Witchdependence Day: A Wicked Witches of the Midwest Short (Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts Book 8) Read Online Free PDF Page B

sometimes it’s better to let her make the suggestion. I had a feeling now was one of those times.
    “I want a stuffed animal,” Thistle whispered.
    “Then you have to ask nicely.”
    Thistle rolled her eyes so hard I thought she might tip over. It took her a moment to collect herself, but when she did, she had an earnest expression on her face. “Will you please win me a stuffed animal?”
    “I will,” I confirmed. “Which one do you want?”
    Thistle remained a few steps from her cousins as she perused the selection. “I want the dog on the shelf up there.”
    I studied the hound in question. He had a cute face and adorable floppy ears. “Consider it done,” I said, moving to join Landon at the booth. “Just for curiosity’s sake, though, what are you going to name him?”
    “I’m not going to name him,” Thistle scoffed. “I’m not ten. I don’t name stuffed animals.”
    I arched a challenging eyebrow and waited.
    “He’s naming himself,” Thistle clarified. “Mr. Paws.”
    I barked out a laugh and leaned over to press a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “Your secret is safe with me. One Mr. Paws coming up.”

Four
    “ I think he looks dignified , don’t you?”
    Thistle happily snuggled her stuffed dog as we walked back to the stable shortly after dark. The air was moist and warm, almost oppressive. I could feel the oncoming storm building.
    I glanced at the dog, his silly button eyes pointed directly at me, and smiled. “He definitely looks dignified,” I said. “His hat makes him look like an elder statesman, or perhaps a duke.”
    Thistle snorted. “Thank you for winning him for me.” I knew she was serious because she lowered her voice. When you date a blowhard, you learn to read the signs.
    “You’re very welcome,” I said, gripping her hand as she slipped it into mine. “What did you think of the octopus Landon won for Bay?”
    “It was not dignified,” Thistle said. “He was kind of cute, though.”
    “And the panda bear Sam won for Clove?”
    It was a silly conversation, but once Thistle is away from her cousins her internal sweetness always comes out to play. That’s my favorite part of the day.
    “I saw Landon pay the guy off to make sure Sam won that panda,” Thistle said. “You were trying to distract us when he was doing it, but I saw. I knew when you had your heads together while watching Sam throw darts – and miss everything he aimed at, mind you – that you would do something to help him.”
    “There must be something wrong with his hand-eye coordination,” I mused. “I’ve never seen anyone with poorer aim.”
    “It was still sweet,” Thistle said. “Clove would’ve been heartbroken if we got stuffed animals and she didn’t, and Sam would’ve gone broke trying to win her one.”
    “Yeah, I like how Landon flashed his badge and warned the game guy that he would shut him down if he didn’t make sure Sam won an animal,” I said, smiling at the memory. “He makes me laugh.”
    “You guys have grown pretty close,” Thistle said, watching as I unlocked the stable. “I’m glad.”
    “I’m glad, too,” I said, ushering her inside. “I wasn’t sure I would like him when we first met, but I think he’s good for Bay. I also think he’s good for this family because he’s willing to protect all of the people – and their multitude of secrets – with his life.”
    “I didn’t like him when we first met him either, but that was because I thought he was going to break Bay’s heart,” Thistle admitted, moving toward the ladder to the loft. We’d carried the blankets up for safekeeping before leaving for the festival. Thistle didn’t want to risk getting them wet in case we had to race back in the middle of a storm. “Now I know he’ll never purposely break her heart, and I like him.”
    “What did you think when you first met me?” I asked, grabbing the dog before Thistle could climb the rungs. “I’ll carry Mr. Paws. He’s big and I