Page 33 of Spooked

"I still growl," I protest.

"Mostly in the bedroom," Ash murmurs, just loud enough for me to hear. The little hellion.

We spend the rest of the evening giving Willa, Dash, and Brynn a private tour, complete with behind-the-scenes demonstrations of our effects. Brynn is fascinated by everything, declaring each room "the best one ever" until we reach the next. When Howie shows her how the werewolf works (from a safe distance), she claps with delight and asks if she can have one for her bedroom.

"Absolutely not," Willa says firmly, while Dash mutters something about "maybe a smaller one."

As midnight approaches and the last guests leave, screaming and laughing into the night, our makeshift family gathers in the dining room.

My wife sits beside me, her hand in mine, surrounded by the people who've become our family. Brynn’s fast asleep on a settee near the window. Ghost tells war stories that have Dash riveted. Dev and Willa debate the merits of various horror authors. Howie shows me and Ash the upgrades he wants to do to the computer system. And Lee pretends to disapprove of everything though I know he’s secretly enjoying the havoc.

"A toast," I say, raising my glass. "To Marsden Manor," I begin, then pause. "No. To family."

"And to love," Ash adds softly, her eyes shining. "To the man who proved that every beast deserves a happily ever after."

"And to zombie turkeys!" Howie says, making everyone laugh.

"To zombie turkeys," we all agree, clinking glasses.