Page 98 of Blade

Or how crazy my father was driving her.

“Thank you, Miss Ida.” Refusing to break down, I reminded myself to stand straight and focused on my manners. “Is there anything you’d like me to do before you cross over?”

Ignoring the flash of ache that sent through me, I did my best to be calm and respectful. She gave me another smile as sheshook her head, but left me curious as she closed her eyes. “Let’s see if I can make this work. Serena says I’m too stubborn, but she’s just contrary.”

I was not getting in the middle of those two women.

Wait.

“Oh wow.” Henley’s eyes got wide as she fully manifested in her best blue dress and her favorite apron. “Blaine…”

My mate was finally seeing a ghost.

Miss Ida was pleased as punch as she opened her eyes. “I told that girl I could do it. Now, come give me a hug and I’ll be on my way. It’s time to go before someone looks at my cards.”

She’d been cheating again.

“You said you weren’t gonna do that anymore, Miss Ida.” For such a God-fearing woman she had to repent for that sin on a regular basis.

Her grin got a snicker from Henley. “No more about that. I gotta have my fun. Now my hug, boy.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Wrapping her surprisingly lifelike body in my arms, I gave her a hug and whispered softly. “I love you, Miss Ida.”

“No more of that, boy.” Muttering about not being buried with her handkerchief, she let me step back and reached for Henley. “One for you too. My boy’s mate.”

Henley’s eyes went cartoon-sized but he didn’t seem to think twice about stepping closer and letting her hug him tight. “Thank you, ma’am. I…”

He couldn’t seem to finish his thought but she just smiled. She’d always had a sixth sense about things and probably knew my mate didn’t have the best family life. “My good boys.”

Before I was ready, she smoothed down the front of her dress and nodded decisively. “Behave and make good choices.”

I couldn’t promise that, but in the end, I didn’t have to because she just smiled and faded as a bright light enveloped her.

She was gone.

I stood there in shock for a few moments before reaching out for Henley’s hand. My mate squeezed it tight, stepping closer. “Are you going to tell me I’m creepy if I stay quiet to give you a few minutes?”

“Probably. Because it’s creepy.” Henley talked. That was just who he was. “No pod people, please.”

Fighting off a laugh he probably thought was inappropriate, he smiled proudly. “She liked me.”

“She did.” Kissing his head, I pulled him closer and shifted my hold so my arms were wrapped around him. “She waited to see you and to make sure you were going to feed me peppermints and make sure I ate enough vegetables.”

Snickering, he hid his face against my shoulder. “I got the embarrassing stories treatment. She didn’t try to kill either of us or quiz me about my favorite weapon. That was amazing.”

How had he survived his family growing up?

If Miss Ida had known how bad his childhood had been, she’d have tried to follow him around forever.

“She said you were handsome and had a lot of nice things to say about you.” I’d done my best to help him follow along but I knew I’d missed things along the way. “She…she gave me a list of things to make sure Serena has but that can stay in storage for now.”

I wasn’t ready to deal with any of it, crazy people or not.

“Okay.” Kissing my cheek, Henley straightened and took my hands as I slowly released him. “Thank you for letting me meet your family.”

Swallowing, I nodded and worked at sounding relaxed. “I think that was the last thing on my list.”

“We’ll make a new one for the next time we come back.” His flash of a grin said he’d decided a distraction was in order. “That cute little cop seemed excited to have you come visit for the festival.”