Legacy of Magic

by Denise Carbo

  He stared hard at her for a moment and then pointed his finger at her. “People like you shouldn’t own a car. In fact, I have serious reservations about giving you back the car once I’m done with it.”

  “Oh, for goodness sake, now you’re being ridiculous! It’s a car, not a child, and it’s mine. You have no right to keep my vehicle. Isn’t it your job to fix it? And stop pointing that damn finger at me!”

  “This finger? Do you see all these cuts and bandages on my hand? That’s from your car. It’s as temperamental as its owner. And it’s a good thing a car isn’t a child. Because then you’d be arrested for neglect.”

  Cory closed her eyes and tried counting to ten, but all she could picture was a branch hitting Finn in the head. She opened her eyes and blasted him. “You are an idiot!”

  Before he could reply, a crack split the air and a branch above them crashed down.

  Finn jumped forward, shielding her body with his own and plastering her against the tree.

  Cory’s eyes widened in shock as she stared at the fallen branch behind him. It was just a coincidence, right? She couldn’t have done that. It wasn’t possible.

  “Are you all right?”

  She blinked up at him and tried to focus. “I think so. You?”

  “Mm.”

  Awareness dawned.

  His hands were wrapped around her back, holding her body against his from the chest down. His legs caged hers in against the tree. She looked up, ready to tell him to move.

  Apparently, he had been waiting for her gaze to meet his.

  His gaze dropped to her lips before he leaned in and captured them.

  Her breath stuttered in her chest.

  She raised her arms to shove him away, but her treacherous hands clutched at his arms instead.

  There was no gentle persuasion.

  His mouth devoured hers.

  Strong hands pressed against her back, arching her even closer against him.

  Her fingers inched over his shoulders. She needed to get even closer.

  He palmed her bottom and lifted her against him, so she cradled him against her core. She gasped at the feel of him.

  A harsh groan sounded from Finn as he rocked against her.

  Cory tore her mouth away and turned her head. “Stop! This is insane.”

  Heavy breaths fanned her cheek.

  “Let me go.”

  As his hands dropped away, she fell back against the tree. Her legs too shaky to support her.

  She spared him a quick glance and blushed. He stood in front of her with his legs braced and hands on his hips. His arousal extremely evident, swelling against the front of his jeans.

  “If you’re waiting for an apology, forget it. You were just as involved there as I was.”

  A puff of air escaped her mouth. How did she deal with this? My God, her aunt could’ve spotted them at any time.

  “I’m not waiting for an apology. Did it occur to you Aunt Addy could have walked out the back door, or looked out a window?”

  “No, but I’m pretty sure she knows about sex and has probably had it a time or two. Who knows, she may have found herself against this very tree when your great uncle was still alive.”

  “Oh, for God’s sake, please don’t put those images in my head. Do you have to be so crass?”

  “Sorry, princess, if I insulted your delicate sensibilities. I momentarily forgot you like them slick and polished, don’t you? How did your date with Marks go? Did he kiss your hand when he wished you goodnight?”

  “That’s really none of your business.” Cory brushed past him and headed for the house. “Let’s just forget this ever happened.”

  “Yeah good luck with that, princess.”

  She closed and locked the door, half afraid he would follow her inside to finish the conversation. Cory spotted him stalking across the yard back to his own yard and let out a sigh of relief as she sagged against the door. What on earth had happened out there?

  “Coralea, are you all right?”

  Cory looked over to where her aunt stood in the doorway to the kitchen. “Um, yeah.”

  “You’re all flushed dear. You’ve done too much. Come in and sit down. I’ll get you some water.”

  “Actually, I think I’m going to head straight for the shower and then lie down for a bit, okay?”

  “Of course, but take a glass of water with you.”

  “Okay, I will. Thanks.”

  She grabbed the glass and climbed the stairs to her room. She took a couple of quick gulps before setting it down on the nightstand next to the boxes, picking the smallest one up.

  What had happened with the branch? She had pictured it hitting him and then it fell. What kind of crazy coincidence was that? It couldn’t have been her. If she was going to make a branch hit anyone over the head, it would’ve been her ex-husband. If she had that ability she would’ve sent a few branches John’s way. Possibly the whole tree, on his car, on his house.

  Cory stared down at the box, now opened in her palm. She didn’t remember opening it.

  A smaller carved wooden container was nestled inside just like the previous ones. On top a verse:

  Harm None

  Evil cannot be undone

  The box fell from her hands onto the bed, and she slowly backed away. “Well, hell.” Rubbing her suddenly chilled arms, she stared at the words carved into the wood. Cory felt a piercing ache on her neck. It disappeared as quickly as it had arrived. She rotated her neck trying to loosen up her muscles as she reread the words.

  “I wouldn’t really have hurt him. I truly wouldn’t. And for pity’s sake, I’m talking to a possessed box. Great! Loony bin here I come.”

  Chapter Seven

  Cory spun slowly around in a circle. Her eyes widened, and a grin turned her lips up. A trio of greenhouses radiated out from a generous courtyard with a gurgling fountain in the middle. Plants and bushes of all shapes and sizes were displayed around the courtyard. Benches, pots, and even birdhouses were interspersed among the greenery. “How wonderful,” she whispered.

  “Thank you. We like to think so.”

  Cory startled and spotted an older woman with salt and pepper hair chopped off just below her ears smiling at her. Warm brown eyes and plenty of laugh lines graced her elfin shaped face. She stood next to an oversized peddler’s cart that served as the checkout area. “Sorry, I guess I was talking out loud again. Is this your place?”

  “Yes, it is, and I do it all the time. I like to talk to the plants, and just between you and me, I think they like it.”

  Cory laughed and held out her hand. “I’m Cory Bishop, a recent transplant. I’m staying with my great aunt and fixing up her flower beds. She recommended I come here.”

  Taking her hand, she gave it a quick squeeze. “Oh, how nice, we always like to hear someone recommended us. I’m June Barrows, and my husband Alec and I own the nursery. Who’s your aunt?”

  “Adelaide Stone.”

  “Oh, of course. I know Adelaide quite well. She’s such a sweet woman, and with such lovely gardens surrounding her old Victorian home. I haven’t seen her this season. How is she doing?”

  “She’s doing well, but the gardening has gotten too much for her, so I volunteered to take over.”

  “I’m sure she appreciates your help. Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?”

  “Actually, I’m not entirely sure. I know I want to buy a butterfly bush to go in the area where she has a birdbath. I thought maybe I could wander through the greenhouses a bit and get some ideas.”

  “Well you enjoy yourself and if you have any questions at all, just ask. I’m manning the register today because we’re shorthanded. Otherwise, I’d love to give you a tour. Alec is working with the perennials to the right and he can answer any questions as well.”

  “All right, thank you.”

  “Let the creative juices flow.”

  Cory grinned again and headed for the greenhouse to the left. Abundant hanging baske
ts of flowers in a kaleidoscope of colors filled the length of the greenhouse. She took a deep breath of the warm fragrant air. Pots of various sizes were clustered at the entrance. They were filled with creative combinations of flowers and foliage. Plants at different stages of growth covered the tables.

  By the time she meandered the entire span of the greenhouse, she had created a pile of plants she wanted to purchase in the center aisle.

  “My, my, you must have an ambitious plan.”

  Cory winced as she faced June. “I might have gotten a little carried away, but I can’t seem to help myself. It’s like plant heaven in here. Those baskets are simply too gorgeous not to hang on Aunt Addy’s front porch. Then I thought I would make some planters for the back deck. I haven’t even gotten to the other greenhouses yet.”

  June smiled and rubbed Cory’s arm. “You’re a woman after my own heart. I lose all track of time when I’m working in here. I’ve got someone to cover the register now, so why don’t I give you a tour and then help you decide what you can’t live without for today?”

  “That sounds great. I think I’d buy one of everything if I wasn’t living on my savings right now. Every plant I look at I picture just the place I want to plant it.”

  “You mentioned you were a transplant. Does that mean you’re going to be staying with Adelaide on a permanent basis?”

  “For the foreseeable future, yes. I’m at a bit of crossroads in my life, and not a hundred percent sure of anything.”

  “Who is honey?”

  Cory laughed. “Very true.”

  June walked her through the greenhouses pointing out some suggestions for her gardens. Cory couldn’t resist trailing her fingers over leaves and petals. She stopped to smell the fragrant lavender bush. It would make a wonderful addition to the area by the garage.

  “Are you looking for a job, Cory?”

  “Eventually, I’ll have to start looking. I just don’t know what I want to do right now.”

  “What did you do before?”

  “I was a project manager back in New Jersey, but the company downsized and let me go. I also recently divorced. Those two events prompted me to decide it was time for a major lifestyle change. So here I am.”

  “Well that’s quite an upheaval for you. We do have an opening here. It’s nothing fancy. You would be working with the plants, and also running the register from time to time. It’s part-time, and the pay isn’t anything to write home about, but you’d get an employee discount.”

  Cory opened her mouth to politely decline, but then thought why not? She wasn’t doing anything else right now. She wasn’t even actively looking for a job. She loved working with plants. It would give her an opportunity to learn more while also giving her a discount on the plants she desperately wanted to buy. Maybe this was the direction her life was going to take. And if it wasn’t, no harm no foul.

  “You know, I think that’s a wonderful idea. I can’t think of anything I’d like more.”

  June grinned from ear to ear. “Fantastic! Come meet Alec and we’ll work out all the details. Then we can load up your car with your choices.”

  She practically skipped as she followed June to the last greenhouse. This was the right decision. She couldn’t wait to tell Aunt Addy and Melanie.

  ****

  As she drove farther away from the greenhouse and closer to home, Cory questioned whether she made the right decision. Should she really be working at the greenhouse instead of looking for a more appropriate permanent job? She eased to the stop sign and bit her lip. Was she procrastinating? Avoiding getting on with her life?

  Cory pressed the blue tooth button on her steering wheel “Dial Melanie.” Finn had returned her car along with a list of scheduled maintenance it would need and when. He’d added a few further admonishments about the dangers of not caring for her vehicle. She had managed to smile and nod without a single eye roll and had carefully kept her mind blank as he went down his list.

  “Hey Cory, how’s Connecticut treating you?”

  “Hi Mel. I need your sage advice.”

  “Ooh, okay. Let me channel my inner Buddha.” A low hum sounded over the line, and Cory smiled. “Okay, what’s up, my friend?”

  “Well, I just accepted a job offer.”

  “That’s great! Why don’t you sound happy?”

  “That’s just it. I was happy, but then I started wondering what I was doing. It’s a job in a greenhouse making barely over minimum wage. I’m probably being irresponsible. I should be out looking for a career job, not a hobby.”

  “Hold on, I need to check my phone. I could’ve sworn Cory Bishop called me and not Dr. Margaret Bishop.”

  Cory sighed. “Ouch. You’re right, I sound like my mother. It’s what she’ll say to me when she finds out I’m working at a greenhouse. Right before she tells me to come home to New York.”

  “New York hasn’t been home for you in quite a while and last time I checked you were an adult making your own decisions. I thought you’d decided to live your own life and not the one others expected of you? Cory, your mother is a scary woman, but she loves you and I’m sure she wants what’s best for you, whatever you decide that is.”

  She slowed her car as she drove through town. An enormous white church with a tall steeple gleamed in the afternoon sunlight. A large white gazebo sat in the center of the town green. People meandered down the sidewalks lining main street. The bucolic charm brought a sense of peace.

  She took the turn onto the road to her aunt’s house as Melanie’s words replayed in her head. “I guess I can’t help questioning every decision I make these days. I don’t want to make a mistake.”

  “Well then you’re setting yourself up for some major disappointment. Cory, everyone makes mistakes. Personally, if I don’t make one on a daily basis I start to wonder what I’m doing. Some of the most interesting things are the result of a mistake. Think penicillin.”

  Cory chuckled. “So, you don’t think I should be looking for a different job?”

  “I’m not going to tell you what you should do, only you can decide what’s right for you. However, I think you have the perfect opportunity right now to figure out what that is. Your expenses are very low because you’re living with your aunt. Experiment a little. Find what makes you happy. The most successful people always say find your passion.”

  She drove into the driveway and parked the car. “Thanks Mel. I needed to hear that.”

  “So, are you going to stick with the job?”

  “Yes I am. I really loved being in the greenhouse, and it felt so right when she offered me the job. I want to do this.”

  “Good for you, Cory. I’m happy for you. Personally, I have a black thumb, so I’m always amazed by people with gardens. I’ve managed to kill every plant I’ve ever owned. I finally gave up for fear the plants would rise up and come after me for their revenge.”

  Cory’s laugh echoed in the car. “When are you going to come for a visit? I’m sure I can find you a plant you can take care of.”

  “I’ve even killed a cactus, Cory. I’m a lost cause. However, I do think I’m going to put in for some vacation time next month. We’ll have to compare schedules and see what’s best. I can’t wait to meet those two handsome men you’ve yet to mention today.”

  “Ugh, don’t remind me. I’m swearing off men. I never should have gone out on that date. It’s too soon. I’ve got too many other things to worry about. Tell you what. I’ll set you up with him when you come for a visit.”

  “Oh really? That tells me you’re not that into him.”

  “He’s a very good-looking man, and he’s charming, but like I said, I need to swear off men.”

  “What about the neighbor?”

  Cory looked over at his house. She hadn’t seen much of him since last week and what she labelled the incident.

  “Cory?”

  “What? Oh, sorry, my mind was wandering.”

  “Thinking about your neighbor? Does that mean you won’t b
e offering to set me up with him?”

  “No, but not for the reason you’re implying. It’s because I like you too much to do that to you.”

  “Uh oh, still not getting along?”

  “Understatement. Listen I’m back at Aunt Addy’s. I’ll talk to you later, okay? I want to know when you’re coming for a visit. I miss you.”

  “I miss you too, and I’ll figure it out soon. You take care.”

  “You too.”

  Cory hung up the phone and frowned as she got out of the car. She hadn’t told Melanie about the incident with Flynn. She wasn’t sure why. She didn’t want to make a big deal about it, and she didn’t know how to explain it without mentioning the tree and the box and the weird warnings. She hadn’t touched the boxes since that day either.

  Chapter Eight

  The murmur of voices reached her ears as she paused at the bottom of the stairs. She looked down at the tank top and lounge pants she had dragged on after rolling out of bed and then back up the stairs. The proper thing to do would be to go back up and put on something more presentable, but the enticing aroma of coffee drew her to the kitchen. She estimated she could grab a cup of coffee and be back out in less than a minute, not enough time to offend anyone with her attire. Besides her tank had a built-in bra and people certainly wore less in public.

  Cory peeked around the doorway. Finn’s blue-eyed gaze raked her from head to toe, and he smiled. She rolled her eyes and stalked straight to the coffee machine.

  “Oh, good morning dear. Finnegan stopped by this morning and fixed the back door. It no longer sticks. I’m so lucky he moved in next door.”

  “Mmhmm.”

  She held the coffee up to her face and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply.

  “I don’t think your niece is ready to converse, Addy. The caffeine hasn’t entered her system, yet.”

  Her aunt laughed and glanced at Cory. “Can I fix you some breakfast, Coralea?”

  “No thank you, I just need the coffee. I’ll take it upstairs and let you two continue your visit.” Cory gave a vague smile in the direction of the kitchen table and started walking to the doorway.