Kindred Spirits: A Romantic Comedy About Love, Life, and the Afterlife . . .

by Whitney Dineen

  He replied, “Your Honor, I feel like Pip is my other half, like she’s the woman I’ve been looking for my whole life.”

  The judge sat quietly considering the testimony of all involved. She finally announced, “Corrine, Mr. Griffin, please come and stand before me.”

  After they did what was bid, she continued, “Mr. Griffin, what changes will you make if you’re granted a second lease at life?”

  He answered, “Your Honor, I’ll dedicate myself to my child. I promise to be conscious of all of the gifts and not take any of them for granted. I vow to perform unselfish acts.”

  The judge asked, “And what about your wife?”

  Bertram replied, “I don’t know. I don’t know if she was part of the attack against me and even if she wasn’t I don’t know if she would take me back.”

  The judge answered, “Everyone has their own judgment day, Mr. Griffin. Your wife will not be spared. I would advise that if you’re allowed a second chance, you leave her judgment to us.”

  Bertram nodded, “Yes, ma’am, I’ll do that.”

  The judge pounded her gavel and the bailiff declared, “All rise.” When the commotion settled down, she continued, “In the case of Bertram Jasper Griffin, we find the defendant not yet acceptable for admittance in the afterlife. As such, he is being granted one final chance to regain our favor by returning to his body.”

  “Mr. Griffin,” the judge continued, “you will have an official job with us once you return.” At his expectant look, she continued, “You will work in the capacity of matchmaker. We’ll supply you with contacts of your own, and they’ll advise you which couples are meant to be together. In return for your service, we’ll make sure your earthly needs are met.”

  Pip couldn’t contain herself a moment longer and she stood up and cheered, “Hurray, Bertram, you’re coming back!”

  The judge looked at her and continued, “Philippa, you will consult with Bertram and help him find his way. He’ll need a friend to help deal with the vagaries of those he works to match. Is this acceptable to you?”

  Pip asked, “Does this mean Bertram will remember me when he comes back?”

  “It does,” she replied. “It’s the court’s decision that Mr. Griffin return to your world with full recall so he’s aware of the seriousness of the consequences if he doesn’t change his ways.”

  Then, addressing the court, she added, “Mr. Bingham will say goodbye to his son, now. He’s being granted passage to the next life. Corrine is being promoted and will no longer be working in the physical realm.”

  Then to Richard and Pip, she said, “Whether or not either of you are willing to say the words, this court is convinced you’ve both met your kindred spirit, your soulmate. What you choose to do with that is in your hands.”

  With those words, the judge disappeared, but the court still remained. Richard’s father approached him and declared, “I love you, son. This time we’ve spent together has meant everything to me. Please take care of yourself and know how I’ll always be with you.” Then he disappeared, as well.

  Corrine approached Pip and offered, “Sweet Philippa, I’ve watched you grow from a child. You’re a wonderful soul and a delight to work with. I’ll make sure your next angel knows what a treasure you are.” She disappeared after uttering the last word.

  As Philippa and Richard looked around, everyone faded away and the hospital scene reappeared. The doctor called out, “Give me the paddles!”

  He pressed them to Bertram’s chest. The body leapt off the bed and when it settled back down, the heart monitor started to beep on its own. Bertram no longer needed the respirator because he was finally breathing on his own.

  The Awakening

  Chapter 49

  Two medical personnel moved Honey out of the room to tend to her injuries. Pip went with them, not only to find out what happened, but to offer support for her friend when she came to.

  Richard talked to the police who’d been called as soon as the nurses had heard the scream and witnessed the man run out of Bertram’s room. They’d gone right into action trying to help the old lady and save the patient’s life. No one had been available to pursue the would-be murderer.

  Richard explained that Bertram’s wife knew the man. They’d shared tea together at the Claridge in London the week before. Richard didn’t tell them anything else because he wasn’t sure how he’d explain that he knew the assailant was the same man who put Bertram in the hospital to begin with.

  The police took statements from the hospital staff before leaving. Richard left his contact information in case additional questions arose. He offered his assistance freely, which allowed the police to overlook any potential holes in his story.

  Philippa walked down the hall toward Richard. He stood to hug her. “How’s Honey?” he asked.

  “She’s got a nasty bump,” she replied. “Apparently, the man who unplugged Bertram’s life support hit her over the head with something to quiet her down and gave her a concussion.”

  Concerned, he asked, “Will she be okay?”

  Pip replied, “The doctors think so, but because she’s older, they’re going to keep her in the hospital for a few days to monitor her.” Then she asked, “Richard, what do you remember about what happened when we were in Bertram’s room just now?”

  He answered, “You mean the trial?”

  She nodded her head, “Yeah, I mean the trial. That was pretty intense, wasn’t it?”

  He smiled, “More like pretty amazing. I’m not sure I ever thought about the details of what happened when a person dies. I guess I just assumed they went directly to some lovely place and everything turned out great. I didn’t realize there really was a judgment day.”

  Pip said, “I guess I kind of knew there was, as I’ve always worked with spirits who are trying to prove their worth to the afterlife. I just never envisioned an actual trial. It was much different than I thought it would be.”

  Richard smiled, “But Bertram got to come back. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  “It is! When can we see him?”

  He answered, “The doctors are with him now. They said they’d let us know.”

  A nurse approached at that moment and informed them, “Mr. Griffin is conscious and he’s asked to speak with you both. The doctor said he would allow it because he’s not sure if the patient will slip back into the coma or not. He figures Mr. Griffin should at least have an opportunity to see loved ones in case he does.”

  Pip and Richard went directly into Bertram’s room. It was the first time they’d seen him in his body and it was a bit of a different experience. In spirit form, Bertram was animated and engaging. In his body he looked frail and confused.

  Pip sat down on his bed and took his hand, “Bertram, you did it! You came back.” Then she hugged him.

  Her friend’s smile started slowly, but eventually spread into a grin as big as his face would allow. “How ’bout that, love?” he replied. “I feel like proper shite right now, though. I never realized how heavy a body was. You float around for months on end and then drop back into this clunky thing,”—he gestured, indicating his physique—“It’s a strange sensation, let me tell you.”

  Pip replied, “It’ll get better once you build your muscles up again. You’re going to need a lot of rest and nourishment before you’re back in fighting form.”

  Bertram’s eyes widened as he inquired, “How’s Honey doing?”

  She replied, “She took a pretty nasty blow. They put her in a room right down the hall from you, so I’m sure you’ll be able to see her in a day or two.”

  Richard, who stood behind Pip said, “That was a close one, Bertram. I can’t tell you how glad I am that everything worked out.”

  Bertram smiled, “I’m bloody chuffed too, mate.”

  The doctor came in at that moment and declared, “We’d like to examine Mr. Griffin now, if you don’t mind.”

  Bertram gave Pip a phone number and asked, “Would you mind ringing Clementine
and telling her I’m awake?”

  His friend answered, “Not at all. We’ll see you in a bit, Bertram. We’ll just go grab a cup of tea while the doctors check you out.”

  Clementine came directly to the hospital after hearing from Pip. She ran through the door of Bertram’s room looking scared, anxious, and relieved all at once. When she saw her husband, she threw herself into his arms and cried, “Oh my God, you’re really awake!”

  Bertram held her close and again wondered if she’d had anything to do with him being there. But then he remembered the judge’s words that he leave her judgment to them. He realized it wasn’t up to him to decide what his wife may or may not have done. After all, he’d been given a second chance; didn’t she deserve one, too?

  Clementine crawled into bed next to her husband and held him close. She said, “I can’t believe you’re really here, after all this time.” Then she looked at him with eyes full of tears and love and declared, “I’d given up hope, Bertram. I almost . . . I almost . . .”

  But he didn’t let her finish. “Almost doesn’t matter. What matters is that we’re here together now, and things are going to be very different for us, love. I promise.”

  His wife didn’t know what to make of his declaration, so she asked, “Different, how?”

  “Just completely different.” He said, “You and Peri are the most important things in the world to me, and I’m going to spend every moment I have left on this earth making sure you know that.” He continued, “We’re going to do everything together, we three. It’s going to be a totally different life, love.”

  Clementine believed him. She couldn’t bear to think she’d almost ended his life that very day. She’d given up hope of him ever coming back. When she spoke to the police she explained all about Anthony and how he’d introduced himself to her at her solicitor’s office. She told them of how he began calling her and taking her out for lunch and how things eventually progressed to a romance.

  Clementine was horrified to find out Anthony had faked the whole thing in order to establish a closeness with her. He did it so when he finally ended Bertram’s life, once and for all, he could marry Clementine and steal the money from her husband’s life insurance policy.

  Clementine felt like a fool, but a lucky fool. Her husband had come back to her. He hadn’t judged her for falling into the arms of another man, even when it came out that the other man was the one who’d put him into the hospital.

  She believed Bertram when he said life was going to be different. She vowed she would do things differently as well. She’d do whatever was necessary to give Peri the family life she deserved, and to give her and Bertram the future they longed for.

  Epilogue

  Chapter 50

  Pip and Richard walked hand in hand on the lawn in front of Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath. They were there to celebrate the three month anniversary of their first date. Richard declared, “This looks like the perfect spot.”

  So they stopped and he spread out a blanket. After they were situated, he pulled out a bottle of champagne and two glasses from the picnic basket he’d been carrying. Pip commented, “You’re a very romantic sort, Mr. Bingham. I adore that about you.”

  He smiled secretively. Then he handed her a glass and toasted, “To kindred spirits. May everyone be as lucky as we are.”

  Pip raised her glass, “Hear, hear!”

  After taking a sip, Richard rolled onto one knee in front of her and declared, “Philippa, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want us to make babies and grow old together. I want us to do everything from wash dishes to travel the world. In fact, I wouldn’t mind doing anything, if you were by my side.” He pulled a jeweler’s box out of his pocket and declared, “What do think? Will you spend the rest of your life with me?”

  A single tear rolled down her cheek and Pip replied, “Of course I will. You’re my soulmate, after all, and the afterlife did go to a lot of trouble to bring us together.”

  The duo shared a positively toe-curling kiss to seal their deal. Pip asked, “Where do you think we should live after we get married?”

  He answered, “How about if we split our time between London and New York? I’ve grown to love it here. Plus, you, Bertram, and Honey have your new venture. I’m sure you’ll want to be around quite a lot to see how things progress.”

  “Can you believe it? I never saw my life taking a turn like this.”

  Richard replied, “I’m just thrilled Honey’s going to be a part of it. I think it’s given her a new lease on life.”

  Pip laughed, “New lease on life, nothing! She claims she wants to be the first official client!”

  Richard laughed, “I think she should find love again in this life. There can never be enough love.”

  Pip smiled, “I just can’t believe they found such a perfect spot for it though, right off the Heath.”

  Richard laughed, “Really, you can’t believe they found such a perfect spot with all the angelic help you’ve all got?”

  She giggled, “I guess when you put it like that, I can believe it.”

  Richard asked, “Who would have ever thought Bertram would open a pub/matchmaking service. It really is an ingenious way to bring people together, don’t you think?”

  “I think he just wants to make sure he can eat fish and chips every day for the rest of his life while he’s fulfilling his bargain with the other side.”

  Richard replied, “He told me he already has fourteen different ways to serve them. Speaking of which,” he added, “we’re due over there in fifteen minutes. We’d better get going if we want to see the unveiling of the sign.”

  After putting everything back into the picnic basket, they walked toward the old Georgian pub on Well Walk. Richard asked, “When do you think it’ll officially open?”

  Pip replied, “Considering we found the chef and decorator in record time, Bertram thinks we’ll be up and running inside of two months.”

  “Unbelievable,” Richard declared. “Did Bertram finally tell you what he was going to name the place?”

  Pip shook her head. “No, he just said it was inspired by one of his favorite songs.”

  As the duo crossed the road, they saw Bertram, Honey, Clementine, and Periwinkle all waiting excitedly on the sidewalk in front of the pub. Pip called out, “I’m glad you didn’t start without us.”

  Bertram smiled, showing off his two new front teeth, and replied, “It’s a good thing you got here when we did. We’ve several dishes we’re considering and Chef almost has them ready. So hurry up and get over here!”

  When they were all situated, Bertram addressed his loved ones, “I wouldn’t be here without all of your love and support. My heart is full to bursting.” After an emotional pause, he continued, “That’s why I’m more pleased than I can say that we’re going to continue on together in our new venture. It’s my hope this will be the perfect place for singletons, lovers, and families alike, to come and nurture their bodies and spirits. And with that,”—he pulled the rope attached to a canvas cloth covering a sign high above their heads—“I give you, The Love Shack!”

  The friends cheered at the name, and Honey declared, “Bertram, it’s perfect! I can’t wait for us to open so you can find someone for me to love. The duke has been gone twelve years and I could use some companionship.”

  Clementine, who still wasn’t aware her husband had worked for the other world while he was in a coma, commented, “I’m not exactly sure how the matchmaking side of this is going to work, but I’ve had some wonderful ideas lately.” She said, “I thought we could offer a version of speed dating on some nights and even offer cooking classes for singles. What do you think?”

  Bertram replied, “I think it’s inspired, love!” He didn’t tell her that the inspiration had come from his new angelic contact, Violet, who was already hard at work making a list of London singletons that would find each other at their new establishment.

  The friends moved inside and sat down at a
large, brown, maple, trestle table where the chef had started to lay out the food. Bertram said, “Welcome to the first official menu tasting for The Love Shack!” Then he quoted the song and said, “Just a little old place where we can get together . . .”

  Periwinkle cheered, “I love that song, Daddy! Play it again!”

  With an arm around his little girl, Bertram picked up the audio remote and hit play. The whole room shook with the song from the B52’s as the group dug into fish and chips served fourteen different ways.

  About the Author

  While attending the University of Illinois in Chicago, Whitney Dineen began a career as a plus-size model. After modeling in New York City, she and her husband, Jimmy, moved to Los Angeles. In addition to modeling, Whitney spent the California years supplying some of Hollywood's biggest stars with her delicious cookies and candies. Whitney and her husband currently live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where they spend their time raising their daughters, free-range chickens, and organic vegetables.

  Whitney loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her via her website WhitneyDineen.com. If you’ve enjoyed Kindred Spirits, please take a moment to leave a review and share your thoughts with others.

  Many thanks!

  Keep Reading for a snippet from Mimi Finnegan’s award-winning story, The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan.

  If you’ve already read that one, keep going for the first chapter of Whitney’s award-winning romantic comedy, She Sins at Midnight.

  The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan

  Chapter 1

  “A BUNION?” I shriek.

  “It would appear so,” answers Dr. Foster, the podiatrist referred by my HMO.

  “Aren’t bunions something that old people get?”

  “Yes,” he replies. “That’s normally the case, but not always. Bunions grow after years of walking incorrectly, or in some instances, not wearing the proper shoes.”