Page 11 of Madly Deeply

"Yes and no. It’s not a fleeting thing. And I can hear him."

Duncan bounced on his toes. "When did this start? How long has he been haunting ye?"

"Since the beginning," Spreag answered, though only Alexandra could hear. "Tell them I've been with ye since the weddin’."

She relayed his words, adding that she hadn’t known until last night. She could tell by their expressions they were trying to believe her but having a hard time.

Wyndham crossed his arms. "And ye're certain it's him? Not some other spirit pretending?"

“Well, that’s not a pleasant thought, but no, it’s him." She smiled. "He's standing right here, rolling his eyes at you."

"That does sound like Tulloch," Shug muttered.

The tension eased just a little as they moved back toward the living room. The space felt smaller with everyone gathered close, their faces a mix of concern and wonder as Alexandra explained about the moment she saw him emerge from the fog. “I felt…rescued.” She skipped the details of the rest of the evening and skipped to their experience at the restaurant when she heard the other ghost.

"So, you can hear other spirits as well?" Duncan leaned forward. "Just like that?"

"I guess so." She glanced at Spreag who stood behind Wyndham's chair. "And Spreag scared her away before I could understand what she wanted."

"Good," Bronagh said firmly. "The last thing you need is to become some sort of ghost whisperer."

"Maybe you’ll start seeing the future, start rescuing puppies from speeding cars.”

Alexandra's eyes widened. "You know about that?"

Spreag waved an impatient hand. “You’re not going to start seeing the future, love.”

Meg wanted to know more about the puppy.

Alex explained how Spreag had rushed from the ranch, run a red light, and positioned himself to catch a puppy moments before a car would have struck both the dog and the boy chasing after it. "He knew exactly what was coming. Just like he knew what would happen if we came to Scotland for the wedding."

Shug snorted. "Alex saw it all because she was following him around in a van. Verra romantic.”

She felt her cheeks warm. "Hey, at least it worked. I caught him red-handed, then I kept him.”

Spreag said something funny but rude, so she slyly flipped him off. But since he stood behind his friend, Wyndham saw her do it.

"Oh aye," Wyndham chuckled. "I’m convinced. One day and she’s already givin’ him the bird.”

Meg sighed loudly. “Well, I guess if this is real…”

“It’s real,” Alex assured them all.

Meg gave her a smile that was more pity than encouragement. "I guess one pro is that he can warn you about danger, if he still has his Sight.”

Wren sat forward. "Are we making lists, then?”

"Why not? Pros and cons of having a ghost husband." Meg grabbed paper from a side table and Bronagh brought her a pen. "Pro--he can spy on your enemies."

"Con," Bronagh countered. "He can't help with the dishes."

"Pro," Wren added softly. "You still have his love."

The room went quiet.

"Con," Shug said carefully. "Ye cannae move forward with yer life."

"I don't want to move forward." Alexandra's voice cracked. "I want my life back."

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