Chapter Thirty

Finally a Resolution to the Ghost Problem and a Carriage House Surprise

Relieved to have reached her, he disconnected the call. This morning he’d made good progress on special orders received from regular customers. He cleared off the bench he’d been working on and cleaned up his tools and put them away. Connections he made with the Scottish games throughout the East Coast had been a boon to his business. He needed to look up those organizations out west now and get in contact. Sitting down at the computer, he pulled up his newsletter list. It had been several months since he’d sent out information. It was time to let his customers know he’d moved and how to contact him. He pulled up an old newsletter and revamped it with all his new information. Satisfied, he proofed it and sent it on its way. Since he owned the building in Martha’s Vineyard, he’d have it remodeled and lease it out.

Grabbing his jacket off the back of his seat, he shrugged into it, set the alarm, and locked the door to the forge. The sun shone bright with only a few fluffy clouds floating in the blue sky. A stiff breeze tugged at his jacket as he jogged to the SUV. When he pulled into Earthbound’s parking lot, Josie was sitting on the steps. She jumped up and sprinted to the vehicle, barely giving him time to exit the SUV.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a smacking kiss. “You are never going to believe what happened after my class today.” Breathlessly, she proceeded to tell him everything.

Sliding his arms around her waist, he pulled her to him. “Wow, what a morning. Well, you got a lot of your questions answered.” He hesitated for a few seconds. “Where does that leave you with your parents or siblings? Going to tell them?”

She chewed on her bottom lip for a beat. “No. Or at least not until I’ve had time to process it all. Remember Dalia said it wasn’t a good idea to tell anyone except maybe you.” Pausing she glanced at him uncertainly. “For now. What do you suppose she meant?”

“I don’t know. Maybe there’s something yet to happen?” He shrugged one shoulder and leaned back against the vehicle.

Raising her arms up, she let them drop to her sides. “I certainly hope not. I’ve had all the paranormal activities I can stand for a while.”

“On that note, do you want to take the desk back to your carriage house? We can load it in the SUV. Might be safer there now rather than in the yoga studio.”

“Sounds good. Mandy’s class will be over in a few minutes. Then we can move it. I don’t want to interrupt her class.”

“No problem. So about living arrangements…” He rubbed his chin with thumb and index finger.

“I was thinking about that while I was waiting for you. It would be more restful for both of us if we moved out to the carriage house.”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking. Did you see anything of Ghost Daylan?”

“Nope. But I didn’t go in your room. Decided to avoid any possible distractions until after class. Then I sat down at the desk and you know the rest. Do you suppose Khellan’s demise released the curse and he’s been able to join his wife?” She glanced hopefully at the studio.

“After all the trouble he caused, I’d think he’d at least say goodbye.” He frowned, following her gaze. “Let’s walk around to the back door and check out my room.” Reaching for her hand, he twined their fingers and strolled to the back of the studio. He eased the back door open silently. They crept down the hall and into his room. It was just as he’d left it. Nothing out of place. “Daylan. You here?” the warlock whispered. No answer.

“I don’t feel his presence either.” She turned in a slow circle in the middle of the room.

“Look at you using your new abilities like a pro,” he teased.

A red flush crept up her neck and spread across her cheeks. “I have a long way to go, I fear.” She chuckled.

Voices drifted down the hall. Sounds of rolling up mats and stacking them against the wall accompanied goodbyes. “Class must be over.” She opened the door a crack and a sudden gust slammed it shut. Sucking in a breath, she whirled around to see her Daylan grinning at Ghost Daylan and a beautiful woman with flowing red hair standing beside him. “Wow, it did break the curse.”

“Apparently.” The ghost chuckled and tilted his head toward the woman. “This is my Tautha. We owe you a debt of gratitude. How can we ever repay you?”

“By returning to the afterlife and staying put.” He waved his hand in a shooing motion.

“Very well. Just wanted to say goodbye and thanks.”

Daylan reached for the ghost, but his hand went right through him. “Seriously. I’m glad it all worked out. Our family is healing, and all is well.”

“I’m so glad.” The ghosts waved their hands in parting and faded away.

Josie put her hand to her heart and sighed. “A faerie tale ending.”

“Yep. Let’s get the desk and chair loaded and be on our way. Is there anything you need from the apartment?”

“I’ll run upstairs, grab my duffel and toiletries. That should be it.” She bounded out the door, nearly running smack dab into Mandy.

“Whoa! I thought I heard something.” Her co-worker took two steps backward.

“Hey, is Clay here?” Daylan glanced over Mandy’s head.

She turned and pointed out front. “He’s waiting out in the car. Why?”

“Think I could get him to help me move Josie’s desk and chair into the SUV? She’s going to put it in the carriage house.”

“Sure.” She frowned. “Josie, you’re not leaving?”

“Oh, no. The desk is a family heirloom that I was storing here until I had the carriage house ready to move into.”

“Whew. With all the chaos around here, I was concerned.” Mandy mimicked wiping her brow. “I like working here.”

“Me too.”

He jogged down the hall and out the front door to where Clay sat. “Can I get you to help me move Josie’s little desk to her SUV?”

“Sure.” Clay pushed open the car door and unfolded himself out of the car. “Gotta get Mandy a roomier vehicle. “This one is on its last legs anyway. I’d like her to have a four-wheel drive by this winter.”

“Always a good idea.” He led the way into Earthbound. Josie was waiting for him with a roll of tape.

“Thought we should tape the drawers shut before you take it out to the vehicle.”

“Good idea.” He taped the drawers shut while she ran outside and lowered the back seats. They carried the desk out to the SUV and slid the antique into the vehicle. Mandy brought out the chair and handed it to him. “Thanks for your help.” He slipped the chair inside and shut the back hatch.

“See you tomorrow.” Mandy waved as they pulled out of the parking lot.

****

Josie’s eyes flew open wide when she pushed the door open to the carriage house. The walls had all been painted a light cream she’d picked out. The worn carpeting had been replaced by a new frosty gray with muted pastel swirls running through it. New hardwood flooring polished to a gleam greeted her when she entered the kitchen. She turned to face him. “Did you do all this?”

“Yep. I was the cause of the chaos in your world, so I figured it was the least I could do to set things right.”

“I love it. How’d you know what I wanted?” She wandered around the kitchen touching the new countertops and appliances.

“Paid attention when we were here scoping out the place during the walk-through.”

She padded down the short hallway and put her hand on the newly painted bathroom door. “When did you have time?”

“Oh, Devlin knew a guy.” He put his hand over hers and pushed on the door. The new fixtures and large sunken tub gleamed under the revamped lighting system. White tile with veins of light pink and turquoise covered the bathroom floor. The tile continued on the walls of the meandering maze leading to her large shower with three heads, a glass shelf recessed into the wall and a little bench formed on the opposite end from the shower heads.

Staring, she opened and closed her mouth, but no sound came out. Finally, she squeaked, “How did you—the bathroom wasn’t this big—was it?”

He tented this fingers and rocked back on his heels. “Not exactly. A bit of magic expanded the area. Truth be told, Mandy showed us a bathroom you’d admired in a home improvement magazine.”

“Oh, wow, no wonder it looks familiar.” She drew in a breath. “She didn’t say a word.”

“We told her it was a surprise. Summer shared our secrets with Mandy and a bit of the situation. Just in case she was around when all hell broke loose. Didn’t want her freaking out. She took it all in stride and swore never to divulge what she’d been told.”

“I guess it’s better that everything is out in the open.”

“Not everything, but most. Where do you want to put your desk?”

She ambled back into the living area, where several stacks of boxes were waiting to be unpacked and her paintings were leaning against the wall. “Beside the front window, so I can look out at the flowers I’ll plant in the garden as soon as I get a moment.” Turning in a circle, she surveyed the room, then pursed her lips. “A fantasy mural on that wall will bring the room to life. Don’t you think?” Pointing toward the far end of the room, she tilted her head and peered up at him.

Shoving his hands into his jean pockets, he shrugged. “Decorating is not in my wheelhouse. So you’re on your own.” He walked to the door, stepped outside, and glanced around. Finding no one in the vicinity, he waved his hand toward the vehicle. The rear door to the SUV opened. With a flick of his wrist, the desk and chair appeared in the exact spot Josie suggested.

“What happened to ‘no magic for personal gain’ rule?”

Sighing heavily, he leaned one shoulder against the wall. “Not personal gain. It’s to avoid dropping in my tracks. In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s been a rough couple of weeks. I’d say the universe will grant us a little magic without retribution. Speaking of a bit of rest and relaxation…”

“I didn’t know we were,” she teased.

“I don’t know about you, but it’s been on my mind.” He hesitated for a beat. “A lot. I talked with Devlin and Summer earlier. When they return to work, we’re going to disappear for a few days. Rocky Mountain National Park has been calling to me for quite a while. We need to answer that call.” With a devilish grin, he picked up a box marked “bedroom” and turned on his heel.

“Wait. You’re ready to drop in your tracks, but you pick up a box and carry it to the bedroom? I can unpack tomorrow.”

“Already headed that way.” Shifting the box in his arms, he turned and winked at her.

Eyebrow raised in question, she followed him to the bedroom and let out an ear-piercing squeal. Her old full-sized bed was gone. In its place stood a brand new king-sized, light oak sleigh bed with under-bed drawers and cabinets. A plush comforter in a pink, blue and purple fantasy design spread across the bed. Matching curtains shimmered at the windows. A color-coordinated moon-and-stars throw rug rested on the hardwood floor beside the bed.

Setting the box down at the bottom of the bed, he spread his arms wide. “Décor courtesy of my sister.”

“Wow—just wow!” She sat on the bed and bounced. “I love it. But how am I ever going to repay all of you?” With a sigh, she reached over and picked up a small pink envelope sealed with purple wax and the Earthbound logo placed on top the pillows. Turning it over, she slid her fingernail under the seal and took out a small pink piece of paper with scalloped edges. In flowing purple ink it read, “Josie, happy carriage housewarming. Wanted to let you know, if Daylan ever figures out you are the best thing that ever happened to him and acts appropriately, you have my and Devlin’s blessing. Love, Summer.” She held the note to her heart for a moment, then tucked it back inside the envelope and slipped it into her backpack.

“From Summer. I recognize her seal.” He sat down beside her. “Going to tell me what it said?”

“The comforter and curtains are a carriage housewarming gift from her and Devlin. The rest is girl stuff.” Smoothing her hand over the quilt, she tilted her head to glance over at him. “Now, what were you saying about a few days of R and R?”

“Reserved a premiere spot at one of the campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park.”

“How in the world did you do that? Those sites are reserved six months in advance and are full minutes after they are made available. Do you have a tent?”

“Apparently, someone canceled. I don’t have a tent, but the big fifth wheel parked at Moon Ridge is mine.”

“Really? Did you go camping on Martha’s Vineyard?”

“Not quite. I bought the truck and trailer when I discovered how much my blade-making talents were in demand at the Scottish get-togethers and games across the country. They have a large gathering during September in Estes Park. It’ll be a good place to drum up some business. I don’t want to wait until then to take a few days off, so we leave the week of July fourth.

“Sounds like fun. There is a fantastic fireworks display over Lake Estes if there’s not a fire ban.” Covering her mouth, she tried to hide a jaw-popping yawn. “Feels like the weight of the world has been lifted and my body is drained. I could sleep for days.” She fell back onto the bed.

“Not surprising. You half-mortals aren’t built to withstand the type of stress you’ve been through the past few weeks. However, I’m not sure Mandy would appreciate that.” He snickered.

She bristled. “I did fairly well. Helped dispatch the bad guy. Didn’t I?” She sat up and took a swing at him.

He dodged the blow, catching her hand in his and kissing it. “Yep. You sure did.” Relief flowed through him. She was processing the events of the last few days without it becoming a big deal or damaging her psyche.

A Cheshire cat grin spread across his face. “Race you to the shower.”

“What does the winner get?” She giggled, pulling her top over her head. By the time she reached for the button on her jeans, he was naked and sprinting toward the shower. “Hey, no fair using magic.” Wiggling out of her pants and underwear, she unclasped her bra, pulled off her socks, and groaned. “I had more clothes on than you.”

“Not my problem,” he called from the entrance to the brand-new shower.

“Okay, so what was up for grabs?” She pushed by him and waltzed into the curving path to the main shower area.

“You.” He swept her into his arms and kissed her.

****

Josie’s doubts that life would ever return to normal disappeared, leaving her free to enjoy the classes she taught. The administrative end of the business was a bit more daunting, but she managed without calling Summer once.

The week flew by without incident. Never had she felt so free. A couple of times when she was alone, she tried to make her hands spark, which resulted in burning a hole in the office carpet. Daylan fixed it and no one else was the wiser. The next time, she practiced over the dry empty sink.

Monday morning they met Summer and Devlin at the forge for juice, coffee, and bagels. She and Daylan had packed the fifth wheel the night before. He hooked up the truck, and they were ready to hit the road when Summer and Devlin arrived.

“So how’d it go?” Summer hugged her and Daylan. Piper trotted up to him, sniffed, then went about her doggy business.

Daylan grinned. “Finally I’ve been accepted.”

“For now.” Summer laughed and turned her attention back to Josie.

“Not bad, once I got the hang of your accounting system and software. We may need to add classes to accommodate the new students. Seems the word spread at the college down the street, and we’ve had a lot of new sign-ups.” She handed Summer a glass of juice and pointed to the plate of bagels.

“Great news, good job.” Summer patted her on the back. “Thanks for covering.” She picked out a blueberry bagel and took a bite, then handed Devlin a cinnamon apple.

“So how about you? Enjoy your days off as a married woman?”

“Of course. Wasn’t ready to come back.” Summer sent Devlin an affectionate look.

He slung an arm around her shoulder and kissed her cheek. “Glad to finally make it official. The wedding was fun, with all the extended family, but we were ready for alone time.”

“You can say that again.” Summer glanced at her brother. “It was good to be a family again. Thanks for that.”

“No problem. It’s a weight lifted off me.” He bumped shoulders with Summer.

“I didn’t hear from any of my staff.” Devlin glanced at his brother-in-law. “Any problems at the gun club?” He took the mug of coffee Josie handed him.

“Not really. Ran short of cash the second day. Apparently, Kevin deposited all the cash in the bank, failing to keep some on hand for the drawers. I went to the bank, got a couple hundred, and he paid it back the next day. And kept operating cash after that.” Daylan snorted. “I guess you handle all the cash and deposits?” He blew across the top of his mug of steaming coffee and reached for a bagel.

“I have up until now. Had some staff problems and never got around to sharing the info after the problems were solved.” Devlin took a bite of his bagel and wiped the crumbs from his shirt.

“While I was at the bank, I opened up operating accounts for the apartment building. Josie and I signed the signature cards, but you and Summer need to go by and sign them too. Checks are ordered and internet access set up.” He handed a slip of paper to Devlin with all the info.

Josie added, “I set up the account information on the computer at Earthbound, so you’re all set, Summer. Lizzy will be acting manager while Daylan and I are gone. Thought you two would have enough to catch up on without the added apartment management stuff.” She took a swig of orange juice and popped the last bite of her asiago cheese bagel in her mouth.

Daylan got up from the table. We’re going to hit the road now. If you need us, you know where to find us, though cell service is spotty in Rocky Mountain National.”

“You guys go on and get out of here. We got it handled.” Devlin clapped Daylan on the shoulder. “Thanks for all your help. See you when you get back.”