Page 5 of An Unlikely Knight

Chapter Three

The bell over the door chimed softly as Erin stepped into Stewart’s Books & Magic bookshop, the familiar fragrance of aged paper and vanilla-scented candles wrapping around her like a warm embrace. The shop was a charming retreat from the bustle outside, cozy and inviting, with tall, overstuffed bookshelves bowing under the weight of well-loved tomes. Tables showcased special editions, their gilded spines catching the light, and in the back, a snug sitting area with plush chairs beckoned customers to linger over a good read.

Behind the counter, John Murray glanced up from ringing up a customer, his bespectacled face lighting up as he spotted her. He lifted a hand in greeting before turning his attention back to the transaction. John was in a couple with Liam Murray, a British man who, according to Tammie, had also been trapped in the other realm.

Despite her initial hesitation about attending, she couldn’t resist the pull of tonight’s event—an intimate reading with one of her favorite local authors, Daniella McFadden. The prospect of hearing Daniella read in person had been too tempting to pass up.

She was early—nearly half an hour ahead of schedule—which meant only a few other guests had settled into the sitting area. The reading was limited to just fifteen attendees, ensuring an intimate, personal experience.

As she approached a table displaying Daniella’s latest novel, A Matter of Truth, her gaze was immediately drawn to the mesmerizing cover. She lifted it to closer inspect the deep swirls of violet, crimson, and indigo blended together, creating a dreamlike effect, with three luminous moons suspended in the backdrop. The image made her chest tighten—an odd flutter of recognition of a place she’d been to.

The image was jarring to the point that she barely registered the book slipping from her fingers until it hit the edge of the table with a dull thud. Heart lurching, she managed to snatch it up just before it tumbled to the floor.

“You damage it, you buy it,” John’s teasing voice pulled her back to the present, his warm gaze twinkling with amusement. Of medium build, with tussled brown hair and clean-shaven face, he was the epitome of a handsome young Scot.

Erin forced a smile, her pulse still unsteady. “Guess that means I have no choice now, huh?”

John chuckled, then leaned in to press a light kiss to her cheek. “How are you, dear?”

“Good ... great.” She struggled to form the words, her attention drifting back to the book’s cover. “The cover. It’s ... interesting, isn’t it?”

John followed her gaze, nodding in appreciation. “It is, but I like it.”

“Yes ... of course. Me too.” Erin swallowed, her fingers tightening around the book. “I—I’ll take this copy. I’d love to get it signed.”

After she paid, John gestured toward the sitting room, his smile as warm as the shop itself. “Go get comfortable. I’ll fix you a cup of tea.”

Before long, people trickled in until every seat in the sitting room was taken. John was an excellent host, ensuring everyone had a beverage and a bite from the offerings of biscuits, scones, or fruit platters.

The bell over the door jingled, Tammie and her sisters, Sabrina and Gwen, appeared. Tammie had told her they were coming. Being they were considered family by John they’d purposely arrived later, so as not to take a seat from other attendees.

The sisters settled just outside the wide opening from the sitting room, Sabrina sinking into a reading chair, Gwen sat on the footstool, and Tammie dragged a tall chair from behind the counter and climbed onto it. She smiled brightly at Erin, who returned one of her own.

John stood in front of the room and held up both hands to get everyone’s attention. The murmuring instantly ceased, every eye on him.

“Welcome. I am so pleased to see everyone. Daniella insists that you feel free to help yourself to more drinks and snacks while she’s reading. This is an informal gathering.” He went on to read the author’s bio and then introduced the woman, who came down a stairwell.

Daniella McFadden was in her early forties, her dark brown hair, with a few sprinkles of premature gray, cut in a blunt long bob. Her face was devoid of any lines, a creamy complexion that most women could only dream of. Her brilliant green eyes were lined, the black liner slanting upwards on the outer corners, and her lips were painted a soft plum. Wearing a flowing dress made of different fabrics with contrasting patterns, dangling earrings and a multitude of bracelets, she was definitely boho chic.

Once the author settled, she scanned the room, hesitating on Erin for a moment, her brow lowering just a bit. The movement was so slight that Erin was sure the others in the room didn’t notice, but when she looked over toward Tammie, the woman lifted a knowing eyebrow.

When Daniella began reading, the words flowed easily. It was obvious she was comfortable with the passage by the way she continued quoting while looking up every so often to glance at those gathered. The reading pulled Erin in, the words of a woman who tried to convince others of the possibility of other worlds existing.

Once Daniella finished reading, and asked for questions, a woman lifted her hand shyly. “How did you research for this book? I’ve already read the book and love it. Since obviously there are no other worlds, you have a brilliant imagination.”

Daniella smiled at the woman. “Thank you. I spoke to multiple people who claim to have visited other realms. The description in this story is a merging of their descriptions. The interesting thing about this is that there were very few differences in the realms they described.”

There were several more questions, even Gwen and Sabrina asked about muses and what lead to the book, but Erin couldn’t keep from wanting to race out of the store to read the book. What if the world described in the book was like the one she’d experienced?

“Are you getting your book signed?” At Tammie’s question Erin noticed that people were queued up, holding their books.

“Yes, I am,” Erin stood. “I must admit to being a bit surprised at the direction of this story. I’ve read many of her books. Fantasy romance is one of my favorite genres.”

Tammie giggled. “And I can’t help but wonder if you are meant to be here.”

Letting out a sigh, Erin gave her new friend what she thought to be a wry look. “I knew you were going to say that.”

Moments later, Erin approached the author who gave her a warm look. “There is something compelling about you,” the woman said pointedly, looking into Erin’s eyes.