CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“I just want it simple, Mom. Nothing too fancy, nothing over the top, although that seems an oxymoron around here. I just want to wear a simple white wool gown that Gwen made for me, that white stole that Mama Irene is lending to me, and eat and drink until we’re all happy.”

“That sounds perfect,” smiled Mia. “You’re definitely not a typical bride, Macie. Although around here, I suppose you are. We’ve never had a bridezilla that I can remember.”

“I’m not sure Mama would put up with that,” smiled Claudette. Turning around in the big tent set up for their holiday parties, Claudette noticed Grip watching them all. She smiled, waving him over. “Why are you hiding in the shadows?”

“Sorry, ladies. I didn’t want to interrupt the wedding preparations.”

“You’re not interrupting, Grip,” said Macie. “I’m glad you’re here. You stay hidden a lot, and I hate that.”

“Thank you, honey,” he smiled.

“What’s going on? You seem sad,” said Claudette.

“I can feel it,” said Mia.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring the mood down. I’ve just been thinking a lot about something lately.”

“Okay,” said Claudette, “talk to us. We’re here for you.” Rachelle, Savannah, Kate, Ajei, and Rachel took a seat, ready to hear him out.

“Wow, I get a full audience,” he grinned. His ghostly image shimmered in the light, and the warmth radiating from him made them all feel loved and safe.

“Grip, what’s wrong?” asked Savannah. “You’re making me sad.”

“I promise this isn’t really sad. It’s just more, more confusing,” he said.

“How so, honey? What’s confusing?” asked Claudette.

“Your father sent me to check on a family off the property. It was four children who were being watched over by their uncle.”

“Watched over?” questioned Macie.

“He saved the kids from a house fire a year ago this month. Unfortunately, his sister and her husband were in the home and died. He died as well but has been able to watch over them. Somehow, Matthew or someone has been able to give him the ability to allow the children to see him, work on a computer remotely to provide a living for the children and watch over them.”

“He sounds wonderful,” smiled Savannah.

“He is. I mean, I think he is,” said Grip.

“I see,” nodded Claudette. “That’s the problem, isn’t it? He’s wonderful, and I bet he’s handsome, charming, sweet, all the adjectives.”

“Yep,” he said quickly.

“Oh, honey,” said Rachelle, “Doug would never expect you to be lonely and spend eternity alone. Look at Trak’s grandmother. She’s been more than happy for Nathan and Martha. Doug would want you to have your happiness as well.”

“I feel like that’s true, but I also feel like I’m cheating on him.”

“Doug would never feel that way,” said Rachel. “He loves you and would probably feel better knowing that you’re happy and not wondering the afterlife alone.”

“I know that if something were to happen to Garr, God forbid, I would want him to feel peace and happiness wherever he was,” said Macie.

“That’s exactly how I feel,” said Doug, walking toward them with Miguel. Miguel smiled at Grip. He always admired the man and his courage, laying down his life for someone else.

“Doug, I didn’t mean that I didn’t want you to be happy,” said Grip.

“I know that,” he said, nodding at him. “You’ve told me a million times how happy you are for Miguel and me. Don’t you think I wished the same for you? Every time a new ghost appeared, I prayed that it would be someone that you admired or could at least be a companion for you.”

“That makes me feel better,” he nodded.

“You deserve happiness in your life, or afterlife, Grip. If this man is someone that you have feelings for, you should pursue this. You’ve been given an amazing gift. A second chance at love. Don’t mess it up. I know I grabbed my chance, and you should too.”

“Maybe he and the children would want to move closer to the property,” said Macie.

“That’s just it. The cottage Matthew got for them is only about a half mile from the café. They’re already really close.”

“Invite them all to the wedding,” smiled Macie. “You can introduce them to the whole family, and your teammates will tell you how they feel about, about, what’s his name?”

“Jonathon. His name is Jonathon.”

“Jonathon. He sounds wonderful, and I can’t wait to meet him,” said Miguel. “Doug and I are very happy for you.”

“Well, don’t jinx me. We’re just getting to know one another.”

“I’ve known you a lifetime, Grip. When you meet someone special, you fall fast,” smirked Doug. “It’s okay to fall fast for this man if he’s worthy.”

“We love you, Grip,” smiled Macie.

“I love all of you. Thank you.” He turned to leave, and Claudette called out to him.

“Where are you going?”

“I need to speak to someone about something important.”