still planning on only working a half-day today, right?” Leo asked, eyes full of concern. “You’ve been working non-stop at the shop all summer, so you deserve the vacation.”
Sonny nodded, trying to hide his excitement. Summer Solstice, known as Litha in witch society, was Sunday, and he and Leo were taking the weekend to visit Leo’s grandparents on their farm. Sonny planned to tell Leo his secret on Sunday.
He had a special scrying and blessing to do on Litha this year.
“I’m all set for our long weekend. Tilisha and Devin are watching the shop tomorrow, and we’re closed for Litha on Sunday and Monday. Everything’s handled.”
Sonny smiled when Leo scooped some of his strawberries onto Sonny’s empty plate. He quickly ate them, relishing the sweet juiciness.
“Are you still happy with Devin?” Leo asked, smiling as he watched Sonny eat the last strawberry.
Sonny nodded and swallowed his bite. “He’s good with customers and doesn’t mind making most of the potions since Myrtle is retiring. That leaves Tilisha to handle the front register with Dev and me to spot her when we can.”
At the beginning of the month, Sonny’s mentor had finally made the decision to retire from the shop. They had already hired Devin and it had seemed like the right time. Myrtle had handed the reins over to Sonny and went on a long vacation to visit her sister on the coast.
Sonny missed her more than he wanted to admit, but she was coming back after Litha.
As soon as they finished breakfast, Leo stood and started gathering dishes. “I’ll clean up and you go shower, sunshine. Do you mind if I take Ravenpaw with me to work today? You might need Flufflepuff if your stomach starts bothering you again.”
Sonny watched the two cats lounging on the cat tree in front of the largest window in the living room. Fluff looked up and gave him a sweet look. She usually went with Leo so she could watch over him for Sonny.
“That will work,” he said, finally. “Ravenpaw needs some Rocci family loving anyway.”
He quickly showered and considered his clothes. It was going to be a warm summer day, and he was feeling particularly wonderful at the moment. “Today is a sundress kind of day.”
He pulled out the long, blue, front button maxi dress with the large yellow flowers on it. Definitely goes with the raffia heels and my gold hoop earrings, he thought. Time for a good day.
By noon, Sonny was drooping. He sat in one of the comfortable reading chairs in front of the window, Flufflepuff purring in his lap.
The shop had expanded over the last year. Instead of a cozy room with a few shelves of potions and tonics and a small display of baked goods, it was now a large open space with several racks of potions, tonics, and other pre-spelled items along with a small café style seating area. A few months ago, they had started serving fresh tea and now customers tended to linger a bit longer.
Devin gave him a concerned look and handed him a cup of his red raspberry leaf tea. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Sonny rolled his eyes. “I’ll be okay. I just need to rest for a moment.”
Tilisha leaned over the back of the chair. “That first trimester is a pain in the ass, isn’t it?”
Sonny gave her his best innocent look. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She arched a brow. “Just make sure you rest when you’re tired. Don’t push yourself. Devin here is a half-way decent kitchen witch and can handle some of the baking by himself.”
Devin gave her a dry look. “Gee, thanks, T.”
The omega kitchen witch was a stark contrast to Tilisha’s soft curves and warm brown skin. His tall, pale frame was all angles and edges. Their personalities, however, were very similar. The two were both smart, hardworking, and sarcastic as hell.
“Seriously, though, the store probably needs a break from all the fertility enhancing cakes and cookies you’ve been making anyway.” Tilisha grinned. “Mrs. Daly isn’t happy with you, by the way. She ate some of her daughter’s carrot cake, and now they’re both pregnant and due at the same time.”
Sonny held his hands up. “That’s not my fault. Missy and her mate have been trying to have a baby for a long time. I just helped. It’s not my fault Missy didn’t tell her not to eat the cake.”
Tilisha shook her head and went to help a customer.
Devin gave him another concerned look. “Really, though, I can handle more of the baking if you need me to.”
“Thank you, Dev.” Sonny polished off his cup of tea and reluctantly stood. “Now, Fluff and I have an appointment with my apprentice.”
Devin took his mug and handed him a bag. “I made you some oatmeal cookies last night. Have a good weekend, boss, and don’t worry about the shop.”
Sonny gave him a suspicious look. “What kind of oatmeal cookies?”
“Cookies to aid in strength and, uh…” He looked at Sonny’s abdomen. “Other things.”
Sonny pulled the omega into a hug and squeezed him tightly. “Thank you, Devin.”