Endless Enchantment

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=80 BGCOLOR="#CC9900" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="15900500dwnjzk.gif"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" "><U><B>home</B></U></A><B>     |     </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>Angie Daniels</B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Intimate Intentions"><U><B>Intimate Intentions</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="When It Rains..."><U><B>When It Rains...</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><B>Endless Enchantment</B><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Time is of the Essence"><U><B>Time is of the Essence</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id71.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hart Soul"><U><B>Hart & Soul</B></U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Endless Enchantment</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="0a885640.gif" border=0 width="133" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=400 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <B>CHAPTER ONE</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="176b2fa0.jpg" border=0 width="178" height="250" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">Charity Rose shook her head.  "I don't think it's a good idea."</B></div> <div> <B>"Why not?" Her sister Tia asked.  "I think a cruise is a wonderful idea."</B></div> <div> <B>Resting her hip against the dishwasher, Charity picked up the letter again and gazed at it indecisively before mumbling, "A cruise is a fabulous idea.  A class reunion isn't."</B></div> <div> <B>      "But this isn't another reunion in a stuffy old gymnasium."  Tia swung around in the chair.  "Yours is going to be aboard a cruise ship.  How romantic!"  Her voice bubbled with enthusiasm.</B></div> <div> <B>Charity raised a blue mug to her lips, taking a sip of her favorite orange rind tea.  Her sister could be overly dramatic at times. Tia believed love could happen anywhere and thought she proved her point when she met her fiancé while skiing in Colorado.  To her, love was like a game show.  It was either behind door number one, two or three.  Charity groaned.  Not everyone is lucky enough to get it right the first time.</B></div> <div> <B>Wearing a thoughtful look, Charity stared down at the invitation she received in the mail only yesterday, and had to admit the concept was intriguing.  Rockbridge Senior High was hosting her ten-year class reunion aboard an Enchanted Cruise Line.  She had always wanted to take a cruise.  Her ex-husband had even promised to take her on one for their ten-year anniversary.  </B></div> <div> <B>Well…that day never came.  </B></div> <div> <B>She looked up from the letter with her brow slanted in dismay.  "You forget Derrick will also be there," she pointed out.  </B></div> <div> <B>Tia responded with a grunt.  Looking over at her sister, her eyes were full of contempt.  "All the more reason to attend.  Show him how far you've come without him."  She then raised her tea to her lips and took a large gulp. </B></div> <div> <B>Gazing down at her sister's chubby cinnamon face, Charity shook her head with obvious opposition. "I don't think so."  She couldn't even imagine spending five days on the same ship with Derrick. </B></div> <div> <B>High school sweethearts, the couple married immediately after graduation with dreams of forever.  She had loved Derrick as much as she thought any woman should love her man. Charity momentarily closed her eyes with heart-wrenching memories.  What a fool I was.  Divorcing him had been the smartest move she'd ever made.  With an awkward wave of her hand she tried to brush aside the past only to be quickly reminded of the current problem at hand.</B></div> <div> <B>Lowering her mug to the Formica countertop, she mumbled in a low raspy voice, "Besides…what do I have to show for ten years?"</B></div> <div> <B>"Do I have to break it down to you?" Tia asked, eyes wide with disbelief at her sister's lack of confidence.  "You've got a lot to be proud of."  With a thoughtful look she continued,   "Let's see…you're finally attending college.  You've started your own bakery.  Not to mention, you're doing a fabulous job raising my niece alone." Speaking rapidly, she made dramatic gestures using her hands.  "That's a huge accomplishment in itself."</B></div> <div> <B>Charity's frown deepened.  "It's not that great," she protested, meeting her sister's direct gaze.  "Derrick's supporting us."</B></div> <div> <B>"And he should."  Tia rolled her hazel eyes with growing annoyance before continuing. "You supported his sorry behind for eight years. The least he can do is provide for you and Taylor." </B></div> <div> <B>"There you go again," Charity mumbled.  So her sister could not see the scowl that now framed her eyes, she turned away to place a batch of cookies in the oven then drew in her bottom lip thoughtfully.  Tia thought she still had a soft spot for Derrick.  But what her sister hadn't realized was that she regretted putting her life on hold for the selfish bastard, wishing she'd come to her senses a lot sooner.</B></div> <div> <B>Putting aside her own plans for college, Charity supported Derrick while he had attended medical school.  She had made plans to enroll his last year, but by the time her husband had started a residency program in Delaware, Taylor had come along.</B></div> <div> <B>Tia pursed her lips with extreme exaggeration.  "Humph!  I think you were too lenient on him.  I would of asked for a lot more."  When Charity's lips twisted wryly, Tia hastily added in her own defense, "Anesthesiologist do make a lot of money."</B></div> <div> <B>Charity didn't think it was any of Tia's business and therefore never foreclosed the full amount of her divorce settlement.  Her sister thought she was meek, but after finding Derrick in the arms of another woman, being timid was the furthest thing from her mind.  With the help of a lawyer, the courts had generously granted her alimony, child support, college funds for both her and their daughter, the two-year-old Maxima she was still driving and the four-bedroom house she had sold shortly after the divorce.  She had since returned to her hometown of Columbia, MO, a small college town located an equal distance between Kansas City and St. Louis, and was currently residing at her parents' home.  The couple had retired to Mobile a year ago.  </B></div> <div> <B>Crossing her ankles, Charity stated firmly, "Taylor and I are doing just fine." </B></div> <div> <B>"I know you are girl." Resting her elbow on top of the table, Tia leaned forward wearing a loving smile.  "I was worried about you there for a while.  I didn't think you'd ever stop letting Derrick walk all over you."  </B></div> <div> <B>Charity only rolled her eyes up and sighed.  She wasn't interested in another discussion about Derrick's adulterous behavior.  Reaching for her tea again, she finished the lukewarm drink in one gulp then shrugged impatiently.  "Well…all that's in the past."  Eager to change the subject, Charity reached for the teakettle, heating on top of an old gas stove.  She poured hot water into her mug then moved across the shiny taupe linoleum to refill Tia's also.  </B></div> <div> <B>"Thanks, Sis."  After dipping a fresh tea bag into her mug, Tia rose to her full five-foot-five-inch height.  "Here's to your ten year class reunion." She held up the piping hot liquid in a salute. "Let the world know Charity Rose has arrived!"  </B></div> <div> <B>Charity moved back towards the stove to turn off the eye and mumbled,  "Don't say anything when you burn yourself." She couldn't resist a slight grin.</B></div> <div> <B>"Honey, hush." With a dismissive wave, Tia lowered back into the chair.  "Don't worry about me.  I got this under control. And what I can't handle, Jonathan will be more than happy to take care of."  A smile tipped the corner of her mouth at the mention of her fiancé.  Leaning forward again, she added, "Now it's time for you to live a little.  Maybe even find your soul mate."</B></div> <div> <B>Mug in hand, Charity moved to the table, and seated herself across from Tia.  While liberally sweetening her drink, she allowed her eyes to move upward and found her older sister watching her. </B></div> <div> <B>Two months ago, Tia showed up for dinner minus her shoulder length hair.  Now she was sporting short honey-blonde dreads that looked fabulous surrounding her round face.  Tia had always been the daring one in the family.  Five years ago, she had opened the city's only African-American bookstore.  No one believed she could survive in a small college town, but Tia proved them all wrong with sales tripling over the last three years.  </B></div> <div> <B>While Tia was a risk taker, Charity, on the other hand had always done what others expected of her.  Never a leader, always a follower, she had been so caught up into making others happy that along the way she had lost an important piece of herself-her self-confidence. Now for once, she was doing something she wanted to do and was finally starting to feel in control of her own life.  Maybe Tia was right.  Maybe it was time for her to stand up and take a bow.  </B></div> <div> <B>Taking a hearty sip, Charity's eyes traveled to a brochure lying on the table beside her.  Food, sunshine, relaxation, she really could use a vacation.  But was the ship large enough to keep her away from the two people she wanted least to encounter?  </B></div> <div> <B>Between clinched teeth, she murmured, "Arika really out did herself."  But then Arika had always strived for perfection.  As a newscaster for Channel 8 News, she was a familiar face in homes across the city.  Former class president and leader of the reunion committee, the nutmeg beauty was once again in charge.  As a teenager, she had been the most popular girl in their class, which meant if she allowed you to be her friend then you were one of the fortunate one.  If not, she made your life hell.  It wasn't until recent that Charity realized that even a friend would stab you in the back.</B></div> <div> <B>Tia shifted in her seat.  Noting the change in her expression, she tried to read into her sister's thoughts by asking, "Have you seen her since you've return?" </B></div> <div> <B>Charity shook her head, trying to mask her inner frustration with deceptive calmness.  "No. Not yet."     </B></div> <div> <B>Slapping a palm across her knee, Tia buoyantly exclaimed, "See! There's another reason for you to go.  You can catch up with an old friend," she pointed out.</B></div> <div> <B>     Charity made a rude snorting sound before murmuring.  "I wouldn't call us friends."</B></div> <div> <B>Tia looked confused.  "But…I thought you and§"</B></div> <div> <B>"It's a long story," Charity interrupted before it went any further. "I rather not get into it." With an irritated sigh, she rose from her chair and moved towards the oven to check the progress of her cookies, glad for an excuse.  Several months ago, she had shared with Tia the pain of finding her husband in the bed with another woman.  She had never bothered to mention that the woman had been Arika.</B></div> <div> <B>Tapping her fingertips lightly against the table, Tia noted her flushed face and the agitated rise and fall of her breast.  Something was bothering Charity, but she wouldn't push for details.  Tia knew whatever was on her mind she would eventually share or find a way to work it out on her own.  But what she did know was that something had finally happened between her sister and Arika.  Tia remembered the day Charity came racing home to share her excitement at becoming a Cutie Pie.  Eager for acceptance, she had been happy for her little sister.  That is, until she had a chance to meet the group.  "I never liked her anyway," she commented supportively. </B></div> <div> <B>Surprised by her response, Charity spun on her heels and Tia witnessed eyes full of life's pain.  </B></div> <div> <B>Dropping her gaze, Charity spoke in a low, troubled voice.  "Yeah, well…it takes some of us longer than others to realize what was always staring them right smack in the face."</B></div> <div> <B>"Don't let Arika spoil your fun." Tia would say or do anything to convince Charity to take a vacation.  She earned it.  "Go anyway." Raising her mug, she blew on the hot liquid before bringing it in contact with her lips.  "And don't worry about Taylor.  She can hang with her Aunt Tia." </B></div> <div> <B>At those words, Charity met her gaze with her lip pursed with false annoyance.  "So you can spoil her."  As if on cue, she crossed the room to look out the window at her daughter playing in the backyard with the little girl next door Caren.  Looking over her shoulder she remarked softly, "I'm still trying to undo the damage you did during finals week."  </B></div> <div> <B>Tia waved her hand dismissively.  "No harm done.  What are aunties for?"</B></div> <div> <B>Charity turned her head slightly to roll her eyes and chose to ignore the question. Having no children of her own, Tia catered to her niece's every desire.  Taylor had her only aunt wrapped around her finger and knew it. She watched her five-year-old play with a new Barbie that Tia had bought, wearing an adorable grin that warmed her heart.  Taylor was the best thing to ever happen to her.</B></div> <div> <B>Tia's cell phone rang.  While she answered the call, Charity stared through the window again, her expression solemn.  Outside the air was warm for spring.  Tulips were already in full bloom.  She loved her parent's home where she'd grown up as a child.  Theirs was a modest neighborhood with wood frame two story homes and large oak trees in the yards.  Long before the development of several new subdivisions, Chapel Hill was once one of the most prominent neighborhoods in the city.  </B></div> <div> <B>As a child, Charity never wanted for anything she couldn't have.  The Roses were both in their forties when their daughters were born.  For years, they had been lead to believe that they were unable to have children of their own.  Their mother Diedra ended a career as principal of Oakland Junior High to be a full time mother and consumed her evenings chauffeuring the girls from one fine arts class to the next.  Charity had always wanted the same for her own children and didn't mind sacrificing her own career if it allowed her the luxury of someday staying home to raise her family.  She had been willing to support Derrick while he attended medical school, because she had planned to stay home when they decided to start a family.  It was supposed to have be an investment into their future.  Instead, as soon as Derrick was offered a position with Christiana Hospital, everything went downhill.</B></div> <div> <B>Bringing a hand up to cup her chin, she took a moment to reflect on how much her life had changed in a decade.  If it had been due to different circumstances, she would of been glad to be home.  She sighed.  Charity never imagined that at twenty-eight, she would be right back where she started.  Even though it had been her choice to return to Columbia, being home again made her feel like such a failure.  </B></div> <div> <B>She glanced down at her watch and saw that it was almost three fifteen.  Moving away from the window, she reached for a mitt and opened the oven door, removing a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies.  </B></div> <div> <B>The moment the aroma reached Tia's nose, her radar went off.  "Ooh! I've got to go."  She said into the receiver before snapping the phone shut and setting it down on the table.  Rising from her chair, she moved swiftly to the stove where she removed a spatula from Charity's hand and scooped a hot chewy cookie off the sheet.  "Mmm!" She took a bite and handed the spatula back to her sister before returning to her seat.  "You know I like them hot." Tia motioned for her sister to follow.  "Hurry and bring them to the table."  </B></div> <div> <B>Shaking her head, Charity reached for a plate in a cabinet overhead.  Tia was something else.  Even though bossy, she couldn't have chosen a better sister.  What she needed in her life right now was plenty of unconditional love, and between her sister and Taylor, Charity was granted more than her fair share.  Placing six warm cookies on a plate, she moved back to her seat. </B></div> <div> <B>"You know I live for your cookies." Tia reached for another and took a bite.  "Mmm! No wonder I can't keep these on hand."  Last year, she had added a coffee shop at the back of her store.  When Charity returned home three months ago, Tia had come up with the idea to also sell fresh-baked cookies.  They were an instant hit.</B></div> <div> <B>Charity settled back against the chair, her eyes clear and observant.  "It's a new recipe.  What do you think?" </B></div> <div> <B>Tia chewed slowly. "I love it!  What did you do, add chocolate mints?"  </B></div> <div> <B>Charity nodded.  </B></div> <div> <B>"An excellent combination."  She took another bite and raised her brow baffled.  "How could you possibly think you've nothing to be proud of?" Her question warranted a shrug.  "You bake kick ass cookies.  You've got a list of orders for bake goods scheduled for the next six months and the orders are still coming in."</B></div> <div> <B>Charity beamed with pride.  Business had been good.  Since she began baking cookies for Heritage Bookstore some of Tia's business sense had rubbed off.  She distributed flyers and placed a weekly ad in the local newspaper, and before she knew it, word got around.  As a result, the orders were coming in nonstop.  "Speaking of which, I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to conduct business from home.  This oven isn't big enough."  Although it was a large white accented kitchen with plenty of cabinet and counter space, the stainless steel stove was not big enough to hold the volume of orders she'd been receiving lately.  "I'm considering leasing a shop downtown."</B></div> <div> <B>Tia wagged a finger in front of Charity's face. "See what I am talking about!" She rose carrying her mug to the sink, mumbling, "Girl, please."  Reaching into a cabinet overhead, she removed a tall glass. "You need to send in your deposit and get on that boat."</B></div> <div> <B>"It's a ship," Charity corrected.</B></div> <div> <B>"Whatever," Tia mumbled.  She reached into the refrigerator and poured herself a glass of milk.  "I don't care if it's a rowboat, you need to be there," she persisted.  Before returning the milk to the top shelf, she offered Charity a glass.  She declined.</B></div> <div> <B>She shook her head.  Tia was never going to let up until she agreed. "Okay, okay." Feeling cornered, Charity nodded. "I'll give the reunion some thought."</B></div> <div> <B>After taking a thirsty swallow, Tia plopped back down in her chair.  "I can't understand what there is to think about." Reaching for another cookie, she took a bite.  "If money is an issue, I can foot you some."</B></div> <div> <B>Charity groaned.  Now she knew why her sister was once captain of the debate team. "No, money is not an issue."  She pressed her lips firmly together.  "I'm just not sure if I want to see my classmates again."  </B></div> <div> <B>Lounging back in the chair, Tia decided to break her rule and press the issue.  "Why?" She wanted to know.  </B></div> <div> <B>Charity couldn't come up with a plausible explanation.  "I have my reasons."</B></div> <div> <B>Tia shrugged.  "Then forget them.  Soak up the sun and enjoy the Bahamas."</B></div> <div> <B>Charity read the concern in Tia's eyes.  Smiling softly she said, "Maybe."</B></div> <div> <B>Tia leaned across the table, eyes sparkling with mischief as she met her sister's gaze. "You might even see Keelen again," she sang.</B></div> <div> <B>Charity's smile faltered as the words stirred old memories.  How could she have forgotten Keelen Brocks?</B></div> <div> <B>In grammar school, he had lived right next door.  Spending hours climbing trees and riding bikes, they were once best friends.  During seventh grade his father's job moved his family away only to return to Columbia again their junior year.   Keelen had always been overweight.  But Charity didn't seem to mind, that is, until Arika and the others zoomed in on their tight knit friendship.  There was a selective group of "misfits" the group made fun of on a daily basis, and suddenly Keelen had been added to that list.  Although Charity never participated in any of the name calling, she never bothered to say anything in his defense.  Instead, she stood by and watched, which in her opinion made her just as guilty. Not that he needed defending.  Keelen never took it personal and chose to ignore them.  Torn between acceptance and her relationship with Keelen, Charity had allowed the group to make the difficult decision for her.  It had been so long since she'd seen him, Charity wondered if he still hated her. </B></div> <div> <B>Her mouth dropped ruefully at the rush of memories.  "Oh, no," she groaned.  "Even more reason for me not to attend."</B></div> <div> <B>Tia waved her hand at her foolishness.  "You're nuts.  That was kid stuff.  He'll be glad to see you.  The real you."</B></div> <div> <B>Charity couldn't help wondering what was the real me before allowing her eyes to fall to her waist.  After giving birth to Taylor, she had lost the slender figure that she had held onto for almost twenty-three years.  Then with her increasing interest in baking, she never lost the weight.  Her size seven had somehow escalated to a ten.  Doubt continued to creep into her thoughts as she remembered Derrick telling her on numerous occasions that he found her new body repulsive.  </B></div> <div> <B>Tia knew what Charity was thinking.  Quickly, stuffing another cookie in her mouth, she reached for her sister's wrist and practically yanked her out of the chair.</B></div> <div> <B>Startled, Charity asked, "Where are we going?"</B></div> <div> <B>"Come with me and you'll see," Tia ordered.</B></div> <div> <B>Charity allowed herself to be pulled down the long narrow hallway into the guest bathroom.  Once inside, Tia shut the door.  "Now look."  </B></div> <div> <B>Charity turned and found both of them standing in front of the gold trimmed mirror mounted to the back of the bathroom door.</B></div> <div> <B>Tia pointed to her reflection.  "There is nothing wrong with the way you look.  What isn't there to like?"</B></div> <div> <B>Charity patted her auburn hair cut in a blunt cut that fell below her ear.  She had an even cinnamon complexion that complemented stunning chestnut eyes.  At five-eight with a medium build, even after childbirth, her abdomen was firm and her body toned.  And yes, she could still turn the head of a man.  </B></div> <div> <B>Tia wrapped an arm around her sister's waist.  "Now, tell me...what's wrong with you?"</B></div> <div> <B>Charity frowned at her sister's reflection.</B></div> <div> <B>Releasing her, Tia turned and faced her.  "Girl, please!  Don't believe anything Derrick told you.  You're far from fat." Then, wearing a cheesy smile, she moved her hands to rest on her own ample hips. "Now, this is what we call fat."</B></div> <div> <B>Charity smiled down at her sister.  Wearing a size sixteen, Tia was heavy but quite adorable with large eyes that sparkled like the pair of diamond earrings dangling from her lobes.</B></div> <div> <B>Tia raised one hand to rest across her chest and the other high in the air, palm forward.  "As God is my witness, you're going on that cruise even if I have to hog tie you and carry you onboard myself."</B></div> <div> <B>Charity cackled, knowing her sister meant every word.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Books"><U><B>return to previous page</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>