“It’s a scale model of old Savannah,” Tony said. “I think I see our building.”
The trio leaned in.
“I see it, too.” Shelby pointed to a replica of their building. “Violet, that’s our house.”
Violet pressed her nose against the side of the case. “We live there.”
They circled the room and Shelby stopped occasionally to study the artwork. “I don’t think I could come up with something this creative.” She pointed to the piece, Paralysis of Dreams.
“What is it?” Tony peered at the painting, the silhouette of a man’s side profile; his eyes squeezed shut and a look of pain on his face. Large bolts jutted out from both sides of his forehead. A dribble of blood ran from the corner of his mouth and down his chin. “That’s disturbing.”
“I have to agree, it’s not my favorite.”
They continued wandering through the exhibit, pausing occasionally to admire or comment on a piece of art.
“This is boooring,” Violet whined.
“Stop, or we’ll leave,” her mother scolded. “You won’t get to see the gardens.”
Violet began to pout.
The trio picked up the pace and wandered through the next exhibit until they reached a sign with an arrow. Gardens Tour.
“Hurry.” Violet darted down the steps and onto the paved path. She waited at the bottom for Tony and Shelby to catch up. “This is a magical garden.”
“It’s lovely.” Shelby slowed to admire the flowers before they passed the herb garden. The herb garden abruptly ended when they reached a gravel path.
Violet broke free from her mother’s grasp and ran ahead.
“Wait for us.” Shelby ran after her and grabbed Violet’s arm.
Tony caught up. “We need to stay together or you’ll get lost.”
“What’s that?” Violet pointed to an arched arbor dotted with flowers. There was a white picket fence on each side of the arbor. Beyond the fence and lining the cobblestone path were pink and purple dahlias.
“Mommy. It’s a princess cottage.” Violet climbed the single step. Before Shelby could stop her, she grabbed a dangling roped cord and rang the brass bell attached to the doorpost.
“Violet Townsend Garlucci. Get back here!” Shelby scooped her daughter up. They made a quick retreat off the porch, but they weren’t quite quick enough.
The door creaked open. An old man peered at them through the screen.
“I’m so sorry,” Shelby apologized. “My daughter got away from me and rang your bell.”
Violet wiggled out of her mother’s arms. “This is a fairy cottage. A princess lives here.”
The old man chuckled. “She does, does she?”
“Yes.” Violet’s head bobbed up and down. “Her name is fairy princess. She has a magic wand. She turns bad people into toads.”
“And naughty little girls named Violet,” Shelby said.
Tony joined them on the porch. “We’re sorry to bother you.”
“No worries. I was getting ready to check on the gardens.” He joined them on the porch, the door slamming shut behind him.
“Henry.” A woman’s angry voice echoed out. “I told you to fix that door.”
“I will Mabel. I’ll get to it today,” the man hollered back. The smile never left his face as he peered at Violet. “You look like a princess. In fact, I believe the name Violet means princess.”
“It does?” Violet’s eyes grew round as saucers. “When I grow up I’m going to live in a castle like Elsa and Anna.”
“My name is Mr. Cagle. Would you like for me to show you the princesses’ favorite flowers?”
Violet nodded.
He reached for Violet’s hand, and his eyes met Shelby’s eyes. “May I?”
Shelby smiled softly. “Yes.”
The old man’s wrinkled hand clasped Violet’s small hand. They slowly made their way down the step while Shelby and Tony trailed behind.
Violet and Mr. Cagle stopped along the way to admire the blooming flowers. While they chatted, he told her the tale of the young princess who ran off from her parents, the king and queen, and became hopelessly lost in the gardens.
“I would never run off.”
“Like you did a few minutes ago?” her mother asked.
“You must never run off again because princesses are very special. You don’t want someone to take you away or for you to get lost.” Mr. Cagle and Violet stopped when they reached the end of the cobblestone walkway and the white picket fence. “This is where I return home.”
He reluctantly released his grip. Deep crinkles lined his kind gray eyes. He turned to Shelby and Tony. “Thank you for allowing me to share the magic of Darbylane Gardens with your daughter.”
“Thank you for taking the time to show her.” Shelby smiled warmly as their eyes met again, and she grabbed her daughter’s hand. “Let’s go have lunch in the café before we head home.”
They began walking to the fence and gate. Violet slowed as she turned back to wave to Mr. Cagle. “He’s the magic keeper of the gardens.”
“I believe he is,” Shelby agreed.
The trio passed the gardens again before circling back around. They stepped onto the patio leading to the museum’s small café.
Once inside, they studied the limited menu before ordering two of the daily specials and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for Violet.
During the meal, the young child chattered on about the enchanted garden, the fairy cottage and her princess status. They were finishing their lunch when Mr. Cagle appeared in the doorway.
His eyes scanned the room. When he spotted the family, he slowly shuffled over.
“Mr. Cagle.” Tony placed his napkin on the table.
“I thought I heard you say you were having lunch here.” He held out a small bouquet of bright flowers. “I picked these for Miss Violet.”
“For me?” Violet slid out of her chair.
“These flowers are from the fairy garden. They’re magical.”
“Oh.” Violet’s mouth dropped open as
