“Hush,” she whispered back.
Gaia tipped her head and studied her. “I accept your offer. Misty can train you.”
“But I never offered,” Gabriella said.
“You would have. If for no other reason than to help your daughter-in-law.”
Antonio laughed. “She’s got you pegged, dear.”
Gabriella turned to Misty. “Doyouthink I can do it?”
“I can’t think of anyone better suited to the job,” Misty answered. She smiled for the first time since Gaia appeared. Then Misty’s gaze dropped to the ground. “Would I have to give up my muse powers and the cure for MS you gave me as a reward for taking the job?”
“Not if we can find another way for you to help me.”
“And would I become a minor goddess?” Gabriella asked.
“Of course. That’s what a muse is.”
“Then I accept!” Gabriella hugged Misty. “How wonderful to be able to visit my children wherever they are, whenever I like!”
Several groans were heard around the table.
Hands on her hips, Gabriella scowled at the group of them. “I won’t just pop in unannounced! I know you have love lives.”
Group giggles and titters helped ease the tension.
“Can she try it for a while, then the two of you talk about how it’s going?” Antonio asked. “That’s what I did as a captain with my FOPs.”
“Fops?” Gaia raised her unplucked eyebrows.
“It stands forfirefighter on probation. All firefighters go through a trial period.”
Gaia tried to hide her amusement. “I guess she’ll have to be a GOP. Goddess on probation.”
More laughter resounded around the table. Aaron and Gaia exchanged a secret smile.
“Would you care to join us?” Gabriella offered. “We have plenty.”
“Thank you, but I can’t stay. I have an avalanche to prevent.”
“Oh! By all means. Another time then.”
Mother Nature nodded once and disappeared.
Chapter 5
“Thank you for coming,” Aaron said as he met Gaia in a deserted area of the island.
“Of course I came. You called me. So what do you want me for?”
Aaron smiled. “I know you’re a pretty busy woman…or should I say you’re a pretty woman who is busy. That’s the way I see you.”
Mother Nature’s posture relaxed, and a glowing blush colored her cheeks.
“Anyway, I was hoping to talk to you, because we didn’t get a chance to discuss our accidental meeting yesterday at the Fierros’ household.”
“Yes. I was surprised to see you. But not displeased. I ran a quick energy scan and found that everyone was either supernatural or knew about the paranormal world.”
