Abby contemplated the clothes hanging in the closet, wondering what to wear for her fourth day in Charm. So far, she had nothing planned, and that felt strange. In her old life, she rarely had unscheduled time. Upon reflection, her last years seemed like one repetitive blur.
Last evening with Nash had brought a rush of unexpected joy. She’d made a giant leap agreeing time in Charm was a precious gift not to be squandered. If she could hold that awareness, Gita’s lessons would provide a roadmap to understanding why Charm grabbed her.
As for how Nash’s kiss made her feel—well, that could sit on a back burner and simmer. Abby touched her warm cheeks. “Ugh, my body doth betray me.” She reminded herself complications like romance were an unwelcome distraction. Getting settled was the top priority, but how did she go about that daunting task? Who should she bother to ask for help? The answer popped into her head, and this time excitement, not fear, filled her spirit.
Succumbing to the denim overalls’ call, Abby grabbed them and a sunny yellow tee to match her mood. The unique roses sat on a nearby table, begging for appreciation. Abby paused to smell their fragrance. “One day soon, I hope to learn more about you.” She hurried to dress and tidy her room, then went downstairs.
Abby entered the kitchen and discovered a fresh-baked cinnamon roll and a glass of fruit juice waiting next to Bella’s note. She paused to read the light breakfast was meant for her, and Bella and the kids had gone to a craft-making fair. Abby assumed Nash had left earlier for the monolith project, which he seemed keen to show her. With no one around to share her plan, Abby gobbled her breakfast. She left Bella a note before rushing out the door.
On the drive into Charm, Abby saw her world with a grateful heart. The colors of the sky and mountains had a vibrancy missing from her other life. She felt a curious connection to everything her eyes landed upon. And from that place, more appreciation blossomed inside of her. Acceptance kept knocking on the door.
Abby observed a few vehicles going in both directions. Waves, smiles, or a short toot of a horn greeted her. She wasn’t fast enough to return the hello, and acknowledged her lazy reflexes needed practice. Minutes later, the village came into view.
She found a parking place close to her destination. Reminding herself not to lock the SUV, Abby stepped onto the sidewalk wearing her friendly face. She glimpsed Nash and Daisy seated outside a coffee shop enjoying their mugs and conversation across the street. Unwelcome pangs of jealousy tried to intrude as she walked toward the office. Nash had told her that he wasn’t seeing anyone. Maybe that was true then. Had he changed his mind? It seemed unlikely, given that he’d kissed her last night. But hadn’t she declared only a short time ago that getting into a relationship now wasn’t prudent? Abby shook her head. She was all over the place when it came to Nash Walker. She’d sort it all out later. Right now, something wonderful and unique waited.
An older woman wearing a welcoming smile sat behind a reception desk. “Good morning. May I help you with something?”
“Hi, I’m Abby Drake. I was wondering if William was about?”
“Abby, it’s lovely to meet you. I’m Elana. Take a chair. I’ll scoot back to his office and tell him you’re here.”
“Thank you, Elana.” Abby sat in a nearby wingback chair. She admired the photographs on a gallery wall depicting happy people in front of homes. Would her picture make the wall?
“Good morning, Abby. Are you ready to have us snap a photo of you in front of that quaint English cottage?” William’s expression was brimming with enthusiasm.
Abby stood and smiled. “I am, assuming you’re willing to assist me after my melt-down performance yesterday.”
William gave a chuckle. “Your reaction was completely understandable. What matters is you’re prepared to receive the gift. Follow me back to the office. We’ll soon have you meeting that cottage.”
Abby received a thumbs up from the receptionist as she scooted past her desk.
William pulled the packet of papers from a file basket and handed Abby her set. “So, shall we go over these? Hold on. I need my readers.”
Abby smiled and waited for him to get situated. “Are we starting with the plat again?”
“Do you have any questions about the survey or plat? It’s pretty straightforward.” William examined the survey.
“I don’t. Let’s move on.” Abby turned to the next page titled Pledges that had triggered her spell, as Gita referred to it.
William proceeded with explaining. “What you’re seeing are the Pledges to the property’s use. No doubt they read odd compared to what you’re accustomed to. All I can offer by way of explanation is Charm asks everyone to live another way. In time, you will embrace these Pledges and see their merit. Can you accept and trust that statement?” William’s words carried a genuineness which Abby valued.
“I accept and will endeavor to treat the weeds with respect and forgiveness.” Abby’s expression showed her renewed, playful side.
William cleared his throat. “Yes, well, that sounds fine. Please take a few moments and review the other pages. Then, you may ask any questions before we finalize the process.”
Abby skimmed the papers. Gone were her angst and resistance. Present were her calmness and surrender. She was beginning a new life in Charm for whatever the allotted time given to her. “Everything looks fine, William. The wording isn’t legalese, so no questions. I’ve signed in the designated places. What’s next?” Abby moved the papers back to William.
“Excellent. That leaves the passing of the portal key.” One corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
“The key. My tipping point yesterday. Worry not. I’m collected.” Abby demonstrated this by releasing a breath. “See? All good.”
William hid a smile. “Yes, the key represents an important milestone reached. You agree to uphold the Principles and Methods of Charm specified in the pages you read. Correct?”
Abby nodded, looking directly into William’s eyes. “Most definitely. I’m committed to making a life here with all of you and feel incredibly grateful for the honor. Truly.”
“That’s assurance enough for me.” William dropped his readers back in place. “To continue, should you choose to leave us, there will be a Pledge of Confidentiality to execute, but that’s not for your concern today. I tell you now only, so you’re aware. No doubt Gita has touched on some of these matters, but she’ll provide more insight now that you’ve accepted Charm. Any questions?”
“Not so far.” Abby stuffed the remaining pages in the envelope. “I assume these go with me?”
“They do.” William removed a gold chain and a small filigree key attached from his desk drawer. The chain dangled from his fingers. His expression became reverent. “I’m about to pass your sacred key to Charm’s portals.”
Abby’s logical mind warred with her grateful heart. She closed her eyes for a brief moment to reclaim the feeling of Charm acceptance. “I sense this key’s significance. Please, tell me more about it and how I’m to use it.”
William gave a single nod. “You’re correct, Abby. To put it simply, your portal locations are scattered around Charm and will make themselves known at the appropriate time. You’ll find one somewhere inside your cottage. That portal serves your day-to-day needs, more or less.”
“Like when I need a new fridge or something?” Abby reached for her pen and paper, ready to make notes.
“Not exactly. It’s more of a need that can’t be met by what’s available in Charm.” William frowned. “After a certain age, each person has their unique key. My key assists me here in the office, at home, and in other places of need. It’s best if we let Gita expound on the key’s uses. I’m able to provide you the basics which apply to the cottage.”
“I understand. So, William, how do I use the key at the cottage?”
William’s frown relaxed. “You’ll find complete and straightforward instructions tucked in your wardrobe’s cubby.”
“Do you mean my closet?” Abby felt confused, trying to envision such a thing.
“Yes, sorry, my vocabulary isn’t always in sync with others. I’m a Brit, you see.” William chuckled.
“But I don’t detect an accent.” Abby joined in, laughing.
“Left it behind along with a lot of unnecessariness. I’ve never looked back.” William hesitated.
“So, you’re one who chose to stay in Charm?” Abby hoped she’d hadn’t overstepped.
“I did. Now, back to the key. Placing an order, as I like to call it, requires a need and not a whimsical kind of want. Expect to make mistakes and get a few laughs in the process. Gita enjoys explaining the particulars and does it far better than me.”
“That sounds…well, I don’t know what that sounds like, but hey, I’m in,” declared Abby. “Surely, I can noodle my way through.”
“That’s the spirit. I’m going to ask you formally one final time. Are you, Abby Drake, accepting of living a Charm life? Will you honor and uphold our Guiding Principles and Methods for as long as you remain here? If yes, sign this affidavit, and the key passes to you.”
Abby read the official document, admiring the gold tassel. She accepted the special plume pen from William and signed her name. Abby watched spellbound as the ink morphed into a prism of colors. “That’s some cool pen you got there.”
His eyes sparkled as he examined the instrument. “Yes, it only gets used for signing affidavits.” William placed the document in an embossed metal box and secured the lid. “Welcome, Abby Drake, to a life full of Charm.” He came around to Abby’s side and passed her the gold chain and key.
“Thank you so much for making everything seamless and pure joy for me.” Abby surprised the burly man with a hug and smiled, seeing his cheeks turn red. She could identify with that reaction.
“It’s been my absolute pleasure. You’re a wonderful addition to our village. Will you allow me to snap a photo of you at the cottage?” William ushered Abby to the reception area.
“I can go there now?” She felt her heart skip a beat.
“No better time.” William grabbed what resembled a camera. “It’d be best if you followed me in my car. That way, you can stay and get acquainted.”
“Good idea. I’m parked right outside the office.”
~*~
The English cottage felt like home the moment Abby’s eyes caught their first glimpse. The gardens were resplendent with flowers that begged her to say hello. She didn’t understand a whit how the home she’d envisioned existed, much less belonged to her in a place called Charm. What she did understand was how standing in the front yard somehow felt right.
“Smile,” instructed William. “That’s a good one.”
“Ah, you say that to everyone,” Abby teased.
William chuckled. “I do, but only because it’s true.” He took another quick look around and got into his car. “I’m going to leave you to settle in. Go take yourself inside the cutest cottage in Charm.” William waved out the window and drove off.
Abby paused at the wood-planked front door and admired its curved arch. Stepping through, she was overcome by what greeted her. The furnishings, the color scheme, and the design were identical to her mental design. The whitewashed distressed pine floors, neutral wall color, and beamed ceilings provided elements of coziness. The nubby tan upholstered sofa and matching chairs sat atop a colorful braided rug. She hadn’t envisioned the floor covering but adored it. Two bookcases flanked the stone fireplace. Unable to resist, Abby walked over to examine the book titles and smiled, seeing Jane Austen’s leather-bound treasures. Releasing a happy sigh, she plopped down in the nearby chair and savored the space before venturing further.
The sun drenched the kitchen in golden light. Abby’s eyes settled on the grey marble countertops and white cupboards. The glass-paned doors showcased vintage mint green crockery waiting to serve. The intimate dining room with a painted trestle table and chairs delighted Abby. She’d never gotten around to imagining this space, but it was perfection.
She peeked into the second bedroom and bath and saw that both asked for only a few added touches. The master suite with double entry doors was down a separate hallway. White painted furniture complemented the English rose comforter. The matching upholstered chaise added more splashes of color to the space. Abby touched the antique brass lamps and thought of the quaint old-world shop in England she’d visited.
Her eyes glimpsed two closets and paused. One of them held the cubby and instructions on using her key. She guessed right, opening the first door, and saw a built-in niche. Shelves surrounded the little cubby’s door. Noticing the keyhole caused Abby to step back as adrenaline pumped inside of her. Maybe opening it could wait until later, much later. She chose to venture outside.
Glass doors beckoned her to a covered porch and picturesque view of the backyard gardens. Abby let the screen door slam. Her excitement escalated. “Is that what I think it is? I’ve always had a thing for gazebos.” William was right. Charm defined her English cottage. She loved every inch of it.
Hearing a bell ringing, Abby hurried inside to answer.
A smiling Gita stood holding a sack. “I hope you don’t mind, but William told me the wonderful news. I brought us lunch if that’s okay?”
“Of course it’s okay. Come in and see my sweet little English cottage.” Abby opened the door wider.
“Hey, does that invitation include me? I brought lunch too.” Nash stood behind Gita, waving his bag. “Nice digs.”
A jubilant Abby moved aside to allow them entry. “Please come in and meet my cottage. It’s divinely whimsical and so magical.”