Page 26 of Echoes of Obsession

“Barbeque, it is,” I smile. “How do you say pizza?”

Her eyes light up, and she smiles in excitement. Holding up two fingers just like the peace sign, she bends the tip of herfingers and moves her entire arm down in a Z motion before closing her hand.

“And cheese?”

With both hands flat open, she presses her palms together, fingers pointing in opposite directions, and gently rubs them together.

Taking everything, I’ve just learned, I try and repeat it.

“Cheese Pizza. BBQ chips?”

She squeals in excitement before tackling me to the ground in a hug.

“Good job,” she says in my ear so quietly that I almost missed it.

The words weren’t perfect, but I understood them just fine.

Laughing, I stand up with Dove still in my arms and spin her around in circles. Her laughter surrounds me and settles into my heart.

“Uncle Ghost, can we make a fort under the table in your office?”

I look down into Allie’s hopeful eyes and pretend to think about her request.

“I’m not sure we have enough supplies to turn it into a fort,” I lie. Even if we didn’t, I would send someone out to buy everything they would need.

“We do,” she says excitedly. “We have a bazillion blankets in the playroom closet. Please, Uncle Ghost.”

“What do you think, Dove? Will a bazillion blankets be enough to make a fort?”

Dove looks behind me, and I assume she’s looking at Snow to translate before she nods excitedly.

“Well, alright then,” I say as I put Dove on her feet and Allie grabs her hand and runs to the playroom.

“We didn’t want to take away your only quiet room,” Sophie says. “We can help them make a fort in here.”

“Nonsense,” I say. “Besides, I won’t be able to fit inside a fort made with chairs. Now, pizza.”

“Is he always this playful?” I hear Snow ask as I pull out my cell.

“Only towards the kids and sometimes Knox,” Maddy answers. “He’s typically a very serious man but he has a soft spot when it comes to the little ones.”

“However, if we use the pout face, he usually lets us have whatever it is we’re asking for,” Sophie adds.

“Except a pool,” Maddy pouts. “For some reason, he’s put his foot down and won’t let us install a pool here at the clubhouse.”

“We’re working on changing his mind, though.”

With the phone up to my ear, I send a glare back at the group, which causes them all to laugh.

“Thank you for calling Bennies, will this be pick up or delivery?”

“Delivery.”

The woman hangs up the phone after I finish placing my order. But, just for spite, I add, “Extra anchovies on those, please.”

The revolting gags follow me as I make my way to the office to help Dove and Alliecat make the best fort they’ve ever seen.

Chapter Seven

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