Page 14 of Rett

“I do,” smirked Mama Irene, walking toward the young woman. “I’ve been preparin’ huge amounts of food since Gaspar and Pierre were babies.” Casey looked at the woman, then back at Rett, needing a bit more explanation.

“My great-grandmother had fifteen children, but Gaspar and Pierre, we call him Miller, were the oldest.”

“Oh, yes. I met Miller, I think.”

“Then you know my boys like to eat,” she smiled. “Now, I get the honor of makin’ food for all these babies. Ain’t nothin’ better in the whole wide world.”

“Well, it’s obvious that I’m here for the foreseeable future, so please let me help. I’d love to do whatever I can.”

“Well, now,” smiled Irene, “I just may take you up on that. I’ll connect you with Sara and Dylan. They do most of the day-to-day now, but I’m sure they won’t say no to some help. Especially if you’re able to bake.”

Irene knew damn good and well that the girl could bake. She’d done her research and even taste-tested a few of her creations at La Fromage. Some of it was a bit fancy for this audience, but she just might be able to expand their tastes.

“Well, I handled a lot of the baking at La Fromage. We had a pastry chef, but she had some health issues and was out a lot, so I did the sauces and pastry most days. I also baked all the bread.”

“I think that’s all I need to know. I’ll have Sara and Dylan speak with you later. For now, enjoy the celebration of Dan and Finley’s wedding. More babies to come,” she said with a cheerful fist bump in the air. Rett could only laugh, shaking his head.

“She’s amazing!”

“Oh, she’s more than amazing. She and my great-grandfather are over a hundred now, and you would never know it. They’re both strong as an ox, and their minds are crystal clear. It’s a treasure to be around them.”

“How? How is that possible?” she asked.

“I’ll get to that later,” he smirked. He looked up to see some of their friendly ghosts and then turned back to Casey. “Casey, do you believe in ghosts?”

“Well, I don’t know. I mean, I’ve never seen one, but it stands to reason that we’re not the only ones here. I mean, this place has to be a couple hundred years old. I would imagine a lot of people have died on this property.”

“I’m glad you said that,” he said, turning to allow her to see the shimmering images behind her. “Casey? Meet Martha, Yori, Grip, and Marcel, our newest apparition.”

“Holy shit,” she muttered beneath her breath. “They’re real.”

“As real as it gets, beautiful,” smiled Grip. He had a beautiful smile gracing his rugged face, with perfect white teeth and just a hint of silver in his hair. Wait. Did ghosts have gray hair and perfect teeth?

“He’s handsome,” she said, looking at Rett.

“Don’t make me jealous of a ghost. I can’t kick his ass,” he laughed.

“You could try, but I’d only haunt you,” said Grip. “We won’t harm you, Casey. Ever. Just think of us as constant guardians. That’s why we’re here.”

“Did you die here?” asked Casey.

“I did,” said Martha. “Marcel is my direct relative. He died when his ship crashed not far from here.”

“I died protecting someone I love,” said Grip. “It was near here, but I was buried on the property, which is why I think I’m here.”

“And you?” she asked Yori.

“My grandson is Hiro,” he said, pointing to the man. “I died in San Francisco. I have no idea why I’m here other than to protect my grandchild.”

“I think it’s very cool,” smiled Casey. “It makes me feel even more safe and secure. I don’t suppose you can speak with my parents? My father died in New Orleans, but my mother died in Illinois. Can you see them? Speak to them?”

“Not right now, child,” smiled Martha. “But that only means they’ve found their way and are content. Be happy in that.” Casey smiled at the stunningly beautiful woman. She looked much like the rest of the Robicheaux family, which only made sense.

“That actually makes me very happy. They loved one another deeply. I just wish I had known the whole truth of my father’s illness. I would have tried to find him sooner.”

“We can’t beat ourselves up for things we did in our past,” said Grip. “Had I been brave enough, I would have told my teammates that I was in love with Doug and that we were a couple. I was afraid they’d shun me.”

“Would they have?” asked Casey.

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