Two years later
“There you are?” Katherine greeted Faith and Shawn as they entered the foundation office. “And I see you brought Elliot.” She cooed to the happy little bundle nestled tightly against Faith.
“Hence, why we are late. His Mommy and Daddy were called into work.” Faith explained. “Not that Aunty Faith is complaining.”
“He’s getting so big. I know my Aunty will be happy to see him. Shall we?” She opened the doors and escorted them towards the private elevator. “I saw your last documentary. Very impressive.”
“Thank you,” Faith accepted the compliment.
“Do you miss, working in the paranormal?”
“Not really,” Faith confessed. “Although the experience did introduce me to events and stories that I had been unaware of. After everything that happened on the island, I needed to do something else. My partner, Marcel, suggested that we turn our investigative skills towards telling those stories. We just skip over the paranormal aspect.”
“That doesn’t bother you?” She addressed Shawn who smiled.
“No, in fact I’ve been working more with Faith and Marcel than I have with ghosts. I can’t get away from it still it’s nice not having it as a full time job.” She explained as they stepped onto the elevator. “Plus, married life keeps me on my toes.”
“Thank you?” Faith snorted with delight.
“To be honest if your Aunt Ella hadn’t slipped me that ring that day on the island, I don’t know if I would have worked up the courage to propose.”
“It is quite the bobble,” Katherine agreed.
“How is she?” She questioned truly concerned. “The last time I saw her she seemed a little tired.”
“The past couple of years she’s been great as you know,” Katherine explained as they exited the elevator. “Retiring after putting everything to do with the island to rest was the best thing for her. Once the institute was up and running, she was off going from one adventure to the next. The past couple of months, though she hasn’t been quite herself. After my grandfather passed, she seemed to slow down a little.”
Shawn had seen Ella slowing down since Daniel’s passing. She was forced to remind herself that Ella was ninety five. Since the events on the island, they had formed a friendship. Shawn still couldn’t believe that Ella had given her the large engagement ring that day. It wasn’t until she had returned home and opened the package did she realize what she had been given.
After a long debate with Ella, she did what she had been wanting to do for years, she asked Faith to marry her. It was a small affair, which Ella happily attended. It was also the happiest day in Shawn’s life. Little Elliot being born ran a close second.
The only dark spot in their lives was their tiny apartment didn’t quite feel like a home any longer. Not since Willie crossed over. Money was tighter than it had been when Shawn was working nonstop and they were considering selling the apartment. However finding another place that was affordable in the city was next to impossible.
“There they are,” Ella beamed as they joined her in the sitting room. Temperance dutifully stood behind her. It sadden Shawn to see how frail Ella looked sitting there covered with a blanket. “You brought, Elliot? Bring that little stinker over here. Oh, he smells.” She handed him back to Faith. “You can use my room.”
Shawn handed Faith the diaper bag and happily allowed her to take their nephew into the other room. “That’s new.” She nodded towards the ornate vase on the mantle. She was surprised to see that the urn that held Temperance’s ashes had been replaced.
“I had it made recently. It is for the both of us. When I go my ashes will be with hers. It’s only right.”
“Yes. It is. How are you feeling?”
“Dog tired,” Ella chuckled. “You know that ring looks good on your wife’s finger.”
“I still can’t believe you gave that to us.”
“When I received it I misunderstood the meaning. You told me that you experienced the same thing when Faith gave you that bracelet.”
“That’s true.” Shawn confessed looking down at her wrist.
“I’ll get that,” Katherine announced when there was a knock on the front door.
“I can feel her every day.” Ella prattled on. “Ever since you sent us down to the dock that day. I felt her holding my hand. At night I can feel her nestled beside me. Sometimes I think I can hear her.”
“You probably can. She hasn’t left your side.”
“Love conquers fear. Isn’t that what you said?”
“Faith said it, but it holds true.”
“All clean,” Faith announced carrying Elliot back into the room. “My apologies I left his dirty nappy in your washroom. Hello?” She addressed the man who entered along with Katherine.
“This is Howard Stillwell, my attorney.”
“Okay?”
“One of the things, Tempe taught me was to getting things done before you pass. Like the Marina. I don’t know if she knew her time was limited or it was just her practical nature but signing the docks and boats over to the Davis family was a very wise choice. It illuminated any questions. I’ve spent the past few years pretty much doing the same. Now, that the island is once again a peaceful place and the institute is doing incredibly well I have very few matters to attend to. Also, Gwen and Katherine have finally taken the reins leaving me to enjoy the past couple of years without having to sit through those godawful board meetings.”
“It sounds like you finally have things the way you want them,” Shawn offered confused as to why Mr. Stillwell had opened his briefcase and began to spread papers out.
“Except this building.”
“The members of the family who would like to take control of it, are only interested in gutting it.” Katherine explained. “The rest of us don’t wish to move into Aunties’ home.”
“I want the two of you to take it.” Ella bluntly informed them. “There is a realty agent that handles renting the units and collecting the rents. There would be very little for you to do.”
“What did she just say?” Faith questioned having missed part of Ella’s words.
“She wants to give us this building?” Shawn sputtered.
“Wait. What? No.” Faith argued.
“There’s Daniel’s apartment of course. I think your sister and her husband would be very comfortable there. Elliot would certainly enjoy it. Wouldn’t you?”
“Ella, this is all very generous however,” Shawn tried to argue not missing the cocky smirk Temperance was sporting.
“There are some conditions,” Ella forged on completely ignoring Shawn’s objections. “The rent for the foundation stays the same. Which is five dollars a month. Also, our ashes stay on the mantle. A little something to remember me by.”
“Because your penthouse wouldn’t do that?” Faith sputtered.
“I think the two of you would be very happy here.”
“Who wouldn’t?” Faith was flummoxed. “It’s a penthouse with a view of Central Park.”
“Tell me the truth, making documentaries isn’t the most profitable career choice is it?”
“No.”
“But, you’re happy and so is Shawn now that she isn’t jumping from one hot spot to the next. You certainly look healthier than when we first met. The money from the rents plus living up here for free would certainly grant you a comfortable life. I want to give that to you. I’m not in the mood to argue about this. To be blunt I don’t have a lot of time.”
“Weeks,” Katherine tearfully whispered. “Please sign the papers. We can trust the two of you to respect this building. To respect my Aunt’s legacy.”
“All you have to do is sign,” Mr. Stillwater finally offered holding up a pen. “Miss Westbrook has already set aside money to cover the inheritance taxes and other bills that come along with the property.”
Before they could object any further Ella was already signing the papers. “Your turn.” She held up the pen. “Tell me the
truth would you ever sell it?”
“No.”
“Gut it until it looked like some monstrosity?”
“Of course not.”
“Then sign and after I’m gone you can move in. Most of the furnishing have been promised to various museums. The rest is yours to do with as you please. Mr. Stillwell can help you put your condo on the market. He’ll ensure you get top dollar.”
‘Please?’ Temperance pleaded.
It still took over an hour for the two of them to agree. They signed the papers and tried to put it out of the minds. It didn’t seem real until they were moving in just two months later. Giving Carey and Rishi Daniel’s old apartment felt good. Still there was an awkwardness to moving into Ella’s home.
“Feels strange,” Faith announced as the stood in the empty penthouse.
“I know.” Shawn agreed.
‘You’ll get over it.’
“Oh, my God they’re still here.” Shawn laughed.
“Oddly enough that makes me feel better.”
“Me too. Shall we start making this our home?” She purred.
“Ours? We never really had that. The old place was always your place.” Faith explained as she took Shawn by the hand. “I think we need to visit the solarium and start making memories.”
“Whatever you wish, my darling.”
The End.
About the author
Boston native Mavis Applewater started writing at the request of a very wise woman; she claims that is why she married her. She is the author of seven full length novels, The Brass Ring, My Sisters Keeper, Tempus Fugit, Goldie Winner Whispering Pines, Finding My Way, The Plaza and Checkmate the second Caitlin Calloway Mystery. She has also penned four collections of shorts stories including Home for The Holidays Goldie Finalist for best Erotica. She is looking forward to the release of Playland the first Harper Winston thriller. Want to know more visit her website www.yomavis.com
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON PRESS
Finding My Way
Award winning author Mavis Applewater presents a classic romance about coming out and learning that life doesn't always go as planned. Dr. Stephanie Grant has planned out every detail of her life. Accepting a teaching position at Prower University was all part of that plan. Until the day she meets Alex Kendell and suddenly she finds her life spinning out of control leaving her wondering if she was ever happy.
ISBN: 13: 978-0692452691
10: 069245699
The Brass Ring/Revised Second Edition
Mavis Applewater's debut novel The Brass Ring is back. In the first Caitlin Calloway Mystery, med student Jamie Jameson meets a sexy policewoman Caitlin Calloway who turns her world upside down. The trouble begins when the relationship falls apart. Twelve years later the two are reunited. Haunted by the past and a danger that neither could have imagined they fight to find the love the have lost while fighting to stay alive. Before there was Checkmate there was The Brass Ring!
ISBN: 13: 978-1508717034
10: 1508717036
Checkmate
At long last, the sequel to Mavis's perennial favorite:" The Brass Ring". Detective Caitlin Calloway had busted her tail gathering evidence in a rash of killings. Just as she figured out the clues, the killer surprised her in the police parking garage, knocked her out, and drove
away with her in her own car. Now she was digging her own grave, with no certainty that anyone even knew she was kidnapped.
ISBN: 13: 978-1505489798
10: 1505489792
Home for the Holidays
Teresa is looking forward to the holiday weekend until her mother asks for a simple favor. Could she drive someone home for the holiday? A simple request except the person she is being asked to drive is her ex-lover Lindsey. Follow Teresa and Lindsay through a series of holiday romps in this 2007 Goldie Finalist for Best Erotica.
ISBN: 13: 978-1505554977
10: 1505554977
The Price I Paid
Imagine waking up and not remembering the past year of your life. Then imagine you've remembered falling in love with a vampire who has mysteriously vanished from your life. Samantha searches for her truth while looking and hoping her true love, Khristina, returns to her.
Following this novella read the included bonus story "The Wake of Night" which tells of the Belcourt clan long before Khristina meets Samantha.
This novella is only available in eBook format.
MY SISTER’S KEEPER REVISED/SECOND EDITION
Nothing is ever easy for policewoman Jenny Jacobs. She just wants to be in love. Sound simple? Well, there's a catch. She wants to be deeply in love with someone who is also deeply in love with her. Jenny must face the past and the present when she discovers her lover's infidelity and her first love walks back into her life. Her life becomes even more complicated when old feelings surface for her first love—the woman who broke her heart as a teenager, then entered the church and became "Sister Rachel". In her third published book, Mavis Applewater brings to the printed page a perfect combination of heat and romance, with just the right amount of adventure.
ISBN: 13: 978-1505912463
10: 15059912466
Tempus Fugit
Buchanan High School senior Ellen Druette has a secure spot on the Varsity cheerleading squad, a first-string football player boyfriend, and a solid plan for her life. Then the Swenson twins sweep into town in their matching Chevy Bel Air convertibles. Tall, blonde, and gorgeous, the twins are quickly accepted into the cheerleading squad, and Ellen’s plan begins to unravel. Though Laurie Swenson makes the first move on her, it’s Ginny who captures her heart. But malicious forces are at work in the Swenson family, and Ginny, their scapegoat, is convicted of crimes she didn’t commit and sent to prison. Determined to prove her lover’s innocence, Ellen investigates the case even as she completes her pre-law studies and enters law school. By the time Ginny is released from prison, she and Ellen have grown apart. They’re still attracted to one another, but neither is confident of the other’s feelings. Are they really in love, or are they just very good friends? Against the turbulent, psychedelic backdrop of the Sixties, Ellen and Ginny drift in and out of each other’s lives as they strive for the courage to reveal their hearts.
ISBN: 13: 978-1505299885
10: 1505299885
WHISPERING PINES
Welcome to Whispering Pines, built in 1907 by sea Captain Horatio Stratton. On the morning of October 31st, 1916, the servants arrived early to discover Captain Stratton alone in the house, sitting calmly in the study smoking his pipe. His wife and sister were missing and what the maid found in the kitchen sent her screaming from the house never to return. Almost one hundred years later paranormal investigator Shawn Williams willingly agrees to spend a night in the mysterious manor. She finds the stories about Whispering Pines intriguing, almost as intriguing as her companion for the evening. Faith Charles former reporter turned professional skeptic, isn’t thrilled by the thought of spending the night in a house where strange things have already begun to happen. Then again for a chance to spend a night with Shawn, Faith might be willing to endure anything. Shawn and Faith begin their adventure together and possibly finding love along the way. The only thing standing in their way is the mystery of Whispering Pines. Goldie Winner for Paranormal Romance.
ISBN: 13: 978-1506194172
10: 1506194176
That Thursday Afternoon
Wednesday Afternoon Press presents, Mavis Applewater’s collection of erotic short stories.
The first in the series is “That Thursday Afternoon”. Taken from the popular “That Wednesday Afternoon” series. “That Thursday Afternoon” is the sweet sensual novella of a young woman enduring life as an outsider at an uptight Catholic school nestled in a small town. Her quiet life is shaken one Thursday afternoon when a chance encounter turns to love. Award winning author Mavis Applewater, brings her popular series back with these revised versions of “That Thursday Afternoon”, “Second Chances” an
d the final story in the series “Memory Lane”.
This novella is only available in EBook format.
Everlasting
This trilogy tells the story of a brave Knight who is true of heart. Sir Rowan was promised the hand of the princess. There is one problem, Rowan is not the man everyone thinks she is. Princess Alithea her future bride is everything she could ever wish for. She would be happy if not for the fear of what her wedding night would bring. Once her secret is revealed, will she end up banished to the castle dungeon or will she find love?
This novella is only available in EBook format.
The Plaza
It is 1938 and Patience Styles has been banished from her home in England. Patience has caused a scandal that the family just will not accept, she was caught in a compromising position with another woman. Upon arriving in Boston, she and her husband prepare to start a new life. Things get off to a rocky start thanks to her husband’s drunken shenanigans. They are in need of a new governess for their two young sons. Enter Bonnie Greyson who despite her lack of qualifications takes on the job. Bonnie is everything Patience could hope for, bright, cheerful and gorgeous. The temptation of this attractive young woman quickly proves to be a challenge. Patience knows if she gets caught again, her loving in-laws will do whatever they can to take her sons away from her. Things heat up when Patience discovers that she isn’t the only one fighting temptation. Life at the Plaza turns from a punishment to romance.
ISBN 13: 978-153015580
10: 1530155800
www.yomavis.com
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