5-minute romance

When Abby arrives at the library for story time, she’s greeted by Prince Charming himself… and a chance at her very own happily ever after

Abby pulled into the library parking lot, she and her niece hunting hurriedly for a parking spot. When she parked, she turned to Calli.

“Remember, we’re late, so we have to be very quiet going in.”

Five-year-old Calli looked at her and smiled. “But we’re always late, Aunt Abby.”

Abby grinned back. “Fair enough— c’mon, let’s go!”

The library was trying something new for story hour: the parents, or whoever brought the little ones, were taking turns reading, but Abby was dreading her turn. She could just see it now: everyone waiting for her to get there. Always late, she thought as she and Calli walked through the door.

They slipped off their shoes, settling onto the mats in front of the reader, but it wasn’t until they were seated that Abby noticed the man sitting on the couch. He held the book Cinderella, and it was clear he’d gone all out for his reading—he was even dressed as Prince Charming.

Well cast, she thought, struggling to take her eyes off him. Her pulse raced and her stomach turned flips when he met her gaze. His clear blue eyes, warm as the coming spring sky, drew her in and she was sure she detected the slightest nod.

She heard Calli whisper. “Aunt Abby, look— it’s Prince Charming!”

“It sure is,” she whispered back. Abby was familiar with the story: In fact, she related to the protagonist. She could see herself running late to get to the carriage and losing her slipper in the process.

The only problem was that her story fell short when it came to the Prince Charming character…she’d never found him.

As the man began the story, she found herself laughing along with the children at the animated voices he gave each character. Wouldn’t it be fun if this was my prince? she thought, nerves jangling every time his eyes met hers.

But that was silly: This prince had his pick of the women at the ball. Why would he choose her? As the man read the description of the prince, she saw how perfectly he fit the part. She glanced at his ring finger. Hasn’t met his Cinderella yet, she smiled.

“Her pulse raced and her stomach turned flips when he met her gaze”

After story time, Abby told Calli she could pick out three books.

“Can we leave our shoes off?” “Sure—just scoot them out of the way.” Calli scooted the shoes to one side carelessly and headed to the children’s section while Abby walked over to the man who’d read the story. She stuck out her hand.

“I’m Abby Carpenter,” she said, trying to keep her voice even. “I’m Calli’s aunt…you did a beautiful job reading today.”

As he returned her handshake, his warm hand grasping hers gently, it was all Abby could do not to tremble.

“Prince Charming, at your service,” he smiled, dipping into a bow. “AKA Kevin Davis. I’d heard Calli’s aunt brought her to story hour…so nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise,” Abby answered. “And who did you bring?”

“My brother’s son.”

“I see.” Abby smiled as she realized he was still holding her hand.

Suddenly, Calli came into view. “Got my books, Aunt Abby!”

“I’ll get our shoes.” Abby hated to let go of Kevin’s hand, but reached under the couch where Calli had pushed the shoes, but found only one of her own.

“Missing your slipper, Cinderella?” Kevin’s voice sounded from behind her. She turned to find him standing above her, holding her lost shoe in his hand.

She blushed and her heart quickened. “Sit.” He motioned toward the couch. Abby could barely obey, her body trembling with excitement. Were they really acting out the story? She sat gingerly at the front of the couch.

Kevin reached for her foot and drew it toward him, gently slipping her shoe onto her foot. “Perfect fit. You must be the one I’ve been looking for.”

Abby couldn’t believe her ears. “Would you still say that without that costume on?”

“I’d say it anywhere, anytime,” he said, gazing at her intently. “In fact, I’d like to say more—maybe at dinner this Friday?” Abby beamed. “I’d love that.”

After exchanging numbers, Abby and Calli made their way out of the library. “Aunt Abby,” Calli whispered excitedly. “Prince Charming found your slipper! You know what that means.”

Abby felt her heart fill to bursting. “What does that mean, Calli?” “You’re gonna get married in a castle!” Abby laughed as she helped Calli into the car. It seemed her own fairy tale had begun.