Standing in the doorway, delighted that the Captain had reappeared, Carolyn attempted to focus on Madam Tibaldi, and making sure she went on her spiritual way. With cheery reassurance she offered, "I'm sure he'll find his way back!" while trying to ignore the obvious pleasure the Captain was having in her discomfort. It was always complicated to try to be a sensible, polite woman when all she truly wanted was to be alone with him, to spend time with the only true partner she had ever known, and truthfully she had come the realize, the only one she needed.
She was startled to hear Madam Tibaldi comment, "Well I certainly hope so. Of course, he is only a spirit, but when I saw those fiery eyes and that strong chin, I must say I was definitely drawn to that extraordinary man!" With almost a girlish giggle, she paused, "Well where ever he is, I hope he forgives me." With a puzzled look, she raised a hand to her right cheek. "Oh that's strange. . . "she murmured
"What's the matter?" Carolyn asked, looking puzzled herself.
"I had the distinct impression," Madam Tibaldi said with wonder as she caressed the spot, "someone kissed me on the cheek."
Finally understanding, Carolyn smiled, "Perhaps someone did," and placed her own kiss on the same spot.
"Dear dear Mrs. Muir, you'll never know what you've done for me," she chirped as she headed out down the walkway. "Well I must be off to my many friends living and dead – happy spirits."
Closing the door, Carolyn was unsurprised to see the Captain standing beside her. "That was very sweet of you Captain." "Our secret Madam," he said raising a warning finger. "If the members of my Spectral fraternity ever heard that I've kissed a medium, they might really exorcise me!"
They looked up at the joyous shouts of the children, "You're back!" Candi said with a wide smile. "He never left Candi," Jonathan said with satisfaction. "Indeed," the Captain, kneeling down near the two of them, "it's true Jonathan, I would never leave this family. You have my word. Merely a ploy to distract that medium from meddling more in our lives."
"Never?" Carolyn said, unable to stop herself from saying it aloud, "You'll never leave?" Standing up, looking steadily into her eyes, the two couldn't help but be aware of the knowing smiles of the children, who stood close around them. "Never. My word on it," he said to her, his expression saying far more than the mere words he said aloud. The silence held for a bit between the two, as Jonathan and Candi giggled quietly but happily. "Well then, "Carolyn said unable to hide her blush, "so family, how about some time on the beach together?"
"Yay!" Jonathan shouted, pulling open the door, and with his sister and Scruffy lead the way to the gate and down to the beach. "Coming?" Carolyn said, turning to the Captain and holding out her hand. Without a word, he gently took her hand, and they continued together down the path. "Someday you know M'dear," he whispered to her, "we will need to tell them about . . ." he paused, brushing his hand across the side of her face, and placing a soft, loving kiss on her cheek. Eyes shining, she looked up and resting both hands on his shoulders, gave him a gentle kiss herself. "There's time Daniel, there's time."