Page 82 of The Spirit Key
Tim reached for my hand, and when he took it, he squeezed, grounding us both. “I’ve already been taught a few lessons on that front. I never want anyone to go through what I am. And after seeing Alexander, I understand how important what Scotty—whatwe—can do is to people.”
That earned him a genuine smile. “You’ll see that the rewards of what you’re doing will far outweigh anything else. And in the end, the two of you will have eternity together.”
That made me wonder. “Why aren’t you with Vano?”
She chuckled. “As I said, time passes differently for spirits. What has been hundreds of years in your world is nothing more than the blink of an eye for us. Vano understands my need to ensure the two of you work together, and he’s waiting for me to return to him. We have forever ahead of us, so what are a few more years?”
“And what about my mother?”
I’d wondered if Tim would ask. And I had to admit, I was anxious to hear the answer.
“Your mother did what any would do. She chose to protect her child, regardless of what it could cost her. I wish I could say where she went, but there are things even I don’t know. Once a spirit passes beyond this realm, I’ve no idea what happens. I helped enough to pass over to know that whatever is out there brings them peace.”
Tim blew out a breath. “If she’s at peace, I’m okay with that.”
Sofia placed her hands on Tim’s shoulders. “I guarantee you that wherever she is, your mother still watches over you, and she is very proud of the man you’ve become. As am I, and all those who came before you. You and Scott might become the greatest of any of us. But I won’t lie. The road ahead of you will be paved with danger, sadness, and pain, but also of joy and more love than your heart can hold.”
Tim stood and wrapped an arm around me. “Nice thing about that. If it’s more than our hearts can hold, that means others can share in it.”
“Yes, that’s it exactly.” She clasped both our hands. “This is the last time we’ll meet like this. You have a destiny to forge, and I have an impatient husband who longs to see me once again. Know that Vano and I could not be prouder of you both. Go with our blessings. And always remember, only by working together can you succeed.”
A thought struck me, and I had to know. “Wait!”
“Yes?”
“You said that until me, all the locks and keys shared a family line. Tim and I are unable to have children. Does that mean when we die, there will be no more lock and key?”
She ran a hand over her hair. “It’s possible, but I don’t believe it. When Beth died without an heir, Scott came into the picture. He wasn’t of the people, had no connection to any of our bloodlines, but still he was a key. I believe that when your time comes, a new lock and key will arrive in time to take up the mantle from you.” She grinned. “It might even be your own children.”
“What do you mean?”
“The future holds many surprises, Scott. Why not let them come in their own time?”
As she began to fade, I worried that we were going to screw up somehow, but then Tim squeezed my hand and I knew that even if something went wrong, he’d be by my side to make it right again.
And I loved him for that.
Chapter Twenty
GEORGE PULLEDa blanket up to cover Tim and I. “Sofia’s gone?”
Tim sat on the sofa with my head in his lap, running his fingers through my hair. “Yeah, she is.”
“So you’re on your own?” George frowned. “That doesn’t seem right.”
“You know, Sofia said we’re not alone, and I know now that she’s right. When we needed help, Gavin, Rachel, and Ryan all stood up for us. And so did you. Maybe the training isn’t as important as the trust we have in our friends and family.”
George cocked his head. “The Romani have a saying about family,‘Hamaara kaaravaan hamaara parivaar hai, aur duniya hamaara parivaar hai.’It roughly translates to ‘Our caravan is our family, and the world is our family.’ I’m proud to be a member of your caravan, Scott and Timbo.”
Tim groaned. “Again with the Timbo. Can’t you just call me Tim?”
He scowled. “Your mother gifted you with a perfectly good name. In the language of our people, your name means ‘crown.’ One who is meant not necessarily to rule, but to guide with love and wisdom. That is what your key needs from you. Surely you wouldn’t reject it.”
Tim glanced over at me, a wicked smile on his face. “To guide with love and wisdom. Yeah, I think I can live with that.”
The smoldering look in his eyes made me tremble.
George sighed and rolled his eyes. “Back to the matter at hand. How do we remove the spirit from Timbo and keep it from entering another?”
