Epilogue
Cameron watched as yet another pair of his spirit guides were hidden by white light as they transitioned beyond him. He’d accepted early on when he’d first asked to help Holly that he’d remain behind until she crossed over.
All he wanted was for her to be happy. That would make him happy.
Malcolm’s information about his own death had him pondering his next step. He only had one morechance to help Holly, but he shuddered to think of the risk. Even so, he’d do whatever was required of him.
When he’d been told he had to use Malcolm and whoever the man chose as a partner, he’d known it would be rough on Holly, yet she seemed in relatively good spirits. And he’d garnered a lot more information from his spirit guides than he thought he was supposed to. It may just be the edgehe needed.
Now, for the first time, he could go to Holly with a clear conscience. When she’d first told him Malcolm’s predictions for his death, he wasn’t sure if he should believe her because Malcolm was known for exaggerating facts to get the living to change their behavior.
After hearing Malcolm talk about his similar guilt and reiterate what he said, Cameron was much more confident in wherehe stood. He walked to the standing stone Joy and Malcolm had been sitting against and slapped it in celebration. The vibration he felt had him placing his hand against it again. No wonder Malcolm had figured it all out. He’d had a direct line to the timeline.
Taking his hand away, Cameron phased and flew upward. The entire valley would disappear into the ether, but he was sure where Joy andMalcolm now were, was far better. Setting his sights on half-past eleven in Deervale, Scotland, Christmas Eve, he sped for Holly’s house.
As he hovered above the roof of what had once beentheirhome, he couldn’t help thinking that it simply wasn’t anymore. It washers,and she needed to see that as well. Floating down through the ceiling, he found only Mac in the living room. He glanced at theclock to see he was right on time.
Was Holly still at Brody’s? Did that mean she was having a good time? Even as his chest filled with hope, his disappointment caught him off guard.
Shit, it appeared Holly wasn’t the only one having a hard time letting go. He should be hoping that Holly didn’t get home before midnight, but instead he found himself watching the clock.
And Mac was watching him…intently.He floated over to the gray beast and stared in to its golden eyes. “Are you taking care of Holly for me?” He scratched the cat under the chin. “I’m counting on you to keep her company. Make her feel loved. Keep her safe. All the things I did. It’s all on your shoulders, so it’s worth your while to help me show her she can move on.”
The cat began to purr and the next thing he knew he was strokingthe furry critter’s back and tail. He’d rather be stroking Holly, but that couldn’t happen.
She was as beautiful inside as outside. How would he ever let her go? Coco had said they were soulmates. That had to mean they would remain connected somehow. “Ouch.”
He pulled his hand away from the cat. “You bit me. Since when do you bite people?”
The doorknob turning on the front door had him forgettingthe cat. Holly walked in wearing a forest-green sweater with white snowflakes and a green corduroy flare skirt. Her hair was pulled back by a white headband with green snowflakes, and she carried a paper sack.
Setting the bag on the floor, she dropped her keys on the table at the side door and noticed him in the mirror. “Cam!” She spun around. “You’re here already.” She looked past him. “Oh,no! Brody’s clock must be slow. I thought I still had another five minutes.”
“It’s okay, love. Do what you need to do.”
“I don’t need to do anything.” She walked over to where he stood near his old chair. “It’s weird. I feel like I should be able to kiss you hello.”
He floated closer to the tree, away from her, not wanting her to keep thinking that way. “How was the party?”
She came to standnear him. “It was nice. Sarah confided in me that she and Brody are going to try for a baby. I didn’t say a word about what was in store for them.”
“That’s my girl.”
She took a deep breath. “Ethan was there.”
“And did you talk to him like the old friend he is?” Cameron’s gut tightened.
“I tried. It’s a little hard because I’ve been avoiding him and I know how he feels about me, but…”
“Butwhat, hen. You can tell me.” He barely kept from reaching for her to pull her close, which would only frustrate him more, since he couldn’t. Luckily, the cat jumped down and started rubbing against his legs, distracting him.
“I finally accepted his invitation to Christmas dinner tomorrow. It will be at his parents’ home here in town, so that should keep it at a nice friendship level.”
“I’m proudof you. I know it’s not easy, but I think the more time you spend with people you really care about, the easier it will be.” He stepped away from Mac, who started to paw at his bare knee.
“Wait a minute.” She ran back to the bag and pulled out a box. “Look what I got in the gift exchange. It’s a music box and you’ll never believe what it plays.”
He smiled, thrilled to see her feeling happy aboutsomething.
