Southern Spirits

by Shelley Stringer

  “You won’t hurt me, Banton. I crave your touch, and I need you,” I whispered. “I need you to make me whole again. Please, love me,” I begged. Grasping the waistband of his bottoms, I pushed down, freeing him of the garment.

  Gently stroking my abdomen, he drew back in the moonlight to look at me.

  “Another baby,” he whispered as he shook his head. “I didn’t think it was possible to love another child as much as I love Matty and Elly, but I was wrong. I already love this little one.” He leaned down to touch his lips gently to my belly. I twined my fingers in his hair as he continued to kiss my skin, running his lips over my abdomen, lingering there. I grasped his face firmly in my hands and brought his mouth back up to mine.

  “I don’t know how I would have survived if I’d lost you. I miss you even when you’re not in the room, and I long for your touch, more so than before. You are so precious to me,” he murmured against my lips. His eyes were so beautiful in the moonlight, shining with love… with a longing I knew he only had for me. We lay for the longest time, just exploring each other’s bodies with our hands, our mouths, skin against skin.

  As he watched me intently, his eyes on mine, he slowly rose over me, taking my hips in his hands as he covered me with his. As he began to move, I closed my eyes, losing myself in the feel of him.

  He whispered softly, his breath in my hair, “Chandler?”

  “Mmm. Yes?’

  “Are you okay?” He pulled away slightly, his body tensing.

  I opened my eyes as I nodded. “Banton, I’m perfect. Love me,” I whispered back. He placed one hand under my neck, holding my head in his hand as he held my hips with the other, slowly entering me. I held my breath. It had been such a long time.

  “I love you, Chandler. I love you so much,” he murmured as he began to move. I sighed as contentment washed over me. It was if he was banishing all the hurt, all the pain and violence as he made slow, sweet love to me.

  “You are what I need. You are my everything,” I whispered up to him as his gaze intensified. As my own body responded, I could feel the relief flow through him. He moved deeper, and I met him stroke for stroke, the heat building inside me as I opened up for him as our bodies became one. We connected once again on that level only few achieve. I cried out against his neck as he drove in hard, both our bodies throbbing together in sweet release. Our breathing stilled, our bodies glistening with sweat in the moonlight, clinging to each other as we floated back down to reality, sated and fulfilled.

  Banton rolled over on his back and pulled me with him, positioning me so I lay on top of him, my head on his muscular chest. He wrapped his arms around me and pressed his lips into my hair. We lay silently, listening to the waves break on the beach outside in the darkness. The breeze had turned cooler, and I shivered as he pulled the comforter up over us.

  “Are you cold?’ he asked, his lips still in my hair.

  “No. I’m perfect. I could lie here forever.”

  “So could I. As long as I could touch you.”

  I fell asleep on Banton’s chest as I listened to his precious heartbeat, wrapped in his arms, our bodies still connected.

  * * *

  We woke to the sound of giggles at the end of the bed. Matty pushed against the mesh on his little bed as Elly pushed her hand against his, laughing at him. Both of them turned to look at us as Banton chuckled at them.

  “Dddaaaddy,” Matty yelled as Elly pulled up to stand at the foot of her little bed.

  “Mmmaaattyy,” Banton answered him playfully as he sat up in bed beside me. We were still wrapped around each other, our legs intertwined.

  “Mommy, up,” Elly called out.

  “Okay, okay…we’re up,” I sighed as I pushed up to sit, my back against Banton. He slid his arm around my naked torso and planted a kiss on my neck.

  “Good morning, baby. Did you sleep well?’

  I tilted my head back against his chest, looking up into his eyes.

  “Umm, yes…I did. Someone kept me warm and satisfied all night,” I replied silkily as his gaze darkened.

  “Mmm. I was a little worried about round two, I couldn’t get you to say much,” he murmured as I turned to grin at him.

  “I was too satisfied and exhausted for talk,” I answered, pushing up to retrieve my robe. As I tied the sash, he pulled me back down on the bed.

  “I wish the twins would have stayed asleep just thirty more minutes,” he grinned down at me. I reached up to kiss his nose.

  “There’s always naptime…and tonight.”

  Banton growled, rolling out of the opposite side of the bed as he retrieved his pajama pants from the floor. He shrugged into a t-shirt and then brushed behind me, placing a kiss on my shoulder as I leaned over to pick up the twins.

  “I’ll go and get their formula ready,” he offered as he opened our bedroom door.

  After I’d changed both diapers, kissed their little tummies and had our morning romp, I carried Matty and Elly down the hallway to follow Banton to the kitchen. All of our guests’ bedroom doors were still closed. I checked the clock over the fireplace, to find it was a little after eight. Everett lay on the chaise lounge, seemingly in a trance, a book perched across his chest. When he heard the babies jabbering away, he sat up abruptly.

  “Good morning, kids. You’re the first ones up. “

  “Morning, Ev. We’d still be asleep if it weren’t for the squirts,” Banton said, popping their formula in the microwave.

  I walked over and handed the twins to Everett.

  “Ev, if you’ll watch them for a moment, I’ll start some breakfast.”

  “Chandler, you are not cooking breakfast for everyone,” Everett admonished.

  “I most certainly am. I’m hungry, and I know everyone else will be too,” I said, moving into the kitchen and around Banton. I located biscuits in the fridge, and popped them in the oven. I then found eggs, cheese, onions and peppers, and some frozen hash browns in the freezer, so I proceeded to improvise on a breakfast casserole. Before Banton and Everett finished feeding the twins, I had everything baking in the oven.

  I sat down on a large ottoman across from Banton, watching Matty take the last of his bottle. As I sipped my coffee, I heard a tap on the French doors.

  “An Andler?’ Ava’s little voice startled me. I turned to find her face pressed against the glass.

  I rose and opened the door.

  “My mommy said if you and my Unca Banin were up, I could help wif my babies,” she announced, bounding through the door.

  “Of course. You can play with them, Doodle-Bug.”

  She jumped up on the sofa and settled between Everett and Banton. Everett leaned over and kissed her on top of the head.

  “Good morning, my precious Ava. What are you doing up so early?’ Everett asked her as he finished feeding Elly. Elly pushed up and immediately crawled over into Ava’s lap. Ava’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.

  “Wewl, I had to feed my cwabs Unca Banin caught for me,” Ava explained as she wrestled with Elly. I giggled. Elly was almost as big as Ava.

  The front doorbell rang, startling everyone. I couldn’t imagine who it could be; everyone had been coming and going through the patio doors to the condo next door.

  I rose, re-tucked my robe at the top, and tightened the belt as I went to answer. As I opened the door, Laurilee launched herself at me.

  “Chandler!” she squealed as I held her, a stunned expression on my face.

  “Laurilee? What are you doing here?” I stammered as Dan pushed in the doorway behind her.

  “Chirpy, when Banton called and gave us another chance at a beach get away, we just couldn’t refuse!”

  As I continued to gape at them, Dan picked me up and swung me around. I winced as he grasped my ribcage a little too tight.

  “Oh, sorry, Banton said you were still bruised up,” he apologized as Laurilee placed her hands on my upper arms to study me.

  “I can’t believe you are here! I’m so glad to
see you,” I gasped, finally reacting to the surprise as I pulled her into a hug.

  “Banton called us a couple of days ago and explained everything that had happened. He said you were still torn up about missing the wedding. He and Everett suggested we come and get married again on the beach, so you could finally be my matron of honor. Now I ask you, how many girls get the chance of having the big hometown wedding, and the get-away barefoot beach wedding to boot?” she said as she cocked her eyebrow at me. I turned to look at Banton.

  “That’s why I found my bridesmaid’s dress in the dress bag!” I exclaimed as Everett and Banton grinned at me. I turned back to Laurilee, shaking my head in disbelief. “Now, everything is perfect. Everything,” I whispered as she hugged me again.

  “Come on, we have to have a little girl talk,” Laurilee urged as she took my hand. I nodded, and pulled her down the hallway toward our room.

  “I’ll show Laurilee and Dan where to put their bags,” Banton said as he rose. “Good to see you again, Dan!” I heard Banton say warmly as I pulled Laurilee into our room and shut the door.

  “Oh, Chandler…are you really all right? Banton called us right after you got home. Please tell me this whole thing is over?” She pulled at the neck of my robe, exposing a still bruised shoulder and arm.

  “I hope so, Laurilee. Banton and the SEALs killed the leader and most of the group. There is one who got away, and I’m sure we will have to deal with him at some point, but for the moment, we’re good.”

  We both sat down on the foot of the bed as she looked around.

  “Chandler, this place is beautiful. Banton said it’s yours?” she asked in awe.

  “Yes, he surprised me with it on my birthday, but this is the first chance to come and stay here. The whole family is here, but I guess you already knew that,” I said as I narrowed my eyes at her.

  She nodded. “Banton called as soon as he knew you were on the mend and planned everything. Dan is working for his dad right now, and it was easy for him to get away. I don’t start teaching until January, so here we are. It was really sweet of Banton to fly us down here, and the honeymoon trip! Really, Chandler, that was too much!”

  “Banton felt really bad about not letting me come to Texas. I felt so guilty about it. I let you down,” I said as she shook her head.

  “You didn’t let me down, Chandler! I was sad you weren’t there. But this so makes up for it! Just think of all the beautiful pictures we’ll have on the beach!” she exclaimed as I laughed.

  “Chandler...um, what is up with your eyes?” Laurilee wondered as her own eyes widened.

  “Oh, gosh…” I closed them, paused for a moment to gain control, and then opened them again.

  “How did you do that? Are you…” she stammered as she moved away from me.

  “No, Laurilee…it’s okay!” I pulled her back to me and hugged her. “It’s something I can’t explain to you, without telling you too much. Just know I’m still me.”

  She studied me for a moment, seemingly frightened of the changes in me.

  “And you may see the babies eyes do this too. They’re fine, and we can’t infect you. But until they’re older, we can’t take them out in public.”

  “Infect us? Chandler, please tell me…what are you? What has happened to you?”

  “I can’t, Laurilee. Please, let it go. Just know you and Dan are safer not knowing everything.”

  Laurilee stared at me for several minutes, and then finally nodded.

  “Oh, I have something to give you.” Laurilee turned and pulled a packet out of her purse. “Tyler Thomas gave this to me when I told him we were flying to see you this weekend.”

  My eyes widened and I took the packet from her. She watched me warily.

  “Chandler, what is it?”

  “I’ve been doing a little research into Daddy’s past, some questions I had about my real grandfather. Mr. Thomas said he had some things for me…” I trailed off as I looked down at the packet again.

  “Well, why don’t I go and see where Dan’s put our bags, and I need to see my babies!” she exclaimed as she stood. “I’ll give you a little alone time,” she murmured as she leaned over to hug me, and then slipped quietly from the room.

  I hurriedly tore the package open. An intricately carved medallion with the symbol of the protectors on a silver chain slipped from the envelope and fell to the bed as I pulled the documents out. As I glanced at the papers, it was if I was seeing my dad for the first time. After looking the documents over, I folded them neatly and placed them back in the envelope. As I held the necklace to my chest, I unfolded a letter and began to read.

  Dearest Chandler,

  I never wanted for you to have to read this letter, Puddin. I’ve always known someday I might have to explain all of this to you, but I’d hoped to do it in person. I lived a different life before I met your mother, and I’ve been fortunate I was able to leave it behind. You must know by now if you are reading this you have inherited a trait from me that puts your life in danger, and plants you right in the middle of a super-natural world that you didn’t know existed. I’d hoped the private battles Tyler and I waged in our youth in Texas put an end to the madness, but I was wrong. We’ve been able to live for so long in peace, hiding in our little town away from the creatures who could seek you out. Our family history, the Samuels’ family history, has only recently come to light, and if you need answers, go to them. You will find the documentation that you need here to find them in Louisiana.

  I was drawn to your mother from the moment I met her, and I’ve loved her with all of my heart. Now I know the love we share was destiny, and your destiny is a more special meaning than we could have ever dreamed. Stay close to your Aunt Sue and Uncle Lon. They know nothing of this madness, but if you must, confide in your Uncle Lon. He will help you.

  I fear my past will come again to haunt me, and I’ve failed to protect you from that life. I only hope you can stay safe. You have been the most precious part of our life together, and we will love you forever.

  Daddy

  I sat staring out the window for the longest time. I’d felt so alone for so long, and all this time, my dad had known. My momma and daddy had been trying to protect me, even beyond the grave. Somehow I’d always known. The documents the envelope contained confirmed much of what Everett and I had already figured out, and I would give the information to him. It was such a revelation, that Everett and I were family. I’d always felt that way about him, now it was just official. There would be much for his family and mine to talk about, but for now just having the missing pieces somehow brought me closure I didn’t even know I needed.

  “Sweetheart, are you all right? You’ve been gone a long time,” Banton said softly as he pushed the door open. He crossed over to the bed and sat down beside me. Studying me as he took my hands in his, he leaned over and kissed me gently on the forehead. As I handed him the necklace with the symbol of the protectors, he held it up to look at it, and raised his hand to stroke my cheek with the back of his hand.

  “Are there any surprises in there?” he asked as he motioned to the envelope. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” he murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

  I shook my head. “There’s just a letter from my father, explaining everything…and some documentation about Everett’s family… property I evidently own. There was a trust, set up by my grandfather, which my father had only recently discovered.”

  “What property, Chandler?”

  “Some property in Louisiana. I need to give all of this to Everett for him to sort out. Evidently my father was on his way here to do that, when my parents were killed in the accident.”

  “Do you want to talk to Ev now? I can go and get him,” he offered as I shook my head.

  “There’s plenty of time for that later. We have guests, and I want to enjoy this time together, in the here and now.”

  “Well, why don’t you shower and get ready, because there will be a
little ceremony this afternoon on the beach I think you won’t want to miss,” he announced with a twinkle in his eye.

  “Today? We’re doing this today?”

  “Yes. Everett and Constance have been busy planning for days, and we’ll have quite a party afterward on the beach. I’ll send the girls in here to get ready with you.”

  Everett had picked dresses similar to mine for Constance and Brie, and they were to be bridesmaids at the second ceremony with me.

  No sooner than Banton had slipped out of the room, Constance, Brie and Laurilee burst in the door, just as I was slipping out of my robe to get in the shower. Loaded down with dress bags and make-up supplies, they were giggling as they came around the corner into the bathroom.

  “Get it in gear, Gastaneau, we’ve got a wedding to get ready for,” Constance chided as they began to lay everything out. I hurriedly showered, and then jumped out as Brie brought in some stools from the kitchen, so we could all sit at the large mirror. I dried my hair, and then Constance insisted on braiding it and then running a flat iron down the braids, giving me what she called “beach waves.” It turned out beautifully. I couldn’t stop looking at it.

  “That’s a great look for you, Andie! You should wear it like that all the time,” Laurilee commented as Brie worked on her hair. After Constance had her makeup picture-perfect, she turned to me.

  “Let me play make-up,” she begged as I nodded.

  “We have a professional photographer out there, you know,” Brie said.

  “You’re kidding,” I retorted as she grinned.

  “I can’t believe I’m going to have two sets of wedding pictures. This is so cool,” Laurilee said as she bounced in her seat. I’d never seen Laurilee this excited about anything.

  Everett called out from the bedroom door. “Ladies, are you decent? The photographer would like to take some of those cute ‘bridesmaids before the wedding’ pictures, and I have something for you!”

  “Come on in, Ev. We’re decent,” I answered. We’d all donned robes while we fussed over our makeup and hair.