Page 105 of Ever After

“I’m not sure about that.” My humour fades and he looks at me enquiringly. “I was worried,” I admit. “It took ages and I didn’t know where you were and if you needed help.” I shuffle my feet. “Is that how it feels for you when I’m doing ghost stuff?”

“I suppose it is,” he says slowly. “It’s very nerve-racking.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Why? You don’t do it on purpose.”

“No, but the shoe was on the other foot today. I’d rather face everything on my own if it means you’re safe.”

He drops a kiss on my mouth. “Well, it was fine. Admittedly, the hidden corridor wasn’t the best.”

“Did your claustrophobia play up?” I ask anxiously. He’s been doing so well with it lately.

He gives me a smile that contains a fair amount of pride. “I got through it.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

His smile widens and warms and there’s a startled pleasure in his eyes. “Thank you. I don’t know how long I could have stood it, though. I must admit I was glad that Jowan stuck around long enough that I didn’t get lost in that passageway.”

“Like a very pretty mouse,” I say.

“I don’t think I’ll want to cope with ghosts on my own again too soon. It was scary.”

“No. You’re not built for a life of crime, and I don’t like feeling nervous.”

He fits the key in the door, his mouth twitching against a smile that’s trying to break through. “Well, the nerves obviously didn’t affect your stomach. Praise the baby Jesus for small miracles.”

“I had to eat something. Laura was getting suspicious about why I wanted to hang around the hall for so long. Did you miss me saying the scones were cheese and mustard—the perfect combination?” I say indignantly.

The door swings open and the scent of pipe smoke drifts out.

We step in to find Branok sitting on the rocking chair puffing on his pipe with his little dog at his feet.

“I think we need to invest in ghost nicotine gum,” I inform him, taking off my jacket and sinking thankfully onto the sofa.

He ignores me, looking to Levi who’s putting the kettle on. “Did you see him?” he demands.

After finishing in the kitchen and taking off his jacket, Levi settles down on a chair at the dining table. “I did. And I met Jowan.”

Branok’s face lightens and I realise again what a handsome man he is. “They are together, then? I hoped it would be so.”

“Yes, Jowan said he’s still your man.”

“He was ever that. The most loyal and canny man of my acquaintanceship.” He sits back in the chair, and the dog stirs in his sleep. “I am glad they are together,” he says softly. “I would not have had them be alone for all this time.”

“You were,” I point out.

“I cope with solitude a great deal easier than Xander ever would.” His mouth twitches. “He had an appetite for social situations that I always lacked.”

“Yes, I know that feeling very well,” I say sourly, shooting a look at my husband who doesn’t even try to hide his smile.

Branok rocks slowly, the creaking of the chair harmonising with the crackle of the fire and the sound of the wind roaring outside. “And what did Xander say?”

Levi taps his fingers thoughtfully on the table. “Well, at first he said he couldn’t think of anything that might be of help.”

Branok cocks his head. “But he was probably helpful anyway?”

“I think so,” Levi says.