CHAPTER THIRTY

Emelia spent two days with just her sisters and her parents. She needed them around her. She needed to touch them, talk to them, know they were there.

Then, she found herself needing to be near the seniors. Mama Irene, Matthew, Ruby, Sven, all of them on Belle ?le. It was as if she needed to see for herself that they were healthy and didn’t need anything.

When she started to question the health of the ghosts, Sebastian knew that she needed a break.

“Honey, Franklin and Martha are ghosts. They’re exactly how they’ve been for two hundred years,” smirked Sebastian.

“I just want to know if they need anything,” she said, stomping her foot.

“Honey, we’re fine,” said Franklin. “We got everything we need and more. You go get yourself married. Your sister needs to marry that boy before she pops out them babies.”

Emelia looked at Franklin and reached for his hand. The ability to touch their ghosts was new for all of them, but it was something she treasured. She squeezed the older man’s hand, and he smiled, a sparkling light emitting from his face.

“You’re right,” she said, nodding at him. “Maddie and I need to get married.”

It was as if the wind carried her words directly to Mama Irene and Claudette. By noon the next day, they were standing before the altar, proclaiming their love for their grooms and becoming Mrs. Sebastian Vernon and Mrs. Forrest Robicheaux.

Forrest convinced Maddie to skip most of the reception, pleading with her to get off her feet. After one dance and a healthy dinner, she retreated to their cottage, where they remained for three days.

“Alistair really likes her,” said Emelia, smiling at their friend dancing with Clark.

“He really does, baby. But not as much as I like you. In fact, I love you so much I ache for you day and night.”

Emelia turned in his arms, smiling up at him. She kissed him sweetly as their parents smiled from the side of the dance floor.

“I feel the same way, Sebastian. Thank you for coming for me, for believing in me. There is nowhere else I want to be in the whole world.”

“Same, baby. Same.”

“This one worked out well,” said Matthew, smiling at his wife. “We got Maddie and Emelia where they’re supposed to be, and we gave Rose a purpose that she’s going to run with. I’m so proud of her.”

“I am too, Matthew. That girl has been chewin’ some behind in Washington. She’s gonna make a difference.” Matthew was quiet for a long moment, then nodded.

“We’ve made a difference. It’s arrogant of me to say, but because of all these beautiful children, we’ve made a difference. You and me, my love.”

“Indeed we have, Matthew. And the best part is, we’re not done yet.”