Page 42 of The Spirit Key
“We’ve been together since we were kids. Getting married is only a recent thing.”
He said it in a totally serious way that sent a shiver through me, and this time he didn’t seem at all sorry for it.
I might have swooned just a little.
Chapter Ten
“SO WHATare you going to tell them?”
We were sitting in the living room, and I was chewing my nails. I’d invited Mom and Ryan over to talk about my decision. My stomach was doing flip-flops as I watched the clock, waiting for them to arrive.
“That’s easy. ‘Hey, remember when I died? Well, I came back being able to see ghosts. And now I’m going to be helping them find their eternal peace.’ See? Doesn’t that sound altruistic?”
“And certifiable.”
I dropped my head back onto the couch. “I’m open to suggestions.”
Tim chuckled. “Oh no. This is all your show. I plan on sitting there and watching this all unfold. Should be… educational.”
As I sat up, I gave him a pout. “Please, help me here.”
Before he could reply, the bell rang. He gave a cocky grin and went to answer it. When he got back, Mom and Ryan were in tow, and Ryan had brought his wife and their kids. Oh, joy.
I got up and met them halfway across the living room.
“Scott, meet my wife, Karen.”
“Hi, nice to—”
Karen smiled at me and immediately handed me a squirmy child.
I stood stock-still, no idea what the hell I was supposed to do.
Ryan laughed. “See? I told you he’d go white as a sheet.”
Karen snickered. “You were right. His expression made it all worthwhile.”
Ryan reached out and took the boy back. “This is Carter.” He gestured to the little one Mom was holding. “That’s Samantha. Kids, this is Uncle Scott. Say hi.”
They both turned and buried their faces, but I heard a mumbled hello from them.
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you.”
Now that my arms weren’t full, I took a few moments to look at my niece and nephew. I’d never been one for children, but these two were…. God, they were so damned cute, with their almost white blond hair and their piercing blue gazes that seemed to see everything. I could see what Tim meant by having a hard time saying no.
“I have to go so I can get the kids to class.” Karen leaned in and kissed Ryan. “I’ll see you at home.”
“Okay. Drive safe.” He kissed his kids. “Be good for Mommy.”
Karen gave me a smile. “Scott, it was nice to meet you. I hope we get a chance to get to know each other.” She picked Carter up, and he immediately buried his face in her neck. Then she reached down and took Samantha’s hand.
“Do you need some help?”
She glared at Ryan. “See, at least he asks.” She laughed. “I’m kidding. Ryan’s a great father. The kids couldn’t ask for a better dad.” Then returned her focus to me. “I appreciate you asking, but I’m good. I’ve gotten to be an expert at it.”
One more kiss from Ryan, who opened the door for her, and then his wife and kids were gone.
Karen was so nice, and once again I cursed myself for missing out on Ryan’s life. Using ghosts as an excuse no longer seemed feasible to me, because I’d held on to the past too much and tried to tell myself that it was okay to be gone because Ryan and I hated each other.
