Together Again: Spirit Travel Novel - Book #4 (Romance & Humor - The Vicarage Bench Series)

by Mimi Barbour

  Eyebrows puckered and wrinkles appeared while Bunty considered his request.

  “I could give you her unlisted number if you want to try making an appointment.”

  “That would be wonderful. Thank you.” He waited while she took a paper, wrote down the number, and passed it to him. He gave her the smile most women would sigh over before he went straight to his room to make the call.

  For some strange reason the sadness that lurked inside him lifted when he heard Ellie Ward’s voice.

  “Hello?” A low, husky drawl answered after the second ring.

  “Am I speaking with Ellie Ward?” He’d assumed she would be the one to answer the phone, but politeness demanded he ask.

  An obvious note of caution could be heard. “Yes?”

  “My name is Troy Brennan. I’d like to speak with you about your plans for the care home at The Gardens. I’ve been publishing stories about the victims from the fire for the last few days. Getting an interview with you on your perceptions and why you stepped in would be a great followup. Maybe you’ve read some of my work in the local papers?”

  Either his name or his opening speech seemed to sway her away from her initial attitude. Gentleness invaded her voice and the crispness faded. She spoke so softly he strained to hear her words.

  “Yes, I’ve read everything you’ve written, and I’m very impressed. Can you come to my office tomorrow, in the morning? Say eleven, shall we? Come around to the back at my parents’ home, and you’ll see the office door. I believe you know where they live. You’ve visited before—or so I’ve been told. We’ll have lots of time to talk then.” As an afterthought, she quickly added, “Of course that’s if the time is convenient for you.” Velvet oozed from her softened tones.

  “I’d be happy to.” Inside, his pulse quickened while his nerves started an uprising. What was that all about? “See you then,” he answered. His tone, in contrast, came across as very businesslike.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Daniell lay on her sickbed; still attached to the medical equipment she’d need for a day or so to monitor her vital signs. “Uncle Robert, you’ve got to believe me. I’m so terribly sorry for all the trouble I caused you.” The pleading in her eyes, proof of her sincerity, touched him as always.

  “I know, darling. I’m honoured that you chose to come to me with your troubles in the first place. But that said, I should be shot for negligence, leaving my notes lying around for you to find and—”

  “No, Uncle. It was entirely my fault. That day, I would have done anything to avoid having to deal with my problems. But I’ve changed, grown up, and I’ll work things out.”

  “You know I’ll be here to give you all the help you need. And don’t mind your mum. She’ll come around.”

  “I still can’t believe how badly she acted yesterday when she barged into the garden. If I hadn’t been so weak, I would have stopped her. I’m only sorry she took out her anger on the wrong person and slugged Mrs. Dorn. It wasn’t the poor old dear’s fault she was forced to lie. Do you think she’ll ever forgive us, and return to work here?”

  “She’s already back. Seems after ‘the poor old dear’ slammed out, she waited in the back garden until your mother left. Then my crafty employee accepted a rather large pay increase for her black eye, with two extra weeks of paid holidays thrown in to cover her pain and suffering. And my solemn promise to get the house key back from your mother turned out to be the clincher.” He felt a silly grin creep over his face and couldn’t stop it. What would he do without that gin-toting woman to look after him?

  “It must have been a nightmare, keeping mother away for so long. I did try to come back last week but—I, I can’t talk about it.” He watched her trying to swallow the lump that clogged her throat. She choked, coughing intensely. Racking sobs interspersed with the irritated spasms. She was a mess.

  Dr. Andrews, captivated by the various hues in her drenched amber-green eyes, gathered her gently into his arms. He rocked the slight body back and forth. This child, whom he loved more than anyone else, had the power to turn him inside out and upside down. He wasn’t surprised at the rush of sympathy throbbing throughout his body. He’d never heard this sweet girl cry with such heartbreak, and he couldn’t take it. His own eyes filled with sympathy.

  “Dani, my dear, your mother will come to accept the baby. She needs time to recognize that not everything in life must conform to her expectations.”

  “Yes, I know. With your help, Uncle Robert, I’ll get through these coming months until my little Amy is born. It’s the next ten years that are making me cry.”

  “Ten years?”

  “Yes. I met a man.”

  “You met a man?” Moments passed. “And?”

  “I lived with him, inside him, and we fell in love. He’s everything any woman could possibly ask for in a life partner. And he’s coming for me.”

  Dr. Andrews waited for her to continue, a ploy he used often in his profession. She stayed silent, so he urged her with words. “He’s coming…”

  “To my birthday party.”

  “I look forward to meeting him; it’s only a week away.”

  She groaned her next words. “My twenty-seventh birthday party.” Her shaking hands reached to cover her eyes as the deluge started once more.

  “Oh, my dear. I’m ever so sorry.” He hugged her again as she became lost in her grief. Her body’s weakness added to her inability to gain control, but eventually the span lengthened between her hiccupping sobs, signifying she was nearly empty. When exhaustion invaded, the battle was lost.

  She slept while he watched and ruminated about her out-of-body experience. She had to have travelled forward in time and met this man at some point in the future—ten years in the future, according to her words. He had no doubt she’d ultimately tell him all about this person and he’d follow up on the chap in his own way. In the meantime, she’d need him to be on her side. Poor baby. He leaned over to brush the wayward curls from her damp cheeks.

  Baby!

  She mentioned having a baby girl called Amy. Oh, well, then, how lovely! He couldn’t wait to share his glad tidings with Grace and Mrs. Dorn. It might be enough to get the housekeeper to stop glaring at him from her blackened eye.

  In his favourite position, Doctor Andrews slouched in the rocking chair next to Dani’s bed and watched over her while she slept, a routine he’d started many nights ago. She didn’t know it yet, but he had dire warnings that needed to be passed on. His chest felt tight from his heart’s heaviness. He didn’t want to alarm her, but it was imperative she grasp the importance of his words.

  She must not even think to change the future. No matter what might have happened while she time-travelled, it must be left to follow its natural outcome. He didn’t relish explaining this to the child. Her intelligence was never in question, but the concept would be difficult for anyone to fully realize and accept. He unlinked his cramped fingers from behind his head and lowered them to the arms of his chair.

  His sister’s threat to leave Dani with him—supposedly because her ruined status was his fault—appeared to be the only plus he could look forward to. Even though he knew Marion wouldn’t stick to her caveat, he’d have this special girl under his protection for a bit longer. He’d care for her and lend his support, guide and spoil, love and…

  My God! Ten years!

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Troy brought Buddy along to his meeting with Ellie. Since Dani left, he’d expected the pup to become more of a hindrance, holding him back, always there—a constant reminder. Instead, the furry little bugger soothed him, a link to his spirit-friend.

  Striding along at the end of his lead as if he owned the world, Buddy behaved impeccably—that is, until he saw the house where they were headed. After that he pulled, gasping and whining. He knew who would be there waiting for him, and he wasn’t disappointed.

  The minute they rounded the corner, Troy spied the little golden-haired princess skipping rope
.

  “Buddy!” She sprinted towards them; the rope lay on the grass forgotten. “Mr. Brennan, you brought him to see me. I’m so glad!” She spoke the truth, if her huge smile and shining eyes were anything to go by.

  She looked at Troy, her questioning plea obvious, and his nod became answer enough. Scooping up the bundle of conniptions, she kissed and hugged and laughed. Her delight was reciprocated. Troy stood with his hands on his hips, waiting, enjoying every minute of the exuberant, mutual love affair in front of him.

  Finally, Amy tucked the pup’s body under her chin, and with a sigh he nestled right in. Eyes, the colour of amber, golden brown centres encircled by flashes of emeralds and lighter greens, pleaded with Troy. He knew what she wanted before she asked.

  “Sweetheart, could you look after Buddy for me while I speak with your mother? I have an appointment with her, and I’d appreciate it if you could take him for a walk or play with him a bit. He doesn’t get to play very often, and puppies need good times, too.”

  “You did name him Buddy. Your friend liked my suggestion?”

  “My friend knew as soon as she heard it that the name suited him perfectly. Even he likes it.” Troy gently grasped the pup’s muzzle and shook it. “Since I started calling him by that name, he comes every time. When I tried Jehoshaphat, he just ignored me.”

  Amy burst into giggles. “I don’t blame him.”

  “Okay, you’re right. It wasn’t so great. Then I tried Beelzebub… Why are you laughing? Beelzebub is a great name for him—it’s a devil’s name.” Her peals of delighted chortles banished his mock gruffness and started the smile. The one every female he’d ever known couldn’t resist. She couldn’t, either. She threw herself into his arms, an expression of her delight, and he scooped her up, doggie and all.

  She smelt wonderful, like sunshine and flowers—and everything a single man yearns to one day have for his very own.

  “I hate to infringe on this happy reunion, but I do believe we have an appointment. Mr. Brennan, I presume?”

  Troy slowly lowered his precious cargo and turned to see the woman he’d gambled his future on. He knew she was slender from the video he’d watched over and over, as well as from the glimpse he’d had of her a few days ago in town. But face-to-face created a whole different impression.

  She was beautifully delicate, with eyes the same colour as her daughter’s, only a whole lot bigger, more skilfully accentuated, more intense. Her earlier blondeness was mysteriously gone. Enlivened now to naturally reddish tones, her hair emerged as a striking mass of curls the wind loved. He wondered what it would look like without the yellow ribbon restraining the hotchpotch of wildness.

  As a backdrop, the day’s bright rays cast a radiance of gold all around her, which stopped him dead while he looked his fill. The flowing yellow sundress, fused to every luscious curve, added to the vision of a woman loved by the sun.

  She stared back, surveying him from top to bottom. A smile emerged and lit her delicate features until every inch of her face became engulfed by it. He’d never seen anyone beam with such radiance, as if happiness shone from within.

  His first instinct was to hold out his arms. What the hell…?

  Hypnotized, he drowned in her spell while everything else faded. Even time seemed to stand still. Finally, seeming to tear her gaze from his, she twisted towards her daughter and spoke. “Amy, darling, don’t… ahh hog the dog. I want my share.”

  “Funny, Mum.” The sprite made a face, then skipped over to her mother and passed on the wiggling bundle. “Isn’t he just like I described? Do you think I could keep him? Mr. Brennan, you did tell me you needed to find Buddy a good home. Remember?”

  Ellie lifted the pup and became instantly adored. She turned away, and Troy heard her whispering but couldn’t make out anything she said. The frenzied whining and tail-wagging indicated Buddy loved whatever nonsense she was sharing. He’d found another favourite person.

  “If I could keep him, he’d be my playmate while you’re working, Mum. You wouldn’t have to feel bad for leaving me alone so much.”

  Troy hid his grin. It was obvious the little minx would use any ammunition in her arsenal. He remembered from his childhood that guilt—always a good weapon and understood by most children—worked miracles.

  “I’ll think about it, Amy, love, but for now I must take Mr. Brennan away. I’m sure he’ll let you look after Buddy while we’re having our meeting.” An eyebrow the exact colour of her hair arched as she looked his way. She waited and waited, hummed, and waited even longer.

  A tiny hand snuck into his and the tug of small fingers brought him back to the moment. “Sure, whatever. I’m your guy.”

  “My daughter wants your dog, Troy. I’m not sure she meant for you to be part of the package.” Her teasing struck a chord. His name had come out so smoothly it went unnoticed.

  Troy ducked down to be on the same level as the child who—without any shyness—snaked her arms around his neck. She gave him the same adoring look as she had given to Buddy earlier. His heart slid open and in she went. Another person to care for.

  “Little one, he’s yours with my blessings—if your mom agrees.” He added the last bit when he heard the throat clearing that was meant for him to hear.

  He stood. His hand slyly rubbed the kiss the little heart-stopper had left on his cheek before hurrying away with her precious bundle.

  “Troy…” The woman caught herself, coughed, and readjusted her tone. “Mr. Brennan, how very kind of you. Amy adores animals, and she’s wanted a pet for years. I’d love to have a dog, but I’m afraid that, because of my mother’s allergies, it hasn’t been possible. But I do believe our living accommodations will be changing soon and should remove that particular problem. Can I ask you to hold onto the puppy for another week or so until my arrangements are complete?”

  “Please, go ahead and call me Troy. And sure, it’s no problem, Ellie. I can hold onto the little fellow for a while longer.” He flashed the grin he’d perfected in years of effective use and watched as the strangely devious look she wore deepened.

  What the hell was that all about?

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  While Troy inspected her office, Dani took a moment to gather herself. She hid her face behind trembling fingers and shielded her eyes. How could he not have recognized her? For heaven’s sake, she’d all but jumped into his arms. Disappointment raged, curdling her zeal for this meeting.

  She watched him inspect her room and tried to see it through his eyes. The white walls and carpeting made the small office appear larger. Clutter loomed everywhere, but in an organized fashion. Reference books piled on the side of her large worktable battled with mounds of loose papers for supremacy. The very latest in typewriters, its importance defined by being set on its own matching side-section, mocked an older model now relegated to a corner on the floor. The businesslike black leather chair looked huge, but the plush cushioning allowed her to snuggle in any way she wanted—sometimes sprawling, sometimes sitting correctly, and many times curled in a ball while hugging his picture and crying.

  Only two items decorated the walls: one, a beautiful enlarged photograph of Amy as a small toddler frolicking in a field of daisies; the other a print of Monet’s most famous painting, Water Lilies. Three inches of whiter wall showed around the second image, an obvious inconsistency. It indicated that another, larger frame had hung there recently.

  The gigantic picture window she faced—detailed with twelve-inch grids—overlooked the tidy gardens at the back of the house, where multiple fruit trees and a luxurious meadow lay. This vision compelled the eye and enhanced the room, a world to gaze at while the wheels turned, the ideas flowed and words became a story.

  If the far wall cupboards hadn’t been left open showing the numerous shelves stocked from top to bottom with books, books, and more books, the space would have seemed almost barren.

  Dani regretted that he’d caught her at the end of her most recent project and theref
ore at a time when the whirlwind seemed the worst. In another few days, with the manuscript finished, her office would undergo its usual thorough cleaning to put it back to perfect order until she started work on the next episode.

  She watched his eyes travel around the room and waited uneasily for his verdict. If he didn’t appreciate the understated but alluring beauty of her favourite space, she’d be devastated.

  His gaze settled on the panes of gleaming glass. She heard his indrawn breath—and a whispered “Wow!”—and was satisfied. The aesthetic effect of the massive floor-to-ceiling window seemed to have the same sway on him as it did on her.

  With a merry smile, she went to the bookcase and slid open a panel where folding chairs were housed. Fetching him a seat took only a minute. When she turned back, she caught him reaching for the copy of her latest novel, Come Find Me. The cover, designed to her specifications, had vines of vibrant red roses in the background, and a red-haired woman’s slender body, wearing a gorgeous white gown, illustrated in profile. Dani quickly slipped the novel out of his hands and held it against her chest protectively. He mustn’t read the dedication.

  “They accidentally released the book ahead of schedule. I had specified that it not be sent out for sale until later in the month. In fact, I had to ask the local bookstore to clear them from the window until I gave permission for him to sell them. Wanting to take advantage of some upsetting publicity that’s being raging about a silly incident in Chicago, my publisher released the book early despite my explicit instructions.”

  “Could I speak to you about that incident? I…”

  Her hand, held upwards in his direction, stopped his words. She shook her head to let him know exactly what her intentions were. Body language didn’t need an interpreter; hers came across loud and clear. “No!”

  “Why not?”

  “Excuse me!”

  “Why not, and don’t say, ‘Because I said so.’ Even my mother didn’t stop me with that answer.” He grinned teasingly.