I hoped so. We chatted about his travels as I drove to the remote location at the edge of Willowhope. I hadn’t even known there was a house back there until I’d contacted a real estate agent in town. He hadn’t been forthcoming with the information at first.
As I turned onto a dirt road between two wire fences that saidKeep OutandProperty Ofthat faded out into indistinguishable words. “How did you find this place?” Ego sounded less than impressed.
“The real estate agent gave up the goods once I told him that the two point five million beachside property he was pushing was too small.” I smirked as I came to the fork in what couldn’t be considered more than a one-way path. “Enjoy the magic.”
As I took the branch to the right, the ground gave way to a large paved driveway with the biggest damn house I’d ever seen at the end of it.
“Holy shit! Skylar! Dude! You legit found me a castle,” he said in awe.
It was true. How this beautiful monstrosity of stone and mortar ended up in this little town was anyone’s guess, but it was legit. “I can’t wait to get inside and see it. Jetty should be here in an hour or so, too.”
“Are you sure that he’ll be able to handle all this? Maybe I should bring in a company from New York.”
I waved that off. “He’ll be fine. All reports came in that the exterior is structurally sound. He won’t have any issuesrenovating the inside. Plus, he’s the honest sort. If he needs to call in outside help, he’ll be upfront about it.”
“If you’re sure…”
He sounded worried, and that wasn’t what I wanted for him today. This was a new beginning for him—finally trying to create a peace—which was all I’d ever wanted for him. As I parked in front of the large entryway, I turned to him. “Look, Jetty lives at Chance’s B&B, so you’ll get the opportunity to know him well. If you still have concerns by the end of the week, talk to me. This is your home, and I want you to be comfortable with every decision we make.”
“I’ve never had a home before,” he whispered, still staring out the window.
Jumping out, I ran around, whipped his door open, and dragged him out of the car. He was taller and wider than me, but he was my little cousin. Maybe I couldn’t take care of him out in the big, bad world, but here? I could. And I had every intention of keeping him safe and helping him find true happiness.
“I can’t waitfor you all to meet Ego. He’s great. I’m going to enjoy working with him,” Jetty’s voice floated down the hall from the kitchen.
My cousin grinned at me, pleased as punch that Jetty had liked him as much as he’d liked him. He’d been nervous, knowing that Jetty and Chance were an item. With Chance being my best friend, he wanted to make a good impression.
“Come on,” I said, yanking him down the hallway. His head was swiveling, trying to take in the beauty of the manor, but he’d be staying here off and on for the next couple of months. He’d have plenty of time to explore. I wanted him to meet my friends—my found family. In my heart of hearts, I knew that these people would take him in, too.
The room went quiet as soon as we entered the kitchen. Expectant, smiling faces turned our direction. Ego gave a nervous kind of wave, and my heart warmed. This wasn’t the charming popstar the world worshipped, but the kind, gentle, partially-broken man that I knew was desperate for real love and companionship.
Like a game show host, I swept my arms toward my cousin. “Everyone, meet Ego. Ego, these are my friends.”
Elyse clucked, standing up and sweeping toward us in her fuchsia peasant top and long skirt with a paisley pattern of fuchsia, blues, and greens. Her many gold and silver bracelets clinked together on her wrists as she held out her hands to Ego. “Skylar. What a terrible introduction. Come on, dear. I’ll introduce you properly.” She linked arms and escorted him to the table.
She started with herself, went to her Mister, Marc, then made her way around the table. I’d grown accustomed to our resident ghosts being around but invisible to the customers staying at the B&B, but it made me sad watching Elyse skip right over Stevie where he sat next to Jetty, staring at Ego in awe.
Buck stood holding Harry in his arms, chin on his shoulder as the two spirits studied my cousin, taking his measure. If I expected anyone to guess we were related, it was Harry. He’d been around for-freaking-ever, and I knew firsthand it was hard to get anything over on him.
Or maybe Chance, I thought, as my best friend in the world shook hands with the one relative I adored. My bestie had heard a million and one stories about my cousin, but he had no idea that he and Ego were one and the same. I bit back a giggle. It would be fun to see who figured it out first—if anyone.
The only person missing besides Kingston—who I’d desperately hoped had changed his mind but hadn’t—was Scotty. It was unusual for the two brothers not to be together, but with Harry, Buck, and Stevie needing to stay out of sight, Scotty generally served the meal that Harry made for the guests.
“Where’s Scotty?” I asked.
“He’s not feeling well,” Chance answered.
Stevie rolled his eyes, so I suspected that wasn’t the whole story, but I couldn’t exactly ask him since Ego would worry, thinking I was talking to thin air or my imaginary friend. Hmm…that gave me a fun idea.
“Jeeves, would you like me to set out dinner since Scotty’s not up to it?” I asked, looking up at Harry, who was standing directly behind Chance.
He narrowed his eyes at me in aggravation. He probably thought I wanted him to reveal himself to Ego when I knew he didn’t want that, but I didn’t. I only wanted to toy with him a little. And maybe with the ghosts, too.
Flicking my gaze to Stevie, I said, “It’s been a great day. The new property is going to be fabulous by the time we finish.”
Ego leaned forward, studying my face. He cleared his throat uncomfortably while all the ghosts glared at me in confusion.
Chance, always quick on the uptake with my shenanigans, shook his head at my cousin. “You have to excuse him. When he gets tired, it’s hard for him to focus properly, and I know he’s spent a lot of time working on the designs for your place lately.”
