Abby awoke to young fists banging on her bedroom door. Sitting upright in bed, she listened to the words coming from the other side.
“Don’t move away. We like you,” wailed Will.
“I’ll give you Annabelle, my favorite dolly. Her name starts with A like ours,” offered Aubrey. “Stay forever.”
Smiling, Abby opened the door to faces she adored. “Hey, you two, I’m only a few minutes away. Guess what? I expect you at my cottage first thing Saturday morning for a flower hunt.” Abby bent down and scooped both kids into her arms.
“What’s a flower hunt?” Will’s expression shifted to curious.
“Abby, tell us.” Aubrey clung to her doll.
“A flower hunt is a special outing. First, we take cookies and fruit punch for snacking. Then a basket to gather the flowers that look the most unusual. We find the most magical places in my gardens, and you two try to identify the flowers from pictures. Whoever names the most wins a prize,” Abby explained. “Doesn’t that sound fun?”
Will’s head bobbed. Excited shrieks came from him as he skipped around.
Aubrey rolled her eyes. “He’s silly. Ignore my brother. What time can we hunt?”
“We must ask your mom.” Abby had made the game up on the fly. She’d have to find a kid’s prize, assuming Bella agreed to the outing.
“What’s this? Are you bothering Abby?” Bella appeared in the hallway, arms overflowing with laundry.
“Will’s bothering Abby. He was a big crybaby. I’m not.” Aubrey twirled Abby’s hair affectionately.
Abby smiled. “No one’s bothering me. We were discussing my leaving and how they might come for a morning of fun, assuming you approve?” She retrieved a dropped towel and placed it on Bella’s stack.
Will tugged on his mom’s jeans. “Abby says we’re going to have punch and cookies. Lots of them.”
“How nice of Abby. I think I’ve got the picture here. Kids, go downstairs and eat your waffles. Abby will say goodbye before she leaves. Isn’t that right?” Bella pointed toward the stairs.
“That’s right. Enjoy those waffles.” Abby watched the kids scamper down the stairs. “They’re adorable, and how I’m going to miss you all. So, I invited your brood tomorrow morning for a flower hunt. I think the cookies and punch were the enticers, assuming you’re okay with that plan?”
Bella nodded. “I’m more than okay. I’m thankful. Dare I hope for a chance to sit in the hairstylist’s chair? Be still my heart.”
Abby laughed. “Go make that appointment, or however you do things in Charm. I’ve got the kids tomorrow until lunch.”
Bella gave Abby a hug. “I’m throwing in the punch and cookies, as I’m sure food shopping isn’t on top of your to-do list.”
“It needs to be, but alas, no. Adapting has first place.” Abby shrugged. “Time to get dressed and packed. I’ll see you all downstairs.”
Abby went to strip the bed and tidy things. Her mind took the opportunity to needle her about the whole Charm experience. Much as she tried to ignore her thoughts, as Nash kept suggesting, the doubts came calling. So many of them. Throwing her arms in the air, “Fine. Mind, run the gamut. Sooner or later, you’ll shut up.” Abby tried singing and found success with the distraction.
“Is there an audition going on in there?” Nash’s voice called through the door.
Abby laughed. “Very funny. Come in and help me carry my everything downstairs.” She caught sight of Nash’s arm muscles flexing. He lifted the suitcases as if they contained feathers. She pinched herself to distract herself from the embarrassing impulses and free-flowing words.
“Man, you must have filled—”
“Don’t say it. Whatever snarky remark is in that yap, keep it there. Two pairs of overalls and a few shirts didn’t add that much weight. You’re out of shape or something….”
Abby trailed off. Nash came to where she stood. His fingers tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. She held her breath, wondering if he was about to kiss her and how she could muster the resistance.
“Abby, I’m going to miss you being down the hall.” Nash’s lips brushed against her hair as he pulled her closer. “You smell like honeysuckle.”
She had no resistance. “It’s my…I like flower scents—I like—”
Nash interrupted her with a kiss as sweet as the honeysuckle shampoo she’d used that morning. He stepped back. “Whew, you’ve got some kind of magnetism. Maybe I’m going to miss that too.” Nash grabbed two suitcases and fled the room.
Abby didn’t budge. She stood statue-still, waiting for her pulse to feel normal.
~*~
“Say goodbye to Abby,” instructed Bella from the front door.
Abby waved to three smiling faces. The fourth face waited by her SUV. She felt her heart do a crazy flip-flop.
Abby came alongside Nash. She focused on his forehead and not his eyes. Doing or saying something dumb wasn’t in her farewell. “Thank you again for bringing me home with you. I can’t imagine the emotional state I’d—”
“We’d never let you falter. No one would in Charm.” Nash tipped Abby’s nose and glanced toward the front door. “The herd has gone inside.” He opened the vehicle’s door. “In you go.”
“Will you come to see me?” Abby’s voice quivered. Get it together, she admonished herself, waiting for his answer. The heat in Nash’s green eyes was evident as he leaned down in slow motion. Abby felt his warm mouth close over hers. Too soon, she heard Nash’s voice hover above her. Abby opened her eyes.
“I like you, Abby Drake. Maybe too much.” Nash stood with his arm draped over the SUV’s roof. A slow grin appeared. “How about I bring pizza tonight?”
Breathless from the kiss, Abby replied, “That sounds great. I’d like my half to—”
“No.” He touched her lips with his fingers. “Let me guess what topping you’d like.” Nash rubbed his chin in contemplation.
Feeling more herself again, Abby laughed. “Trust me. You won’t get it. I’m a complex pizza type.”
“Nope. I’ve got this. Green olives, tomatoes, and sausage.” Hands on his hips, Nash waited.
“How’d you do that? No, don’t tell me. It’s something else wonky in Charm. See you at six o’clock, Mayor.”
She drove off hearing Nash’s laughter and tallying two kisses so far in her day. She liked him a lot too. Maybe too much for someone only in Charm a short time.
Abby spied an empty parking place by the bakery. On a mission, she entered and perused the displays of Danish. Awash in happiness, she turned toward the teenage girl waiting to take her order and noticed her name embroidered on the red-striped apron. “What a lovely name, Mimosa.”
“Thank you. Some days I like it more than others.” She rolled her eyes in the direction of two teenage boys hanging about. “What can I get for you?”
Abby smiled in understanding. “May I have three of the blueberry cheese Danish and three dark roast coffees?”
“Here you go. Enjoy.” The girl passed the box to Abby, neatly tied with bright blue string, and the coffees tucked into a carrier.
“I don’t owe you anything?” asked Abby. She was struggling to accept Charm’s free ride.
“A thank you?” responded Mimosa, with sincerity.
“Of course, thank you so much. I’m sure the recipients will enjoy every sip and bite.” Abby left, heading for her destination. She approached, breaking into a trot, and lifted the box into the air.
“Well, look who’s brightening up our morning, Bill. Say hello to Abby.” Bob punched his brother.
“Hey, Abby. It’s good to see your pretty face at our booth. How are you settling in?” Bill laid aside a stack of brochures showcasing a pie bake-off.
“Big news, B’s. I’m moving into my cottage on Acorn Street in a few minutes, so I guess that’s me settling in Charm.” A smile lit Abby’s face. “Here you go. These are for us to share.” She set the box on the counter and lifted the lid. The coffees waited.
Bob peeped in the box. “Blueberry cheese Danish and coffee. I’m a taker, you thoughtful woman.”
“Count me for one of each. Thanks, Abby.” Bill nabbed a pastry. “Mmm, that’s good.”
Abby laughed. “Consider this a small token of my thanks for rescuing me last Monday, which incidentally seems like eons ago.” She watched with amusement as Bob devoured his Danish in three bites.
“Listen, we can rescue you again tomorrow if it means more rewards like these. Right, quiet one?” Bob jabbed his brother.
Bill nodded and took a sip of his coffee. “Yes, we’ve got another map right here showing Charm, if you have a need.” He laid one on the counter and chuckled.
“Actually, I’d appreciate knowing where the grocery store is located. Is that on your map?” Abby studied the paper.
“It certainly is.” Bob pointed. “It’s four blocks over and sits by its lonesome. You can’t miss it. Look for the sign saying Charm Market. Name’s not very original.”
Bill jumped in. “It’s not a big store, but the market has everything you need. You’ll see.”
Abby ate the last bite of her pastry and smiled. “Let me guess. The grocery is becharmed, like everything else here?”
Bill and Bob nodded in unison.
“You B’s are a mess. Stop by and visit me at the cottage.” Abby took her cup of java and waved so long.
Minutes later, Abby entered the market with her short list of items. She grabbed a small metal cart and paused to take in the general layout. The vibe seemed nurturing with soothing music playing. The lighting made everything seem sunlit, and the décor was nature’s shades of greens and browns. She noticed a few shoppers milling around.
Abby acknowledged her needs were minimal since cooking didn’t belong on her list of talents. She found several things, and even a few healthy raw vegetables, that called to her. Staying mindful of Charm’s method of acquiring only what was necessary, she took her time choosing what went into the cart. It felt odd shopping in this manner, but definitely more balancing.
Ready to check out, Abby noticed a friendly middle-aged woman beckoning to bring her cart.
“Good morning. You’re a new shopper at the Charm Market. You place the items on the stainless counter.” The clerk helped empty the basket.
Abby nodded. “Yes, this is my first visit. It’s such a nice market that I may take up cooking to have reasons to return.” Abby smiled. Her mouth went agape, watching the woman’s next actions.
She touched each item with a round purple crystal attached to a metal copper stick. Four canvas shopping bags imprinted with Abby’s name waited to be filled. Completing those tasks, she turned to Abby. “Now, would this same day and time suit you for future trips to the market? Our shoppers choose a return time to ensure the best selection for their needs. Of course, you’re still free to visit randomly and select anything in the store.”
Abby stared, attempting to absorb what was being asked of her. “Um, Friday mid-morning works fine. Thank you.”
The friendly clerk made a note and passed the sacks to Abby. “All taken care of. Please bring the bags back whenever you shop. It’s our method. How we do things.”
“Will do. Is there anything else?” Abby saw a waiting couple behind her.
“No, you’re all set. Enjoy the earth’s bounty.” The clerk smiled and motioned for the couple to move forward.
Walking out to her SUV, Abby stole a breath and looked heavenward. “Don’t judge. Accept,” she spoke aloud.
“When I got to Charm, I found those same words helped me integrate. Hello again.”
A startled Abby jumped, seeing Enchanted Florist’s owner standing next to her. “Hiya, Daisy. Sorry I didn’t see you. I keep having to remind myself to accept things. How are you?” Abby stowed her first bag on the passenger seat.
“I’m great and anticipating our fun outing Sunday.” Daisy held the cart to keep it from rolling away.
“Thanks. I’m looking forward to our picnic too. In fact, I just bought an interesting iced tea flavor to make us.”
“Super. That’ll be a nice treat. Funny, I was telling Nash yesterday about our outing. I adore that man.” Daisy gave a girlish giggle.
Closing the vehicle door, Abby turned to face Daisy. “I’m a fan of our mayor too. He’s certainly played a major role in helping me accept Charm’s invite.” Abby wondered again if Daisy merely liked Nash as a friend or something more. She wasn’t about to ruin their budding friendship with a personal question like that. “He’s well suited as mayor and certainly generous in helping others.”
“He is all of that and so much more.” Daisy’s friendly face nodded. “Listen, I gotta dash back to the shop. I forgot my lunch box, so I needed to grab a nut yogurt and fruit from the market. See you Sunday.”
“Yes, see ya Sunday.”
Abby pushed the cart into the corral. Why did it matter if Daisy and Nash had something blooming? She chuckled at blooming and the play on words. At least her sense of humor remained. Abby reminded herself again that her time in Charm was an unknown, and she had to make the most of each day’s gifts. The thought of leaving ushered in more confusion. Her old life lacked what Charm did not, a rare kind of effervescent joy. Then, there was the presence of her Indiana Jones.