I Do! I Do! I Don't!
By Mary and Amanda
Still don't own any of the original characters, darn it!
CHAPTER NINE
The rest of the day was, mostly at least, quiet. Zach did have the good sense to avoid his former wife, who was on pins and needles making sure all the last minute general stuff got done.
Bronwyn had sent her cast and crew home at one in the afternoon, saying too much rehearsing was as bad as too little and that the show, as far as she was concerned was "frozen," as in, no more changes in any way, shape or form. Molly and Sean had given her a grateful look and headed home to recharge, Michael Post and Jon took off for the bowling alley to relax in their own way, and Norrie headed back to his restaurant. When only Tris and Sig remained, Bron turned to the brothers.
"Thank you for everything today, Rob, Tris… I think I am going to go power down for a while, too. It's been a wearing week."
"I couldn't agree more," Tris sighed.
"Me either," Siegfried echoed. "My dear, are you sure there is nothing else I can do to help you? Name it, and it is yours. I was thinking, maybe there is time to replace all the gel lights... and the one in the follow-spot. Oh, and I meant to call Charles Schaffer in to tune the piano..."
Almost laughing, Bronwyn held up a hand. "No, dear man, no. You need to relax much more than any of those things need to be done. Besides, I think the piano not being perfect fits in with this show better, but thank you."
Silently, Sig took first her raised hand in his and then the other one, and kissed the tops of both. "No, thank you, my dear."
Bronwyn flushed and then pecked Siegfried on the cheek before glancing at Tris. "You need rest, also. You've worked hard."
The younger ghost gave a slight bow. "I try hard, anyway. But the kudos should go to Sean, Molly, and you. Without you three, there would be no show at all." He grinned. "And then where would we be? Old Clay would be thinking up some other scheme. The theater and you were two of his best ideas, by far."
"Thank you. I suspect I'm fortunate that he hasn't been here 'helping' me," Bronwyn smirked.
"Harder with a two person play?" Sig mused. "I wonder what the royalties would run on a one man show, like "Abe Lincoln, Tonight, or Give 'Em Hell, Harry? It might be worth it to do another small cast."
"Or Sleuth," Tris added. "That's got a cast of six, I think." He winked at the actress.
"And were you two planning on auditioning for any of them?" Bron asked. "I rather like the idea of seeing you both on stage again."
The Matthews brothers, obviously startled, exchanged looks.
"I never considered it," Siegfried replied. "And, I do not think Tris did either."
"If it entered my mind, it didn't tell me," he agreed.
"Maybe it should," Bron smiled, and gave them each another kiss on the cheek. "It's not fair to dangle great plays like that in front of me and then not offer your acting services."
With that, she was gone.
"Where are you off to, now? Back to Lynne's office?" Tristan asked, shoving his hands into his pockets.
"No, she said she'd have things covered for the rest of today, so I am not expected. Perhaps I'll go for a ride. Granted, with summer here, there are fewer owners that fall into the absentee category and quite a few of the steeds have been shipped to various vacation homes for the next few weeks. However, there are still the ones kept on hand for the residents of Schooner Bay and the surrounding areas to lease." Siegfried rocked on his heels.
"Need a hand?"
"I do not need one, but it would be welcome."
"Let's go then," Tris grinned.
XXX
Ninety minutes later, the two brothers worked in companionable silence as they groomed their now sweaty mounts. Finally, the younger man ventured to say, "I'm amazed, actually, Sig, at how calmly you're taking... everything with Zachary, and all." He cleared his throat needlessly. "You know, you did challenge Devon, thinking he was the Captain, to a duel for flirting; but Zach… I thought you'd be more worried… or upset."
"I'm mostly concerned that we'll never get rid of him," Siegfried snorted, causing the horse he was working on to give him a sideways glance.
"He is utterly annoying, even without the Bronwyn factor," his brother agreed. "Maybe he could haunt Mrs. Captain's Aunt Batty? They'd make a good pair."
"Or completely dreadful," Sig laughed.
"True. You really aren't concerned about losing her?" Tristan probed intently. In his darker moments, the ghost had to admit to being jealous of Thom, but he had learned enough discipline to keep from going there except at rare, depressed times. Surely Siegfried would be experiencing some of that same angst?
The older man considered the question, and then let out a sigh. "Well, the situation with Devon was entirely different; I was outraged at the notion of "Daniel" violating his wedding vows and involving Bronwyn in such an outrageous sin, not to mention breaking the heart of another good lady. In this instance, Zachary seems to have lost much of the flippant charm he reeked of when Bronwyn and I were younger, and she appears to have lost her blinders with respect to him. She has matured, he has not." Siegfried shrugged. "What's more, I do have you for inspiration, Little Brother."
The shock of that cut off Tristan's usual protest at the label. "Beg pardon?"
Siegfried smiled. "I know how difficult it must be at times for you, but you not only manage to remain friends with the woman you love, but let go of for noble enough reasons, but also have a friendly relationship with her husband… A genuine one, not merely superficial. I doubt I could manage so much as a game of chess with Zachary."
"Thank you, brother. But I do think you held your temper well the other night when he popped in on rehearsal. Those cookies were a stroke of genius, and they even tasted good."
"Should I be complimented or insulted?" Siegfried wondered.
"Take it as a compliment. Baking and cooking are two different things."
"But?"
"But nothing. I just know it was a kind and thoughtful gesture, and natural... I mean, you did it before Zach showed up to make Bron tense, and it was obvious she loved them."
Siegfried shrugged, discomforted by the praise. "She was nervous before his arrival, you know. And, the way she smiled when we first discovered them so many years ago was a distinct memory."
"Cookies?" Tris blinked. "I didn't think they made anyone but Dash light up."
"Oh, I think it was the relaxation of the day, not so much the cookies. But, they were part of it."
Tris shook his head. "I don't think Zach ever made her cookies. Or for that matter a sandwich. He doesn't strike me as ever being the type that would help his lady fair — and do what you do naturally for Bron — what Dash would do for Lynne or certainly the Captain for his lady Carolyn."
"Adam for Jess, even. One need not be a ghost to be helpful," Siegfried pointed out.
"Exactly, but I don't think Zach ever figured that out. Another point or two in your favor, brother. But I... I guess I really wanted to tell you that I don't think you have anything to worry about on Bron's account. It isn't whether Bron is thinking about going with Zach, or marrying him, or re-marrying him. The problem is what to do with the fellow! I really can't picture him hanging out in Schooner Bay and being a part of our lives — but we can't exorcize him."
"Largely because that is ineffective against ghosts, unless they are simply so bewildered or annoyed that they leave of their own accord," Siegfried agreed. Pursing his lips, he added, "It was the latter in my case. It's highly insulting to have someone come and wave incense and make funny noises trying to get you to go away."
"Especially when you were only keeping a promise..." Tris said softly. "You know, Sig, I am glad you came to Schooner Bay. Like Blackie says, everything happens for a reason, and if you weren't here, I doubt very much if Bron would be, and we would be stuck with old Clay as a director."
"Or have no theater at all?" Siegfried suggested.
"Oh, it's been here since 1968," Tris shook his head. "But lying fallow, for the most part. The Elks used it, and there was an occasional meeting, but nothing elaborate. Only really come to life in the last few years, and Bron has really made it work. There's only one thing that makes me rather sad..." he added thoughtfully.
"And that would be?"
"Bron's so creative… and has infinite patience, even with Claymore. It rather makes me wonder what kind of surrogate mother/sister she could have been if Zach hadn't destroyed that note you left her. I rather like the idea of a Sister-Bron, now."
"Well, she is god-mother to Abigail Pierce, and seems to love the role," Siegfried smiled.
"And you are her god-father," Tris grinned. "So why don't you tidy things up and make her my sister?"
A scowl crossed the elder Matthews' mien. "We've only been back together ten months, and for the most part, simply on friendly terms. If I were to suddenly propose, she might feel as if I were merely reacting to Zach."
"True..." Tris nodded. "You should have proposed to her at least two months ago. You'd be safely married now and Zach would be a non-issue. Adam proposed to Jess in less time." Looking puzzled, he added, "That still amazes me; normally, he is so thoughtful and careful. Of course, the impulse does seem to have been a brilliant one."
"People do impetuous things from time to time," Sig frowned. "Both good and bad. Adam's decision was a good one. Mine was not."
"Which decision would that be?"
"Running off to join the troupe. If I hadn't, father wouldn't have gotten on that crazy horse and been thrown. I should have waited. But the truth is, along with falling in love with the theater, I had fallen heels over head for Bron and wanted to be with her."
"You did say that Blackie maintains everything happens for a reason."
"I honestly cannot think of what the Almighty had planned when Father died," Sig shook his head and gave the now terribly curried horse a final pat. "The thing is, Tris; I don't want to rush Bron. She's used to her independence, and so am I. And I certainly don't want to sound like Zach." At that remark the older ghost flickered a bit. "Like the horses, I have to give her, her head until she is ready, and, to quote Lerner and Lowe and Merlin: Just love her... and trust all will work out."
Tris sighed and finished up his horse. "That last part is what takes strength… to know when not to do something, and when to act."
"Definitely," Sig nodded and walked toward the barn door. "And that, my dear brother, as you well know, is the hardest thing of all."
"Sig?"
"Yes, Tris?"
"Got any plans before six, when we are due at the theater?"
Shrewdly, he essayed, "I get the distinct impression that you do have. What would they be?"
"Nothing mysterious. I thought maybe you might like to pop up to Keystone and eat a light dinner. Chat some more. Nothing deep. I've been meaning to ask you what other shows you've seen. Thought maybe we could talk Claymore into some of them. Or Bron, for that matter, if they are still good. Just... chat."
"I'd like that."
"Good," the younger Matthews brother nodded. "I'd like that, too."
After stowing their gear, the two specters vanished.
XXX
Although normally the entire family would have been sitting in the center of the theater; the front row was just not a good angle from which to get the best view of the stage, the Greggs and associated others opted for places near the back, so that if Baby Abigail needed to be taken out, it would cause the least disturbance. Besides, Schooner Bay's dramatic arena was not so large that there were any really bad seats and the acoustics were good from any vantage point. Carolyn did carry a small notebook in which to jot notes; she'd was reviewing it for the Beacon.
"Looks like there's a good turnout," Dash noted with satisfaction as they watched people file in and find places. "Excellent. Everyone involved deserves that."
Candy leaned over to whisper, "You know, there is a line in one of the songs about Agnes planning to dye her hair bright red; Aunt Molly does have that color hair, though it's not 'screaming' bright. Will that be a problem?"
"No," Barnaby replied unexpectedly. "I suggested that she simply wear a wig as part of her costume for the entire show, or use some kind of temporary hair color." A slight smile curved his lips. Anyone eavesdropping would think he meant Miss Clairol or something like that, not knowing the spirit could change her hair with a thought. "I've studied disguises, which is somewhat related to theatrics, you know."
"Great idea," the blonde nodded, "Though it's going to seem weird, seeing her looking so different all night."
"Her voice will still be hers, though," Jon cut in. "That's the important part!"
"And, this is the theater; people wear masks," Bree noted, "In some form, if not literally."
"By the way, where is...?" Adam began.
"Making himself... inconspicuous," Daniel replied, "So as not to add to Bronwyn's nerves. But, he is here, somewhere."
"Can you sense him, Blackie?" Bree whispered.
"I could if there weren't so many... others around," he hissed back.
"Oops! Sorry!" Bree winced, and squeezed the pastor's hand.
"Stage looks nice, don't you think?" Claymore cut in. "Stanley Tuttle loaned us all the furniture, on the condition we put where we got it in the programs." He flinched. "In the old days, Deke would have charged me an arm and a leg."
"Advertising could be valued as at least one limb worthy," Jess suggested. "I was the faculty advisor on the yearbook team one year, and the sponsors did pay a premium to have their ads featured."
The house lights flickered at that moment, indicating the show was about to begin and Norrie Coolidge took his place at the back of the theater, switched on the spotlight, and trained it on Martha Grant Peavey and Michael Post as they made their way to the 'orchestra pit area' near the front of the stage. After a small round of applause, all whispers ceased and there was a mere rustle of cloth as people settled into their chairs more comfortably, then, more applause greeted the curtain's lifting and there was silence from the audience.
As the lights came up, the audience saw Sean (Michael) and Molly (Agnes) seated at two dressing tables with small lighted theater mirrors and applying makeup, as one would for a show... their characters: preparing for a wedding, and shortly, they started singing All the Dearly Beloved. When the number had finished to enthusiastic applause, Sean swung immediately into I Do, I Do, the title song from the show, wherein the 'groom' was fretting about getting the words right at the wedding ceremony, or whether he should say the words at all. The scene then changed to a representational wedding ceremony, and the two spirits sang Together, Forever and then a reprise of I Do, I Do.
"I'm glad these two had a chance to renew their wedding vows!" Carolyn whispered to her husband. "They had a real wedding to remember... recently!"
The audience laughed heartily when Molly threw her bouquet, and Penelope Hassenhammer grabbed the flowers.
"She finally managed it!" Dash commented invisibly to Daniel with a chuckle.
"And I doubt if she will give them back!" the other ghost returned.
The honeymoon night sequence was sweet and Sean surprised everyone with his ability to execute a nice little soft-shoe for I Love My Wife, and, still later, Molly carried off being 'pregnant,' and her ballad was received well. Parents in the audience laughed wildly at the Love Isn't Everything song: Love isn't everything, it cannot hire a nurse, or fill an empty purse, but everyone nodded when the O'Casey's sang the chorus: Love is what makes it sorta fun!
Men and women both hooted during the Nobody's Perfect number and Donald Shoemaker's wife, Nellie, exclaimed in a voice almost too loud: "You do that! You chew in your sleep!" Before he could reply, Jane was shushing them both, so as to avoid making a public scene.
Despite Molly's nerves about doing her make-up and so forth the mortal way on stage, the transitions all went off without a hitch and it was obvious to one and all that this couple did not have to act when showing how much they loved each other. Their family did hold their collective breaths during the fight scene, since it was hard to imagine the O'Caseys ever saying a harsh word to each other. Yet, even that difficult scene was, if not absolutely perfect, close enough for even the most nit-picky, and Sean and Sean both received hearty applause for It's a Well Known Fact and Molly stopped the show with Flaming Agnes, but everyone seemed relieved when the couple 'made up' at the end of the act, and the lights came up for intermission.
After the brief time-out, the show resumed. Time was passing for the characters on stage. Daniel had a hard time keeping a straight face when Sean was supposed to accidentally swig down cod liver oil, hidden in a brandy bottle by their off-stage son, now teen-aged. Both of them had been dosed with that and other vile potions during their youth. He intensely regretted never having such a creative way to dispose of it, but then, he doubted either Aunt Violet or the Vicar would have missed a trick and they might have received double portions of the medicine.
"Sean looks good old," Carolyn whispered. "And Molly... I hope I age as gracefully as 'Agnes'!"
"Something you won't have to worry about for years yet," Daniel said softly, and their fingers laced together as the couple sang the most famous song from the show: My Cup Runneth Over With Love.
More 'time' went by for the couple on stage, and soon Michael and Agnes were singing about their plans for When the Kids Get Married. Once again, Molly's violin and Sean's 'saxophone,' courtesy of Ed, went over very well, and when Sean sang about his Daughter Marrying an Idiot, they had to stop for two minutes solid while the applause died down. Thom snuck a glance in his father-in-law's direction, wondering if the Captain had ever entertained such thoughts.
Another musical interlude saw the actors aging themselves still further. Molly's plaintive ballad: What Is A Woman? caused more than one tear to fall, and still more fell when Michael told and showed Agnes how much he loved her and Molly sang: Moments ago, I felt so alone, frightened and ready to run away... Then don't you see... he reached out to me... and I'm declaring a holiday... Everyday! All at once, I feel so alive, as bright as I will ever be... for you see... someone needs me!
As the show wound down, with Sean and Molly 'aging' progressively, sniffles were interwoven with laughter, all at the right moments, ending with the refrain: "Marriage is a very good thing, though it's far from easy. Still, it's filled this house with life...and love."
As the curtain fell for the last time, there was a standing ovation, and after several bows for Sean and Molly and then Martha and Michael, then the audience stomped their approval, yelling for Bronwyn Tegan to come on stage. A few moments later, Siegfried Matthews led a smiling, but weepy Bron out for her bow, and a bouquet of two dozen pink American Beauty roses came flying from the audience straight into her arms.
Carolyn glanced at her ghost.
"Not me this time, and I'm sure there's no angry bee," Daniel assured her.
"Who, then?" she asked, eyebrows going up. "Sig's on stage."
Daniel gestured toward Dash, who had been sitting with Lynne, closest to the door. "I believe that answers your question, my love."
"Knew it had to be one of you."
"It is traditional, is it not?"
"Not in my book!" Claymore whispered from behind them. While he kept applauding, and for only a second, the only 'official' Gregg there was sure he heard a swarm of bees.
"Hey!" Clay yelped, and on a look from his 'Admiral,' Daniel waved a hand and the noise in the landlord's ears ceased.
XXX
As the crowd dispersed, the family headed toward the backstage area, where the two stars, Bronwyn, and the crew were congratulating each other and preparing to clean up.
"Could we kinda try to hurry?" Norrie was asking. "I'd like to be at the restaurant for the after the show crowd. Figure there'll be a lot of folks wanting coffee and dessert, at least. Maybe chowder or a lobster dinner, but either way, sales are sales."
"Why don't you just head on back there?" Martha suggested. "I think Ed, Tristan, Siegfried, and I can get things all tidy in two shakes of a lamb's tail. So, Mike, Millie, you go ahead and take off, too."
Before they could protest, Tris chimed in brightly, "That's right. You know what they say about too many cooks? Well, it's even truer in the case of... cleaner-uppers."
"Yes, we don't want to get in each other's way," Siegfried nodded.
"And you both mentioned having late dates," Ed winked.
"But, it's not fair for us to just take off," Millie frowned.
"It is if we say it is," Martha affirmed, looking to her cohorts for support.
"Which we do, most emphatically," Siegfried agreed.
"Of course, if you want to return tomorrow and assist in getting ready for the next show, we'll welcome the help. After all, setting up is more complex than taking down," Bronwyn added her voice. "Go on, please. If Martha did not mean it, she wouldn't have said it."
After nearly fifteen years, they had to admit that this was so, and finally, the theater was clear of all but the Gull Cottage crew.
"There's no opening night party?" Claymore asked plaintively.
"That comes later," Sean winked. "But, it's a very small, private affair, just for the on-stage cast."
Molly flushed.
"I think I can find some wine or soft drinks to toast the success," Bronwyn laughed. "After I help get things cleared."
"Give us ten minutes, and everything will be restored to order," Tristan promised.
True to his word, the operation was completed by the time Bronwyn had finished bringing out light refreshments. Sean and Molly took the time to transform themselves back into their street faces.
"I bet a hundred-thousand thespians around the world would kill to be able to just poof out of their make-up and costume," Bree opined as she took a sip of Earl Grey.
"Ye'd never get me on stage if I had to wear it often," Molly wrinkled her nose. "What I did have to put on felt awful."
"You were brilliant, both of you," Candy enthused, and the rest of the group echoed her statement.
Then, a new voice joined them. "Yes, yes, you were." Zach came into focus. "I scarcely would have believed that two non-theater people could do so well, yet you did." He swallowed reflexively. "Of course, part of the success was due to the quality of your director. Bronwyn... you are talented. Truly." It was clear that he was struggling with something, that there had been a change in the spirit, so no one tried to make him leave or rushed him.
"Thank you, Zachary," she softly acknowledged.
"We were happy, weren't we, Bron?" he asked, looking a little lost and hurt.
"I... I think so, back then," she allowed.
He looked around the room, at Daniel and Carolyn, Dash and Lynne, the Pierces, the O'Caseys, at Siegfried hovering near Bronwyn, at Tris standing a bit away from Candy and Thom, at Bree and Blackie. "Yet, we didn't have what all of these people here do, did we? Maybe we could have, but... I was... I thought I did it for you, but I did know all along that it was for me, mostly." His jaw hardened; it was rare that Zachary Leland did not know what to say. "I'm sorry, my dear. If only we could have a second chance, to get it right, but it's too late. You've chosen, and not for me. So, if Mr. Pierce still has that bit of paper or if someone could pop it here, I'll just sign it and be off. Oh, don't worry. I won't go back to that school. There's bound to be someplace in need of a spook. I just don't think I'm cut out for living all over again, as you do, and staying here. I just can't do it."
Clearly taken aback, Bronwyn's mouth opened, closed, and she could only repeat herself. "Thank you."
"I was beginning to wonder how long I was going to have to wait. I have a schedule, you know," a voice called out.
Startled, everyone turned to see a strange young man standing in the room with them. As they beheld him, instinctively, they each moved closer to those they loved.
"Who are you, sir?" Daniel asked.
"A friend, but I'm not here for you, for any of you, except Zach. You all still have quite a bit to do, some more than others. You won't need those papers that are in your briefcase in the jeep, Adam," the fellow continued. "I have an associate with your name, by the way. Interesting." He shrugged.
"But, who are you?" Blackie demanded as he took Bree's hand.
"Don't you know?"
Suddenly, the young pastor did. "You're death."
"The Angel of Death, but I answer to Andrew," he smiled. "And, thank you, Blackwood. You help take away the fear of me. Keep up the good work."
"You're here for Zach? But... he's dead already!" Thom asked nervously.
"Yes, but he had to get rid of his loose ends before I could escort him home," Andrew smiled. "Now that he's cleared things up, it's time to head where we belong."
"I didn't live a very good life," Zach gulped.
"No one has," Andrew assured him. "There is no one righteous, no, not one. You did accept our Master long ago. That's what counts."
"So, let's go."
Sudden relief and peace flooded Zach's face. Turning toward the family, he swallowed back what might have been tears. "I have so many regrets. Siegfried, Tris, Captain, Mrs. Gregg… all of you really, including Mr. Miles, I'm… I'm… I am sorry, profoundly so." He turned to Bron. "Just one last time." He leaned over and kissed her cheek and then walked over to Andrew. The youth nodded, and they were simply gone.
"Wow..." Jon whispered. "He's... left? Just like that?"
"Apparently so," Daniel said.
"I hope he's happy now," Bronwyn said quietly.
"If he's in Heaven, then he has to be," Thom remarked.
"I know that, but I hope, I really pray he finds... a peace I don't think found on earth," she tried to explain. "I don't believe he ever did, really. Even with what he pulled with Sig and me, I can't imagine him ever being as happy as I have been this last year." The ghost's dark eyes caught Siegfried's and then lowered. "I don't ever want to live anywhere else."
"Good. We hate it when people jump ship," Carolyn told her. "But why on Earth would you have to?" she continued. "We love having you here."
"I... I have just never put down roots before," she blushed. "And if this show doesn't make money... or enough money, I will have to consider that the Schooner Bay Theater has failed, and that I'm a flop as a director/manager. The theater will close and I'll be, as they say, out of a job. I won't be able to keep living in the theater then, and T. J. and I will have to move on." She frowned. "No, I'd have to leave him, as well. A cat can't travel as a ghost does." She sniffed. "I shall miss him... I've never had a pet before." Her face twisted slightly. "Did I tell you that when I trance he naps with me? Up by my head. He serenades me with his purrs..." She broke off and sat down in the nearest chair.
"NowBronwynyouarentgoing..." Sig started.
"Uhm..." Barnaby and Bree said together, and looked at each other in surprise.
"Ladies first," he semi-gallantly said.
"Well, I..." She blushed, and glanced first at her grandfather and then at Blackie and finally back to Bronwyn. "I really haven't had a chance to check this out with anyone yet, but I got this idea about halfway through the show... I know from experience that theaters — particularly community theaters — don't always make money, even when they put on great shows, just because of problems using amateur talent, and..."
"Were you thinking of... of calling back all your ghosts and having them do all the plays?" Blackie asked, not sure if he wanted to hear the answer.
"Oh no..." Bree shook her head. "I was thinking that perhaps the Dashire Foundation could subsidize the theater a bit? Sort of act as an invisible backer, or, as they used to call them, an 'angel'?" She turned to face her grandfather. "I know I haven't written up a proposal yet, but I didn't want Bron to worry... not after her... and everyone else's, hard work."
Barnaby grinned. "If they can't or won't, even if they can and do, thanks to Dash's advice on investing, that million I won is doing really well. I can certainly afford to help with the idea." He tapped his chin. "I did have a further thought, as well." He glanced toward Molly and Carolyn, and then back to Bron. "It has occurred to me that because this is still community theater, not professional, or even semi-professional, as in nobody gets paid, that it's next to impossible to have a new show ready to go as fast as the old one closes... but what if...? And again, this would be as you all have time... what if we could open a school, of sorts? A school of the arts, I mean? Molly, you could teach music, since you are doing that already with your piano lessons; you might just add singing? Bron, you could hold theater classes of course, various levels, Carolyn, could you manage a writing class once a week? And I thought Jenny could teach an art class." He looked around to the other spirits and mortals in the room. "Of course if anyone else would like to teach, or help teach, the more the merrier, I think."
"I'd love to," Molly beamed. "I was thinking when Sean was gone on his tour, that it t'would be nice to have just a bit more to do. We spirits do have a bit more free time than the average mortal."
"Splendid!" Sean nodded. "Molly love, you are a wonderful teacher." He grinned slyly. "Didn't you mention a school not long ago, old son?"
"Great minds, old son, great minds," Dash smirked. "I told you Bree was worthy to be my grandchild."
"Tris is a fantastic guitar instructor," Candy blurted out automatically.
Claymore sat down heavily. "Which one?"
"There's only one of him, old son," Dash drawled. "An alternately blessed and benighted fact."
"No, I mean which one of you ghosts have been spying on the school board sessions? We've been going through fits, and I do mean hissy fits since our band director and local diva found out that the state has cut arts program funds, and we're going to have to cancel most of those classes."
The spirits in the room stared at each other and shrugged.
"Not I," Tris shook his head. "I've been too busy at the theater, and I can vouch for Sig, I think, also."
"Why would we spy on a boring meeting?" Daniel shook his head.
"I'd say it's more proof that all things happen for a reason," Blackie stated calmly.
"Naturally," Lynne winked.
"We wouldn't expect you to say anything else," Thom added.
"Would it be all right if both the Dashire Foundation and Barnaby went in together on this?" Bree asked, looking at her grandfather, "that is, if we get enough teachers?"
"I don't see why not," he shrugged.
"Fantastic!" she beamed. "I can't wait to get started! We can get moving tomorrow!"
"Far be it from me to object," Bronwyn laughed, "but we still have two more shows this week, and three more next week to consider. But I could talk to you Monday, or Tuesday, Bree. In between weekends."
"You can ask Jen pretty soon, also," Candy interjected. "Jenny, Dave and Amberly should be home by Wednesday, too."
"Finally," the Captain huffed.
"They do want Amberly to get to know his parents, Daniel," Carolyn said gently. "We do get premium time with them, after all! But I'll be glad to see them home safe and sound as much as you."
"'Tis one of the nice things about this modern age, aye," he nodded. "Being able to make such long round trips in a relatively short time." He looked around the room at his crew, and lifted his glass. "A toast!" the Captain exclaimed, "To beginnings, and endings and friends old and new, but most important, to family!"
"Those you choose, at least," Adam added.
"To family!"
XXX
Because of various Father's Day activities going on Sunday, not the least of which was the Elks' annual barbecue that had tied up the Hall, the coffee hour was canceled after church, thus allowing people time to go home and change into things they didn't mind if sauce spilled on, if they were attending that event, that is. The Gregg clan had prior plans, though, and all met at the Pierce home for brunch.
"Did you see this review in the Bangor Bugle?" Jon asked, juggling a paper in one hand and a plate of food in the other. "They loved the show! Listen: The Schooner Bay Players, under the direction of Bronwyn Tegan, have achieved another not-to-be-missed masterpiece. The musical version of Jean Hartog's The Fourposter, I Do! I Do! by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt is the story of the marriage of Michael and Agnes, starting on their wedding day. Hearing the two leads, Sean and Molly O'Casey, sing would alone be enough reason to make the trek to Schooner Bay, but combined with their acting, this timeless show is magical. In just over two hours, this couple carried the audience away from day-to-day life by portraying exactly that; fifty years of the high points of daily existence. Of course, that they are married and so very obviously in love only helped their stellar performances come off even more credibly. As far as the technical details go, the theater has superb acoustics, so that from wherever you sat, you have a good view and the ability to hear clearly. The crew held up their end of things, making all the background details no one notices unless they go wrong, work without a hitch. Without a doubt, readers should be sure and catch one of the remaining three shows next weekend."
"Reviews from the Pripet and Skeldale papers, and of course, the Beacon were fabulous, too." Bronwyn's eyes were shining. "We should be SRO next weekend." She glanced toward Carolyn. "Have I said thank you?"
"Yes, but after all the years of Mark's not saying anything remotely resembling that, it's nice to hear, even when it's been said before," she smiled back. "Reviewing any production you and our crew is involved in is a pleasure."
"What about acting?" Bron teased. "There's always the next gig to think about, and someone did mention Cyrano..."
Carolyn shuddered and shook her head. "I'm afraid not. Daniel and I are still in the opening phase of our book, but maybe Sig could do it… or Adam."
"Hey! You said we'd be doing Shakespeare next!" Claymore protested, coming up to join them. "I'm already practicing!"
"I thought it was to be Sleuth, or some other small cast production?" Tristan asked.
"Are you up for doing Milo Tindle?" Bron asked, raising an eyebrow. "You would be excellent: right age, boyish good looks. The trick would be finding the right Andrew..."
"Oh, come on!" Claymore pouted. "You said I could be in the next play, and I'm not right for either of those guys. Even I know that."
"You could be Inspector Doppler..." Tris grinned. "Or Detective Sergeant Tarrant..."
"Very funny," Claymore snorted. "But you aren't getting out of it! What about Spoon River? That has a small cast."
"I'm entertaining several ideas, Clay," Bron smiled. "But you will be the first to know. After all, it's your theater!"
"Okay," he nodded. "I'll give you a call in a couple of days... I have some ideas that..."
"I have some ideas, too," Barnaby interjected. "The arts school, remember? And Sean and Molly and, well, whoever, have to get busy with that album Devon Miles wants them to produce, also."
"He wanted all of our musically talented," Sean insisted. "That means Martha, Tris, you, Danny, Candy, Dave, and you, Adam. We can't do it without your drums. You dinna have a good excuse, not that your wee one has made her entrance."
"If I can tear myself away from her long enough, I will certainly entertain the idea," Adam smiled, holding his small daughter.
"Ahem, you missed one," Dash spoke up.
"You sing?" Bree blinked.
"No, but Lynne's alto is most impressive," he beamed proudly.
"Charlie!" Lynne rolled her eyes. "I am not that good... you are just blindly in love with me, which, of course, clouds your hearing. And we were talking about Father's Day!"
"How does it feel? Your first Father's Day, that is?" Daniel asked Adam.
"Marvelous, even though Abby has no idea she made my favorite breakfast and gave me an album by that country singer, George Strait. Her mother is trying to expand my musical horizons, I believe. Of course, I imagine this is old hat to you, by now."
"Not at all. I find it a continuing source of wonder that I am blessed with children of the heart, if not the body," the Captain beamed, glancing over at his daughter and son. "I do wonder what's got Dash glowing like he is," he added, nodding toward his old friend. "What is it, Dash? I didn't have a chance to ask you at church."
"I guess seeing the glow is a ghost thing?" Adam asked.
Dash balanced his plate carefully and just grinned.
"What on Earth did Lynne give you that has you looking so utterly delighted?" Daniel continued.
"That's between her and me, old son. However, my most recent source of joie de vivre are these." A second later, he produced two cards and handed them to his friends.
"To the Grandfather who gave me roots and love, Love Charlotte Brianna, a.k.a., Bree," Adam read. Then, "Thanks to the world's best step-dad. You made Mom smile like I've never seen her. Thanks, Thom. P.S. — You're a great dad-in-law, too! Love, Candy."
"Excellent!" Daniel nodded. "Congratulations."
"And Candy, Jon and Jenny? You have a glow yourself," Dash returned.
"Jenny phoned from Australia last night and said she would be bringing a surprise. Jon and Candy gave me cassettes of George Szell conducting Beethoven's nine symphonies, but anything would have been wonderful."
"Oh, I don't know... I still think you need a car like KITT, Dad," Jon grinned, obviously pleased.
"Why, when we have Tristan always ready and willing to drive, and perfectly capable of doing so invisibly if I do want to, as they say, freak out the onlookers?"
The phone rang at that moment, startling everyone.
"Now who could that be?" Martha asked from the sofa. "Everyone's here but Jenny, Dave and Amberly, and with the time change, I don't think it's them."
"Only one way to find out," Jess said as she picked up the receiver. "Hello? Oh, Mr. Miles! Hello!" There was a pause. "Yeah, um, yes. Devon. Right. Bronwyn? Yes. She's right here."
"He wants to talk to me?" Bron repeated, with a look of surprise, and glanced toward Siegfried, who shook his head.
"I doubt if he is asking you to lunch, but if he is, I may have to challenge that man to a duel, yet."
"I am not seconding," Dash smirked. "You better take it, Bron."
After a few minutes of conversation, all of which sounded pleasant enough, she hung up. "Well, he's coming for the final show next week. He can't wait to hear Sean and Molly sing again."
"Whydidhewanttotalktoyou?Notthem?How'dhe..." Siegfried fired off.
"Sig!" Tristan protested.
"Rob," Bronwyn gently reproved.
"How did he know to find you here?"
"He knows that I am Abby's god-mother, and that you are the god-father. It was logical that we'd be here for Father's Day, and he knows that... we're semi-paired, at least," she blushed. "No need to wave swords."
"Darn. I love a good sword fight," Adam remarked, snapping his fingers.
Daniel leaned closer to his wife. "Another poodle is on the hearth's horizon."
"Since when do hearth's have horizons?" she murmured.
"Since I said they do."
"Ah."
XXX
The Farnon branch of the family finally made it back to Schooner Bay on Wednesday, much to the delight of Amberly Farnon's grandparents and uncles. Fortunately, the toddler had avoided the mild sunburn her mother, Jenny, had on her arms. Although Dave and Jenny were completely zapped from the long flight and time change, they took time to stop at Gull Cottage to let Carolyn and Daniel see them and bring gifts; wine from Dave's parents' vineyard and a kangaroo hide briefcase for his belated Father's Day gift. Jen was disappointed to have missed meeting Zach, though Jon assured her she hadn't really lost out on much. Dave immediately proclaimed his approval of their current book idea and began planning how to promote it, even in his exhausted state.
"You're sure dealing with that spook didn't put you behind on your writing?" he asked, as if he'd try to exorcize Zach, somehow, if that was so.
"Absolutely," Carolyn promised. Then, Tris arrived to drive them home. He wasn't about to risk their safety having them drive, even a short distance, while worn out. He would have picked them up at the airport, but delays had made the timing of their arrival uncertain, so they caught a cab.
"How's the book going?" Tris asked. "Are you finished yet?"
"Nowhere near," Carolyn laughed. "You guys act like we pop out a novel a day, just for the heck of it. It takes time, and lots of effort, and don't forget, we are writing the real version of each story while we are writing the fictionalized account." She sighed. "I just want the readers to be in love with it as I already am."
"How can they not be?" Jenny grinned. "It's the second most romantic story ever."
"Second?" Daniel asked.
"Well, I'm kinda biased about Dave and me."
"True," Daniel nodded, "But, my dear daughter of the heart, if Carolyn hadn't landed here first, you would most likely still be in Philadelphia with her, and I would be rattling around Gull Cottage... alone."
"And for that, you can thank me!" Claymore Gregg interjected, appearing at the back door and making his way inside. "Make that twice you can thank me; once for renting the house to Mrs. ... Captain… and for bringing her home again, two years later."
"How did you get here, and why?" Daniel asked. He really must remember to lock the kitchen door.
"In my car, naturally. I just wanted to greet our weary travelers, and say hi," Claymore looked wounded. "I can be agreeable ya know. Besides, now that everything has calmed down again, I wanted to see how the book was doing. I have some ideas."
Before Daniel or Tristan could comment on that, Carolyn smiled hastily and replied, "I'm sure you do, but we are more in the outlining stage. We've only put one story to paper, and I'm not sure that one is totally finished yet."
"Oh, I figured that!" the landlord waved his hand. "I remember you guys arguing about it when you were writing the Captain's Memoirs. What I was thinking of was more stuff that you could jot down and we could flesh out later. Or I could borrow your tape recorder and dictate it… you know, the one Martha gave you?"
Daniel raised an eyebrow. "And just what ideas might you have? My dear fellow, we will have to include a few times when you didn't make needed repairs on Gull Cottage, and I talked you into it."
"You mean terrorized!" Clay snapped back. "But no, that's not it. I was thinking of that little stretch of time that Mrs. Muir... I mean Carolyn... I mean Aunt Carolyn... oh, whatever, thought she was in love with me. You do need a little competition, Uncle. Angst sells, you know, almost as much as romance."
"SHE WHAT?!?!" Jenny and Dave shouted together.
Turning beet red, Carolyn forced herself not to look away and explained, "Ah, it was a case of... a case of..."
"Hush, child, there is no need to justify yourself," Claymore shook his head.
"…A case I'll explain later," Carolyn whispered.
"All for the best, my dear," Claymore nodded wisely. "You wouldn't have been happy with me... I'm a devil-may-care bon-vivant at heart. You are married to my uncle, and all is as it should be. You know..." he went on. "...I was thinking, for the book, it might be better to tweak that a bit. Rather than have me disappoint you so cruelly, maybe it can be changed so that you were trying to make me feel better about what's-her-name... the eating machine.. Helen... that was it... and things got a bit tangled before I let you down gently?"
Carolyn's lips twitched. Barely holding back the mirth, she nodded, "Oh, I think we can easily do that."
"Indeed..." Daniel agreed, rolling his eyes, "Anything else, Claymore?"
"Well, I was going to ask about Algae the seal..."
"I want to leave that as it happened as much as possible," Daniel rumbled. "That was a shameful trick, kidnaping him as you did, but we might have to change the animal, or something."
"I did say I was sorry!" Claymore protested.
"After I came back to let you out of the tank you had confined him to," Daniel scolded. "Leave it be. Everyone can't be perfect, and you will look better later when you redeem yourself fighting over power lines, and such."
Claymore thought it over, then nodded. "Okay, but if you can tone down the Algae thing, even a little? He was damaging the fish nets!"
"You still didn't have to try and shoot him!" Jonathan pointed out, joining the discussion. "Or tell us that because we were children we wouldn't get as big a reward if we did catch him, but we never would have told you, anyway."
Amberly began to sniffle at the sound of raised voices, something she was not used to and did not like one bit.
"Aww..." Claymore cooed, and moved nearer the child. "I didn't mean it sweetie! Uncle Claymore's sorry! Forgive me?" He held out his arms toward the little girl, and much to everyone's surprise, the toddler reached for him.
"Yes! Hold me!" she demanded.
"Her brain's been addled by the long trip," Daniel frowned.
"Now!" the baby insisted, and Claymore looked toward Dave and Jenny.
"Should I?" he whispered, "I didn't think she'd really want to! I was just trying to calm her down."
"I think she'll settle down more if you hold her," Dave grinned, and a moment later, the aging bachelor was holding Amberly, who now appeared quite content. A few moments later, Claymore felt her pull his glasses from his face.
"Sunglasses... mine!" she declared, and tried to put the specs on… upside down.
"She's learned to like them too well, now," Jenny smiled fondly.
"Er... help?" Claymore gasped.
"C'mon Amberly," Jenny added, reaching for her daughter. "Give Uncle Claymore his glasses... Uncle Tris is taking us for a ride... won't that be nice?"
"Uncle Claymore, come too!" the little girl said pitifully, and reluctantly let go of the eye-wear.
"Sorry, Claymore," Jenny said, handing him his now sticky glasses. "Maybe later, lovey."
"Come see me tonight?" The child asked brightly.
"What? I'm not good enough?" Tris cut in, mock hurt in his tone.
"Always good!" the baby nodded. "Love you and everybody!" She looked proud of herself.
"Which is the way it should be," Daniel glowed.
"Well, I think it's time to get her home and I don't know about Amberly, but I need a nap, or something," Dave yawned. "Jet lag is not a good thing."
"Your limo awaits," Tris bowed.
XXX
The rest of the week literally flew past. By Saturday, the entire family was ready for a night out and had no objections whatsoever to catching the closing performance of I Do, I Do. Jenny and Dave had recovered their equilibrium sufficiently to truly be able to enjoy it and even if they hadn't, would have come anyway.
Everyone met at Gull Cottage to make the trip to town and to let Jenny and Dave see the rest of the bunch. Just as they were about to leave, there was a knock at the door.
"Poor timing in action?" Candy asked as she went to answer it, determined to tell any salesman in no uncertain terms to beat it. Her polite diatribe died before the first syllable as she looked out to see... her Captain Dad with an attractive young lady on his arm! Blinking, she looked at him, then back toward the living room.
"My dear Mrs. Avery, surely you have not forgotten me already?" Devon Miles asked, looking aggrieved.
"Mr. Miles! I'm sorry, I. I'd forgotten how closely you resembled Captain Da... my step-father..." she corrected herself, mindful of the stranger. "And, it's Candy."
"Candy, then," he beamed. "May we come in?"
"Sure, but..."
"We took a cab up here, hoping to get a ride with you all to the theater, but first, I'd like to introduce my associate, Bonnie Barstow." As he followed the young woman, Devon tugged his left ear. "Ah, by the way, you need not worry; Bonnie discovered your secret."
"He didn't tell me," the young brunette woman said quickly. "Two days ago I was doing some maintenance on KITT and ran across an anomaly between what his scanners read when he met you all and I kept on until I got to the word ghosts." She looked down, then back up. "I didn't believe it at first. I thought Michael had decided to rig him to play a trick on me, but Michael's just not that... bright... not in that way... so, I confronted Devon and he admitted the truth, but only after I badgered him... a lot!"
"You must be very convincing!" Lynne Dashire interjected.
"I thought it best to tell her the truth. I will promise on my honor as a gentleman she is one-hundred-and-ten-percent trustworthy," Devon put in.
"If you vouch for her, that's sufficient," Daniel declared. "Very pleased to meet you, Miss Barstow."
"Bonnie," she smiled. "You really do look like Devon!"
"I can't see it, but I had the face first," the Captain winked. "I still say it is Devon that looks like me!"
"Michael isn't with you?" Carolyn asked.
"What about KITT?" Jonathan added.
"They're on a mission, and to be frank, I doubt that he, Michael that is, would care for the show. His tastes are somewhat, unrefined." Devon shook his head. "However, I would like to attempt to make an audio tape of the show. KITT will love it, I'm sure."
"He likes... musicals?" Dave asked, scratching his head.
"Oh, yes," Bonnie nodded. "His favorite is 1776."
"Jess and mine, too. At least he has good taste," Adam grinned. "Devon, you've done your introducing, would you care to meet my... er... our new girl?"
"I'd be delighted," Devon smiled. "I trust she is as lovely as the rest of the women in this room?"
"Oh, at least," Adam beamed as Jess rose to bring Abby over to meet the newcomers.
"Would you care to hold her for a minute, Devon?" Jess asked.
"I'd be insulted if you hadn't asked," he answered, taking the baby from Jess as if he held an infant every day of his life. "And aren't you the pretty one!" he said, stroking the child's downy head. "You're lovely, you are!"
"I didn't know you knew anything about babies," Bonnie said, looking more than a little surprised. "She loves you, Devon!"
Carolyn, who could see the resemblance, at least superficially, between the two Mister Miles, thought to herself that any woman in her right mind would adore a man who looked like that. "Our girl has great taste," she smiled.
Devon felt a tug on his trouser leg and looked down to see Amberly standing there.
"My turn!" the child announced.
"Quite right." He smiled, and turned back to his chief mechanic. "Here, hold her, Bonnie."
"Who? Me?" she looked startled.
"Of course. If you can handle KITT, a little baby is easy. Now, left arm up... ready for her head. Right arm out to support her little bottom. Now relax. All set." and a moment later, Abby was in Bonnie's arms and Amberly was in Devon's.
Bonnie reflected that this wasn't so bad, but she had no idea what to do with this dear little thing. Should she talk to her? Her rescue came long seconds later when Dash reminded them that they did need to get on the road.
"Right!" Jon nodded, done with domesticity for the moment, and he looked at Bonnie with interest. "Do you have a cool car like Michael does? I could ride into town with you... show you the way, and all."
She shook her head, and carefully handed Abby back to Jess while Dave, in the meantime, managed to pry Amberly away from Devon. "I'm afraid not. As Devon said, we grabbed a cab up here... figuring we could ride back into town with someone."
"Oh, yeah. Darn," the young man answered, obviously disappointed.
"Of course you may," Carolyn replied. "Adam's car might be cramped..." It would be holding the Averys as well as the Pierces."
"My car is tiny, but I could take Bree, and one of you," Blackie offered.
"I think Daniel and I have room in ours for you both," Carolyn continued.
"And Bron has set aside prime seats at the theater for our crew," Daniel added. "It pays to have good connections."
"Speaking of which, Captain Dad..." Candy cut in, "Are you and Devon still going to be long-lost cousins? I think that's what we agreed worked when we mended fences with the townies the second day of the Irish fair, right?"
Bonnie giggled. "When I cornered Devon, he told me all about that! Sounds like you all had a really weird day!"
"Yes we did, and yes we have," Daniel nodded. "Come, 'Cousin Devon.' Your limo awaits." Daniel doubted very much that Tristan would mind if he borrowed a line. After all, it was all in the family!
XXX
The final performance of I Do! I Do! was as great or greater than the first, and when it was over there were two standing ovations for the cast, and one for the crew and Bronwyn Tegan. After coffee and dessert at Norries, the mortal members of the cast said their good-byes, since they lived in town, and the Gull Cottage clan, along with Bonnie and Devon, made the two mile trek back to Gull Cottage for a bit of a private celebration.
"I really thought Devon exaggerated when he talked about how good you two are," Bonnie enthused, hitting the rewind button on her portable tape recorder to hear the couple sing My Cup Runneth Over for the third time. "If you guys don't get together to get that album Devon was talking about made, I am going to have to start calling and bugging you."
"We start the planning phase next week," Sean smiled, and put his arm around Molly. "I would like a couple of days to rest. Between my book tour and the play, I am in need of it. Speaking of which..." He handed Devon a small package that had been sitting on a nearby table. I popped these over to Gull Cottage yesterday... "Copies of the book for you and Michael. I autographed them. I hope you don't mind..."
"I would have asked you, if you hadn't," Devon answered.
Sean glanced at Bonnie. "I didn't know you were coming, but if you would like, I think I can round up another copy somewhere."
"I'd hate for you to go to any trouble," she demurred, though he could tell she was interested.
"None at all," he bowed, and disappeared, popping back in five seconds later. "Now that's Bonnie Barstow, right?" he asked, opening the book to the fly page, and taking out a pen.
Bonnie glanced at Devon. "How long did it take you to get used to this?"
"Oh, about two days," Devon winked. "It took me longer to get used to seeing my own face staring back at me."
Bonnie glanced at Daniel. Yeah, I bet so.
"Perhaps I can make things a trifle easier," the seaman said, morphing back into his own, familiar bearded countenance.
"It might take me a while to get used to that, too," she grinned. "But I like it. Devon, did you ever wear a beard?"
"Years ago, when I was in the OSS," Devon answered.
Bree's ears perked up. Her god-father had mentioned serving in the OSS when he was younger, many times, but before she could ask for any details, Sean handed Bonnie the autographed book and Devon interjected: "You aren't the only one who gets to hand out gifts, tonight. I have a little bit of Christmas in June to deliver, as well."
"Great! I love presents!" Claymore put in. He had followed the crowd out to Gull Cottage also.
"I fear I have nothing for you, my good man," Devon smiled. "Though, I'm sure you would like what I do have." From his the pocked of his elegant suit, he withdrew several envelopes. "I was not sure what to get a baby; however, I am quite sure that this will fit and be useful." He handed one to Jess, then turned and gave one to Jenny. "For Amberly."
The two young mothers, with the dads peering over their shoulders, opened the gifts.
"This is far too generous," Jess protested automatically.
"I second that!" Jenny gasped.
"What is it?" Claymore demanded.
"Merely savings bonds, and for each, ten shares of Knight Industries stock," Devon shrugged. "A trifle, really."
"Devon doesn't do small gifts in the way most people think small," Bonnie advised.
There were still three envelopes in the gentleman's hand, which he handed to the Captain, Sean, and Dash. "Many thanks for helping get rid of my… er… poltergeist. Whatever became of the fellow?"
Up until now, the subject of Zach had been avoided. Everyone assumed that Bronwyn and Siegfried had taken time to have a heart-to-heart about him. Since no one wanted to stir up anything unwelcome, the matter had been closed, other than telling Jenny and Dave about the spirit.
The crew's eyes shifted to Bronwyn. With quiet dignity, she launched into her story by saying, "As it happens, Daniel and his crew brought back my ex-husband. He wanted to make it current, but in the end, he moved on to the light."
Raising a brow, Devon nodded. "Very good. All's well that ends well."
"Yes, that was our thought also," Dash agreed, though he did not open his envelope. It seemed a little gauche to count one's money in the presence of the giver.
Claymore, however, suffered no such qualms. "How much does ghost-busting pay these days?" he demanded, grabbing Daniel's envelope from the end table where the spirit had laid it after thanking his 'cousin.'
"Claymore!" Martha exclaimed.
"I just want to compare and see if I overpaid Madam Tibaldi, which I did, since she didn't get rid of Captain Gregg, but that's a good thing, after all. Say! You aren't going to include that are you? In the book, I mean."
"Definitely," Daniel growled. "We most certainly will." He floated the check out of Claymore's hands.
"Here, Clay, you can look at this one," Sean grinned, handing him the one that Devon had issued to him after peering inside the envelope.
Claymore frowned. "What's the catch?"
Sean rolled his eyes. "You are really going to have to stop being so paranoid. There's no catch this time. Now look at it."
Still frowning, Claymore took the envelope and did so. The group watched as his eyes bugged out behind his thick glasses. "Wow!" he exclaimed. "I got a really good deal, all things considered, back then. I don't think there's been that much inflation!"
"Well, Claymore, there's such a thing as a service call, where you pay, even if you don't get anything fixed," Ed admonished. "But, you're darned lucky nothing happened."
"I know, I know," Claymore nodded. He started to give the blue piece of paper back to Sean O'Casey.
"Nay, Claymore." Molly shook her head. "That's for you to have."
"But… but… but. Why?" Claymore stammered, now clutching the check in his hand tightly.
"We'd like you to consider it a down payment to purchase the cottage Molly and I have been living in for so long," Sean answered. "And me, before that. About time, I think, don't you? My book's doin' well, and we'd like to have a place we can truly call our own, at last."
Claymore darted a look at the Irish couple. "You really mean it?"
"Yes, Claymore; I've wanted to do this for some time now," Sean promised.
Claymore looked down at the paper in his hand, nodded, and then shook his head 'no,' and started to hand the check back to Sean.
A shout of "Claymore!" came from all corners of the room.
"We don't have a deal?" Sean looked more than a little disappointed. "I thought you'd be eager to sell."
"Claymore…" Daniel said very quietly. "You got more than you deserved for Gull Cottage. If you know what is good for you…"
"Sheesh!" the lanky man protested. "'We've gotta deal, already! Blast!"
"Then why are you giving the check back to me?" Sean asked in bewilderment.
"You haven't endorsed it," Claymore shrugged. "You need a few classes in basic finance, Sean! I'll be glad to teach you!" Shoving his glasses up on his face, he added: "And I wouldn't charge you... much! Sheesh, Elroy was better at it than you, by a long shot."
"Make sure you tell him that," Sean grinned, endorsing the check with a flourish. "Since you're rich now, you can treat us all to brunch, tomorrow."
Gulping, Claymore's eyes grew to the size of saucers. "All of you? But, half you guys don't even need to eat..."
"No, but we enjoy it," Blackie winked, and turned to Devon and Bonnie. "You will be joining us, won't you? We all usually either go somewhere, or meet at a house big enough to hold us all after services."
"Oh, please say you will..." Candy added.
"I don't know..." Devon hesitated. "Bonnie, do you have plans?"
"Nope," she shook her head. "And I have a very understanding boss."
"And we did want to get your input on what songs you might want to see on our album," Sean added. "We need to get busy on that, since I just gave my fortune to Claymore."
"You call that a fortune?" the other man muttered, torn between hoping the interesting visitors would stay and wishing they'd go so he wouldn't have to pay for their meal.
"It's a larger chunk of money than I have seen in the last... oh... hundred and twenty-five years or so, don't you think so Daniel? Dash?"
"Aye," the spirits nodded.
"I could invest it for you..." Claymore put in. "Make you all rich."
Dash couldn't help it, he began laughing merrily. "Clay, old son, at least half the investments you've made in the last dozen or so years have been on my advice!"
"Well..." the older man harrumphed. "It just means I am learning. But I could make him rich! We just need to get you-know-WHO back here to point us in the right direction."
Closing his eyes, Blackie counted to ten in Latin before replying, "Claymore, I would think he made it abundantly clear that he considers such things out of the question."
"Yeah, but…"
"Excuse me, but to whom do you refer?" Devon inquired, looking puzzled.
"Just a… friend who has a little bit of extra… insight, from an uncommon source," Blackie demurred. "But, we really can't talk about him."
"I quite understand," Devon nodded, adjusting his cuffs.
"Unless he says it's okay sometime," Jon added. "But you'd like him, you guys. KITT and Michael would, too."
"Speaking of Michael..." Devon looked at his Rolex. "I am expecting him to report in sometime around midnight, and he'll be calling the Inn... I suppose we should be getting back there."
"You're more than welcome to stay with us," Carolyn offered. "Besides, you are 'family'."
"Michael's call will come to the Inn..." Bonnie began.
"You may contact him from here," Daniel shrugged, "as you did last time?"
"We did already check in, and will be charged for the rooms even if we do nothing but store our luggage there," Devon pointed out.
"The manager of the Inn will understand," Tris argued. "I fix his car... I'll explain matters. I'll just pop into town and talk to him, and grab your luggage at the same time. You haven't unpacked yet, have you?"
"No..." Bonnie shrugged. "Your call, Devon. You're the boss and Daniel's your 'cousin,' or something."
Devon nodded. "Or something. You know, I think I like the idea! This is a lovely house, I am tired, and it is late…"
"Then I would say the matter is settled," Tris grinned. "Back in a few minutes," he added, and disappeared.
"Wish I could do that…" Jenny yawned.
"Me, too," Dave nodded, putting an arm around Jenny's waist, and gazing for a moment at his little girl, now curled up on the couch. "We should be going, if we want to be bright-eyed for church tomorrow."
"You took the words right out of my mouth," Blackie nodded, "And I still want to drop Bree off, so I think we will be moving along, also."
"Us, too," Thom agreed. "Candy and I have a longer drive… which is a shame really, because I hate to see tonight end."
"I'll third that," Jess added, shifting Abby in her arms. "We should get going..."
"But we'll be back tomorrow," Adam added.
"Ah, yes, church," Devon frowned. It had been a while. "What denomination again? Is there anything we should do to prepare?"
"Presbyterian. We're not complicated," Blackie promised.
"In your opinion," Bree muttered. That class in doctrine was a challenge.
"The text for tomorrow is from Matthew, the line about 'come unto Me all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' It's part of my series on Christian liberty, in preparation for the Fourth of July."
"And, you are welcome to stay through until then to join our 1776 watching party," Adam spoke up. "That is, if Clay will still let us borrow the film reel?"
"Your school doesn't own a VCR?" Bonnie blinked.
"Budget," Claymore sighed. "Yeah, I can get it again."
"But, we cannot stay that long," Devon shook his head. "I do thank you for the invitation, though. And, we will see you all in the morning. I don't suppose that like a hotel, your night stands come equipped with Bibles, 'Cousin' Daniel? I'd like to brush up before the service."
"No, but I can get you a copy," the seaman promised. "I've yet to see Blackwood give a pop quiz, though."
Relief flooded the Englishman's face.
Hugs and good-byes were exchanged, then Jonathan showed Bonnie and Devon to the guest rooms, where Tris had deposited the luggage and a note saying that their credit card had been refunded with no problem. Bonnie had to wonder if the young-seeming ghost had done any magic on the hotel owner, or if people were just nicer here.
XXX
When the door to the Master Cabin closed, Carolyn embraced her husband. "Have I told you how much I love you?"
"Often, but what brings this on? And, for the record, I love you at least as much," he smiled into her hair, kissing her gently and tenderly.
"Oh, a variety of things." She snuggled closer. "Seeing the play again. The whole Zach fiasco. Just the fact that it's the plain truth and I'm so glad to be able to say it."
"The last is my favorite of your reasons." He captured her lips, letting his next declaration be one more profound than speech. "I am also glad to be able to say the words I love you to you as often as there is time to speak them, though still not as often as I would like." He looked intently into her green eyes. "If you were in Bronwyn's place...?"
"I'd get you to use your powers and do some kind of ghostly thing to force Bobby to sign Adam's paper and marry you all over again, so we could honeymoon another time, if nothing else."
"Excellent answer, Mrs. Gregg."
END