Page 50 of Room Seven

“A bit. This place is beautiful, and I always wanted to see inside this townhouse, but I still don’t know what I’m doing here.”

I take a deep breath and wrap my hands around hers. I feel my men give me the room and I silently thank them for understanding this is a moment I need with my friend.

“When you shared your story with me, I took your words to heart. You could be happy right now if someone would have guided you the way you guided me. I want to pay that energy forward and help others get their happily ever after. But I can’t do it alone.”

The more I explain, the brighter Magnolia’s smile turns. And the look of understanding in her pretty hazel eyes gives me the courage this idea of mine isn’t as silly as it sometimes seems.

“You want to help women who fear loving so hard and between so many?”

I nod my head. “The morning after is the scariest time. Having other women to share the experience with, get feedback from if needed or just listen and understand is priceless.”

I lead her through the spacious front room and out the front door. An abandoned garden spreads out in front of us. Its expanse is only controlled by the edge of the porch and the large brick wall encompassing the one-hundred-and-sixty-year-old home.

“And this place? What will you call it and where do I fit in?”

I feel my men watching from inside, but respectful of my space. I send a wave of love through our connection and get it back threefold.

“It will be the Morning After Society and I want you to be my partner. I can’t do it all alone and as you can tell, this place needs a lot of work. Just like us.”

Magnolia stops, turns to me. Brows pop up, and the look of confusion on her face makes me want to hug her again. “But you don’t even know me. I could be a psycho killer hiding in plain sight.”

I cock a grin. “Err…true. That much pink on one person should be questioned, but I am willing to forgive if you say yes.”

“Partner, huh? I do love the Garden District.”

“I have a sixth sense about people and I knew it the first time I met you we would become old friends. Our energy…I don’t know. You can call it spooky voodoo magic that seems intertwined and rooted deeply into everything about this city. Or just my gut feeling. Really, put any label you want on it, but I know you are a kind soul and that is what matters to me.”

She looks around at the weeds and peeled paint. “The Morning After Society, huh?”

“Mmhm. And there’s space on the deed for your name.”

“I guess this means I’m permanently moving to the Big Easy.”

“I guess we both are.”

And I am totally okay with leaving Chicago in the rearview. My desire to be an undertaker for my family has found a new venue. One where runners and undertakers are not needed. At least I hope not.

I find Mirsha, Luther and Viper watching from the second-floor balcony.

I’ve found my home and they’ve vowed to never leave my side again and I believe them.

Magnolia disappears inside, and my men find me in the gardens, sitting on a bench by the jasmine a few minutes later.

Two settle on either side of me, while Mirsha comes to crouch in front of me. He brushes the backs of his knuckles over my cheek.

“Thank you,” I offer, a moment later. I hold a hand up when I know all three are going to say I don’t need to thank them. “I am not thanking you for buying me this beautiful location. I’m thanking you for believing in me. That takes a level of trust no one has given me before and I cherish it as much as I do your love.”

Mirsha kisses me first and then Luther. Viper, the greedy bastard, always likes to wait for last so he can take the longest. When he’s had his momentary fill, he breaks the kiss but doesn’t move away. His lingering touch feeds our connection, and I love his warmth.

“There’s nothing you could do that will break our faith in you. Our hearts and souls belong to you. You know this.”

I cup Mirsha’s face. “I do. And that is why I know what I have to say next will make us all stronger together.”

I take their hands and one by one I place them on my abdomen. “It didn’t happen on our first night together, but I’m glad that it happened sooner rather than later.”

Three sets of eyes widen in surprise. “Are you saying–”

“Yes,” I cut in when they all try to speak over me. “You are all going to be fathers.” The joy triples, radiates and buries into the very fabric of this place. Hundreds of years from now, the new owners of this place will feel the energy and my hopes are they find peace in the love we one day leave behind.

---