Page 18 of Believe
“It also didn’t hurt that your mother and me were learning about our gifts and how strong they really are,” smiled Matthew. He kissed his wife, holding her hand against his heart.
“To whom much is given,” whispered Jean.
“Much is expected,” said Gaspar finishing the statement. “We’ve always known that. I guess we thought you started this when we all grew up.”
“Son, you’ve been grown up for more than sixty years,” smirked Matthew. “Then we had grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren.” The all laughed at Matthew’s animated face.
“Your father and I were trying to ensure that we gave what others needed. Y’all were protecting those that needed protection, saving those that needed saving. Your daddy and me, we were ensuring they had what they needed to thrive,” said Irene.
“Pops how did you do all of that by yourselves?” asked Antoine.
“We were never alone,” smiled Matthew. “We had Ruby, then Ruby and Sven, George and Mary, Teddy, and before that, we had Franklin, Martha, and the others that would appear now and then.”
“There are so many secrets to this property we may never understand them all,” said Rafe, shaking his head in wonder.
“Secrets keep dreams alive,” smiled Matthew. “You get to spend a lifetime looking for them all, with us here to help. It is incomprehensible the gift that we’ve all been given. To have our ghosts as companions. To be allowed to be a ghost and be seen, touched, and loved. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone who needed to speak to their loved ones, could?”
“Why can’t they, Matthew?” asked Ian.
“I’m not sure, son. All I know is that we were given this gift and we vowed to never take it for granted. Which reminds me,” said Matthew looking around at the faces. “Ah! Grant, how are we coming?”
“Nearly complete, Matthew,” said the handsome builder. Evie was seated on his lap as always, the loving couple never far from one another.
“Complete with what?” asked Nine.
“Expansions,” smirked Irene. “What else?”
“Expansions!” came the cry from them all.
“Pops, where on earth are we expanding?” asked Baptiste. “We have so much land now we’re not even sure where it begins and ends.”
“You don’t have to be sure,” he said. “I know. Grant knows. Gabriel knows. Claudette knows. In the future, Luke, Ajei, and the others will know. I’m proud to say I’ve never bought land from someone that needed it for themselves. I’ve bought land from those offering, willingly, to sell. I’ve expanded our own lands, taking over some of the bayou without damaging it. We have room to grow and we’re going to need it.”
“If the Jordans keep having triplets we damn sure will,” laughed Ghost. Angel could only smile, looking over his shoulder at his grandchildren.
“It suits me just fine if they keep having triplets,” he grinned. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing all of them happy. Not just mine, but your children as well.”
Gaspar looked around at the hundreds of people enjoying the cool, crisp late afternoon. The bonfires were burning, hot cocoa, sweet treats, and music playing softly. He nodded at his siblings, then his brothers and sisters not blood related.
“I see perfection. Absolute perfection.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Ruth and John stared at the stack of unpaid bills. There was nothing to be done. By January 1st, they wouldn’t have water, electricity, or gas. The food was running out but the food pantry would help with that.
“I just don’t understand it,” said John. “I’m a hard worker. I’m good with my hands, I’m willing to do any job on any job site. Someone should just take a chance on me. I wouldn’t disappoint anyone.”
“I know honey,” said Ruth, gripping her husband’s hand. “Listen, I’ve taken a part-time job in the school cafeteria. Just part-time so that I can be there when the kids are in school, but home when they’re home. I’ll do the sewing work at night for the store.”
“You’re working yourself to death,” he said shaking his head. “I’m failing you. I’m failing the kids.”
“No! No, you are not. You’re not failing anyone, John. This is a bump in the road. When the kids were babies and I couldn’t work, you worked two jobs. We’ll be just fine, babe. The kids won’t even remember this Christmas when they’re older.”
John said nothing, standing and pouring another cup of coffee. He was headed to Bourbon Street again tonight, hoping to get some work at one of the late-night bars or clubs. He hated it. Hated being inside those places but they often needed extra bar help, kitchen staff, or bouncers.
It didn’t matter to John. He’d take any job that was available. Most of them preferred to pay in cash.
“If there isn’t anything available, I’ll be back in a few hours. If there is,” he said hesitantly.