This cottage had been her idea.

It was difficult for Sera to get time away from her husband on weekends, and she was still too nervous to have Dempsey over to her home. It had been too long since the last country weekend, too, and she could not rely on only having time with him when his family hosted parties. While they'd managed to snatch a few heated moments at events, nothing had been as satisfying as the night of his masquerade.

It was risky, but she wanted to see him.

So: the cottage, which she'd found listed in the back of a Witch Weekly. She reserved it under a fake name, having taken some of her allowance out of Edwin's bank account. She flooed to several different locations before heading to a witch-owned flower shop near the cottage, and headed over to use the key that had been mailed to the post office under her false name. She sat on the bed, trying to dispel her own nerves.

She'd brought wine with her, and drank half a glass while she waited for him. When the floo, which Sera had unlocked on checking in, lit up green, she straightened up — her shoulders only relaxed when she saw Dempsey's face.

"I hope the Irish are as serious about St. Patrick's Day as I've been led to believe," Sera joked. Her house dress was a deep, emerald green — she was in a festive mood. Or maybe she was feeling — and this was dangerous — romantic. She hadn't decided yet.