“Welcome to Bell Forest,” he announced as they stepped out, slamming the truck doors behind them.

Telie’s head turned slowly, taking in the wild beauty of the place. She was captivated immediately.

“I warned you,” he said, looking around at all of the fallen branches and limbs that cluttered the ground. Vines and undergrowth grew over long forgotten azaleas and forsythia shrubs and tangled around everything in its path as it made its way up from the lush marshland. “That’s Bayou Bell over there,” he motioned past the cottage. “The bay is out front, beyond those trees. Come on, I’ll show you the house.”

Making their way carefully down the path, Michael reached back and took Telie’s elbow, gently leading her over the fallen tree limbs. His nearness caused her heartbeat to quicken suddenly giving her renewed energy. She wasn’t use to being looked after, especially by a man. The men in her life treated her like a boy. The feeling of being protected was both strange and wonderful at the same time. She was certain that Mrs. Michael Christenberry was an incredibly blessed woman.

“This place is unreal.” She spoke softly as if it might all disappear. Dappled sunlight filtered through the trees above their heads as a breeze gently stirred around them. A dove cooed a mournful sound from a nearby branch.”

“On warm nights, it’s pleasant out here…always a slight breeze.” He cleared the porch steps from debris with his foot and helped her up.

The house complemented the surroundings and didn’t compete with it. The front porch was ample, covered by a broad metal roof that hung low, perfect for shading and shedding rainwater. A large wooden door, painted dark gray stood facing them with a well worn, slightly warped screen door covering it. There were two oversized windows on each side of the door, fitted with small glass panes. The porch held two white, time worn wicker rockers and a large willow chair with a small table tucked neatly against the wall.

Michael reached the door in two steps and unlocked it. Seeing her expression, he remarked, “Don’t be so impressed, you haven’t seen the inside yet.” Opening the door he said, “Wait here, I’ll go flip the breaker.”

Trying to adjust her eyes, she peered around the tiny cottage and beamed. “Perfect,” she whispered.