Page 187 of Checkmate
He had given her something to throw herself into by allowing her into his business, and in doing so had shown her an entirely different world. When she was a little girl, she never would have imagined she would become a real-life ghost hunter. But now, she couldn’t imagine a more fitting career for her. She loved every minute of her job and the fact she got to do it with Marcus by her side made it all the sweeter.
Erica was a strong woman. She always would have fought through the pain of her divorce, especially after Alex’s infidelity. But Marcus had made it infinitely easier than going it alone. With his gentle encouragement, it felt less like starting over, and more like getting on the right track.
No one could make her laugh like he could, and no one brought her more comfort than he did. When he was around, she felt safer. When things felt tough, he eased her burden.
“Would you change it all if you could? Would you have rejected Alex’s proposal?”
Lottie had asked her the question one night just after she confronted Alex. In an angry, drunken fit, she had wished she had never laid eyes on Alex and could take away every moment she shared with him.
Now, she would live it all again a thousand times over, if it meant she got to love Marcus just as many times. No way she’d risk changing the past and losing out on the man who had given her so much just by being himself.
“Marcus?” She whispered, turning her head up towards him. With his eyes closed and his lips gently parted, it was clear he was asleep. She tried to ease herself from his arms to give him room to himself, only for his hold to tighten on her.
Logic told her it was a reflex.
Her heart assured her he didn’t want to let her go.
Smiling to herself, she settled back in his arms, resting her head against his chest and giving in to her exhaustion.
Within minutes, she was asleep, safe, content, and secure.
There was never a more perfect moment than this, she was sure.
How could there be when there had never been a more perfect man than her Marcus?
Chapter 56
Marcus
ONE YEAR LATER
“... For as long as humans have roamed the Earth, there have been enough horror stories to fill an entire library. It’s no wonder today we have more potential ghost sightings than ever. After all, it’s not the stories with happy endings that give us restless spirits.
Whether you believe or not, there’s no denying the history of our incredible species. Even if it’s not all favourable. And that’s what ghost stories are - a celebration of history.
Thank you for joining us on our tour around the city. We hope to see you next week for more Phantom Footsteps.
Marcus bit his lip as Erica smiled at him from the screen, his heart racing uncomfortably.
Everyone around him was silent, everyone focused on the television as a voice-over spoke over the rolling credits of their first episode.
“And you can catch episode two of Phantom Footsteps at the same time next week. Next, are you afraid of a hot stove? Let our amateur...”
The pub erupted into applause. Cheers soon followed, drowning out the announcer. Marcus turned to Erica, who sat beside him, her nails biting into her hand as she tried to calm her nerves.
“You okay?”
Without letting her answer, Martin, the pub’s current owner, grabbed Erica’s hand. He motioned for Marcus to join them.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” Martin rang the bell above the bar to grab their attention. “Let’s hear it again for Marcus and Erica, the dream team that put our pub and our city on the map!”
Marcus couldn’t help but laugh as face after face grinned up at him. He recognised most of them. They were regulars at Agnes’ bar, customers who had taken the tour, and some old employees of his.
On the other side of Martin, Erica’s cheeks blushed. She waved off the compliments being thrown her way.
“Speech! Speech! Speech!”
Ringing the bell again, Martin encouraged them both to say something. Erica glanced at him, exhaling a chuckle as she shook her head in disbelief. Clearing his throat, Marcus addressed the crowd, who waited expectantly. “First, a massive thank you to all of you who have come out to support us. Erica is a little speechless now. But I’m sure she would want to thank you, just as I do.”
