Memories from Acorn Hill

by Melody Carlson

  “You like flowers?”

  “Oh, I simply adore them.”

  “I can tell by your accent that you're from the South,” he said. “I can't imagine what made you want to come up here for our awful weather.”

  She laughed. “Well, I didn't think to get a weather report first.”

  “Belle is considering moving here,” said Alice.

  “To Acorn Hill?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Well, it is a nice town,” he said to Belle. “And to be fair, the weather this time of year is usually much better. Still, what brings you here?”

  So Belle gave Craig pretty much the same story she'd given Wilhelm. And Alice supposed it was mostly accurate, except that Belle was leaving out a few details. Still, Alice figured that under the circumstances, discretion was essential. No sense in scaring off these eligible bachelors.

  “Well, that sounds interesting,” said Craig. “And I am solidly behind anyone who wants to beautify our town, whether it's the flowerbeds or the women.” He tapped Alice playfully on the arm.

  “Is that a hint?” she teased him.

  “No, of course not. You're one of those women who don't need much help in the beauty department. You and your sisters all are naturally good-looking.”

  She chuckled and turned to Belle. “See, that's why Craig is always welcome around the inn. He has a gift for blarney.”

  “Oh, sure,” he said. “I suppose it has nothing to do with all the starts I give your sister, or how I help her out in times of need.”

  “Well, we do appreciate that too.”

  “You know,” said Belle, “I'm thinking you would probably do wonderful wedding flowers.”

  “The best,” said Craig. “Or perhaps I should be more modest. Alice, you tell her.”

  She laughed. “He is the best. He recently did a wedding for a friend and it was perfectly lovely.”

  “So, who's getting married?” asked Craig.

  Belle giggled, then shrugged with what seemed embarrassment.

  “It's a rather long story,” explained Alice, feeling embarrassed herself. If she, or perhaps Jane, could simply take Craig aside and tell him privately, it might not seem so strange, but being forced to explain the dream story with Belle right there was almost more than Alice could bear.

  Craig pointed his finger at Belle. “So, you're the one who's getting married?”

  “I hope so.”

  “But do you plan to have the wedding here in Acorn Hill?”

  “I do.”

  “And your husband-to-be doesn't mind moving here?”

  “He already lives here.”

  Craig smiled. “I wonder if I know the lucky fellow.” He scratched his head in thought, then started rattling off the same names that Alice and her family had gone over. “Am I even getting warm?” he finally asked Belle.

  Alice grimaced. “It might be easier to simply tell him, Belle. Otherwise, he might pester everyone in town to figure it out.”

  “Yes,” said Craig eagerly. “Let's just tell him.”

  Belle nodded but said nothing. So Alice quickly retold the story of Belle's dream, keeping her account as simple and straightforward as possible. Even so, she still felt silly afterward.

  And Craig looked stunned. “No way.”

  Alice just nodded. Then Belle nodded. And Craig still looked unconvinced. “You girls are pulling my leg, right?”

  “No,” said Belle firmly. “The dream came from God and, so far, I think it's all right on track. So, seriously, could you schedule me in? I'd love for you to do my floral arrangements.”

  He still looked incredulous. “For the first Saturday in June?”

  “That's right.”

  Craig glanced uneasily at Alice, and she just nodded with a look that was probably not very reassuring.

  “Well, okay. I'll pencil it in. And you be sure to let me know when you find out who the lucky guy is, okay?”

  Alice couldn't stop herself, she winked at Craig. “Maybe it's you.”

  He just nodded, albeit somewhat soberly. “Yeah, as soon as I get a dream from God, I'll get back to you on that.”

  “Thank you,” said Belle politely.

  “We better go now,” said Alice. Then after Belle had turned around and started heading for the door, Alice turned back and gave him her best apologetic smile.

  In response, he rolled his eyes. Then he called out pleasantly, “See you ladies around.”

  “That's the Clip 'n' Curl over there,” Alice pointed out. “Would you like to meet Betty Dunkle now?”

  “Yes,” said Belle in a weary tone.

  “Or, if you'd rather, we could go back to the inn or stop and get some pie?” offered Alice.

  “No, no, I'd like to meet Betty.”

  So they went to the Clip 'n' Curl and without too much ado, introductions were made and Belle offered Betty a free facial. “Just so you can try out my products,” she told her. “Then if you see fit, you could perhaps send customers my way.”

  “Sounds good,” said Betty with a hint of impatience. A client was sitting across the room, waiting for Betty to finish her haircut.

  The two of them quickly picked a day for the following week, and Belle handed Betty a pink business card. “That's my cell phone,” she told her. “Or you might be able to reach me on the inn's phone. I plan to stay there awhile.”

  “Okay, will do.” Betty picked up her scissors, getting ready to return to the interrupted haircut.

  “I won't take up any more of your time,” said Belle pleasantly. “I can see you're busy in your pretty little shop.” She started to leave, then paused. “But before I go, Betty, I should ask about whether you do hair for weddings.”

  “Sure,” said Betty. “I do hair for just about any occasion.”

  “Oh, good,” said Belle. “Do you think I could get you to schedule me in for the morning of the first Saturday of June?”

  Betty frowned. “I might need to move something around, but I think I can do that.” She smiled at Belle. “So, you're getting married? Good for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “And you're having the wedding here in Acorn Hill?”

  Belle nodded. “Yes. The ceremony will be in Grace Chapel, and the reception will be at the inn.”

  “Well, isn't that exciting.” Betty made note of this in her appointment book. “Let me check on it and I'll get back to you.”

  “Thank you.”

  Belle seemed much happier as they exited the shop. Alice wondered if this was because she didn't have to explain all the details to Betty. Still, word was sure to get around before long. And what would people in town think when they discovered that Belle Bannister, guest of Grace Chapel Inn, was planning her wedding while on the lookout for her husband-to-be? Alice knew she was in way over her head. Really, Ethel was the sort of person to handle something like this. Or Jane. She still wondered how her younger sister had talked her into it.

  “How about some pie?” asked Alice.

  “Sounds heavenly.”

  As they walked through town toward the Coffee Shop, Alice thought that Belle's pace was slowing some. “How are your feet?” she asked.

  “Oh, they're fine.”

  “How about the rest of you?”

  “You want the truth?” Belle stopped walking and turned to look at Alice.

  “Certainly.”

  “Well, the truth is, this is all a lot more trying than I'd expected. Oh, I didn't expect God to just plop Mr. Right straight into my lap. But I did think it would be a little easier. I didn't imagine myself wandering through the streets of Acorn Hill, beating the bushes until every last bachelor poked his head out.”

  Alice actually laughed. “Maybe that was more my aunt's doing.”

  “Maybe so. And I'm sure she twisted Jane's arm, and then Jane passed me off on you, and you've been a really good sport.”

  They started walking again and Alice told her that she didn't mind. “It's actually rather interesting.�
�

  “I just thought maybe Mr. Right would be the one to find me,” said Belle wistfully. “Sort of like the sleeping princess being found by the prince.”

  “Yes, I suppose that's every girl's dream at some point in her life,” Alice said, “but I don't think life is really like that, Belle.”

  They stopped in front of the Coffee Shop, and suddenly Belle reached over and grabbed Alice by the arm. “Wait a minute—what am I saying? That was almost exactly what happened this morning. I mean, it wasn't as if I was asleep, but I wasn't out scouring the neighborhood for a man either.”

  “What?” Alice tried to make sense of Belle's sudden change of mood.

  “You see, I was simply minding my own business, coming down to breakfast. And the next thing I know, I am sitting across from the most handsome man, and he is just being charming. Almost as if God Himself had set the whole thing up for me. Don't you think so, Alice?”

  “I don't understand. Who do you mean?”

  “The pastor, of course.” Belle's eyes were wide and bright again, but Alice felt concerned as she thought about Rev. Thompson being pursued by this persistent woman. Even so, Alice just nodded helplessly. “Yes, I suppose that's a possibility.”

  “And to think I was almost ready to give up.” Belle beamed as she pushed open the door and walked confidently into the Coffee Shop.

  “To think… ” Alice mumbled as she trailed her bubbling companion, wondering if she still had as much of an appetite for pie right now as Belle did.

  Chapter Seven

  Hey, you're back,” said Hope when she saw Belle enter the Coffee Shop.

  “I most assuredly am,” said Belle happily.

  “Hello, Hope,” said Alice. “Goodness, isn't this sunshine wonderful?”

  Hope grinned. “Absolutely.” She waved a menu toward Fred Humbert, who was sitting at the counter with a cup of coffee. Fred was the owner of the town's hardware store and the local weather prognosticator. “Fred was just saying that the weather is going to be seasonal from now on. And he's really glad because he thought he was about to start growing moss on his back.”

  Alice chuckled. “How about the church basement, Fred? Jane told me there was a moisture problem. Any moss down there?”

  He shook his head. “No. It didn't look too bad. I gave Rev. Thompson a couple cans of the best sealer ever made. You can even apply it to damp surfaces. I think he should have it under control before long.”

  “You're a friend of the pastor?” asked Belle.

  Fred looked at Belle curiously, and Alice introduced her, saying she was a guest of the inn. “And Fred is the husband of my best friend Vera,” she said in a way that she hoped didn't sound too protective. Surely, Belle wouldn't set her sights on a married man. “He owns the hardware store.”

  “Pleasure to meet you.” He tipped his head politely.

  “Any friend of the pastor's is a friend of mine,” bubbled Belle.

  “You're an old friend of Rev. Thompson?”

  “No, no, but, all the same, it's an important little friendship,” said Belle with a Scarlett O'Hara smile.

  Surprised, Fred looked questioningly at Alice, who shrugged and gave him an uneasy smile.

  “We're here for pie, Hope,” Alice said as she selected a vacant booth, scooting across the familiar red vinyl seat.

  “This is such a fun little place,” said Belle as she slid onto the seat across from her, pressing her palms together with happy anticipation. “It reminds me of a café in Warbler, back when I was a kid. But that place went out of business years ago.”

  “So, what can I get for you two?” asked Hope.

  “Tea and pie for me,” said Alice. “I'll have the blackberry.”

  “À la mode?”

  “Of course, à la mode,” said Belle with enthusiasm. “And this is my treat, Alice. A little thank-you for taking me about town today.”

  “À la mode then?” Hope directed this to Alice.

  “Oh yes, that would be very nice.”

  “And you, Belle?”

  “Oh, that's so sweet, you even remember my name.” Belle smiled. “You know what, Hope, I would love to give you a free facial. What do you think?”

  “You think I need a facial?” Hope looked distressed. She automatically patted her dark hair, as if to improve her appearance. Hope cared a great deal about her looks, and Alice hoped she wasn't insulted by Belle's offer.

  “She's an Angel Face beauty consultant,” explained Alice. “She gave my sisters and me facials last night.” She purposely didn't mention Ethel.

  “Really?” Hope looked interested. “Sure, I'd like that, Belle.”

  Belle slipped a pink business card to Hope. “Invite a couple of your friends, if you like. It's more fun with a few girls to giggle with.”

  “That sounds like fun. Now, what kind of pie would you like?”

  “Oh my… let me think. How about coconut cream? Do you have that?”

  “We do.”

  “Yummy. And a cup of coffee with cream, please.”

  “Coming right up.”

  Alice noticed Lloyd Tynan coming through the door. He must've been feeling positive about the weather when he dressed this morning because he looked ready for some May sunshine in his pale blue seersucker suit and jaunty red silk bow tie. Lloyd spoke briefly with Fred Humbert, then waved toward Alice and Belle, making Alice suspect that Ethel had already spoken to him, just as Jane had promised.

  “Good day, ladies.” He wore his mayoral smile as he approached them. “This must be Miss Belle Bannister.” He extended his hand. “I am Lloyd Tynan.”

  “Oh my,” said Belle as she put her hand into his. “I just can't believe that people already know my name. Goodness, I feel almost famous. It's a genuine pleasure to meet you, Mr. Tynan. But how did you know me?”

  “My good friend Ethel Buckley told me about the inn's most recent guest. I merely assumed it was you.”

  Belle looked nervous as she lowered her voice. “And how is dear Ethel doing?”

  “A bit under the weather, I'm afraid.” He frowned. “Apparently she had an allergic reaction to something yesterday.” He looked at Alice. “I understand she had dinner with you folks.”

  Alice suppressed the urge to set her aunt's beau straight.

  “Oh, I'm sure it wasn't anything she ate last night,” said Belle quickly. “Jane's cooking is perfectly exquisite.”

  Lloyd smiled at Belle. “Well, as the mayor of Acorn Hill, I officially welcome you to our fair town.”

  “Why, thank you ever so much, Mayor Tynan.”

  “Call me Lloyd,” he said amicably.

  “Would you like to join us, Lloyd?”

  “Don't mind if I do.” He slipped in next to Alice, keeping his eyes on Belle. “I understand that you're a Southern belle, Belle.”

  She giggled. “That's right, sir. Born and raised in Georgia. I'd guess I'm about as southern as they come.”

  Hope came over with their order. “Anything besides coffee for you, Lloyd?”

  He looked at Belle's pie and actually smacked his lips. “Is that coconut-cream pie?”

  Belle nodded. “It looks yummy, doesn't it?”

  “I'll have a slice of that too, Hope,” he said.

  “Are you sure?” queried Hope.

  “Well, make it a small slice,” he said. Then he gave Alice a warning glance. “And you don't need to tell anyone that I cheated on my diet today.”

  She laughed as she remembered how many times he'd sneaked sweets from Jane's kitchen. “Goodness, Lloyd, if I'd wanted to tattle on you, I could have done so many times over.”

  “Yes, I suppose that's true. But just so you know, I had oatmeal with skim milk for breakfast this morning.”

  “Good for you,” said Alice.

  Lloyd, as usual, dominated the conversation, directing most of it toward Belle. But Alice was relieved for this reprieve. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy Belle's company, but the idea of the impending wedding was beginning
to wear on her.

  “I'm pleased to hear you like our town,” he said to Belle, “but what about our bachelors? Anyone out there that looks like marriage material?”

  Belle waved her hand at Lloyd, feigning, it seemed to Alice, embarrassment. “Well, I've only met a few, mind you, but from what I've seen, there are some good prospects out there.”

  “You know that our mayor is single too?” asked Alice, then instantly regretted her words. She knew that Ethel considered Lloyd off-limits.

  “Why, I can't imagine what's wrong with the good women of Acorn Hill to let a fine specimen of a man like you slip through the matrimonial net.”

  He chuckled. “It's not for lack of trying, my dear.”

  Alice had expected him to mention her aunt as part of the reason he was still unmarried. And to her surprise, she felt defensive that he had not.

  “Then tell me, Lloyd,” said Belle as she fluttered her long eyelashes, “what exactly is it that keeps a good man like you from surrendering to matrimonial bliss?”

  “Are you asking out of your own personal interest?” Lloyd cocked his head to one side, using what seemed an almost flirtatious tone. “Or are you simply collecting information to use against a particular male who may be resistant to your obvious charms?”

  She waved her hand at him again. “Oh, you are so terribly sweet. I'll bet sugar doesn't even melt in your mouth.”

  He chuckled. “Well, I suppose if the truth be told—I mean if I were to address the primary reason that I seem unable to surrender to matrimony—it would be that I simply enjoy being a bachelor.”

  “But don't you get lonely sometimes?” She leaned forward.

  “As mayor, I have a rather full life, Belle. I'm included in the major social functions, and I get invited to dinner a lot. I don't really have time to be lonely.”

  “Lloyd is a very social person,” said Alice.

  “But what about on a cold winter's evening?” persisted Belle. “When you're home alone, don't you just crave someone warm to cuddle up to?”

  Lloyd looked as embarrassed as Alice felt by this rather personal question. He seemed relieved when Hope set a piece of pie before him. “My, my, but doesn't this look good.”