A/N: As always thank you for your reviews and support for this little side endeavor; I loved writing this story so much and I'm glad some of you gave it a chance!

Chapter 12- Seeing is Believing

Jim noticed Johanna's quiet demeanor that evening but he hadn't commented on it; waiting instead to see if his wife would bring up whatever it was that was on her mind on her own without any prodding. He felt like she held back a good many of her thoughts; figuring they'd upset or anger him or Kate; that she had no right to whatever it was she was thinking…or any other reason his wife might come up with to hold back the words. He knew her well…he knew she could conjure up fifty different excuses in a matter of moments if she needed to…and he knew that he was to blame for some of that. He didn't always react well to things she did or said and his behavior sometimes left her doubtful of how to proceed if a similar situation came up.

He quietly exhaled a weighted breath as he watched her while she sat at her vanity, rubbing her strawberry scented lotion on her hands. He hoped the topic wasn't a tough one tonight; they always made it through those little bumps in the road when they came up but he'd like to avoid a new one for awhile; after all, they'd already discussed her need to indulge in a little bit of his legal work and they'd talked about how she still had occasional worries about his past issues with alcohol. He knew that conversation hadn't been easy for her to broach; the last time it had came up between them it had resulted in a bit of a fight. He was glad that things had gone differently this time around…of course that might be because he managed to keep calm and not take her words the wrong way.

Jim glanced away from his wife for a moment, not wanting her to pick up on the fact that he was staring at her. She'd clam up more if she thought he knew that something was bothering her…although why she thought she could hide it from him was beyond him. He quickly wracked his brain for any sign that he might've done something that had bothered her, or something that he might've said that upset her. He couldn't think of anything…but as every man learned early in life; even when you were sure you did nothing, a woman could tell you otherwise in fifty different ways. God, he hoped it wasn't him…and if it was him, hopefully it was a minor offense that could be solved by him asking forgiveness and handing over the standard apology rose the next day.

Finally, his wife slipped her rings back on her fingers and rose from the seat of her vanity and moved across the room toward their bed, slipping off her robe as she did so. His breath caught; she had been home for months but sometimes it still slammed into him and amazed him that she was really there, going through the same routines he'd watched her go through so many times before. He breathed deeply, he was still so thankful; and as she slipped into her spot next to him and turned to say something, he caught her lips in a kiss and silenced her words. "I love you," he murmured, his fingertips brushing along the line of her jaw.

"I love you too," Johanna said softly; allowing him to draw her back for another kiss.

The sudden reminder of how grateful he was to have her back made Jim forget his suspicion that something was on her mind and he continued to keep her lips occupied with kisses, his hands tugging her closer so that he could properly enfold her in his arms.

She sank into his embrace for a moment, allowing herself to forget the topic of ghosts for a few minutes until she felt him gently pushing her backwards to lay her down. She put a hand between them and softly pressed against his chest. "Not tonight," she murmured as his eyes met her.

Her husband smiled; a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Can't blame me for trying; can you?" he asked, his fingers rubbing against the soft material of her purple pajama top.

"No, I suppose not," she replied; a smile of her own sliding across her lips as he continued to toy with her shirt. "But it's still not going to happen tonight."

"I know when you mean it," he chuckled. "I wasn't going to try and persuade you."

Amusement lit up her eyes as she peeled his fingers away from her shirt. "Are you sure about that?"

"I just like the feel of the material," Jim replied. "It's soft, it feels silky but I know it's not silk…what is it?"

She shrugged. "I'm not sure; I just like it…that's why I got a few sets in different colors."

"Any excuse to shop will do," he quipped.

Johanna gave him an amused glare. "Comments like that make me glad I turned you down tonight."

"Past history shows that I usually only have to wait patiently for you to change your mind," he said with a grin as he reached for the remote.

She smiled but he saw her demeanor change a bit; that pensive look stealing across her features as she toyed with the emerald ring on her right hand. "What's on your mind tonight, Jo?" he asked

"Can we talk?" she asked; her tone quiet and unsure.

"Always, you know that," Jim replied; a small feeling of trepidation sliding down his spine. "What do you want to talk about?"

Johanna bit her lip; hesitation gnawing at her. "Ghosts," she finally murmured.

He gave a slight nod. "That seems to be a popular topic around here lately. What about them?"

She met his eye and held his gaze. "Do you promise not to have me committed if I tell you?"

Jim gave her an understanding smile. "Sweetheart; I promise. I'd never have you committed. What's going on?"

This felt so awkward to explain, she thought to herself. How did one go about explaining a host of ghostly encounters? "I saw a ghost," she said slowly.

"I've suspected that for awhile now," he replied.

She nodded in acknowledgment, her hand raking through her hair. "It's been more than once…she's kind of hung around."

"So it is a she as you've been alluding to all along?"

"Yes."

Jim shifted a bit to better see his wife's face. "Would her name be Sarah…like I've mentioned before?"

"Yes," she whispered. "The first time I saw her was when I took flowers to the cemetery for her and Grandpa. I thought I was losing my mind…or worse; but she assured me I wasn't…and I know that this all does sound crazy but I swear it's true."

"Jo; it's been obvious that there's a ghost in this house…it's not hard for me to believe that you saw her. I'm guessing that Sarah followed you home that day in a manner of speaking?"

"You could say that?"

"Do you talk to her?" he asked. "Or is she just hanging around without a word?"

She looked nervous as she made her confession. "I talk to her…."

"Does she answer?"

Johanna nodded. "Yeah; she definitely does that…she's got plenty to say."

"About what?" he asked.

She smiled a little. "Everything…in true grandmother fashion."

Although Jim had suspected all along that Johanna knew more than she claimed about their ghostly guest; it still felt a bit odd to hear her admit it. He believed her without a doubt; there was too much evidence not to…but it wasn't a conversation he had ever envisioned them having outside of the Balfour Hotel in Pennsylvania. "Why has Sarah made her presence known now?" he questioned.

"I believe it boils down to the fact that she feels like I needed her…she's been looking out for me since I was born. Sarah's talked to me about a lot of things; about everything she's been there for in my life; about Wyoming...things that are going on currently; you and Katie...me...a lot about me. She's told me about herself and about the family. We've talked about a lot of things...I'll tell you more about the depth of it some other time...it's so weird to talk about this. It feels oddly natural talking to her…I can almost forget that she's a ghost…but telling you, I feel like I sound crazy."

Jim shook his head. "No; you don't sound crazy…I think it's fascinating; you know I've always liked to watch those shows where people share their ghost experience."

"Yeah; but who would've thought we'd have one here in our own home?"

"It's alright; she's family…I believe you; I don't think you're crazy."

"Why not?" Johanna asked. "You'd think even a believer might have a tiny bit of skepticism."

He breathed deeply and decided maybe it was time to make his own confession. "Does your Sarah wear a green dress?"

She nodded as she eyed him with a hint of suspicion. "Yes; why?"

"Because I've seen her," he said quietly. "I told you I saw her in that dream…and I've seen her here once."

"Here?" she asked; trying to decipher if he meant the house in general or there in their room.

"Yeah; I saw her once…here in this room."

Johanna eyed him; searching for a tell that he was just messing with her mind because she was telling her own story but she found no evidence. He was telling the truth. "When was this?"

"That night you wanted to go out and I hesitated…I saw her then; she told me I had peas for brains," he said with a chuckle.

"That sounds like her," she admitted as she continued to eye him. "She wasn't the reason you changed your mind, is it?"

"No," he replied with a shake of his head. "But knowing that I've seen her too should reassure you that I think you're perfectly sane…and that if we've both seen the same ghost it's pretty good evidence that the experience was real and that neither one of us is crazy."

"That's true," Johanna said slowly as the comment sank in and seemed perfectly logical. "But I…."

"You what?"

"I've seen more than one ghost," she whispered. "I've seen more than just Sarah the last several days."

His brow rose. "There's more running around here?"

Johanna shook her head. "It's hard to explain…despite you believing it still sounds insane, but others have came…Sarah called them visitations. It's always been while I was here alone, one at a time, ever since Sarah came around."

Jim's fingers curled around hers, trying to give her some extra reassurance that he wasn't going to have her committed. "That would probably explain why you've been a little off at times for the last several days."

"You still believe me?"

"Why wouldn't I?" he asked. "If I can believe that we both saw one ghost; why not believe that you've seen others?"

"I don't know," she said with a shrug. "I guess it's just…awkward to talk about."

"What made you decide to tell me?"

"I don't really know," Johanna admitted. "I guess because we've already kind of talked about it; like you said, we can't deny that there's been a ghost hanging around…and I wanted to tell someone…and I always tell you my secrets; you're my best friend."

He squeezed her hand. "You're my best friend too."

She smiled and leaned closer to offer him a soft kiss. "I'm just glad you're not having me committed."

"Not a chance of that, sweetheart," he replied. "Who else has come for a visit besides Sarah?"

"My mother," she said softly. "Mama came…she was the first after Sarah."

Jim gave her a small smile. "I should've guessed that Naomi would come around. She'd never miss a chance to be with you. What was it like to see her?"

"It was good…and it was painful," Johanna murmured. "We talked, she lectured, we bickered…and saying goodbye to her for a second time ripped me apart inside."

"I don't doubt that," he said gently. "As for the rest; you and Naomi are known for your talks, lectures and occasional bickering…it must've been like old times."

She gave a short quiet laugh and then filled him in on some of the details of the conversation. "I wish she was here," she murmured tearfully once she was finished. "Seeing her like that, it only made me miss her more."

Jim pulled her into his arms. "I wish she was here too, sweetheart. But at least you know she's around; she's watching over you."

"I know," she whispered as she wiped her tears away. "It is a comfort to know that for sure…but still…."

He nodded. "I know. Who else surprised you?"

Johanna took a breath and then met his eye. "Your mother came."

"My mother!?" he exclaimed. "Elizabeth Beckett?"

She laughed a little. "Yeah; that's her."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive; I found it hard to believe that she popped in too…she was the last person I expected."

"I bet," he said with a laugh. "I'm kind of glad that she did though; now I know for sure she made it…up there…and you know…."

"Didn't go the other way?" Johanna asked in amusement.

He nodded; a grin playing on his lips as he squeezed his neck. "Yeah…let's face it; she did do some pretty despicable things at times; I did sometimes worry that she might've gone the other way."

"You can rest easy," she assured him. "She made it."

"That's good to know. What did you talk about…or fight about, if past history is any indication."

She brushed back a lock of hair. "We talked about how we liked fighting with each other…and she told me to quit saying that she's laughing at me because she's not. She told me I didn't break my promise to take care of you."

"I could've told you that," Jim said quietly; his fingertips rubbing against her hand. "You were taking care of me and Katie by going away; you were afraid for our safety."

"I know; but it doesn't make me feel any better," she replied. "But we also talked about past memories…it was a good talk actually."

"Why did she come though; you told me that Naomi came to give you advice…what did my mother come for?"

"To talk about you," she said softly.

"That's what I was afraid of," he muttered.

Johanna rubbed her hand against his arm. "You don't need to be…she told me to tell you that she loves you and she's proud of you."

He scoffed lightly. "How can she be proud of some of the things I've done? I don't think she'd be happy to know about how I spent five years trying to drown myself in alcohol."

She gave a soft shake of her head. "She understands, Jim. She's not ashamed of you; she's the one who encouraged me to talk to you about my worries…she told me you'd understand."

"I did…at least this time. I still feel badly about that time after we visited Bridget."

"I know," she murmured. "But you don't need to. We got through it…and maybe we needed to have a little fight to release some pressure."

"Maybe we did," he agreed.

"But don't go thinking that your mother is ashamed or disappointed; she's far from that. That's why she wants me to remind you that she loves you and she's proud of you. I have no doubt that she knows you feel she'd be disappointed…that's probably why she wanted me to pass along the message. She loves you so much."

"I love her too," he said quietly. "I miss her."

"Me too," Johanna said as she wrapped him in a hug. "I miss them all."

Jim sighed as he gave her a squeeze and then released her. "Anything else about that visit I should know?"

"No…."

He smiled in understanding as she trailed off. "It's alright if you want to keep some things to yourself."

"Thank you."

"It's not a problem…you are allowed to have some things just for yourself…just nothing majorly important; okay?"

"Okay," she agreed; her fingers gripping his for a moment.

"Did you see my father?" he asked; a somewhat hopeful note in his tone.

Her heart ached a little; wishing that she could say yes so that she could assure him that Robert was fine and at peace; better yet, she wished that if he could have a visitor himself that it could be his father. "No, honey; I didn't see him…but I was told that he's always with you; looking out for you just like always. He loves you and he's still proud of you."

Sarah had expressed the same sentiment to him when he had seen her that evening Johanna had wanted to go out, Jim recalled; but it felt better to hear confirmation of it coming from his wife's lips. "Anyone else from my family?" he inquired.

Johanna shook her head. "No; but I did see Grandma Sophia…she was the least stressful of my…special guests, I guess we'll call them."

Jim smiled. "She didn't do any lecturing in Italian?"

"No; she just told me that I needed to have more fun."

"Is that what brought about your spontaneous date night?"

"Yes," she admitted softly. "It doesn't change how you feel about it, does it?"

"No, sweetheart; nothing could make me change the way I feel about that night; it was wonderful; it was just what we needed," he said; an amused grin sliding across his lips. "I always enjoyed when Sophia gave advice; it usually implied that I should have my way with you…if memory serves; she gave that advice before we were even dating."

Johanna laughed. "True on both counts."

"Was that the only thing you talked about?"

"No; we talked a little about Colleen."

Jim's brow rose. "What about her?"

"That she's a brat…and Grandma tries to haunt her but she keeps brushing her off as indigestion."

He laughed. "Well she should send Sarah over there to throw a tantrum; Colleen couldn't miss that."

"I didn't think of that," Johanna replied. "That wouldn't be a bad idea."

"Can you imagine the look on her face?" he chuckled. "That would be priceless."

"It would be," she agreed. "I'd want a video of it…I'd post it online."

"Wouldn't the Westons love that?" Jim laughed.

"Oh yeah; that would be a moment of glory," she said with a grin. "It's too bad we can't arrange that."

"Can't you ask Sarah to do that?"

"Probably not."

"Have you seen Sarah a lot?" Jim asked; his curiosity getting the better of him.

"I've seen her a good bit…she pops in whenever she wants...and I've called for her a few times and she's appeared. We've talked a lot."

"Good talks?"

"Yeah; I think so."

"Have you gotten to touch any of them?" he asked; "Is it even possible…I mean I've heard of ghosts touching people, but…."

"Sometimes I could touch," she admitted. "I asked Sarah how it was possible and she said 'ours is not to question why'."

He gave a nod of understanding. "What does it feel like?"

Johanna frowned a little as she tried to think of the best words to describe the experience. "Sarah hugged me…a few times actually; she felt as real as you and I; but it was also a little odd; because there was no warmth to be felt…I could feel her love; just not the warmth; do you know what I mean?"

"Yeah; you didn't feel the warmth of her body; because there was no warmth to be had."

"Right…when it's happening it feels right and you just want to cling to the person; but when it's over, you think about how different it felt from what you remember. You're holding on tightly but it's like it's not enough; they feel real, and yet you can't hold on right, because they aren't entirely whole like you and I…this all seems weird and crazy…I'm probably explaining it badly."

"No," he said with a shake of his head. "I understand what you mean…it's like you're not hugging a whole person; because in reality, you're not. It's a spirit; and it's different."

"Yes," she said; a hint of relief in her tone that he understood what she was saying.

"Do you know they're coming before they get here? Is there a sign? I saw Sarah that one time but nothing stands out as being unusual beforehand."

"The room gets cold," Johanna told him. "The heat can be on and running and it'll still get so cold; sometimes the lights flicker too. Usually it's the coldness that tips me off. Sarah's been in the kitchen with us a few times…you might remember mentioning a chill in the air."

"You're right; I do…I asked you if the furnace was working."

She nodded. "It was…it was just that Sarah was there."

"What about the times when you don't see her but she's here making mischief? Are there signs beforehand then?"

"No; things only seem different when she appears."

"What all have you and Sarah discussed about our current situation? I know you said you'd go into more detail later but I can't help wondering."

Johanna explained some of what she and Sarah had discussed during their visits; although she did keep some things to herself as Jim said she could.

"So it can be said that Sarah came because she felt like you needed her; she wanted to let you know that you've never really been alone…and to give you a few little nudges to help you move on from all of this that were currently stuck in with the trial and media and all of that?" Jim said.

"Yes; I guess you could say that."

"And Naomi came to give you parenting advice…and the standard mom lectures that all mothers are good for?"

Johanna nodded. "Yes; she covered all those areas."

"And my mother came to encourage you to talk to me about your worries," Jim said.

"That's right…and to give me her version of maternal lecturing."

"I'm sorry to hear that," he remarked with a wry smile.

"Don't be; it was a relief…she was being a little too nice; it unnerved me."

Jim laughed. "I can understand how it would; all things considered. Sophia visited to encourage you to have more fun and to basically tell you that she's not happy with Colleen either."

"Yes."

"Has anything they've said or done made any difference in how you think or feel?" he asked.

"In some ways," she murmured. "I'm not really ready to take the 'let her go' approach with Katie that's been volleyed around by them all; but I did take Liz's advice and I talked to you about my worries even though it was hard for me to do that…especially after the last time. I took Sarah's advice…and her pointy finger in my back and asked you to let me help with your work."

"Her pointy finger?" her husband questioned.

"I told you she's been in the kitchen with us…when I'd shy away from the topic she'd poke me or flick me…she was there the whole time."

"Which is why she popped up in my dream that night, right?" Jim asked.

"Yes; and I wasn't too happy with her for that. I wanted you to make the decision on your own."

"She only did it because she loves you," he said quietly. "She wants what's best for you…and maybe I needed to hear what she said."

"In that case; I can forgive her for a little meddling," Johanna replied. "Of course I've found that it's hard to stay mad at her."

Jim smiled. "It must be a trait that you inherited from her…and Naomi."

"Maybe so," she smiled.

"So they all came to give you something they felt you needed," he said; as he put all the pieces together.

"Yeah…but there was one more visitor that hasn't been mentioned."

"Who?"

Johanna toyed with the emerald ring on her finger. "My father," she whispered.

"Frank?" he asked; a touch of surprise in his voice.

"Mhmm…it surprised me too…I really didn't think he'd come...I wasn't sure I even wanted him to come."

Jim's mind worked quickly; thinking back a day or two before. "Is that why you were watching our wedding video the other day? You said he was on your mind…was he on your mind because he had been here?"

"Yes," she confessed.

His hand found hers once again; offering comfort as he felt a hint of anguish rolling off of her. "Was he cruel to you?" he asked quietly. "Was it like old times?"

"There was a moment when he said something harsh," Johanna said softly. "But he apologized; and once that was out of the way; it went better."

"What was the reason for his visit?" Jim asked.

"I guess to make our peace," she answered.

Jim wasn't sure how to wade into those waters; talking about Frank had never been easy for her; and after he had died, it had only seemed harder for her. He knew she carried a lot of hurt and anger in regard to her father and he tried to always respect her feelings and not push her too much to discuss those feelings if she didn't want to…but this experience that she had; his curiosity wouldn't allow him to ignore; because a part of him wished he could have the chance to see his own father; even if it was only for a few minutes. He just had to know…he had to know if anything had been eased inside her heart in regard to Frank. "How did that go?" he asked. "Did he go into more detail about his reasons for his behavior? Did you get to ask your questions?"

"Yeah; I got to ask some questions."

"Did you get answers…or at least something close to them?"

She nodded. "Yes; I feel like I did…but you know; it didn't really make it feel better. I felt a little worse."

"Why, sweetheart?"

"Because he was different than I'm used to," she said softly. "He was like he was with his grandchildren…gentle, kinder…telling me about fond memories he has of my childhood; the reason why he picked the song we danced to at our wedding. It was strange…and it hurt to know that he could be that way and that I rarely got to have that side of him. It didn't have to be the way it was…but it can't be changed. It hurts…and maybe I can't really explain exactly how it felt."

"I think I get it," Jim said as he pulled her in for another hug. "It hurt because you didn't get that side of him when he was living…and on the other hand, it was probably nice to talk to him that way; wasn't it? You didn't have to worry much about what was said?"

Johanna nodded as she clung to her husband. "It was nice…that's what made it hurt so much."

"I'm sorry," he murmured.

"It's not your fault," she whispered. "You're the one who's always loved me the way I needed to be loved."

"And I always will," Jim assured her as he held her tighter. "I know things get hard sometimes; but you don't ever have to worry; I'm always going to love you no matter what."

"I love you too; no matter what."

"Do you feel like you've made your peace with Frank now?" he asked after kissing her and releasing her from his embrace.

"I think so," she admitted. "He asked me to try and remember the good memories between us more than the bad so I've been trying to do that…and a few I had forgotten about have come back to me."

"Good; I want you to have good memories of him to think of instead of always thinking of the bad ones. Did he give you any other advice? Anything else you want to share about it?"

Johanna went a little deeper in detail about her father's visit; satisfying his curiosity without hesitation now that she felt completely comfortable to do so. "He was my last visitor," she said when she had finished.

"Who do you think will be next?" he asked.

"No one…Sarah said he was the last visitor."

"It's over?"

She nodded. "That's what she said…they were just coming to give me what they thought I needed."

"What about Sarah?" Jim asked. "Will you still see her? Will she be mad that you told me?"

Johanna shook her head. "No; she said I could tell you…but I won't be seeing her anymore…at least not for awhile. She said she might pop in some time down the road though."

He frowned a little; he had already kind of gotten used to the spirit's mischievous presence. "She's gone? No more temper tantrums? No more phones playing music randomly?"

"Oh she said she'll still be around," she replied. "I don't rule out the occasional mischief from her that will let us know she's here."

He smiled a little. "I have to admit; I'm kind of glad to hear that…it would seem weird now for her not to make herself known once in awhile."

Johanna smiled. "You don't mind if Sarah hangs around?"

"No; not at all; she's harmless…or at least mostly."

"What do you mean mostly?"

"She does have a bad temper," Jim replied; a grin tugging at his lips. "I'd say it equals yours and I know that can be dangerous."

Johanna smirked at him as she swatted his shoulder. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I'm pretty sure you do," he chuckled. "I always thought you got that temper from Frank but I think we might have to back it up a generation and blame it on Sarah."

"I may have mentioned that to her in a roundabout way," Johanna replied as she and Jim settled in for the night.

"What do you think of her?" Jim asked once Johanna was comfy in her spot and had turned to face him.

"Of Sarah?"

"Yes."

"I wish I could've known her the way I knew Grandma Sophia because that would've been wonderful. I love Sarah; she would've been so great as a full-time grandmother. She's warm, witty and feisty…she's so much more than I imagined and so very loving. She reminds me of Mom in a lot of ways; the patience, the understanding, the temper when needed…softness when the moment calls for it. They would've gotten along well. It's actually kind of funny to think that Mom and Sarah seem similar in some ways; you'd think Dad would've married a woman who didn't have any of the qualities that his mother did."

'Well, you know what they say; boys marry girls that remind them of their mothers."

Johanna thought about that for a moment. "That can't be true…I know Katie and Rick aren't married but it's eventually going to go there and she's nothing like Martha."

Jim nodded. "That's true; she's an exception."

A thought dawned on her then and she eyed her husband seriously. "And I damn sure know I'm not like Elizabeth Beckett!"

"That's also true; you don't remind me of my mother at all…except for that one thing."

Her eyes widened. "What thing?"

"When you call me James Robert," he laughed.

"I am nothing like your mother," she repeated. "You just wipe that thought out of your brain."

"You're nothing like her, sweetheart," he chuckled. "You're an exception to the rule."

"I'm not even in the same class as the rule," she remarked.

"Right; we've totally proved that theory wrong about boys marrying girls that remind them of their mother."

She nodded. "I'm glad you see it that way; this night could've taken an ugly turn."

He leaned closer and kissed her goodnight before pulling her close to him. "We wouldn't want this night to take a bad turn; but are you alright?"

"Yes; why wouldn't I be?"

"Well…you know; with these certain special visits you've been having. Are you alright emotionally?"

"Yeah; I think so…it was difficult in some ways; but in other ways I feel like it might've helped me in some areas."

Jim gave a nod; letting her know that he believed her. "If you need to talk about it again; we can…and I mean that about everything; just in case you've forgotten."

A small smile touched Johanna's lips. "I know…but do me a favor; don't tell Katie that I've seen ghosts; she'll have me committed."

"She can't have you committed without my consent and she'd never get it, sweetheart."

"Yes; but remember; you saw Sarah too…she might put both of us away."

"Good point," Jim conceded. "Katie must never know."

"Never," she agreed. "You know how she is…she's a skeptic like your mother."

"Guess my mother isn't a skeptic now though," he quipped wryly.

"That's true…and you better hope she doesn't haunt you for being a smartass."

"She can't," Jim replied. "We're a one ghost household and Sarah has already staked a claim."

"You really don't have a problem believing all of this?" Johanna asked.

"No; I've always believed; you know that. I've seen the evidence; I know you're telling the truth. I know she's around. It'll be our little secret."

She smiled and gave him another kiss goodnight. "I love you, Jim."

"I love you too," he said as he shifted to turn out the light and then returned to her side; tucking her close to him once more. "Try and get some sleep."

"Goodnight," Johanna murmured as she settled against him; the weight on her shoulders eased once more.

Jim's phone began to play music and he laughed quietly. "Goodnight, Sarah," he said into the darkness before silencing his phone.

"See, she's still here," his wife said quietly; her tone telling him that there was a smile on her lips even though he couldn't see it at the moment.

Before he could answer; her phone began to play music as well, making her flinch as Jim laughed. "I think she's waiting on you to acknowledge her before you go to sleep."

Johanna moved away from her husband long enough to silence her phone and then she settled back into place. "Goodnight, Sarah," she said softly. "Feel free to visit anytime the mood strikes…you can feel at home here; you're among family…you are loved."

A burst of warmth filled the room; the lights flickering on and off quickly; and Jim was sure that he heard a soft voice whisper "I love you too, my Josie."

"She loves you too," he murmured to his wife.

"I know, I heard her too," Johanna whispered; sleepiness beginning to pull at her. "She'll go on her way now; but she'll be back…and I'm glad for it. I was afraid at first, but now I'm not; it feels like a special gift and I cherish it."

"As you should," her husband said quietly; his hand rubbing against her arm soothingly. The motion and his warmth were lulling her and she gave into sleep without a fight; she had a feeling Sarah would be waiting to chat somewhere in her dreams.