A Witch’s Charm: Kismet Bay Book Six, page 1
A Witch’s Charm Copyright © 2019 by Dawn Brower
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No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to Elizabeth Evans. There are no words that I can express on how much your help means to me. Thank you for all you do for me and the wonderful things you helped me bring to the world.
To everyone that loves a good tale and believes love transcends everything as long as you’re brave enough to allow it into your heart…
A Witch’s Charm
Kismet Bay Book Six
Dawn Brower
“Fortune and love favor the brave.”
Ovid
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
About The Author
Also by Dawn Brower
Afterword
Excerpt: Diamonds Don’t Cry
Prologue
Chapter 1
EXCERPT: Better as a Memory
Prologue
Chapter 1
There was a slight chill in the air that bit as it rolled over Esmeralda Strange. Witch Brew Coffee Shoppe would be hosting a gathering later that evening, after all the trick-or-treating was completed. A Halloween party that they’d remember for years to come if Esmeralda had anything to say about it.
She took a step back to check out the progress of her work. The decorations on the outside of Witch Brew were coming along nicely. Esmeralda took pride in how well the coffee shop was decorated for every holiday. Halloween was her favorite. She loved to dress up and selecting all of the creepy decorations she could work with each year. This year’s theme was witches. She’d even bought a cauldron that she planned on putting a steamy, smoking punch in for the party later. It was going to put new meaning to “Witch Brew”.
“Admiring your handiwork?” her cousin Holly asked.
“Trying to figure out what is missing. It’s not quite right yet.”
“I think it looks perfect.” Holly leaned her head to the side. “You always have such a nice flair. But if you really think you need something a little extra perhaps you should visit Blooms of Destiny. Your sister, Amadea or Ophelia might have an idea what you can use to add a little more panache to it.”
Esmeralda nibbled on her bottom lip and considered Holly’s suggestion. She could go see if there were some flowers or plants that might work, but she didn’t know if that was what it needed. There might be something there though. “I will walk over there in a few. I have to wait for Tristan to come back before I can leave.”
“Don’t you have an employee or two that can watch the shop while you go over to see Amadea and Ophelia?” Holly smiled. “It won’t fall apart if you or Tristan are not around for a few minutes.”
Esmeralda considered it and then shook her head. “When we opened the coffee shop we agreed that one of us would always be here while it was open. We want to make sure that everything is done the way we envisioned it. I won’t go back on that original agreement.” She lifted her lips into a serene smile. “Besides I don’t mind. I love this place. The extra decorations can wait a little longer until Tristan can be here.”
“I do admire your dedication and how much you put into your business.” Holly patted her on the arm. “I thought Ivy and I were obsessive.”
“It’s a family trait,” Esmeralda said and then chuckled. “One we can’t escape no matter how hard we try.”
“Much like the legend of Kismet Bay…” Holly’s face softened. “Though I’m not complaining. It led me to Nicholas and I wouldn’t change that for anything.”
Esmeralda was a little jealous of Holly and Nicholas’s love. She had yet to find someone of her own. She didn’t doubt she would someday. For a moment, a small one, she had thought she’d found someone. It wasn’t more than a passage of time that was gone before she had a grasp on it. During Holly’s wedding she’d met a man she found compelling and handsome as sin. He had seemed interested. Until he wasn’t… She still wasn’t sure where it had gone wrong. If she was brave enough she’d ask him, but she would rather keep herself in the dark than to open up that particular can of worms. It was best she just forgot about…him. Esmeralda sighed. If only she could… “I’m happy for the two of you,” she told Holly. She really was. “Kismet Bay did good with the two of you.” And a few of her cousins—even her sister had found their true love. It just kept skipping over her. It was hard for her to shake the bitterness that settled deep into her gut.
“It did, didn’t it?” Holly beamed. “Sometimes miracles really do happen.” She bumped shoulders with Esmeralda. “It’ll be your turn before you know it.”
“Perhaps,” she said noncommittally. She didn’t want Holly to know how much it bothered her that she was alone. Esmeralda was lucky. She had a wonderful family and a booming business. Sometimes she felt as if she was being selfish wanting it all. “But in the meantime I’m not holding my breath.”
“Probably a wise move,” Holly agreed. “I would hate for you to die while you’re waiting.”
Esmeralda chuckled. “That would be bad.”
“Indeed,” Holly said. “I’m excited for the Halloween party tonight. I talked Nicholas into doing a couple theme.”
“Oh?” Esmeralda lifted a brow. “I’m curious. What pray tell did you talk that man into?”
“You’re making it sound like it’s a bad thing,” Holly said. “I promise it’s not.”
“Then why are you stalling?” Esmeralda tilted her head to the side. “Spill it Holly.”
“Oh fine,” Holly said with a sigh. “It really isn’t bad. We’re going to be Wesley and Buttercup. You know from the Princess Bride.” She got a dreamy expression on her face. “Nicholas is going to be a fabulous Dread Pirate Roberts. All that tight black clothing and I even found him a real sword.” She nearly hummed with pleasure. “He’ll be super sexy.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” She stared at Holly. “You’ll have the wrong color hair. Are you both wearing wigs?”
She waved her hand dismissively. “No. I had a hard enough time convincing him to wear the pirate costume. There was no way I’d get him into a blond wig.” Holly shrugged. “It doesn’t matter anyway. The rest will be obvious. I even found a replica red dress that Buttercup wore when they were reunited. You’ll see.”
“I guess I will,” Esmeralda agreed. “I am not doing something that elaborate with mine. I’m going to be a simple witch.” She gestured toward the sign. “In honor of the name of the coffee shop. It seemed appropriate.” She grinned. “I’ll use all my witch charm on the patrons and maybe I’ll find the man of my dreams tonight.”
“Either way it will be a fabulous evening,” Holly agreed. “I need to return to Serendipity Lane. I’ll see you later.” Her cousin waved as she walked down the street to her store. Esmeralda looked at her decorations one more time and then went inside to wait for Tristan. When he arrived she’d go to the flower shop for a few things and then come back to finish.
Chapter 2
Dexter Bell drove into Kismet Bay and headed toward the offices that his cousin, Nicholas had set up to work in while he was in town. Which was most of the time… Ever since his wedding several months ago he stayed in Kismet Bay with his wife and worked remotely. Their company was still doing well, but Dexter missed him. Adjusting without Nicholas being nearby was not something he’d ever thought he would have to do. Now he was planning on a long weekend in the small town. Again.
Kismet Bay wasn’t bad. For a small town he found it rather charming. He just didn’t want to live there and couldn’t understand why Nicholas wanted to. What was it about the little village that its inhabitants and his cousin found so appealing? Dexter shook his head and let his musings slide out of his mind. He pulled the car into a parking spot and killed the engine. There were worse places he could be forced to spend his weekend.
He slid out of the car and headed toward the office. Dexter stopped a moment and considered walking a block over and grabbing a coffee at Witch Brew. That was one of the blessings of Kismet Bay. The coffee was amazing and one of the owners, Esmeralda was gorgeous. She had long luxurious black hair and olive green eyes. Her body was delectable and curvaceous. And not for him… He’d been tempted at Nicholas and Holly’s wedding. He’d been the groomsman to walk with Esmeralda down the aisle and they had spent a lot of time together that weekend. He had to remind himself several times that he had to return to the city. Someone had to run the company since his cousin had decided to marry and reside most of the time in Kismet Bay. He doubted that Esmeralda would be willing to leave her hometown. That was if she even wanted to date him and it led to something more permanent. Dexter thought it best not to let it get that far. It was for the best to let go of the idea before it grew wings and took off.
He shouldn’t go to get coffee. With his luck she’d be working and then he would have a hard time leaving. He came to town for a reason and it had nothing to do with Esmeralda Strange.
“You going to stand out here on the sidewalk all day or are you going to come inside?” Nicholas asked.
Dexter turned to look at his cousin. He stood inside the entrance to his office leaning against the
“You can’t go wrong with Witch Brew,” Nicholas said. “Coffee actually sounds good. Let’s walk down and get some.”
Dexter held back a sigh. He just had to open his mouth and admit his thoughts on coffee. Now Nicholas thought it a fine idea and he had no excuse to dismiss it. “Sounds good. It will be nice to stretch my legs a bit after the drive here.”
“No problems on your way here?” Nicholas asked.
He shook his head. “Smooth sailing so to speak.” Dexter grinned. “I didn’t even hit traffic. That was a blessing. I’ve never made a trip where construction or something like that held me up. It was a nice change.”
“Not bad,” Nicholas said. “I’m glad you were able to come up. I know I’ve been neglecting coming in to the city and left a lot on your plate. That’s going to change in the upcoming weeks. Everything is finally settling here and going into place as it should.”
“I don’t mind doing my share,” Dexter said. “If you need more time take it. Business is booming and I can handle the day to day.”
“But you shouldn’t have to,” Nicholas told him. “I promised I’d be there at least two days a week and I will be and if there is something major happening I can stay longer. Holly has arranged everything with Ivy so she can come with me some of the time. It’ll work.”
“It sounds like you’ve thought about everything,” Dexter said. They reached the coffee shop. Nicholas opened the door and gestured for Dexter to enter. They both went inside and Dexter blew out a breath. Relief flooded him as he realized that Esmeralda wasn’t in the shop. Her partner, Tristan was behind the counter making some kind of espresso drink and chatting with one of his patrons. The coffee shop was decorated for Halloween. Fake cobwebs were carefully placed in all the corners and over counters, walls, and some of the windows. A large cauldron was placed on a table in the center of the room over replica logs that glowed a bright orange to simulate fire. He stared at it uncertain what they were going to do with it.
“Isn’t that great?” Tristan came to stand next to him. “Esmeralda loves to decorate. She is going to make some fancy punch or something for the party later and it’ll go inside of the cauldron.”
“Mmhmm,” he said noncommittally. “Great.”
“I assume you two are here for some life sustaining brew,” Tristan said. “Follow me and I’ll make you my specialty.”
Nicholas was already at the counter before Dexter’s even had a thought to move. He kept staring at that cauldron and picturing Esmeralda. Hell, all he could think about was Esmeralda. He was a goner for sure. How was he going to make it through the weekend without doing something foolish?
Dexter sighed and went to get his coffee. He was going to need it if he had any chance of remaining alert and functioning. The sooner he got through his business with Nicholas the sooner he could head back to the city.
Chapter 3
Esmeralda walked into Blooms of Destiny. Her sister was at the counter writing something in one of her order books. She tucked her pen behind her ear and nibbled on her bottom lip. Esmeralda couldn’t help wondering what had Amadea so pensive.
“Hey sis,” she greeted her. “I was hoping you could help me out with something.”
Amadea glanced up at her and smiled. “Anything for my favorite sister.”
“I’m your only sister,” Esmeralda chastised her. “But seriously…”
“What do you need?” Amadea walked around the counter and hugged her. “I’ll help you with anything I can.”
Esmeralda hugged her back and sighed contentedly. This was what she needed. Her sister and complete acceptance... So she didn’t have a man or love. What she had was even better than that. She had a family who loved her unconditionally. And she did have love. It just wasn’t the romantic kind. As far as she was concerned there was nothing better than having a family as close as she had. “Thanks, sis,” Esmeralda said. “I haven’t even told you what I need and you jump on board as if it is nothing.”
Amadea stepped back and smiled. “Because it is. You’re my sister and I would do anything to help you. Surely you know that.”
“What if I told you I had to bury a dead body?” She lifted a brow.
“I’d tell you to wait while I put on some comfortable shoes and grab a shovel,” Amadea deadpanned.
Esmeralda’s laughter echoed through the flower shop. “Sure you would.”
“Quit stalling and tell me what you came here for.”
“Ideas mostly,” Esmeralda said. “I was finishing the decorations on Witch Brew and something feels off…”
“What part are you having difficulty with?” Amadea asked.
“The outside display. It seems like something is missing.”
“All right,” Amadea said. “Let’s walk over so I can look at what you finished. It might spark some ideas.”
“Are you sure?” Esmeralda didn’t want to drag her sister away from the shop. She had work of her own to do. “I’d hate it if you set your own stuff aside to help me.”
“It’s fine,” Amadea said and waved her hand dismissively. She turned toward the backroom and yelled, “Ophelia you need to mind the shop. I’m walking over to Witch Brew to help Esmeralda with something.”
Ophelia came out of the back room wiping her hands on a towel. “Fine but bring me coffee back. I’m running on empty.”
“Sure thing cuz…” Amadea took her apron off and hung it on a hook then walked back to Esmeralda. “Lead the way.” She held her hand out gesturing toward the door. They exited the flower shop and headed toward Witch Brew.
“Is something else bothering you?” Amadea asked.
“No,” Esmeralda said quickly. “Why do you ask?”
“No reason,” her sister answered. “It seems as if you’ve been a little sad lately. I am checking in to make sure you don’t need anything or to just you know…talk.”
Esmeralda had thought she was doing a good job of faking it. Amadea was so happy with Percival and she didn’t want to rain on her joy. What kind of sister would be a downer like that? “I’m fine. I promise.”
“All right,” she said slowly. “If you change your mind I’m willing to listen.”
“I swear, I am fine,” Esmeralda said a little defiantly. “There is no need to worry about me.” Maybe if she said it enough Amadea would start to believe her too.
They reached Witch Brew and stopped outside where Esmeralda had left off on her decorating efforts. There were fake webs and fuzzy spiders nestled inside of them across the windows. A couple of haystacks had been strategically placed underneath it. Dried cornstalks were tied together framing them.
“It’s too plain…” Amadea hummed next to her. “You need a little more color. Maybe a scarecrow and some pumpkins.”
Esmeralda tapped her chin and considered what Amadea suggested. “What do you think of making a stuffed witch instead? With a homemade broom?”
“Oh that’s brilliant…” Amadea clapped her hands. “I have just the thing to make it. If you come back to the shop I can help you create the best witch ever. I might even have a large cauldron you can place in front of her.”
Considering she had the one cauldron she’d purchased already set up inside, she would need whatever her sister could unearth at her shop. She could already see how it would all look when they were finished. Esmeralda was grateful for her sister’s help. It had brought her out of her decorating blockage. “That would be amazing.”
“What would be?” Nicholas asked as he stepped out of Witch Brew with a large cup in his hand.
“Amadea is helping me…” Her voice trailed off as she realized who was with Nicholas. Dexter… The one man who had caught her attention and then decided to ignore her.
