“Is that your idea of Heaven?” Cid asked.
“I really didn’t have any idea that the nuns didn’t drill into my head until you held me the first time. Then I knew my Heaven was in your arms.”
“Sally, that is so beautiful. I’m honored and can’t wait to hold you again.”
“Cid, I have to be honest with you. I’ve had a gentleman caller four nights running.”
“Who?”
“His name is Stephen, and he tells me he’s a friend of yours.”
“Murphy’s been there with you every night?”
“He leaves before I call you. I think he takes your asking him to look in on me very seriously.”
“Or he’s lonely and finds your company to his liking,” Cid growled.
“Hold on, big fella. He’s your friend, and he’s been very respectable. He tells me stories about his friends, but when it comes to Mia, I can tell he’s holding a lot back.”
“He could be protecting the nest…” Cid said and winced, realizing he said too much.
“What does that mean?”
“Mia would rather tell you about her gifts herself, and Murphy knows this.”
“Oh, I get it, and that’s fine with me. I hope it goes both ways. I’ve told him a lot about me too.”
“He can be a bit gossipy but not when it comes to personal information. Now Ted, on the other hand, is a major gossip. Don’t tell him anything you don’t want to become common knowledge. He can’t help himself. Most of what all of us know about Mia comes from Ted.”
“I did some cooking today,” Sally said. “Mrs. Leighton had a staffing problem that Amy/Ripely told me about.”
“Amy is as bad as Ted,” Cid said.
“Anyway, I stepped in, and between the three of us, we managed lunch and supper.”
“Bravo! What did you serve?”
“Mini quiches for lunch and then stew and cornbread for dinner. I had to use what they had, and so I made a tomato-based stew.”
“I’m drooling. We had leftovers. We put a final push on the house. Depending on tomorrow, I may be in Big Bear Lake soon.”
“I can’t wait. I miss you. I just realized that I’ve spent the same amount of time with Stephen Murphy as you.”
“Just don’t fall in love with him. I can’t compete.”
“I promise.”
“Have a good night. I’ll be dreaming of you,” Cid said.
“Goodbye, my love,” Sally said.
Cid turned over and punched his pillow. He dialed Mia’s phone intending to leave her a message.
“Cid, are you alright?” Mia whispered.
“I’m sorry, I wanted to leave you a message. I didn’t think you’d pick up.”
“I’m walking back from the kitchen. I was hungry,” Mia confessed. “I use the phone to navigate this castle. What’s up?”
“Call off your boyfriend.”
“Which one? I have so many,” Mia said.
“Murphy.”
“I beg your pardon. Is he on the job with you? He’s supposed to be helping Ethan, not bothering you at work.”
“Has anyone told you what’s going on here?” Cid asked.
“No. Last I heard, you found a girl you’re head over heels with. I take it, if you were having a problem that I could help you with you with, you would call me.”
“I’m sorry. You’re really out of the loop.”
“Evidently. Does this have anything to do with Father Santos calling me about Roumain’s wife Violine?”
“Indirectly, as she was a negative elemental, yes. I’m sorry, Mia, I thought you were encouraging Murphy to spend time with Sally.”
“Wouldn’t he have to be there with you?” Mia asked confused.
“What did Father Santos say?”
“Only that he has come across a negative elemental, and I was the only one he knew who successfully defeated one. Cid, I’ve found an abandoned room. I’m sitting down. Please tell me what’s going on. The whole story, not just the highlights.”
Cid did so.
“You’ve got this in hand,” Mia said. “I’m proud of you. To answer your question, I didn’t send Murph to spy on your girlfriend. Ethan probably wanted Murphy out of his hair and suggested Murph check on Sally to make sure she wasn’t being railroaded into anything. She’s alone in a rehab facility and probably missing you. Murph is just being neighborly. Ethan probably doesn’t know he’s come back to see her, how many times?”
“Four nights in a row.”
“Whoa, no wonder you’re concerned. I’ll talk to him when I get back.”
“No. I’ll talk to him,” Cid said. “I didn’t know I could be jealous of a ghost.”
“Murph is more than a ghost, but he’s also your friend. Remember that.”
“He’s Ted’s friend, but he’d still…”
“You don’t have to go there, Garrett,” Mia interrupted. “For the record, Murph supports my marriage. And Ted understands the situation. Evidently, you don’t.”
Cid heard the disappointment in her voice. “Mia, I’m sorry.”
“I’m tired…”
“Don’t go!” Cid said. “Give me a chance to make things right.”
“Cid, this isn’t a discussion for the middle of the night. Murphy is not trying to take your girl. He’s being a good friend and keeping Sally’s spirits up while you’re away. He wouldn’t have returned if he thought she didn’t appreciate his visits. I didn’t send him to interfere - if that’s what you’re thinking? I wouldn’t mess with your love life. I know better than anyone else what it’s like to have people, paranormal beings, and fate messing with my relationship with Ted. How I don’t let this happen is to believe in Ted and believe in myself. I suggest you take some time and see what a great catch you are and what a worthy woman Sally must be to cause this emotional upheaval inside you. As far as Walnut Grove House, you’ve managed the situation well and have the right people helping you. Good night, Cid.”
Cid listened to
