Home Sweet Home
The Masters were as amazed as the rest of their loved ones. Literally, in a year, they'd became billionaires. Vladco was now a household name. They were already expanding to invest into countless brand-new ventures extraordinarily increasing their net profit.
Within three years, they would become the most affluent people on the planet! Furthermore, their business firm established in every corner of the Earth. It was rightfully mind-boggling!
The only ones who knew how flourishing the two hybrids' corporation would be were the Ancients, having witnessed it in the previous timeline. Once more, they couldn't divulge they devised this reality.
The eleven godlike Ancients resolved to keep a close eye on the hybrids. Furthermore, keep an eye on the lives tied to them—both the earth-born and those of spectral origin. Currently, the eleven of them were the devoted guardian angels to one and all.
Of course, with them rolling in dough now? The thought of purchasing an actual home for themselves had come up more then once. Given that Magdalene's father had been a real estate agent. Therefore, she knew an awful lot about house hunting. She also comprehended what was indoors was of equal significance.
All the same, she wasn't going to be like numerous others that had too many requirements. She didn't want to be too picky. She had ideas of what she desired in a home. Although she was prepared to negotiate if she had too.
Unfortunately, they'd recently had a passionate difference of opinions when it came to what kind of domicile to purchase. Seeing each had radically different views and requests when it came to what type of house they sought after.
Vlad on the one hand? He sought grandeur and something he could show-off. Thus he yearned-for something that would be high-priced. A domicile that would make him look majestic and be the top dog.
Magdalene, on the other hand? She was brought up to be humble and modest. Also, not to show-off or slander in any shape or form. Yes, she desired a sizable place but not something to show off.
Something they could genuinely turn into a home. Not just a house but a home. An excellent place to raise a family. She fancied a house she could garden and eventually plant the trees from their wedding.
"Vlad, can you please just listen to me for a moment?" Magdalene attempted in vain to get her husband's attention. But that was all but futile because he was watching a Packers' game on TV.
She shook her head when she thought about her husband's obsession with the team. She knew what a sore spot for him it was. Despite the fact he was loaded, he couldn't own the team. Given the Packers were owned by the city of Green Bay.
She hoped he'd be content with the bargain the city of Green Bay had offered. They couldn't sell him the team. Instead, he gave him a VIP pass to any of the team's games.
The sole reason he wasn't at today's game physically was that he'd caught a nasty cold the day before. Magdalene had insisted on bed rest despite he'd persistently ached to go.
Luckily Magdalene's mother had a similar dilemma with her father. Roland too had difficulty taking it easy when he'd been either dog-tired or unhealthy. Thus both women had learned how to put their foot down and make their husbands do as they said.
"Vlad? Vlad sweetheart, are you okay?" she questioned him as she entered the small living room of their restricted living accommodations. No reaction. Great. Sighing, she was forced to turn off the TV in the fourth quarter of the game.
"HEY! Why did you do that?!" he demanded furiously. Just by his voice alone proved he was indeed very under the weather. Though it also showed he refused to admit it.
"Because, my darling husband, you weren't listening to me," as she held the remote at arm's length so he couldn't get it.
"Let me finish my game!" he moaned as if he was a small child.
"Not until you listen to me," holding the remote aloft. He conceded defeat and sulked. "Fine. You win for now."
"Don't you take that tone with me, Vlad," his wife chastised him. Staring him down, she said, "As I told you yesterday, you're indisposed. Need I repeat it?" she paused as she seized her golden crucifix and declared.
"Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take the sickness from among you, Exodus 23:25."
He glanced at her and gave a small smile. Even if she just preached at him, he remarked sweetly. "You know some might feel you're holier-than-thou or irritating when you do that, Mag, but I adore that about you."
"I'm delighted you love me for being myself, Vlad. Now its time you take your medicine. A week of bed rest, and you'll be satisfactory. Don't fuss about business, Ian got it under control. He can hold down the fort for a week."
She uncorked a brownish bottle of medication to which he made a face as she made him take it. He, of course, gagged and made a scene out of it. "Vlad quit being a baby. It's only cold medicine. Geez, did you act like this when your mother had to give you medicine?" she queried as she departed the room for a moment to return the medicine to its proper place.
"If you must know, Mom never liked it when I got sick because I was extra irritable and didn't even then like to take medicine," he called after her, which resulted in him coughing and hacking.
"Really?" the sexy lady said as she returned from the bathroom. Crossing her arms and with a big frown on her face, she asked him.
"So how do I get you to behave and get well? Threaten you as my mother did with my father?" making him squirm a bit by what she meant. Smiling, she tossed her curls over her shoulder, "She used to tell him if he didn't do as the doctor said she cut holes in his trousers and ruin all his ties as well."
His chuckling turned to cough, and she gave him water. "Did she do that?" he said after he wet his pallet.
"Once to his favorite pair of pants and the best tie he had," Magdalene snickered at the memory from when she was eight. Giving her husband a serious look, she asked, "So what do I have to do to get you to behave? I hope I won't have to embarrass you."
"I'll try and be a better patient then my late father-in-law," he promised her promptly. She appeared content with that. She then jerked her head as if she remembered something she forgot.
"Boy, I almost forgot! I still have to go to the Ghost Zone and pick up your prescription from them as well."
"I can't believe I've to take even more revolting meds," muttered the hybrid millionaire.
"We are halfas. What do you expect?" his wife retorted rhetorically.
Sighing emphatically, " You know perfectly well when it comes to our health we need to treat both sides. Therefore what can I do for you while I go get your meds from the Pharmacist?"
"The only thing that made me settle down as a child when I was sick was my mom making a true Russian dish," he answered her question. He looked like such a child when he said that.
"Fine, what are you craving?" Mag inquired in a fatigued voice.
"Some meat dumplings would be pleasant. I'm sure Mom gave you her recipes after we got married," he asked, hopefully longing for some of his mother's home cooking.
"Don't worry. I got them and my mother's recipes in the kitchen. I'll make your meat dumplings when I get back. Till then, try and rest."
The turquoise rings of light went up and down her body. Then she went to their concealed portal to the Ghost Zone. Vlad, as soon as she left, turned the TV back in time to see the last five minutes of his game.
She wished the portal would drop her off where she needed. It makes things so much more manageable but she just had to deal with it. Neither she or Vlad could transform their legs into a spectral tail, so they're not as agile as those with ones. She zoomed off towards No Mercy Hospital. She was halfway there when she was nearly run over by a pair on speeding by on a Harley and hoverboard.
"Yikes! Don't tell me there any stoplights in the Ghost Zone! Or speed limits!" Magdalene shrieked as they blazed past. The riders halted and turned around to look at her.
"Magdalene? What are you doing in the Ghost Zone?" Huntress demanded as she removed her headgear. Huntress was a dead ringer for Laura Croft other then having flaming orange hair and eyes.
"Hello, Huntress. How are you and Pixel doing today?" looking at the Star Trek looking ghost. Pixel looked like Deanna Troi with Tasha Yar's haircut. Pixel occasionally acted like Data even if she sounded like Guinea.
"Greetings, Mrs. Soulwings. What brings you to the Ghost Zone?" the pink-haired blue-skinned woman asked for herself.
"Vlad caught a cold yesterday, and as he and I are hybrids. we need to make sure to take medicine to treat both halves."
"There a virus going around," Huntress informed her, "We had a swarm of ghost mosquitoes recently. Now several people are infected with colds and flues. Luckily you already half-ghost. If a ghost skeeter bit a human, they get temporary Ghost Powers."
"Has that ever happened before?" the female hybrid asked curiously.
"Well, if you want the exact stats?" the ghostly Trekkie asked. Taking out something that looked like it had come from Star Trek, she ran the data. "The likelihoods of spectral pathogens getting loose in the human world these days is small. Like less then twenty percent," she answered after her tricorder spat out the results. Putting it back in her hip pouch, she then added, "But we are to blame for creating the plague by accident," Pixel admitted shamefully.
Mag looked like she been slapped, "Please tell me you're joking. You guys aren't honestly responsible for the plague?"
Pixel still looked humiliated but said, "Yes, we are, unfortunately. Some escapees were causing devilry in the human world. They unknowingly had an infectious agent. It mutated when it got to Earth, and well, you know the result."
"Wow, that is wow," Mag looked like she'd be sick herself. Huntress steadied her. Seeing she wasn't going to be sick, she added, "That's why to take precautions nowadays. Ghostly maladies are vastly different when they get loose in the human world.
We've learned well from humans when it comes to our wellness. We make sure to have our version of vaccines. We also get our version of a flu shot. Sadly nothing is perfect, but it's better to safe then sorry," the bounty hunter explained to the halfa.
"Understood. So what were you two up to? Before you almost ran me over?"
"Honestly, Mag? We were on our way to get some medicine too. Our husbands both caught colds. It seems those foul bugs were more attracted to the male population then the females," Huntress responded.
"Or it could be just this bug only likes males. That could be feasible. Either way, you think my husband's tirades are bad when he's healthy? Honey, you don't want Technus to be sick and rambling. Trust me, its two times worse," Pixel shuttered as she said that.
"Skulker being unwell isn't good either. I've to hide all the weaponry and essentially strap him down when he's sick," the huntsman's spouse looked put out saying that.
"Vlad acting the same way. Honestly, why can't men handle being sick and let us take care of them?"
"I would say its something to do with their DNA. Also, how men for centuries been viewed as the stronger sex and expected to be a top dog while women are less then valued," Pixel proposed thoughtfully.
"So doesn't matter if your human or ghost, men can be big idiots," the trio of women concluded for themselves.
"Yeah, why don't you let us give you a ride. I've got a spare helmet. You'll get there faster," as Huntress offered her a helmet.
"Thanks. Though I've never been on a motorcycle before, my parents didn't exactly approve of them," as she got on the bike.
"Why? Does this have to do with your spirituality again?" Huntress inquired curiously as she started to rev the bike.
"More like they felt they're dangerous and more likely to kill you," as she clutched tightly to Huntress.
By the time they got to the healthcare facility, it seemed every female ghost had shown up. The entire male population had this ghostly cold. The only one they didn't see in line was Desiree, but then she was against males at any rate.
They waited in line for over an hour before they got the medicine they required. Huntresses and Pixel gave Mag a lift back to her home before they headed back to their respected homes.
Mag waved goodbye at them before returning home and changing back to human. "Vlad, I'm back, you won't believe it, but almost all-male ghosts have your cold as well. Vlad?"
She found him passed out on the sofa. Sighing but smiling, she tucked a Packer's quilt around him before going to the kitchen to make his promised meat dumplings. Just as she was finishing the telephone rang. Picking it up, she was surprised to hear it was Leta. She hadn't heard from her in a month!
"Leta! It's so good to hear from you! How are you?" she asked with enthusiasm to her best friend/sister.
"I've been occupied with the shop. I've had to employ four more people to help me operate it. But its all good. The shop is making loads of net income. Moreover, I'm ecstatic about that," was the enthusiastic answer from her best friend.
"Glad to know you are doing well also. How everything else going?" she adjusted the phone on her shoulder. (They're still a long way from making smartphones at this time. So Mag was dealing with phone troubles long forgotten by most people.)
"I need to find a bigger house to live in and quickly. I wish you could help me with house hunting. But I know you are occupied with your own," Leta commented on what she remembered them talking about last.
"Sorta, Leta. Vlad and I haven't had time to have a proper discussion about house hunting. I've been in contact with the most dependable real estate agents in Madison.
But we've never been free long enough to go look at some properties with how occupied our business makes us," she confessed tiredly. It was so irritating sometimes how work kept getting in the way.
"So you two haven't reached any sort of agreement or compromise yet?" the biracial woman asked for clarification.
"I told you from what little we discussed, Vlad wants a place to be king of the castle truly. I'd be satisfied with an average home that I can raise a family in."
"Are you sure his ego not growing? I mean its sound like his egotism is getting the better of him," her friend sounded concerned about this dilemma. Mag's shoulder sagged some as she gave her answer.
"I feel right now he's just acting like any normal young man. My mother said despite Dad being a real estate agent. They didn't agree at first one what kind of house they wanted."
"How are you holding up? I know its been almost a year since your parents died. So how are you holding up?" Leta asked worriedly.
"Well, my therapist has been a big help," the affluent woman replied, "So I'm grateful for that. It gets a little easier every day. But how are things in your life? What's new?" anxious to know what was going on in Leta's life.
"Mom is trying to play matchmaker with me," she grumbled in response.
"Really? She set you up?" Mag was incredibly surprised. That didn't sound like her 'aunt' at all. It genuinely mystified her. She heard Leta gave an exasperated sigh before explaining.
"Mom has a Jewish friend whose son lives here in Wisconsin. They arranged for us to go out next week," she didn't sound too thrilled about it.
"So do you know what he's like? Or his name?" Mag's face was scrunched up and fretting about the only one she considered a sister in her life.
"Zack Kaban. Don't have a clue how he looks or what his personality is. Guess I'll find out," Leta said flatly. It was such a contrast from her usually bubbly and vivacious personality. She must be depressed with the thought of her mother playing cupid.
"Well, let's make sure to have a girl's day out shortly. I've got to go. Dinner's ready, and I need to tend to my indisposed husband."
"Okay, see you later, Mag. Bye!" Leta chirped.
"Bye!" Mag was just a cheerful as they hung up. Adjusting her headband, she went to serve her husband his supper. At least he was behaving better after he got his meat dumplings. As they ate, they chatted about different things going on in their lives.
"Sparks are flying between Ian and Stacy. It seemed like destiny when those two met for the first time. I wouldn't be surprised if he pops the question by the end of the next business quarter," Vlad chuckled about his right-hand man's love life.
"Yes, those two are quite an adorable couple. At least they follow the rules of keeping any drama off the work sit. Did I mention that my Aunt Zoe set Leta up with a guy?"
"Oh boy, how did that turn out?" knowing his wife's best friend wouldn't like that one bit.
"Not sure because it hasn't technically happened yet. Leta couldn't provide any real details. She only knows his name and that he went to school here in Wisconsin. Otherwise, nothing."
"Is she happy about being set up?" even though he already knew the answer.
"Leta isn't thrilled the idea with her mother trying to meddle with her love life. I think Aunt Zoe was disappointed that Leta, despite being one of the most attractive girls at school, never had a boyfriend. Perhaps she's jealous that her best friend's daughter already married and her little girl isn't even in the dating pool. That's my guess, anyway."
"How did your aunt and uncle meet?" inquired Vlad curiously.
"They're in the same homeroom and had fourth-period chemistry together. Dad joked that my Uncle Quinn brewed a love potion to get my Aunt Zoe."
"Do you think that's true?"
"Vlad," she gave him a look, "Leta the one who studies alchemy and legends. She's the one who fancies alternative lifestyles. Her parents know nothing about either. Frankly, I don't know if her mother ever truly approved of Leta studying magic."
"It's not like she's acquired any authentic magic, has she?"
"She's not an enchantress if that what your asking. She doesn't have abilities like you and me. She knows as much about earthly sorcery as anyone could know. I believe Enchantra would be impressed."
"Has anyone found out who Enchantra hooked up with?" he asked as he stuffed his face with the meat dumplings.
"Vlad!" Mag yelled once, and he nearly choked. Once he was alright, his wife still glaring declared, "That's not anyone business who one of the Ancients is dating! People's personal lives are their own business!"
"Well, you know it makes for excellent gossip. Gossip makes the world go around," he chuckled weakly, which made his wife frown even bigger. Things weren't going well for him tonight.
"The only thing gossip is hurtful and mean-spirited. No matter how innocuous it seems. While we are on the topic, what poisonous tittle-tattle have you been listening too?" she was still mad, but he had to be straight with her.
"Nothing much really, beloved. I heard a rumor that Wulf is beguiled with Dora. Ainu assists Dora in running her charm school. She also essential when Dora's brother Aragon is in one of his moods. Therefore if anyone knows the truth, it'd be her.
Word of mouth says that Teddy and Maya are talking about either adopting or fostering ghost children before long," this made Mag raise her eyebrows at this bit of news.
"Who may I ask is in charge of taking care of that in the Ghost Zone? The handling of adoption/fostering? Please tell me it isn't Walker!" she, in truth, detested the notion of that person being near children. Not with how he behaved. With his mindset, he'd scar them for life if he didn't just lock them up for being children.
"Relax, Maya's older sister Lydia manages the orphanage. She may feel the need to go overboard with tattoos, but she cares profoundly regarding children. She likes seeing them have happy and healthy homes and futures."
"Well, if its Lydia Marks, then I suggest we make a sizeable charitable donation to update the orphanage. Its the least we can do."
"You can go to the Ghost Bank next week and have one of our human checks be interchanged for a ghost one, then give it to Lydia."
"Sounds like a plan. But please, honey, don't listen to anymore gossip. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29"
"Is there anything you can't find a reference for in the bible?"
"I think it covers everything in life, honey. Now you're sleeping alone as I don't want to catch your cold. So you are just going to have to accept that."
He, of course, looked disappointed at that and hoped he got over his cold soon. Just as Mag predicted, he recovered in a week. He wanted to thank her, so he wrote the check to give to Lydia at the orphanage. What Magdalene didn't see was him write a second check. Even more then the first!
So while Magdalene was busy on several different islands, Treasure Island as all things related to Ghost Zone finances were on this island. The following island was also named after another well-known island. The island with the orphanage or anything related to children was called "Neverland."
She almost needed to go to Media Island. Luckily Lydia's sister Maya was with her today. Maya resembled the MLPEG character, Aria Blaze. Aside from a slightly different color pallet
(Yes, MLPFIM and EG were a long way off in the human world. On the other hand? It was part of the spoiler section on the Ghost Zone TV channel.)
She visited for an hour with the sisters before she flew back home, fully expecting her husband to be home. But he wasn't, and she didn't have a clue where he was. She called both Ian and Stacy, but neither had seen or heard from him. She then used their other phone, the one that was used to call the Ghost Zone. She called everyone she could think of who might have seen her husband.
But no one had, and it was getting concerned. She was thinking of calling the cops when he finally showed up. Mag first rushed to kiss them, then she slapped him and started yelling how anxious he made her.
"I'm sorry, honey, I didn't mean to scare you."
"Well, you did! So do you have an explanation as to where you have been all day?!"
"I had a bit of business to do today. The man I was meeting was only free today. So I had to go meet him today to discuss a few matters."
"And you couldn't have told me you had a meeting with a new business partner?"
"He wasn't exactly a business partner. But don't worry about it. All is taken care of. Come Monday I'll show you your surprise."
"My surprise?" she blinked in confusion.
"Yep, I've been working on the perfect surprise for you when our anniversary come along. I know its still two weeks off, but I feel like surprising you a little early."
The next day Magdalene was with Leta and few of her gal pals from the Ghost Zone having breakfast at one of the best cafes in Wisconsin. She was thrilled Dora and Desiree could make it.
Leta was wearing a rosy cardigan with cutouts on the shoulders. It went beautifully over her chartreuse top and white jeans. Magdalene decided to wear a brilliant pink cardigan over a white shirt with lilac pants and sandals. The dragon princess was in a short tie-dye dress, and the genie ghost wore an attractive green ruffled skirt dress with leather boots.
A waitress came over with their order. Seeking to stay healthy, they order off the brand-new vegan menu. Today's breakfast beverage was concocted from fresh fruits and vegetables. Their meal consisted of a quinoa fruit salad, quinoa chocolate breakfast bowl, berry breakfast parfait, and vegan blueberry flax muffins.
"You think we are odd?" Leta wondered out loud as she took a tentative sip of the healthy drink. It was an odd-tasting drink for sure.
"Why, dear? Because we wanted to try something new and healthy? I would prefer to keep my figure, thank you very much," Desiree responded.
"I don't think she was so much referring to the menu, Des, as maybe our lives?" Dora suggested, and indeed she was.
"You know there no secrets between us ghostly girls. I know the truth," as Leta showed them the palm of her right hand. For a brief moment, a turquoises butterfly gleamed before disappearing.
Magdalene had Marked her friend Leta right after she'd gained citizenship to the Ghost Zone. Every ghost had its own unique mark, and when they gave that mark to someone, it created a special symbiotic bond. Very few humans since the dawn of time had received a Ghost's Mark. Consequently, now their friendship had developed to a whole new level.
The fundamentals of the bond were able to sense and feel the other's pain when in proximity. A bonded pair could share one another strength in times of crisis. It also granted remarkable protection from other ghosts. Plus, one memory couldn't be rewritten by one with a ghost gene.
"So, as there no secrets among us, what should we talk about?" Mag desired to know.
"Well, Lady Dora's School for Charming People requires a big donation. Courtesy of my brother. Last week someone unintentionally left a pit in one of his cherries. He threw another tantrum and destroyed the west wing of my educational institution."
"Geez, that guy needs to chill seriously. Was anyone hurt?" Leta inquired, and Dora shook her head. "The assistant headmistress Ainu was able to ensure no one got injured.
She's lodged for me a formal complaint with Walker. But he seems to regard my school, not of the essence. He called it obsolete and unprofitable. Jerk. I hope he loses everything in this week's poker game!" Dora hissed like a dragon.
"How did you get Wulf's younger sister to accept to work for you in the first place?" Mag was longing to know. She wanted the truth and not the horrible gossip her husband was listening too.
"The stunning white werewolf is a genuine lady," Dora spoke like a proper lady herself, "Noble Wulf? Bless his heart, but he's far more enchanted with Mother Nature. Ainu is of a civilized nature and appreciates the cultural arts.
Ainu desired to fulfill her passion. I also assume it makes her less lonely when her family can't be around," the dragon sovereign looked sad for a moment for her best friend.
"Ainu's husband is the Language teacher at the high school. Naturally, he's working throughout the school year. Her son Edward (Teddy's proper name) been too obsessed with doing this documentary film concerning our world's wildlife. Hence he's not been available to spend time with his mom."
"Shame, he a sweet boy," Desiree said thoughtfully, and everyone gave her a weird look. "What? Look just because I've sworn off getting involved with a man again, doesn't mean I'm a sexist. I simply have no interest in having a romantic relationship with one is all."
"We know how bad men have treated you in the past, Desiree. No need to get upset. We understand your reasons. Therefore how is going sprucing up that bottle you live in?" Mag said to change the topic.
"Home sweet home. I want to feel like I'm in a sultan's palace, but it doesn't feel quite homey yet. I can't figure out what its missing."
"I would say its missing someone, Des. After all, as a house is just a house. It only becomes a home when a family lives in it. I'm more then sure after all of us are done with house hunting. We want to think about having families."
"Maybe you are right. Well, shall we get on with the pampering? Go to the salon for our nails now? I've needed a pedicure for a month now," the genie replied.
The girls paid for breakfast and left for the nearest salon for some serious pampering. They all looked drop-dead gorgeous by the time they'd said goodbye and went home. Even a girls day out still didn't put Mag's mind at ease, wondering what Vlad had in store for her. She hoped it wasn't anything terrible.
She found out next week what the surprise was. He blindfolded her and had their chauffeur take them somewhere. She was getting a bit impatient with this. Finally, after what seemed like forever, the limo stopped, and they got out.
Vlad led her up a long winding path and finally told her to take her blindfold off. She did and fell dumb from the sight in front of her. She was standing outside the Dairy King's Castle.
They passed this castle every day going to and from the office of their main building. Why in the world would be here? No one had been allowed on the property since the Dairy King passed away seven years ago. The city kept the estate looking satisfactory, but it wasn't open to the populace.
"Vlad, why are we here?" she demanded, and he pulled out a golden key from his pocket. "Haven't you always wanted to go inside a building? Just to see what it looks like on the inside?"
"Truthfully? Yes, I've sometimes wanted to solely go into a building just to see what it looks like. But what does that have to do with this situation?" He opened the front door and led her inside.
The foyer was enormous; in fact, everything was larger then life. There was plenty of space, and the architecture was very visually appealing. The lighting was excellent, as well.
Her husband gave her a tour of the castle and the grounds. The second floor of the castle had separate wings for a family and guest and staff. The east side was where the masters of the castle slept. The west wing was for guests and staff.
This castle was gigantic and had various chambers. They included a state-of-art kitchen, a vast living room, a music conservatory, an actual movie theater, and an Olympic size gym room! It had the most extensive library she had ever seen.
To her delight, there was a stunning atrium attached to the house. The backyard was ideal for entertaining. There was an enormous swimming pool, a greenhouse, various sports fields, and even a stable for horses. The place even came with secret passageways with an immense amount of space under the castle, and the top floor had the potential to be more then an attic.
"Do you like it?" Vlad asked after they toured the entire house. She bit her lip and carefully voiced her thoughts. "This castle seems like something out of a fairytale. It's got a lot of potentials. It'd be thrilling to live here, but at the same time, I don't know if its for me. I mean, I can't see myself being a princess or a queen. Also, I can't help but think my parents wouldn't approve."
"Why wouldn't they approve?" Vlad wanted to know apprehensively.
"God brings down the proud and saves the humble: Job 22:29. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. Psalm 25:9."
Then she was surprised when Vlad began to recite Scripture.
"For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Hebrews 3:4 The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. Proverbs 3:33. And over these virtues put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14." he finished reciting the verses about homes.
Mag looked impressed. She didn't believe her husband was paying attention when they attended church or when she went twice a week to bible study.
"I'm jovial you are taking the words of the Creator more to heart. Although I recited words of humility. Why did you recite words about a home?"
"Because Magdalene, I wanted this place to be our home. I've got the check ready to put on the down payment. All you need to say is "yes," and we own the castle. I was going to buy it without consulting you honestly. But just as I was going to do that, your bible fell open. Enough pages showed themselves to get the hint."
"Are you saying what I think your saying?"
"I'm saying I want this to be where we live and raise our family. A family I'm most enthusiastic to start. But only if you say yes. Please, Magdalene? Will you please say yes?"
Magdalene had plenty of different thoughts and emotions race through her mind and heart. She was furious; he had considered buying a home without consulting her. Yet happy the good Lord steps in to stop him from committing such folly. She did appreciate what the castle had to offer, and maybe it was time to push past her comfort zone. Nevertheless, she still couldn't get out of her mind what her parents had taught her. Yet, what did she want for herself? Wasn't she now her own person, and as such, she didn't need to make decisions based on the wishes of others?
Finally, after ten minutes she gave her answer. "I will agree to buy this castle if you accept some conditions when we move in."
"What sort of conditions?"
"First off, we are NOT going to make this one big Parker Shrine. You can decorate the foyer and have one room to be your man cave."
"Okay, I can agree to that, but what are the other conditions?"
"You let me pick the colors for the rest of the house, we have fresh flowers throughout the house. Their symbolic meaning I'll fill you in later. Finally, you let me put some of my faith into the house."
"Like using the material you can get at Hobby Lobby? Crosses, painting, biblical verses, that sort of thing?"
"Yes, and one thing about the foyer. There will be one thing that will go above the front door, even if the rest of the space is for you."
"What's that?"
"We hang the same plaque that was above the front door of my childhood home. The one that says, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
"I find your terms to be fair negotiations. So is that a yes?"
"Yes, we can move in here. But we still do this together to turn this castle into a home."
He scooped her up, spun her around before they kissed passionately. "I love you so!"
It would take a long time to move in and fill up the whole estate, but at last, they finally had a house to turn into a home.