Read Rosemary for the Holidays (Consulting Magic) for Free Online Page A

way to the fresh smells of pine and rosemary out in the living room and mixed well with the clove-and-orange pomanders hung about the house.
    "Everything you've given us tonight has been good," said Julian, going back to sit in front of the cup of tea that had appeared on the table. "I don't know when I've been so well-fed."
    "You're learning to pace yourself," teased Alex.
    "I've had excellent role models," said Julian dryly. He gave himself a few moments to just enjoy the cup of tea and quiet of the other three working, but soon enough his good manners got the best of him and he got up and, after getting another kiss, took himself back out to play host once more. Conversation had mostly settled into two groups again: James and Geoff were telling Chudleigh funny stories about magic on one side of the room; and Thomas, Lapointe, and Jones were playing cards on the other side while Thomas talked enthusiastically about his latest game.
    Julian settled in next to James and let their laughter swirl around him, feeling the pull of tiredness despite the strong tea. Chudleigh had taken up the thread of conversation when it lagged and was now telling the same story he'd told at Julian's Courtship, which put a soft, nostalgic smile on Julian's face for the way Alex had shown off as much to delight as impress.
    That lasted until Alys came out with fresh tea and a plate of treats for everyone, and a ribbon-bound stack of cookie tins for each of them as well. "One last round before you go to your own homes so we can put our tired boys to bed," she said, looking very smug indeed.
    Jacques emerged after her with Nat, and they re-formed the big conversational circle and talked while they ate, mostly nostalgia about previous solstices which turned to stories of terrible parties they'd all been subjected to in the past. They were all feeling very cheerful and much fortified as they gathered their coats, Nat restoring the furniture while Alys made sure everyone had their tins of treats and pot of rosemary. James and Jacques promised to return another day to put up Chudleigh's gift, and hugs and cheek-kisses down the line sent everyone out into the cold night.
    Julian practically collapsed against Alex with a tired laugh as they locked the door. "Well, I think that was a success," he said with a yawn. "Next year, though, someone else can host."
    Two cups floated over, camomile mint tea with just a touch of milk to send them off to bed. "It was a good celebration," said Alys. "You go to sleep, now, morning will be here before you know it."
    "And then we get one day of rest before heading out to the estate for their big Solstice celebration," said Julian. "You two will be fine here without us?"
    "Oh, aye, we have our own ways," said Nat, making shooing motions. "G'wan, to bed with you both."
    "Aye, aye," teased Alex, but he dragged Julian back into the bedroom, which had also been restored to its previous state.
    They closed the door after Horace flew in, and got him settled on his night perch and their tea safely on the bedside table.
    Alex paused for a long kiss, snuggling Julian close. "Good?" he asked.
    Julian grinned and pulled him down for another. "Very good, love, it was just what I wanted to celebrate our first year together." They'd had their actual anniversary dinner at Padma's several weeks ago, but this felt more like a celebration of home and hearth, and of the life they'd built.
    "It really was, and we have to get Jacques something really good to thank him for all the cooking," said Alex, hands working on getting Julian out of his party clothes, an endeavour with which Julian was happy to cooperate.
    Julian chuckled, "I've already got a plan, don't worry," he said, reciprocating the assistance with Alex's clothes. "I've been talking to Father Stephen about a magical herb garden in the Guardians' Temple."
    "Sneaky," said Alex, pulling Julian into bed and snuggling up once they were naked. He handed Julian his cup of tea and took an