Chapter Eight, A Charming Welcome

"Beth! It's pure pleasure meetin' ya. I'm Jerry's wife and I'm so glad you came to see us. Jerry is gettin' the keys and map to the cottage. I've already been up there warshin' and gettin' it ready for ya," she rattled on, waving her hands in exaggerated gestures. "It's sparkling like a new penny. Now, you just sit yerself down here and I'll go collect of cup of tea for ya. Jerry will be with you shortly."

Before she could utter a word, the woman bustled out of the room and Jerry burst in. Without so much as an introduction, Jerry laid the map on the table and explained the layout of the cabins. A steaming cup of tea appeared in front of her. She smiled at the woman as Jerry continued pointing out markers.

"Let's get you settled, little girl," he said, handing her the map as she took her third sip of tea. Grabbing a jacket off the hat-rack next to the front door, Jerry motioned for Beth to follow. "Adam gave strict instructions to take extry special care of ya…get ya to the cottage so you could rest up from yer trip."

"Now, there's no need for ya to go out and find food tonight, Beth. I cooked up a few things and stocked yer frig. If ya get lonely, just come on over to our house about six o'clock and share a meal with us. You can always use the other food later. And, by the way, my name is Betty - short for Elizabeth, ya know."

Beth smiled over her shoulder as she headed for the door and said, "I'm Beth - short for Elizabeth, and I'm glad to meet you. I'll call first if I decide to join you for dinner. Thanks for your hospitality."

Hustling out the door, Beth ran to her car to avoid being left behind by Jerry. She smiled to herself. He's spry for a man who must be well into his seventies.

Following him through the gate and down the road, they passed what looked like a homey log cabin for two. That must be Jerry and Betty's house. As the minutes ticked by, her car registered about fifteen miles from the gate when they rounded a corner and came to a beautiful cottage tucked into an alcove of the mountain.

Beth gasped. She couldn't believe the beauty of the place. Tall green grass sprinkled with wildflowers carpeted the valley floor. Lush, green trees with colorful blooms peeking out at her covered the mountains. The house looked like a stone, gingerbread cottage dropped straight out of a fairytale. The well groomed lawn encircled the house and led to a creek out back. Running along the base of the mountain, the creek cut through the road and gurgled across the valley.

A sense of belonging wrapped around Beth's heart. As she stepped from her car and followed Jerry to the front door, she sighed. I could stay here forever…

~Linnette R Mullin