5 A Charming Magic (21 page)
Read 5 A Charming Magic Online
Authors: Tonya Kappes
“I wanted to stop by and thank you.” Joy bubbled in her eyes. “If it weren’t for you, Gerald and I would have never been able to get married today.”
“How are you?” I asked. “I know it had to be difficult finding out about him having a daughter and wife.”
“Arabella is a sweetheart and you know how crazy his ex is.” She smiled.
We both knew how crazy his ex was without further discussing it. Deep in my soul I knew I was going to have see her again, but if it wasn’t for another thirty years, that would be fine with me.
“Instant family.” She laughed. She reached over and hugged me. A white dove popped its head out of her hair. I jerked away. “What? You didn’t think I’d have my hair done for my wedding without doves did you?” She winked.
“I’m glad you are here.” I moved around the counter and picked up the Village President Rule book. I held it close to my chest and walked back over to Petunia. “I want to give you your wedding gift.”
I held the book out in front of me.
“What?” She looked confused.
“I’m stepping down as the Village President and giving it to you.” I pushed the book toward her. “It’s no secret that you wanted the job way more than I did. Plus you know Whispering Falls like the back of your hand.”
She took the book. I noticed she wore a different ring than the vintage one Gerald had initially picked out for her. My ring.
“You know this doesn’t get you out of being the chosen one, right?” she asked.
“I know.” I forced a smile on my face. “This way, when the day does come and I have to face Ezmeralda, I’ll be ready.”
“June, are you sure?” she asked. Excitement escalated in her voice.
“I’m positive.” My intuition told me it was the right thing to do and it hadn’t failed me yet. “Hey, new ring?” I questioned.
“Yes. June, Arabella told us that Ezmeralda made her find out what ring you really wanted so it would fit into her plan of me dying. Of course when Arabella told Gerald I had picked it out, he went and got it.” She patted my hand. “You and I both know it was your ring from the get-go. Gerald told me about the dungeon and how you had found the ring in the room.”
“Oh, he told you all about Azarcabam?” I didn’t know if he would tell her everything.
“Yes. And if you ever want to talk, let me know.” She smiled. “I know you can’t discuss it with Oscar because he doesn’t remember everything like we do.”
“I’m hoping to forget about it too,” I confirmed. There wasn’t anything I wanted more than to forget Oscar losing his powers.
“I guess I better get going. See you in a couple of hours.” She held the book close to her body and walked out of A Charming Cure.
Within the hour, I had replenished all the regular potions that had been sold and cleaned up the shop. A Charming Cure would be open for business tomorrow, first thing in the morning since my last order as Village President was shutting the city down for the celebration of Gerald and Petunia’s wedding.
“Honey, are you ready?” Oscar walked in. His blue eyes twinkled against his black tuxedo. His bright smile sparkled against his olive skin and Chandra had cut his coal-black hair perfect for the occasion. Mr. Prince Charming stood next to Oscar. He had a little black bowtie tied around his neck. It wasn’t a secret that he loved Petunia and her shop.
“Almost.” I held my finger up and slipped into the back of the shop. I had gotten here early to make the potions and I knew it would take up most of the day. I had brought my bridesmaid’s dress with me. I yelled out into the shop, “Did you sleep okay?”
I slipped the orange dress on and glanced in the mirror. My charm bracelet jingled as I straightened my black bob. I stared at my reflection. I smiled. Having Oscar back made me feel so full and happy. I felt my bracelet and glanced down, looking at every single charm Mr. Prince Charming had given me.
“Any night I sleep next to my best friend is a good night.” Oscar snuck up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. He nuzzled his face into my neck. His lips sent the pit of my stomach into a wild swirl. He tilted his head up and looked at us in the mirror. “You sure are beautiful.”
“You’re silly.” I pulled away and walked back into the shop.
On the counter there were some June’s Gems from Wicked Good, a lit candle, and a bottle of champagne with two flutes. Arabella, Eloise holding Madame Torres, Bella and Mr. Prince Charming stood behind the counter with smiles on their faces.
“Wow! When did you do this?” I smiled. All of his little surprises told me I had made the right decisions in my life.
“While you were putting your dress on.” He grabbed my hands and held them between us. “June,” Oscar bent down on one knee. He looked up at me. “I have known you all of my life. And there is no one I would rather spend the rest of my life with.” He pulled out the vintage ring from Bella’s Baubles out of his pocket. “This was your mother’s ring. Bella had been saving it for you, so when Gerald came to get it, Bella knew something was brewing.”
Bella stepped forward. “It was written in your stars to have the ring. I knew it would come back so I let Gerald buy it.”
“I knew it was your mother’s ring,” Arabella stepped up next to Bella. She had been transformed back into the beautiful girl that had first stepped foot in Whispering Falls. “Because your mother told me.” A tear dripped down her face. “I’m a medium. I want you to know your mother is here today. Her spirit has come forward several times since I lived here, only my mother wouldn’t let me tell you.”
I swallowed hard. Oscar stood back up and put his hand on the small of my back. He knew I needed his support. I was shaking.
“She wants me to let you know that she is proud of you. She is always with you. You will do the right thing in the spiritual world when the time comes. You will also rise above any evil and defeat it.” Arabella stepped back, letting me know my mom’s reading was done.
Oscar took my hands again and got back down on one knee. “June Heal will you give me the honor of being my wife and making me the happiest man in the world?”
He stood up and slid my mother’s ring on my finger. It was a perfect fit.
“Yes!” I screamed throwing my arms around him. He swept me up, weightless in his arms. His kiss was the smoldering heat that got my cauldron going.
I glanced over Oscar’s shoulder. Everyone was smiling. Even Madame Torres. Everything seemed great and fine in Whispering Falls, but my gut told me it wasn’t going to be the last we had heard or seen of Ezmeralda.
Next time…next time, I was going to be ready for her.
About The Author
International bestselling author Tonya Kappes spends her day lost in the world of her quirky characters that get into even quirkier situations.
When she isn’t writing, she’s busy being the princess, queen and jester of her domain which includes her BFF husband, her teenage guys, two dogs, and one lazy Kitty.
Tonya has an amazing STREET TEAM where she connects with her fans on a daily basis. If you are interested in becoming a Tonya Kappes Street Team member, be sure to message her on Facebook.
For more information, check out Tonya’s website,
Tonyakappes.com
, Facebook, and Twitter
Praise for Tonya Kappes
“Tonya Kappes continues to carve her place in the cozy mystery scene with the witty and endearing
Ghostly Undertaking
set in a small town that is as fun as it is unforgettable.”
New York Times
bestseller Dianna Love
“Full of wit, humor and colorful characters, Tonya Kappes delivers a fun, fast-paced story that will leave you hooked!” Bestselling Author, Jane Porter
“Fun, fresh, and flirty, Carpe Bead ’Em
is the perfect read on a hot summer day. Tonya Kappes’ voice shines in her debut novel.” Author Heather Webber
“
I loved how Tonya Kappes was able to bring her characters to life.” Coffee Table Reviews
With laugh out loud scenes and can't put it down suspense A Charming Crime is the perfect read for summer you get a little bit of everything but romance. Forgetthehousework blog
"This book was fun, entertaining and good to the last page. Who knew reading auras could get Olivia in so much trouble? Sit back, smile and cozy up to Splitsville.com, where Olivia does the dumping for you. There's heap loads of humor, a dose of magical realism, sprinkles of romance, and mystery when someone ends up dead!" Author Lisa Lim
Also by Tonya Kappes
Women’s Fiction
Olivia Davis Paranormal Mystery Series
Magical Cures Mystery Series
A Charming Magic
Beyond The Grave Series
Grandberry Falls Series
A Superstitious Christmas (novella)
A Divorced Diva Beading Mystery Series
Small Town Romance Short Story Series
Bluegrass Romance Series
Non-Fiction
The Tricked-Out Toolbox~Promotional and Marketing Tools Every Writer Needs
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the permission in writing from the author or publisher.
Edition: January 2014
Copyright © by Tonya Kappes
All rights reserved.