Ghost Writer - Pandora Pine Page 0,90

over to the group of spirits. He took Geneva’s hands in his own. “You crossover, Geneva. Find Mirabella. Build a life together. Be happy.”

“I see her. She’s standing behind me in a pool of unbelievably bright white light.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “How is this possible?”

“Once you’ve finished hugging her, why don’t you ask? If I had to guess, I would say Mira has been waiting for you all these years.” Cope could see the spirit of the beautiful young woman brought to tears at seeing her lost love after a century apart.

Geneva gave him a brief hug, before turning and offering one to Jude as well. “My work here is done. If there is anything I can ever do for you, you have but to ask.” With those words Geneva turned to walk away. “Mira?” A giggle escaped her lips before she disappeared.

One by one, the spirits thanked Cope before taking their leave, until the only one left was Brooks Stanhope. “You promised to help, and you did. You saved us all. How do I ever thank you?”

Cope pulled Brooks in for a long hug. “Start by forgiving yourself. The rest will come in time. I promise.”

Brooks reached out to Jude. “Take care of him and your beautiful son. I’ll be watching over him. Over all of you.” With tears in his eyes, Brooks offered a wave and was gone.

Jude took over where Brooks left off. “I’m so proud of you. I know how angry you were at Father Musgrave. Knowing the kind of magick you’re capable of, I know how much restraint you exercised. I love you, babe. I couldn’t be more blessed than to have you in my life.” Jude wrapped his arms around Cope and hugged him tight.

Jude was right. Cope had used every ounce of his self-control to keep from destroying Father Musgrave and Marc Waller by extension. It was going to take a while to heal from this case, but with the love of his family, Cope would bounce back in no time. He had no choice really.

Wolf and Jude were counting on him.

EPILOGUE

Jude

Two weeks later…

“Happy Birthday, dear Aurora! Happy Birthday to you!” Everyone chorused.

The birthday girl, wearing a frilly pink dress and a paper crown, clapped her hands along with everyone before using them to dig into the equally frilly pink cupcake sitting on the tray of her highchair. “Ooooo!” She squealed when her frosting-covered fingers made it into her mouth.

Jude had been snapping pictures as they’d sung to Aurora. It was hard to believe his little cupcake had only been in their lives for a year. To him, it felt like Aurora had always been a part of their family.

The party was being held in Ten and Ronan’s backyard, the same place they’d held Cope’s party only a few weeks earlier. Ten and Ronan had the kids corralled at a separate table. Tennyson scooped ice cream, while Ronan handed out individual cupcakes. A separate table was filled to overflowing with presents for the birthday girl and her friends. Jude hadn’t been able to resist picking up little somethings for all of the little someones in his life. One present on the table, however, was for someone considerably older.

“I can’t believe how well everyone is behaving,” Cope said from behind Jude. Wolf was asleep against his shoulder.

“Well, you can thank me for that.” Jude turned on his million-watt smile.

“You?” Cope asked dubiously.

“Yes, me. Uncle of the Year.” Jude spread his arms up in front of him in an arc, as if he could see the words Uncle of the Year lit up in lights.

Cope snorted. “Oh my God, you bribed them, didn’t you? What the hell did you promise them, Jude? Please tell me it’s something you can deliver on. I’m not in the mood to duck and cover when the little ones discover you lied to them.”

Jude gasped, placing a dramatic hand over his heart. “How dare you, sir? I would never promise something I couldn’t deliver.” Jude pointed to the present table. “Do you see the identical green bags?”

“Yes, I see them. Who are they from?” Cope’s eyes moved back and forth between the present table and his husband.

“From me. Who else?” Jude pressed a kiss to his shocked husband’s cheek. “I remember how sad and disappointed all of the kids were at Everly’s first birthday. She got all the presents and all they got was a piece of cake. I figured I would start a new tradition. There’s a