Page 35 of Deciding for Little Dallas
“Yes, it’s a little bit like Elf on the Shelf, but for Halloween. We can write a letter to the Spirit World and leave out cookies and milk, and the Spirit World will send you a ghost to host for the month of October. Since we’ve invited the ghost into our home—or room in this case—the ghost is allowed to try anything you leave them. Food, clothes, games, all of the fun things from the human world. You have to leave it out for them at bedtimeand they will come try it while you’re sleeping. If you try to peek though, the ghostie will go back to the Spirit World. He can’t be seen. ? In gratitude for hosting them, the ghostie will leave you Halloween goodies.? I know we're already three weeks into Halloween, but I’m sure the Spirit World will understand our tardiness,” Pike explained.
Eyes growing wide, Dallas leaned forward, hanging on to every word Pike said.
“Is that something you would like to do, Bitty Baby?”
Dallas nodded so hard she thought her noggin might for really fall off. “Yas, Daddy! I wanna host a ghostie!”
Daddy gripped her chin, probably to stop her from hurting her ouchie more. “I thought you might like to. Why don’t we go work on your letter for the Spirit World right now?”
Dallas climbed from Daddy’s lap, but before she could run away into the kitchen, he grabbed her. “Carefully, Bitty. You have to remember your head.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
She held Teefs patiently while she and Daddy slowly—oh so slowly—walked into the kitchen. He lifted her into her highchair and buckled the tray in place. Grabbing the crayons from her gift basket from the Caterpillar Room, he set them and some blank white paper on the tray with her and Teefs.
“What should I say, Daddy?”
“I think you should list all of the reasons you’d be a great host. You’re kind, good at sharing, love spooky things, and you’re a good girl, so you’d never try and peek.”
“I would never peek, Daddy.” Dallas promised with her whole heart.
“I know. That’s why you’d be such a good host!”
Dallas nodded and went to work creating the prettiest, most welcoming invitation for the ghostie. This was so exciting. Shewas so glad that Daddy had gone to his class and learned about this new, fun adventure.
Dallas worked on her picture diligently while Daddy kept a watchful eye on her. “I all done, Daddy,” she said.
“Let me see what my best girl created,” Daddy said, taking the letter from her. “This is beautiful, Bitty. I’m sure you’ll have ghosts fighting to let you host them!”
Clapping her hands together, she bounced in her seat.
“How will I know if they pick me, Daddy?”
“They will leave you a special gift by your letter and we will see it in the morning when you get up.”
Dallas nodded. “That makes lots of sense.”
Daddy smiled, pressed a kiss to her forehead, and lifted her and Teefs from the highchair.
She yawned and he chuckled. “Daddy’s sleepy too, Bitty. It’s been a busy day.”
Dallas looped her arms around him and snuggled into his hard body while he made her a bottle. It only took a few minutes of rocking in the wooden rocking chair before she dozed off in his arms, dreaming of ghostie adventures.
Dallas woke and snuggled deeper into Daddy’s big body. It was chilly and Daddy was so warm. It only took her a second to remember Host a Ghost. Sitting up, she patted Daddy’s chest. “Daddy? Daddy!”
Daddy startled and sat up. “What is it, Bitty? Does your head hurt?”
He grabbed for his phone and she put her hand over the bright screen, not wanting him to panic. She’d kinda forgotten about her ouchie.
“No, Daddy. I wanna see if a ghostie picked me.”
Daddy laughed and laid back down. “Baby girl, it’s 3 am. The ghosties are still choosing.” He pulled her into his arms and she laid back down.
“What time will they choose, Daddy?”
He kissed the back of her head and not for the first time she found herself thankful for his patience.
“I’m not sure, baby, but I think it has to be daytime before we can check. I heard they’re allowed to roam the house until the sky wakes up.”
