Page 146 of Dead Heat

Ashley’s eyes lit up. “You can send Nana to live with us permanently?”

“If we keep the ball at our house, then we could interact with her all the time,” Steven added, sounding equally enthusiastic.

“There are other considerations,” I said vaguely. “Why don’t we talk about it again when we have more time?”

Ashley’s head bobbed. “Yes, definitely.” She rolled the orb into her backpack and zipped the bag.

“Not so long between visits next time,” Nana Pratt told them.

“Promise,” Ashley said, blowing her a kiss.

“Get a haircut, Steven,” the ghost added quickly. “You look like a Beatle.”

Ashley cringed. “What kind of bugs have hair? Gross.”

“Your grandkids are a different generation,” I said. “You’re going to have to update your references.”

We walked Ashley and Steven as far as the front porch. The siblings were in high spirits as they crossed the bridge. I smiled as Ashley stopped to hold her brother in a good-natured headlock.

“I haven’t seen them play like that since they were children,” Nana Pratt remarked.

Ashley seemed lighter than the girl I’d met at Bridger Farm. Then again, that girl had been nearly sacrificed to a monster, so not really a fair comparison.

“Maybe they’ll come back tomorrow, and we can discuss sending me to their house,” Nana Pratt mused. “Or if that doesn’t work out, we can have regular dates on the calendar. Oh, and Sunday dinners! I can cook a roast with those baby gold potatoes they like.”

Ray placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Or you can let them live their lives, Ingrid. You know how much they have to work to make ends meet. If you’re living with them or they’re always trying to fit visits with you into their schedules, it won’t leave time for much else.”

“Says the man whose granddaughter basically lives in the Castle,” Nana Pratt grumbled.

“Steven and Ashley have each other and they’re practically grown. They should be looking forward, not backward. Alicia is a lonely teenager in need of attention.”

“Are you sure about that?” Nana Pratt asked. “Every time she’s here, she brings another friend.”

“Let’s just agree that both of you care very much about your respective families,” I interjected.

“That’s certainly true,” Nana Pratt said begrudgingly. “Why do I get the impression that you don’t want to send me to their house?”

“Was I that obvious?”

“You’re always obvious,” Ray said. “It’s one of your superpowers.”

“Why should I stay here when I have the opportunity to haunt the house of my own family?” Nana Pratt lifted her chin, indignant. “Is it because you want me here to cook and clean for you?”

“Of course not. I never expected you to do any of those things for me.”

“It’s because Lorelei is too kind to tell you what I already have,” Ray interrupted. “You’ll stunt their growth. They’re young and building their lives. If you’re a constant presence in their house, it’ll impact their behavior. They won’t bring potential partners home because they’ll worry about their privacy, or they’ll feel the need to hide you from friends and loved ones that might not understand. They’ll start walking on eggshells in their own home.”

Nana Pratt looked at me. “Do you walk on eggshells?”

“I set boundaries from the beginning,” I said, although it was obvious to all three of us I’d been absolute crap about upholding them. Ray and Nana Pratt were in and out of the house as often as they wished at this point.

“It’s harder to put boundaries in place when it’s family,” Ray said. “Your grandkids won’t want to upset you by telling you no.Youwon’t want to upset them by tellingthemno. You risk damaging the good relationship you have.”

“Sounds like you speak from experience,” I said.

Ray shrugged. “I’ve made mistakes. I’d like to think I’ve learned from them.”

Nana Pratt’s face grew contemplative. “It was wonderful to have a real conversation with them. To be seen and heard by them. I wanted the moment to never end.”

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