Page 77 of Touched By Destiny

“Maybe because she doesn’t know that I’m an inspirit. But I don’t sleep in my own bed that often anymore.”

“Yeah, I’m not going to talk about who’s in my bed with his father in the room,” Gabriel muttered.

Rhonda cackled. “Why not? I think it’s fun.”

“You know, I need to meet Tasha. Maybe tell her a few things about you,” Gabriel teased.

“Double date,” Rhonda said. “Bring Eric and I’ll let you meet Tasha.”

“What about me and Rosalind?” Clark asked incredulously.

“Here’s the thing,” Rhonda replied, squirming in her seat. “It’s hard to explain this relationship. Every time I talk about you, Tasha is torn between surprise and skepticism. I think it’s throwing her off that I have such a friendly relationship with the owner of the company. She at least understands how close I am with Gabe, who is also my boss.”

“You’re part of the Marwood family,” Clark retorted.

“Yes, because Eric resurrected me,” Rhonda said. “You have to admit, you have an unconventional relationship with the inspirits in the company.”

“She’s right,” Gabriel remarked.

“It’s not just a duty but a privilege to care for inspirits,” Clark insisted. “None of you are brought to life without care. We grow to love you, and I know we’ve only had you for five years, Rhonda, but some of the other inspirits have been with us for decades. I can’t compare inspirit relationships with those of humans who may quit after a few months.”

“Yeah, I understand,” Rhonda said, flipping her skirt out of the way as she crossed her legs. “I can’t explain it to Tasha yet. So, how can I invite you and Rosalind? It’d be weird.”

Clark’s expression was crestfallen.

“We’ll use the limo, and you two come meet Eric and I at the house,” Gabriel insisted. “It’s not dinner, but at least Rosalind and Clark can meet your Tasha.”

“When are you moving in with your soulmate?” Rhonda asked.

“I thought Rosalind was going to be the one who kept asking me that question,” Gabriel mused. It was something he hadn’t considered for his immediate future before Christmas day, but now he couldn’t imagine not sharing a night with Eric. And it was safer at the mansion than his home, so there was no question where they’d be sleeping. “Eric and I haven’t discussed living arrangements. We will.”

“Soon?” Clark asked.

Gabriel sighed. “Yes, soon.”

“Okay, then Tasha and I will meet you there. I’ll text her to find out her schedule, and we’ll have dinner. Here at the casino, that way I can show her where I work and, more importantly, our Eric will be safe.”

“Can Rosalind and I at least treat the four of you to dinner at whatever restaurant you choose in the casino?”

“Henri’s,” Gabriel decided. Chef Henry Duren’s restaurant was not only a favorite of Eric’s, but its elegant and romantic design kept the tables far apart, making it the safest option too.

Rhonda twirled a braid around her finger as she cocked her head. “I guess we could say it was a Christmas bonus thing and Gabe and I are both using our gift cards?”

“I think that works. We’ll still do the tip so it doesn’t look weird,” Gabriel said.

“Perfect,” Clark replied. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

“You’ll love her—she’s fantastic. Is Eric back to ghost-hunting?”

Gabriel nodded. “Yeah, but he doesn’t have a spirit right now. This morning he was going to try to connect with one. He thinks he’s been too distracted with the holidays and stuff to open himself enough to give a ghost a chance to speak up as it were.”

“Have you spotted any strange vehicles since Eric went back to ghost-hunting?” Clark asked.

“No, but we haven’t stopped much,” Gabriel replied. “Because Eric’s been searching instead of aiding, we’ve done more driving around than anything. So, it’s hard to say if we’re being followed. I’ve tried to keep my eyes peeled for anything suspicious, but I haven’t seen anything.”

“And Takoda continues to report no strange people or vehicles in the neighborhood,” Clark added. “Can you believe he refused to celebrate the holidays with us? He spends more time in the house than I do.”

“Technically, he’s in the garage, and it’s not attached to the house,” Gabriel teased.

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