Savannah Girl's Three Wishes: A New Adult Fantasy Romance

by Paula Millhouse

  “You want him to stay with you?” Melise asked. Her voice was kind, but her eyes were flinty. “As a human? With no magic? No gold?”

  Abby snapped her eyes to Michael. “Is that the cost of staying with me?”

  He nodded. “Don’t ya see, lass? It’s not a loss, it’s an investment.”

  She reached for his hand. “Well, I’d die if you left me again.”

  “Is this truly your request, McKnight?” Dionis asked, his golden wings fluttering. “The life of a human spans hardly a hundred years. Your immortality will be waived.”

  “My immortality means nothing to me without her by my side,” Michael announced, and with that he pulled Abby into his arms. When she lifted her head, he kissed her.

  “So, you’re asking me for forever?” she whispered.

  “I am,” he said. “I was just making sure I could be here for you.”

  He bent down on one knee, reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a ring. Abby gasped, because it was an emerald-cut emerald squared off by diamonds. “Marry me,” he said. “Love me forever, Abigail O’Malley.”

  “Wait!” Dionis flared his hand and Michael’s ring disintegrated into ashes. “You said you’d give it all up. Let’s start with that.”

  Michael growled, “All I wanted to do was give her beautiful things, a beautiful life, Dionis. She deserves better.”

  Abby reached out for Michael’s empty hands. “It’s okay, Michael. As long as he doesn’t take you away that’s all I’ll ever need.”

  Michael rose and wrapped Abby in his arms. Her heart beat wild as his soft lips took hers in a kiss, and the fairy queen squealed with delight.

  “Also, we found the treasure Angus left me. We can live on that,” Abby pointed out, a smile tugging at her lips. But she meant what she’d said. She’d be happy with her home, her father’s bar, and Michael by her side.

  He nodded and echoed her thoughts. “And O’Malley’s. St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow, and I still have your Help Wanted sign. We can work it together. We’ll make a fortune—or at least enough to live and work on and be happy. And if push comes to shove I can always design haute couture dancing shoes.”

  Melise snapped her wings taut and held up a finger. “Hold it right there, the two of you. I’m not letting you get away that easily. You’ll be designing shoes for me and my court for all time, McKnight.”

  Michael’s eyes danced, and he nodded. “Well, we can make this work. I don’t need magic as long as that’s the case. You’ll have to drop by and dance here occasionally, and pick up your new shoes. So … will you have me, Abby?”

  Abby nodded, smiling. It was all she could do, her heart was so full.

  Melise tapped Dionis on the shoulder. “Give him her ring back. This instant!”

  Her husband heaved a sigh, flourished his hand, and produced Abby’s emerald engagement ring. “Here, McKnight. Our queen thinks you’ve earned it.”

  “And reinstate his magic too. He’ll need it to make my beautiful shoes.” The fairy king complied, because even he knew happy wives make happy kingdoms.

  “Thank you.” Michael bowed his head to Melise, took the ring from Dionis, and slipped it onto Abby’s finger. He kissed her again and stared deep into Abby’s eyes. “Will you marry us, King?”

  Melise giggled and pushed her husband forward. “Of course he will. What an incredible fairy tale this has turned into. Marry them, husband. He’s still a fairy. It’s your duty.”

  Dionis grimaced. Then the corners of his lips lifted. He spread his arms wide and beckoned all the fairies in to witness the impromptu ceremony. “Dearly beloved … er, ah, Abby, do you intend to take Michael McKn—”

  “I do,” Abby said, bouncing with joy on her emerald heels.

  Dionis continued unfazed. “And Michael McKnight, do you take Abby—”

  Michael pulled her to him. “Forever,” he said. “I do.” Then he kissed his lovely bride.

  “Ah. Well, by the power vested in me over the land of fairies and beyond, I pronounce this couple husband and wife.”

  And just like that the fairy king married them, and Abby was lonesome no more.

  Chapter 10

  ST. PATRICK’S DAY

  MICHAEL’S BEAUTIFUL BRIDE dragged him out of their wedding bed at three a.m. “Come on, Leprechaun. It’s St. Patrick’s Day! We’ve got work to do. Pronto, Mister!”

  He groaned, and ran his fingers through his hair. Abby raced around the bedroom, dressing in a pair of green Levi’s, knee length green velvet boots, and a Kelly Green soft cashmere sweater. When he did a double take, she giggled. “What? We’re all leprechauns for a day, Michael. Got anything green to wear downtown? If you don’t wear green today, people might pinch that fine bottom of yours and I’ll have to defend your honor.”

  He grinned and wagged his brows. “I think I can come up with something.” He used his magic to conjure up his own outfit, green of course, but no top hat, and fifteen minutes later, with strong hot coffee in To-Go cups, they headed down to O’Malley’s on River Street.

  Eddie met them, smiling at first, then peering up at Michael with curiosity. He took Abby’s hand and focused in on her wedding ring. “Who’s your friend?”

  “Eddie, meet my husband. Michael McKnight.” The two men shook hands. Michael had a sneaking suspicion he and Eddie were going to be great friends.

  “So what’s our game plan, Boss? We’ve got no help, no food, but worst of all, we’ve got no beer,” Eddie said.

  “Honestly, I don’t know,” Abby said. “In just a few short hours the parade begins. Then we’ll have three-hundred-thousand thirsty people invading downtown Savannah. Any ideas?”

  “I think I might have an answer,” Michael said and waved his hand at the fairy door beside the cash register.

  Three ten inch tall fairies popped through the door, stood on the mahogany bar, and looked up at him. One was blonde with green wings, the other two with darker hair, and wings of ebony. Michael gestured to them with open palms. “We need your help, brothers, and I’m willing to pay, in gold.”

  “Friends of yours?” Eddie asked, his light amber eyes as wide as saucers. He scratched his bald head, his eyebrows raised.

  “Yes,” Abby replied. “This might be a tad bit unconventional, Eddie. Just go with it, okay?”

  He nodded. “You’re the boss. I’m just here to help.”

  “What do you need, Michael?” the fairies asked.

  He looked to Abby for the answer. She leaned down, eye level with the little fey, and said, “Corned beef and cabbage, of course. And tons of sides. A traditional Irish menu. We’ll have to serve hundreds today. Breakfast and lunch. And if it’s not too much to ask, we need beer. Lots and lots of beer.”

  The little fairies scratched their heads, talked amongst themselves, then replied, “We can do that, but it’ll cost you, McKnight.”

  He agreed with a nod of his head. “Whatever Abby asks for, she gets.”

  In a flurry of wings and magic they called their friends. Within an hour dozens of fairies of all shapes and sizes infiltrated O’Malley’s and got to work in the kitchen prepping the feast, hauling in keg after keg of beer through the fairy door, and even bringing in a musical division. Michael watched Abby’s face beam. O’Malley’s was ready for the St. Patrick’s Day revelers. Giving her this special day brought him immeasurable pleasure and satisfaction.

  He even made sure the fairies wore glamours, a kind of spell that hid their wings, and made them grow taller so the humans would see them like themselves.

  Eddie just raised his hands to heaven and mumbled something about how happy he was for the beer.

  By six am, they were ready. Abby opened the doors for early risers. She served a hearty breakfast of green grits and scrambled eggs with sides of corned beef hash, and fresh, fluffy mouthwatering biscuits with butter. Irish coffees were optional.

  A little old lady strode in the door and waved at Abby. “Miss Jessica Thornburton!” Abby cleared her a sea
t at the bar for breakfast. “Come join us. Breakfast is on the house for you today. Maybe every day. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.”

  “News travels fast even in Savannah, dear. I heard about how you did that rascal Finnegan in. Bravo!”

  They exchanged hugs, and Abby waved Michael over. “Let me introduce you to my husband, Jessica. This is Michael. You’re partly responsible for how we met.” Abby waved her hand at the fairy charms she’d set out near the register.

  Michael raised his brows. Did Miss Thornburton know about the magic of fairy doors?

  “My, my,” Jessica said, winking at Abby, and raking her gaze over all of him. A blush rose up over his neck and face. The sweet little old lady was something of a flirt. “Nice to meet you, young man. Angus would approve, I’m sure.”

  “The pleasure’s all mine,” Michael said, and kissed her on the cheek.

  Jessica blushed, but turned to Abby and asked, “Is it too early for that Irish coffee you promised me?”

  “Absolutely not. It’s St. Patrick’s Day, after all. Coming right up.”

  With everything under control so early in the day, Abby turned to Michael and said, “Come on. We’ve got time to get to mass. I have prayers of thanks to offer up this year. After the service we’ll catch some of the parade before it really gets crazy around here.”

  He looked around at all the people feasting in O’Malley’s and said, “Before it gets crazy?”

  “You betcha’! Eddie. We’ll be back soon.”

  Eddie shooed them away. “We’ve got this.”

  Michael grinned. The fairies had really taken to Eddie, and he wondered if he was sneaking them sips of green beer.

  Abby took his hand and led him to the door.

  They made their way through the historic district to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Michael looked up at the awe-inspiring spires of the catholic church, and offered up a prayer of gratitude himself.

  Mass started promptly at 8 a.m. The traditions of religion, family, and the importance of the day made his chest swell with pride to be sitting by Abby’s side.

  After that, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, originated by the Hibernian Society, flooded the streets of downtown Savannah. They watched from the side of the streets with the other people as dignitaries strode by, and military soldiers from nearby Fort Stewart marched. “Aye, and it’s a big crowd this year, my love.” Michael held Abby close in his arms.

  Dozens of high school bands marched, entertaining the crowds. Savannah High School and Benedictine Academy seemed to be Abby’s favorites.

  The Shriners put on show-after-show celebrating and interacting with the people.

  “Oh, look! The Budweiser Clydesdales!” Abby jumped up and down and waved as the draft horses clomped up, pulling the famous red wagon behind them. A Dalmatian sat atop the carriage with the drivers, surveying the crowds. “Those horses are my favorite part of the entire parade!”

  “Sure it’s not that group of leprechauns following behind them, darlin’?”

  Abby giggled, and waved to clan of strutting men dressed all in dapper green, most of them with red hair, but shook her head, put her arms on his chest, and leaned up to kiss him on the lips. “I’ve only got room in my life for one leprechaun, Michael the Tall.”

  Unable to resist, he wrapped his bride up in his arms, and deepened their kiss. The crowds around them went wild, but he only had eyes for Abby.

  †††

  Abby

  AFTER THE CLYDESDALES and leprechauns passed, she checked her watch, and said, “I hate to drag you away from this spectacle, but we’ve got to get back to O’Malley’s.”

  “Lead the way, my bonnie lass.” He took her hand and they walked back to River Street, enjoying the revelry, her anticipating the rest of the day with him by her side, doing everything she loved. Fountains in the historic district sprayed green today in honor of the patron Saint of the Irish.

  Once they hit River Street, navigating the crowds was insane. Boats filled the Savannah River. One tug boat, designated for fire patrol, shot green plumes of water into the sky and everyone on the riverfront cheered.

  Today was definitely a good day to be Irish.

  She stopped at the candy kitchen and bought them both a still warm and sugary praline. Michael’s eyes rolled back in his head when he tasted the confection. “Ahh, this is the best treat on the planet.”

  No, she thought. Having him by her side today was the best thing ever.

  Back at the bar, they worked with Eddie and the fairy staff all afternoon, taking turns serving the patrons until everyone was full. Then music and dancing sets started so everyone could work off all the corned beef and cabbage.

  Suddenly in the crowd she noticed King Dionis and Queen Melise sitting at a table eating the traditional meal. Neither wore crowns, and their wings weren’t visible, but she’d recognize them anywhere. She went over to check on them. “Is everything okay, Your Majesties?”

  Her heart beat like a fledgling’s wings, and she prayed they hadn’t changed their minds and come to take Michael away.

  “Better than okay, Abby,” Melise replied. She smiled, and Abby couldn’t help but smile back. She was so beautiful, even without her wings she nearly took her breath away. Michael came to join them, an expression of alarm on his face.

  “My Queen,” he said and bowed, and kissed her outstretched hand. “Do you like the food?”

  “I adore it. The green beer, even moreso.”

  “She came to dance, McKnight.” Dionis wiped his mouth with his napkin, and broke into a full-on smile. “When we were younger we joined Angus O’Malley here every St. Patrick’s Day. He placed the fairy doors out for us, so we came to play with the humans once a year.”

  “We thought we’d check in to see how things were going,” Melise said. “Looks like you two have everything under control.”

  “Thanks to some extra fairy tale magic. So will you stay and dance?” Abby asked, her heart lightening. In a way she was glad they’d come. “I’d be honored. I’m sure my daddy would have loved for you to return to O’Malley’s.”

  “Keep our beers cold, and keep them coming,” Dionis said. He grinned, took his queen’s hand, and whisked her out onto the dance floor. The fairy orchestra whipped into a lively Irish jig. Everyone crowded the dancefloor, tapping out a staccato rhythm, threating to rip up the floorboards with gusto.

  A grand time was had by all.

  This went on late into the night, when finally, somewhere after midnight Michael pulled Abby onto the dancefloor, and held her in his arms. His body was so big, and comforting, all she wanted to do was go home and crawl into bed with him, and sleep for the next three days.

  Well, mostly sleep, that was.

  The last patrons let Eddie call them a cab.

  The fairies finished up their work, and left the bar spic-and-span clean. Only the musicians stayed behind while Eddie locked the door and counted up the totals for the day.

  The music was perfect, a slow Irish waltz, and they swayed together, arm in arm, heart to heart. “Thank you for the most perfect St. Patrick’s Day ever, Michael.”

  “It’s me who’ll be thanking you, Sweetheart, for the rest of our days together.” He kissed her then, a slow, sensuous, romantic kiss which promised everything in her life had been set right.

  Abby’s heart threatened to burst. She’d finally found home. She had her bar back, and her house on Isle of Hope, more money than she knew what to do with, and Michael. Of all her three wishes, finding him had been the only one that truly mattered. He was everything she wanted. They’d been blessed by a king and queen, they had magic in their lives again, and a true fairy-tale ending. A happy-ever-after.

  And as she danced away the night in the arms of her one true love Abby realized her willingness to believe in hope, and love, and a little fairy-tale magic promised the bright future she’d always wished for.

  The End

  Thank you!

  Thank you for reading
SAVANNAH GIRL’S THREE WISHES.

  I hope you enjoyed the story!

  If you want to see some story inspired photos go to the Savannah Girl’s Three Wishes Pinterest board and look at images I used to brainstorm Abby and Michael’s story. It’s always fun to visit Savannah.

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  Don’t you just love holiday stories? I certainly do. I also wrote MARMALADE’S FIRST CHRISTMAS, a sweet and spicy Southern romance with the cutest kitten on the Internet. Flip to the end of this book for a sneak peek at the story.

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  Biography

  The Writer’s Bio

  Paula Millhouse writes books where fantasy, romance, and suspense collide.

  Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, where Spanish moss whispers tales in breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, as a child she soaked in the sunshine and heritage of cobblestones, pirate lore, and stories steeped in savory mysteries of the south.

  She lives in the mountains now, but honors her Southern heritage as a storyteller by sharing fiction with readers.