“Not even a brother or sister?”
“I was an only child. I guess having no family is what brought Jeremy and me together. Something in common.”
Orene’s brow quirked, and she didn’t say a word for an awkwardly long moment.
Don’t feel sorry for me.People did when they heard. The thought made her miss her parents, and Jeremy too. There’s no promise of the time you think you have with someone, but she’d never imagined that she’d be living without Jeremy, especially so suddenly.
She missed him more than ever at that moment. Chasing the blues before they settled in, she asked, “So, what’s a fairy stone?”
“High up on the mountain where Fairy Stone State Park is now, but for many years before too, there’d been stories told of the miracle of the precious fairy stones. They are only found in a few spots in the world. It’s a natural occurrence that is very rare. Legends tell of fairies weeping when they heard of the crucifixion of Jesus, and their tears crystallized into tiny cross-shaped stones.”
“Like the one below the letter in that shadow box?”
She nodded. “Shaped like crosses, they are said to bring good luck and fortune. You can best believe guys like Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, and even Henry Ford carried them as good-luck pieces.”
“I was born and raised in Virginia, and I’ve never heard of them.”
“It’s well known to the locals, and now you know too.”
“There’s so much to learn and see.”
“Oh yes. People think living in a small town can be boring. You could spend a lifetime learning about this county’s people, places, and history.”
“Meeting you has been a good start.” Natalie knew she should head on over to the cabin, but it was nice chatting with Orene about the town that would be her new home.
“I took the liberty of heating up our breakfast.” Orene pushed back from the table. As soon as she opened the oven door, the sweet scent of cinnamon poured through the kitchen.
Natalie took in a breath. “It smells so good, but I think I’m still full from dinner last night.”
Orene smirked. “Looks like you could use a few good meals. You’re too skinny.” She grabbed a potholder and lifted two white ramekins out of the oven and carried them straight to the table. “Careful. That dish is hot.”
This woman had known her less than twenty-four hours and she was already mothering her. It was kind of nice.
“Smells heavenly.” Natalie closed her eyes for a moment and took in another breath. “Okay. I’m hungry again.”
“Thought you might say that. Let’s say a blessing right quick.” She took Natalie’s hand into her own and started. “Lord, thank you for this beautiful day. For bringing Natalie here to us and helping her find her way to what she’s looking for. Bless this food, our town, our nation, and our president, and nourish us to help do good work in your name. Amen.” Orene lifted her head and nodded.
“Amen.” Natalie waited for Orene’s lead to pick up her fork.
“Don’t wait for me. I want to grab something to show you.”Orene left the room but returned before Natalie got the first steaming bite of cobbler to her lips.
“I did this cross-stitch when I was a young girl. Far from perfect, but my mother treasured it. I must’ve poked my fingers a hundred times working on it.”
“Oh gosh. Let me see.” Natalie took the frame and read the poem.
May the charms of the Fairy Stone make you blessed,
Through the days of labor and nights of rest.
Where ever you stay, where ever you go,
May the beautiful Flowers of the Good Fairies grow.
“That’s sweet. Did you write the poem?” Natalie loaded her fork with the sweet, gooey concoction. She could get used to this kind of breakfast.
“Oh, no. I’m no poet. I was never gifted in that way. Not cross-stitch either. This is the one and only piece of needlework I ever did. Not my cup of tea.”
“I was never good at that kind of stuff either,” Natalie admitted.
