Page 12 of Save a Wish

“You’re in luck,” Georgia said when I set my books on the counter to pay for them. “Today is a buy two get one free day.”

“Superb.” I paid then noticed a sign beside the register announcing Connie Mills Book Signing Event. “Oh, I sat next to her on my flight here yesterday.”

“Connie is a local favorite.” Georgia picked up a small flyer and dropped it in the bag with my books. “She’ll be here later this month, signing her newest book.” She gestured over my shoulder to a round table display of books. “A Mountain Love has become my favorite Connie Mills book.”

I wandered over to the table and picked up a copy, reading the back that advertised a tale of a rugged mountain man determined to shut out the world and a bubbly comedienne vowing to make him laugh again.

Georgia joined me at the table with my bag of books. “I decided it’s a buy two get two free day.” She plucked A Mountain Love from my hand and put it in my bag. “Come back to see Connie and get it signed.”

“I will. Thank you.” I took the bag from her. “Your aura is amazing.”

Georgia’s smile widened and she moved into a pose that exuded pride. “I work on my aura daily, darling.” She then gave my arm a little squeeze. “I like your aura too.” She angled her head. “It’s got something . . . I don’t know . . . majestic about it.”

Majestic. A little too close to majesty for my comfort. Time to find Hank.

“I’ll see you.” I held up my bag. “And thanks again.”

“You bet, honey.” Georgia walked me to the door and we reached it as Hank opened it.

“Afternoon, Georgia.” Hank tipped his head.

“Another day spent serving the good people of Greenridge, eh, Hank?”

Hank smiled. “We wouldn’t have it any other way, now would we?”

“No, sir, we wouldn’t,” Georgia said. “You both have a nice rest of the day now.”

Hank held the door open and motioned for me to exit before him. I was sure he was merely being polite, but the move felt like something my attendants back at the palace in Verdalach would do. I’d have to tone down my majestic aura if I wanted to seamlessly insert myself here in this small town.

And I wanted that. More than anything.

Chapter Five

Sadie

“I haven’t had a chance to restock the cabin so let’s go in Patty’s Pit Stop for some rations.” Hank navigated me toward the convenience store I’d passed on my way to the bookshop.

We entered and a woman behind the checkout counter lowered the magazine she’d been reading. “Hey, Hank. How’s Sarah feeling?”

“Better, Patty. Thanks. She just needed to rest, you know?”

“Ah, yes, rest. That four-letter word Sarah has so much trouble comprehending,” Patty said.

Hank chuckled. “You know it. I managed to convince her to stay on the couch for a few hours the other day, but I had to load her up with books and her knitting and our Christmas card list.”

“Christmas card list?” Patty’s eyebrows rose. “Holy Hell, she’s getting quite the headstart, isn’t she?”

“Yup. Give me your list and she can probably get that done for you too while I’ve forced her to stay still.” Hank gestured to me. “Patty, this here is Sadie, just moved to Greenridge from . . .” He arched an eyebrow.

“Overseas.” I walked over to a display of maple syrup and busied myself with reading the label on one of the leaf-shaped bottles.

“Overseas,” Hank said slowly. “Right. Okay.”

I caught the look that passed between Hank and Patty, but overseas was the only answer they were getting from me.

“Hank’s been kind enough to offer me his cabin as accommodations while I search for something more permanent,” I said.

Patty motioned to a cork board on the wall by the door. “I don’t think there’s anything available right now, but if something comes up, it’ll be listed there. I let folks advertise as a public service to the community.”