Page 49 of Undo Me

“Okay then, I’ve told my story. Now ask your question.”

He’d answered most of them with that story. Marcel hadn’t died that night. He’d become Bone Daddy. A temporary Loa. Which explained why he knew so little about them and why, for the most part, they’d left him alone. He wasn’t really one of them. Not completely.

She only had one question left that mattered. “Since he’s not a Loa and he didn’t really die, how can he return to my world to live out a life with me?”

He chuckled. “That sure he wants to, eh?”

Isabel may have had her doubts. But about this, Bethany had none. “I am.”

He nodded. “That’s good. I like that, and I see Ghede was right again. I suppose the answer to your question is easy enough. You are the one he was waiting to find again. The reason we brought him home in the first place. So, if he wants to leave with you, all he has to do is ask.”

“I’m asking. I want to be with Bethany.”

She was afraid to turn around. He was here. Right behind her. She shuddered, looking down to see Emmanuel practically glowing with happiness.

The old man smiled with fondness and what she swore was a touch of regret. “You sure now? You can’t take it back. One short, fragile life with only one woman. I say only one because I have a feeling if you step out on this one, you’d get more than a slap on the wrist.”

She glared, but he was ignoring her, waiting for BD’s answer.

“I don’t want anyone or anything else. Just Bethany.”

A tear slipped down her cheek. He loved her. She’d known, but hearing him choose her over an eternity of sensual satisfaction... How could she ask for a stronger declaration than that?

“The only thing left is the toll.” The old man stood up straighter, all traces of good humor gone, white eyebrows raised expectantly.

“I brought cake.” No one had told her about a toll. Had he let them both come all this way, only to keep them here?

“This is going to take more than cake, child.”

“I’ll stay. Will that work?”

“Manuel, no.” Bethany reached for Emmanuel’s hand, but he slipped away, going to stand beside the older man, expectation and excitement on his face.

“You would do the trick.” He tapped his pants thoughtfully with his straw hat. “You think you’re ready for what’s down the road?”

“What is down the road?”

“You know what they say about many mansions. Now go wait for me by the corner while I finish up here.”

Emmanuel ran back to Bethany, hugging her so tightly she lost her breath, but before she could return the favor, he was gone again. Sprinting toward the crossroads.

“You’ve been a good mentor to me, Legba. A good friend. I thank you and Ghede for the chance. For all of it.”

Bone Daddy laid a hand on her shoulder and she gasped at his touch.

BD.

“Yeah? Well, you’ve been a bit of a troublemaker, but I always liked that about you. Take care of yourself, and don’t go being a hero. We may not be around the next time to save the day. Live a long life. Have babies. Be happy.” Papa Legba winked at her and then he was gone.

All of it was gone.

She was back on her side of the gate, and she could still feel BD beside her.

She hoped.

“Are you going to turn around and look at me?”

“Yes.” She inhaled shakily. “Well, I’m working up to it.”

“I’ll be here whenever you’re ready. Poor Blue Eyes, you’ll never get rid of me now.”

Thank God, Papa Legba and The Mamas for that, she thought, turning to wrap her arms around the man she’d always loved. “I’m going to need that in writing.”

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