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“Nothing, I wanted to stop and see you,” Amelia replied with a smile.

James was staring at Eden with recognition in his eyes.

“Elizabeth!” James murmured and turned back in shock.

“Yes, that is Elizabeth’s soul reborn,” I answered defensively.

Amelia froze and stared at the woman who housed the soul of James’s dead lover. Apprehension showed on Amelia’s face, and she sat in fear, looking at James.

“Now I know why you frequent this pub. I thought it was strange for you to come to such places. Good luck, Jacques. If she is anything like Elizabeth, you’ll need it,” James said before putting Eden out of his mind.

James turned to Amelia and kissed her gently on the lips. “Luckily, I found love, and hopefully, you’ll find yours this time.”

I smiled, thankful James and I were not at odds again. The next several hours were spent chatting. James surprised me at how he opened up and shared things. Amelia left first, and James asked her to wait outside.

“Jaq, I meant what I said the other night. Honestly, I don’t think that we will be best friends. But I hope that we’ll become some sort of friends. There’s history between us. I’m with Amelia now. After a long time alone, I dimly perceived the millennia ofsolitude you suffered, Jacques. For sure, I cannot imagine life without Amelia.”

“Thank you, James. Your words mean a lot. Despite our differences, I hope that something positive will eventually result from our relationship. However, know this: Amelia adores you,” I said to reassure James.

“Yes, and that is reciprocated.”

“Try telling Amelia this. Amelia thinks she is fighting the ghost of Elizabeth. Spend some time with Amelia, show her how much youdolove her.”

James chuckled. “What is this? Dr Jacques Du Mont? I’ll consider what you’ve said. Good luck with your barmaid.”

James rose, shook my hand, and left. I heard a squeal of delight from Amelia, and the word Bermuda came through clearly.

Silently, I laughed. Congratulations, James, a honeymoon is a fantastic plan. Just mind that sun!

Happily, I watched them leave and rose out of my seat. I walked over to Eden, and without a word, she fetched a drink.

“Sorry. I don’t know what possessed me.” Eden placed the glass in front of me.

“I do. You sense it, too, the fact we are meant to be together.”

“But I’m married,” Eden said weakly.

“To a fool who doesn’t recognise the worth of what they have.”

Eden shook her head. “Jack loves me.”

“As a slave. Tell me to go, and I’ll stay away. Say that there is nothing between us, and I will disappear and leave you to your life.”

Eden seemed on the verge of speaking before letting out a soft sigh. “I cannot. But I can’t leave Jack either.”

Hastily, I wrote my address down on a piece of paper, trying not to think of déjà vu.

“Come tomorrow, and we’ll not be disturbed.”

Eden pocketed it quickly, and I felt a threatening presence. Jack had just entered the pub and was glaring in my direction.

Mischief rising, I winked and walked over.

“Hello again,” I said. The urge to punch Jack in the face was hard to control, but I kept my temper.

“John, isn’t it?” Jack asked with a sneer.

“Jacques, actually, but you knew that,” I retorted, and Jack looked affronted. With Jack’s huge bulk, I bet nobody called dear old Jack out on his shit.