CHAPTER TWO

“Are you sure you want to leave us, Billy? We love you dearly and have enjoyed having you with our family,” said Claudette.

“I do, Miss Claudette. I’m awful lonely for my family all of a sudden, and I know they’re already up there waiting for me. I can’t seem to speak to them, and I hate that. I just want to see my mama again, my little sister. Maybe my girl is still single and waiting for me.”

“Maybe she is, baby,” said Irene. “Alright. I’ll see if I can help you get back to them. I don’t want any children of mine on this land feelin’ sad. We’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too,” he smiled. He was a nice-looking young man. Like all men who die in war, he was too young. Taken far too soon and unable to say goodbye to his family while fighting in this strange place so far from them.

Irene lit the small pot of herbs in front of her, waving her hand back and forth as she closed her eyes. Claudette watched her mother’s every move, knowing that she might have to do this one day on her own.

“Angels, hear me. This child was taken too soon, one of your own, and he wants to go home. He’s been a good and faithful servant to us all, kind and generous. He has kept his word. Give him this gift and allow my baby to get back to his family.”

She whispered a few more words that no one could hear, then a shadow of light appeared behind Billy. Irene nodded, smiling at the young ghost.

“You can go home now,” she said with a sad smile. “I’ll miss you, sweet boy. I miss all my babies that have to move on, but I know this is what you want. Be happy, my child. Be happy.”

“I will always remember you and love you, and I’ll try to look down on you now and then,” he cried. “Thank you for being here for me when I was so sad. Tell the others I said goodbye. I just couldn’t face them myself.”

“Go,” said Claudette, wiping her tears and waving him on. “Go home.”

Irene nodded at the figure in the light of the tunnel. It was tall, with a golden light all around him. Claudette couldn’t see the face, but Irene could. She waved at the boy as he moved past the light and toward his own family. When the light dimmed, she let out a long breath, her body filled with comfort and warmth, light and love. The birds sang a little louder, butterflies encircling the women. A dove sat in front of them, just blinking, then suddenly flying away.

“Are you alright, Mama?” asked Claudette.

“Yes, baby. I’m always alright when this is done. It takes energy, but it’s the gift I’ve been given, and I’m glad to get our Billy home.”

“Why haven’t the others wanted the same?” asked Claudette.

“Well,” said Irene, walking toward the dock and their little boat. “Franklin’s wife was long gone, taken from him. She made it clear she didn’t want him to see what had happened to her. I can’t imagine what that poor woman went through.

“Martha never married, so there wasn’t anyone for her. Marcel never married, either. Honestly, I think he’s worried about women ready to kill him all over again if he gets up there,” she smirked. “He was quite the lady’s man.”

“Nathan, well, he married, but I don’t think it was for love. Same with Yori. Of course, Tony and Claudette were never old enough to have anyone. Tony’s folks never understood him, and Claudette just felt like this was home for her.”

“And Grip?”

“Well, we all know that Grip’s true loves are here. Doug and our boys. He was their support, and he enjoys being here to continue that.”

“How will I know when to do this, Mama, and when not to do it?” asked Claudette.

“Don’t you worry. We have plenty of time together to teach one another.”

They boarded the boat, and Claudette started the engine, moving slowly toward the main property for lunch. As they approached the dock, Claudette turned to her mother. Her eyes were closed, smiling up at the sky as the wind brushed through her silvery-white hair. Her face seemed unnaturally youthful, a glow on her skin.

“Mama? Was that an angel we saw taking Billy home? Was it an angel or was it God himself?” Irene opened her eyes, smiling at her daughter. She reached for her hand, kissing her cheeks, then her forehead.

“Baby, you already know the answer to that.”

Irene made her way toward the café as Jake helped Claudette from the boat. He hugged his wife, kissing her as he pushed back the loose strands of her thick, beautiful, auburn hair. There were just a few strands of silver, making her more attractive than ever.

“Everything okay?” he asked, smiling at her.

“Yes. It’s fine. He’s where he wanted to be, and I’m sure he’s happier. Jake, if I haven’t said it lately, I love you more than anything on this earth.” He looked down at her, his big, thick arms squeezing tighter.

“Woman, you show me you love me every day. You say it, but the way you show it is what makes my blood hot for you all the time. I will never know how I got so lucky as to have a second chance, although I’d be willing to bet your mama and daddy had a lot to do with it. I am happier here with you than in all my years before.”

“Oh, Jake. I love you, too. I don’t know how long we’ll have together. I hope as long as Mama and Pops, but whatever the length of time, it will never be enough for me.” Jake kissed her again, squeezing her lush, round bottom.

“Hungry?” he asked.

“Not for food,” she grinned. “What do you say you and I take a little boat ride and enjoy the sun today? I have a blanket and picnic basket all prepared.”

“Woman, you were planning this kidnapping?” he grinned.

“I was. Do you have a problem with that?” she laughed.

“Not at all. Any chance I can get to have you beneath me naked, I will take it. Let’s go. I’ve got the perfect spot.”