Page 40 of Undo Me

Chapter 8

The revelry was in full swing when they returned to the gathering. With the minister gone, the gazebo had turned into a different type of altar, lined with candles, flowers, and even what looked to be miniature sugar skulls.

The people who weren’t already dressed in black and purple had been given purple shawls to wrap around their shoulders. To welcome Papa Ghede to the gathering.

Bethany moved closer when the crowd grew quiet and a man stood up at the base of the altar, lifting his glass. “For my beloved Tamara. Wild at heart, free of spirit, and always ready to laugh. We miss you.”

The crowd cheered for the missing Tamara and drank. A woman came forward next. “For Shelly, you were a loving mother, a true artist, and you never let the cancer kill your joy.”

The cheering and drinking resumed as Bethany felt a shawl fall over her shoulders. She hadn’t noticed until he’d returned that BD had gone to get her one, to help her blend in with the others. “Thank you. Do you know what they’re doing?”

He spoke softly in her ear. “They are honoring the dead, now when the veil is thin between worlds. Telling stories and jokes about their friends and family, celebrating life.”

“I never understood why the celebration of life always seems to include death and skulls.” Bethany pulled the shawl closer, unable to stop the feeling of foreboding that fluttered in her stomach.

He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her back against him. “By acknowledging how temporary life is, you appreciate it that much more.” His tone grew thoughtful, somber. “Humans are fragile. Plagues, war, one bad storm can take them away. Yet as long as you breathe, you build and strive and grow. Amid tragedy you find ways to celebrate and survive. That is one of the things about you that attracts the Loa. The passion of humanity. The life you pack into the short time you have.”

She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Is it what attracts you?”

“You attract me, Bethany Sorelle. I cannot think beyond that right now. Do you have anyone you want to celebrate?”

Her throat closed. “Not in front of all these people.”

“The ones who matter will hear you from here,” he promised, his voice low and tender.

“For my parents,” she started, closing her eyes and seeing her favorite snapshot of them together in her head. “I know you didn’t mean to leave me so soon. Didn’t plan for it. But I know I came from love. I felt it. I hope you’re together, wherever you are.”

“That’s perfect, Blue Eyes. Just perfect.”

“And you?” She lifted her lids to look up at him. “Do you have someone to celebrate?”

He kissed her forehead. “Yesterday I would have said I had no one.”

But not today.

He leaned back, shaking his head. “This is not the party I was expecting as my send off. Are you sure you don’t want to go back inside before someone sees us?”

“Too late.” Bethany chuckled weakly as she saw Allegra and Michelle heading in their direction.

“You came. I thought you might miss it.” Allegra’s freckled cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright from love and rum punch.

“Yes. Poor you. You might miss it.” Michelle smiled, but her green eyes were flickering all around, telegraphing her discomfort.

BD reached out to cup her friend’s shoulder. “Don’t fear your gift, Toussaint. Not tonight, when the Marassa roam. Revel in it. You can see those that have come to be remembered by the living. Think of the comfort you could bring.”

Michelle’s sent him a look of bemusement. “You’re kind of a softy, aren’t you?”

“Told you so.” Allegra sing-songed, gasping when she saw Bethany’s hair. “You braided your beautiful hair again? And how did it get wet?”

She glanced between them before grinning devilishly. “Never mind. I guess you started the honeymoon without us.”

Rousseau appeared beside her and drew her gently into his arms. “I’m going to start the honeymoon without you if you don’t stop letting Ben fill your glass with punch.”

She kissed his lips with a loud smack. “I’ll never be that tipsy.”

“Don’t blame me,” Ben said, joining the group and patting BD on the shoulder. “Blame The Mamas. Every time I turn around mine is adding more rum to the spiced punch.”

Michelle rolled her eyes at his innocent expression. “I see the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

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