Page 51 of Dreams That Bind Us
"You've had much success in your life with many opportunities placed in your path. You haven't squandered any of them and have thrived because of it." Her turquoise eyes speared into his and she was quiet for several moments. "But you've had a recent loss that sent you into a tailspin, not knowing which way is up. It is why you're here."
James blinked. This was a little close to home, but she could have heard from several people today that he'd recently lost his mother.
"When you receive the message from your mother, do not be alarmed," Louise added cryptically. "She is always with you and knows what you’re doing to honor her memory. She wants what is best for you."
James jerked, the shock of her words sending his pulse thrumming. This wasdefinitelytoo close to home. A weight dropped onto his thigh and he calmed immediately, glancing at Anna who stared at him with reassuring eyes. She squeezed his leg and nudged her chin toward the table.
He pulled in a deep breath through his nose and looked at the cards. Louise's finger moved to the middle card. "This one is interesting because you've already had so much success in your past."
The card held an image of an old armored king in a large chair. Again, it didn't mean much to James, but he continued to listen.
"The emperor represents success in your career," Louise continued. "You're currently in several business deals with the intention of crafting a new reality for yourself." She pursed herlips as she stared at him. "You will be incredibly successful. In fact, in many ways, you are like King Midas. Know that everything you touch turns to gold."
Louise turned to the next card and James watched as a sly smile crept across the woman's face. "Now this is exactly what I'd hoped to find."
Her gaze darted to Anna, who seemed to be holding her breath, eyes wide. "The Lovers card signifies that not only have you found your soulmate, but it will be a great romance, one that will continue the rest of your life."
James sat straighter in his chair, anticipation thrumming through his body. Now they were getting somewhere.
"Oh James, I'm so happy for you. This union will give you everything you've been missing in your life and always wished for: love, companionship, and a family. Your four children will bring you so much joy. I cannot wait to hold them." Louise wiggled her shoulders as she sipped her coffee. "And I will be their grandmother," she added casually.
James couldn't breathe for several seconds. A family and children with Anna? He couldn’t say yes fast enough.
Although this was the last thing he'd expected tonight, he was thrilled and knew Louise was spot on. In a matter of moments, Anna's aunt cleared the cobwebs in his head and wiped away his melancholy. Now all he had to do was convince Anna. Judging from the way she clung to him, he knew he had a shot.
"This has been my best reading yet today." She leaned over conspiratorially, her eyes gleaming. "And you're the eighty-third reading I've done since I arrived at noon."
His brows shot up. "Wow. That's a lot. I'm amazed you were willing to do mine."
Louise flapped a hand in the air. "Pffft. This is my mission in life, what I live for. Helping others see their paths is euphoric forme. And seeing the image of your beautiful children in my mind was the best part yet." She gave him a sassy wink.
Anna choked on her coffee, spraying the cards on the table. James patted her back, and she continued to hack at the hot liquid she'd accidentally inhaled.
"Are you okay?" he asked, worried she'd hurt herself.
"She's okay, dear." Louise eyed her niece with a smug grin. "Anna has been fighting the connection between you for several reasons, but mostly because she fears she’ll lose herself and have her heart broken."
"Lose yourself? What does that mean?" James frowned, his gaze shooting between the two women who were currently holding a staring contest, with Anna’s glare a polar opposite of Louise's serene glow.
"Anna." He nudged her. "What does she mean?"
"Oh my god! This is where you've been hiding!"
All three jumped at the loud interruption and turned to find Hazel and Flora holding open the kitchen's heavy swinging doors. "We want to make a toast to your arrival, Louise," Flora insisted. "But we need you in here while we do it."
Hazel hustled over, latching onto Louise's left arm. "And after that, it's my turn for a reading. I just know there's a sexy stud on my horizon, someone tall, dark, and handsome who's looking for an older woman. I'm total cougar material, Louise, I just know it."
Louise sputtered a laugh, carefully placing her coffee cup down. "Okay, okay. It looks like this reading is over." She glanced at James. "If you want more information about what I've just told you." She nudged her chin toward Anna. "She can help you…with ALL of the answers." With another sly wink, she disappeared with Hazel and Flora.
A loud cheer erupted from the other room.
Chapter 13
Key West
James stared at the swinging doors, wondering if he'd fallen down some weird rabbit hole. There were several rounds of cheers and toasting from the main room before the DJ interrupted with another loud song request.
He glanced at Anna, who quietly studied her folded hands resting in her lap. She looked like a young child waiting for a punishment. The last thing in the world she'd get from him was any kind of criticism or doubt.
