Chapter 86

Summer stopped in her tracks and stared at the spot where Evie was standing. "Oh my goodness. I can hear you, but I can't see you. Are you Sam's ghost?"
Of course, here was another Holiday who was sensitive to spirits. I am. My name is Evangeline Bonnell. Evie.
"Oh wow, my first ghost. Sam must be rubbing off on me." Summer's smile was brilliant, a feminine copy of Sam's. "Nice to meet you, Evie. I'm Summer."
I know. Evie felt herself smile in return. I've been around this house for a long time.
The dark-haired woman took a seat on the sofa and patted the cushion beside her. "So, Evie. This is odd. I'm usually the boring one. I've never talked to a ghost before."
I think it might be your child, Evie thought. She was getting some sort of vibration, almost like recognition from the tiny bulge of Summer's tummy. He'll be born at Beltane - another time when the veil is thin.
"He?" Summer's hand flew down to cover her child. "We just found out about that part yesterday. I haven't even told my mother, let alone Sam. How do you know?"
I'm not sure. I just do. There were many aspects of her ghostly existence that Evie still hadn't figured out, not after nearly a century. Congratulations.
"Thank you." Again she flashed that stunning smile. "So, how are you and Sam getting along?"
If spirits could blush, Evie knew her face would have been scarlet. He's a...very generous man. He puts videos on to keep me company while he's away. She sat, although of course the other woman couldn't tell.
"He's a good guy," his sister agreed. "And he's a natural medium, which must be a nice change of pace. I'm sure it was lonely here for all those years if no one could see you or hear you."
You have no idea. Evie sighed. Even when I materialized each year, anyone who saw me ran screaming. Including my own nephews. After the boys had fled in terror, she'd never tried to manifest in front of her nieces. She hadn't wanted to scare the dear girls.
"I'm sorry." Summer reached down to scratch Ghengis' ear. "That must have been painful. I adore my niece - it would suck not to be able to touch her or hold her."
She is adorable. Evie had already fallen in love with the red-haired little Dawn Holiday, who wasn't yet a year old. And yes, it...sucked. She was picking up Sam's modern slang. You have such a lovely family. Your child is a very lucky one. And none of Summer's in-laws would ever push her over the banister. How nice must it have been, growing up amid such love and laughter? Sam's children would have that.
Something inside Evie broke at that thought. Sam's life would go on, and he would find someone, a living someone to marry, to once again fill this house with laughter and children. She was glad for that, wanted nothing but the best for him, but for the first time since her death, she didn't look forward to moving on. With all her heart, she wanted to stay with Sam.
"Evie, are you all right?" Summer reached out and laid a hand right next to where Evie's would have been on the cushion. Even Ghengis whined and bumped Evie's leg with his head.
Just a little misty. This is my last year as a ghost. After Halloween, I will be gone. I'm sorry I will not be here to see your little one.
"Isn't that a good thing? I thought that was the goal?" Summer narrowed her eyes. "Is something going on between you and my brother?"
Mortified, Evie bit her lip. It is the goal. But I'm still a woman. And what female in her right mind wouldn't fall a little in love with Sam?
"I'm sorry. I can see where it would be difficult to finally find someone, long after you couldn't have him. For most of my life..." Summer shook her head. "Well, let's just say my own love story isn't one most people would believe. I thank my lucky stars every day that against all odds Matt finally found me."
How I envy you. Evie swore her eyes were filling with tears. Unseen, she reached out to the other woman. After Halloween, take care of your brother. Make sure he meets someone, the right someone. This house needs to be filled with laughter and love again. He's too good a man to grow old here, alone.
"Of course we will." Summer again seemed to know right where Evie's hand was and squeezed it. "I promise, we won't let him molder away here on his own."
Thank you. Evie felt a small weight lift from her shoulders just as they heard a car pull into the drive. Ghengis barked and ran to the kitchen door.
"It's been great chatting with you, Evie." Summer stood and waited for her brother to join them in the parlor. "Hey, Sam. The fabric samples you were waiting for came in. I left them on the hall table."
"Thanks." Sam kissed his sister's cheek. "So how are you and my new niece doing today?"
Nephew, Evie corrected.
"Nephew," Summer said at the same time, chuckling. "But don't say anything to the others or Mom will go ballistic about you knowing first."
"Got it." He kissed her other cheek. "And all's well?"
"All's perfect." Summer beamed.
"Excellent." Sam bit his lip then said. "Since you'll be talking to Mom anyway and making her day, could you do me a favor?"
"Sure." Summer shrugged. "What?"
"Can we celebrate my birthday on the first? I've kind of got...plans for Halloween."
"Would these plans have anything to do with the very pleasant ghost I've been chatting with for the last twenty minutes?" Summer arched one black brow and grinned at her brother, reminding Evie of the way she and David used to tease. "Evie mentioned she'd be leaving on Halloween. Should the rest of us leave you two alone between now and then?"
Sam's stunned look startled a laugh out of Evie. "You saw her?"
Summer shook her head. "No but I can hear her. She thinks that your nephew shares your gift, and is currently taking me along for the ride."
"Wow." Sam rubbed his face with his hands. "Weird."
"Tell me about it. It's gonna be a long six months if the little guy keeps springing those kinds of surprises on me." She took Sam's face between her hands. "Seriously, though. You want us to back off for the rest of the week?"
Sam nodded. "Thanks. But I'd really like to see you all on the first. I think - I think I'm going to need to have someone around just about then."
"Okay." Summer gave him a hug. "Done deal."
"That's it? No interrogation?" Sam gave his sister a skeptical look.
"Nope." Summer picked up her oversized purse and moved to the door. "I'll let the others know and see you in a few days. Have fun, you two. Evie - it was truly an honor to meet you. Good luck on the other side."
With that, she slipped out the door.