Sunday morning found Abby sitting in the porch swing mesmerized as she watched the gentle, cleansing rainfall. Liquid rainbow drops came from the sky. She reminded herself that even Charm’s rain possessed a quality of the fantastic. The forming puddles had an opalescence that resembled Angel Cascade’s waterfalls. Lately, she’d become more aware of how the village’s unique characteristics infused her spirit with vibrant energy. The feeling fostered joy in her very being—another benefit of living the Charmed life.
Orchid gazed into Abby’s eyes and blinked several times. She jumped down to drink from a small puddle on the step.
“So, you like that it’s raining rainbows and want to taste it?” Abby smiled, watching the kitten bat the water before lapping a few drops. Even Orchid’s behavior seemed to harmoniously mesh with Charm’s quirky natural world.
“Look. There’s our Abby on the porch, Bill. Hurry up.” Bob waved from the sidewalk.
Abby grinned at the two B’s matching azure blue umbrellas moving her way. “Hi, fellows,” she hollered.
Bob shook his umbrella and climbed the few steps to the porch. “Hello there. We’ve come to pay you a visit this morning. As usual, Bill’s the caboose.”
“I heard that,” Bill grinned. “Hey, I’m the one toting our Abby’s house welcoming gift, so it’ll be me rating higher with her.” Bill claimed a chair next to his brother, balancing the wrapped box on his knee.
“This is a pleasant surprise from my two favorite men. You didn’t need to bring a gift.” Out of the corner of her eye, Abby saw Orchid saunter over to Bob.
“Who’s this lovely ball of fur?” Bob lifted the kitten and bobbed noses with her.
“That’s Orchid, an unexpected gift from Gita.”
Bob scratched the kitten’s ears and activated her purr. “You’re a real doll. I keep telling the quiet one we should get a pet, but—”
“The quiet one doesn’t go for an aquarium of fish,” finished Bill with a wink in Abby’s direction.
“I don’t know why not. Fish are mesmerizing in their way,” Bob added a “Humph.”
“Because I like dogs. That’s why not.” Bill folded his arms across his chest.
An amused Abby jumped in to mediate. “Hey, I’ve got an obvious solution for this impasse. Why don’t you each get the pets you want?” She studied the change in Bill and Bob’s expressions.
“Why don’t we?” asked Bob.
Bill slapped his leg. “By Jiminy, I like that idea. Methinks peace in our valley is coming soon. Thanks to you, Abby.” Bill glanced at his brother. “I wonder if the pet store is open today?”
Abby’s face lit up. “I’m glad peace cometh to you two jokers. Why not swing by the shop? But first, how about something to drink? Tea? Lemonade?”
“Lemonade sounds good to me,” answered Bill.
“Me too.” Bob released Orchid to the porch floor. “Can I help?”
Abby shook her head. “Nope. I’m coming right back.”
Returning with the tray of lemonade, Abby found the discussion had turned to the pros and cons of bringing a puppy to the visitor center each day. Abby kept her chuckle to herself. “Here you go, fellows. Two tart lemonades to wet your dog whistles.” She passed the glasses and returned to the swing.
“Much obliged.” Bob took a gulp.
“You could have waited, brother.” Bill raised his glass. “Cheers to Abby, and congrats on the cottage.”
“I’ll drink to that and to the coming new additions at your bungalow.” Abby clanked her glass with the B’s.
“Open your gift now.” Bill set the rectangular box next to Abby in the swing.
“Okay, let’s see what I have here. It’s plenty heavy.” Abby tore the paper away. “Fantastic! It’s a framed map of Charm. It includes—”
“Everything here as of yesterday,” supplied Bob.
“My gosh. There’s the temple Gita told me about last evening. Tell me. What are all these places and natural phenomena I see marked?” Abby’s fingers moved around the large map.
“That’s more of Charm’s charms you’ll discover by and by,” explained Bill. “There’s no rush to go exploring. Plenty of time.”
Bob added, “You’ll get nudged when and where to go. Besides, you’ve got Charm’s best tour guides in Nash and Gita. This chart is meant to keep you engaged here with us and activate any stray nosy genes.”
Abby laughed and looked up from the map. “Nosy genes? I’m a scientist. Nosy and I are the best of friends. Thank you both for this thoughtful and useful gift. I love it.”
Bob and Bill placed their empty glasses on the table and stood.
“We’d better get going. I want to see if I’m getting a puppy today.” Bill’s features reflected his happiness.
“Yes, and me some fish, complete with a treasure chest that opens and closes in the tank. I like seeing those bubbles.” Bob’s mouth formed a wide grin.
“I assume these pets qualify as a need and not a want, according to Charm rules and regs?” asked a teasing Abby.
Bill’s frown lasted only a few seconds. “Well, here’s the way I see it. Pets provide a needed connection with the critter world.”
“Yes, staring at fish mellows me right out. Calms me. That’s gotta qualify as something needed. We’re good. I hope.” Bob stepped onto the sidewalk.
“I’m sure those fish and that pup will get blessed. Thanks again for my Charm map and being my friends.” Abby waved them off and caught sight of Myrtle cutting across the yard.
“Halloo, Abby. I wanted to pop over and remind you of tea tomorrow at two o’clock. We’re counting on seeing you next to our tea trolly.” Myrtle glimpsed Orchid. “Dear, oh dear, what a curious color for a kitten. She’s a lighter version of purple. No, orchid. Quite extraordinary.”
“She’s beautiful inside and out. Actually, her name is Orchid. Fitting, huh?” Abby picked up the kitten and stroked her back.
“I fear Edna will take to your Orchid straight away and want an identical kitten from that litter.” Myrtle waved, dismissing the worry. “That’s not today’s concern. Today I must choose my recipe for the pie festival.”
Abby nodded. “I’ve no doubt you’ll bake something as delectable as your bundt. The judges will take to anything from your oven.”
“Judges? We don’t judge each other in Charm. Instead, we celebrate our gifts. The pies give tasting happiness to those who partake. Let me tell you, everyone with teeth partakes. It’s all in good fun and to bring Charmers together before the weather turns chilled.”
Abby laughed at Myrtle’s humorous reference to teeth. “The festival sounds wonderful, and I do love pie, especially coconut cream and chess. I definitely want to partake.” Abby licked her lips for effect.
“Excellent, and maybe you’ll get to hold our handsome mayor’s arm. He seems to spend no small amount of time in your company.” Myrtle saw an SUV coming down the street. “There’s Daisy dropping off the bouquet for tomorrow’s tea. Must dash.”
Abby ignored the comment about Nash’s presence at her cottage. Instead, she gave a little nod and watched Myrtle teeter back to her home. Thinking of the coming pie festival made her mouth water. “I wouldn’t mind one bit holding onto Nash’s arm and eating a slab of pie.”