Love Everlastin' Book 3

by Mickee Madden

  * * *

  Beth had just placed her sleeping daughter next to her son in the antique crib when Laura entered the nursery. Turning, Beth met the woman's tear-filled gaze and felt her own eyes misting. She walked to where Laura stood just inside the threshold. Folding her arms beneath her milk-laden breasts, she heaved a hitching sigh.

  "Aggie told you?" she asked Laura, who nodded.

  Laura's chin quivered as she struggled to hold back the extent of her despondency. "I don't want her to leave, Beth."

  "Neither do I." A tear escaped down Beth's pale cheek. "How's Roan taking it?"

  "Not too good. He-umm...well, he was cranky before Aggie's announcement."

  "Because of—"

  "No, Beth. His mood has nothing to do with your return." Laura released a watery sigh. "I think he's peeved because I've spent so much time here in the nursery."

  Beth glanced back at the crib and smiled wanly, then searched Laura's gaunt features. "You've been a godsend, but you are neglecting him."

  "I know, but it's hard to resist spending time with the babies. I'll make it up to Roan."

  Beth was about to say something when Laura broke down in silent tears. Without hesitation, Beth drew her into her arms. "As much as we want Aggie to stay, we have to think about her happiness."

  "I know," Laura sobbed.

  Beth drew back and wiped away Laura's tears with her thumbs. "Do the boys know?"

  Laura nodded. "They're in Kahl's room and refuse to talk to me or Roan. They're angry with Aggie. You know how Kevin can be. He was pretty harsh with her."

  Beth glanced back at the crib then looked at Laura. "I'll try to talk to them, okay?"

  "It might help. Has-um, Lachlan been to see you yet?"

  "No, and I'm getting beyond hurt and angry."

  A tremulous grin broke through Laura's sorrow. "Men."

  "Why don't you spend some time with Aggie and Roan. The babies will sleep for a couple of hours, and I'll see if I can get through to the boys."

  "I'll bring you up some lunch in a little while."

  "Actually, I think I'll bring the babies downstairs. I'm getting stir crazy up here."

  A genuine smile graced Laura's face. "Beth, I'm so glad you're back. We never had the time to really get to be friends. It's nice having a female my age around."

  "If you see Lachlan...."

  "I'll talk to him," Laura assured.

  "I was going to suggest you give him a kick in the bahookie," Beth said wryly.

  "That could be arranged." Laura turned and left the room.

  Beth checked on the babies before heading down the hall to Kahl's room. She knocked on the door and didn't wait for a response before entering the room. The brothers were sitting on the large bed. Three pairs of eyes solemnly watched her approach. Kevin’s gaze possessed an edge of resentment at her intrusion, but she ignored it.

  Sitting at the foot of the bed, she sadly regarded them, then stated, "Change is seldom pleasant, but we have to respect Aggie's wishes."

  "Why?" Kahl asked bitterly. "Why should we care what she wants? She's always saying she loves us, but she wants to go now."

  "Everybody leaves us," Kevin said, a quaver in his tone.

  "Beth and Lannie came back," said Alby softly, his somber blue eyes brimming with tears. He flung himself into Beth's open arms and buried his face in her shoulder.

  Beth lovingly smoothed a hand over the back of his head.

  "We all love you," she choked, her gaze searching each boy's face. "Don't ever think that will change. But sometimes we can't help what happens...what changes come into our lives. We just have to make the most of what we have."

  "This a pep talk?" Kevin asked sarcastically.

  Alby scowled at his brother. "Leave her alone."

  "Shut up, twerp."

  "Enough," Beth chided the oldest brother, and he sulkily lowered his gaze to his crossed legs.

  "You got your own brats to worry about," said Kahl softly. "Don't worry about us. We're used to taking care of ourselves."

  Beth allowed a moment to pass in silence, then, "The twins are fortunate to have you three."

  Alby looked up into Beth's face. "Yeah?"

  "Of course," Beth chuckled, and kissed him on the brow. "In a way, you'll be their cousins. Their big cousins, and I know they're going to rely on all three of you to teach them all the things kids need to know."

  "Like what?" Kevin asked suspiciously.

  "Well, like how to play safely. How to rely on one another when the adults seem too busy to pay attention." She lovingly smiled at them collectively. "I don't think I've ever told you boys how much I admire your courage and your street smarts."

  She was pleased to see the boys' moods were perking up. "Last Christmas was a scary time, but you were all so brave. You've proven you can accept change and roll with the punches. Better than most. Boys, I couldn't be prouder of you. I couldn't—" Her voice cracked and her eyes teared. "—love you more if you were my own children."

  Suddenly, Beth was besieged with hugs. When finally the boys sat back on the bed, Alby joining his brothers, wet cheeks were brusquely dried with hands.

  "Aunt Beth?"

  "What Kevin?"

  "Is Aggie really leaving 'cause we've been bad so much?"

  Beth released a chortle. "No, hon. Whatever gave you that idea?"

  He shrugged. "'Cause we have been bad, sometimes. We make her spend her energy too fast."

  "Aggie adores you three. She stayed this long because of you."

  "Then why is she leaving?" Alby sobbed.

  "She didn't tell you?"

  All three shook their heads, then Kevin shamefacedly said, "She tried to explain, but I wouldn't let her. I didn't mean to be so mean to her."

  "I'm sure she understands," Beth assured. "She's leaving because she misses her son."

  "Bogus Borgie?" Kahl grimaced.

  "Be nice," Beth chided, but a grin slipped past her control. "Okay, so he wasn't a nice man, but he was Aggie's son and she loves him. I think she imagines him alone in Heaven, and that saddens her. She knows you have all of us, but Borgie only has her. And it's not fair that she feel sad all the time, is it?"

  "No," Kevin sighed. "She should be happy."

  "Yeah," Kahl agreed, and Alby nodded.

  "So, don't you think, boys, we should be spending these last few hours with her? Making her feel good about her decision? We don't want her to leave feeling guilty about us, do we?"

  "No," all three said in unison. Then Kevin said, "She could come back when she wants. Like you and Lannie."

  "No, hon. Aggie won't be back."

  "Why not?" asked Kahl. "Won't the Heaven highway let her?"

  Beth laughed out loud then sobered. "No, I'm afraid she's leaving for good. Her place is with her son."

  "Okay," murmured Kevin. "But maybe she won't want to see us again. I was really mean."

  "Aggie loves you. I'm sure she's hoping—"

  "Aye," said a voice from the doorway. All eyes turned to see Roan standing there. He wore a broad grin. Only Beth could see the sorrow hidden behind it. "Aunt Aggie was just sayin’ she wished we could have a party. A proper sendoff wi' the whole family."

  He graciously bowed his head to Beth. "And extended family, as weel. So, ma fine lads, care to join me in the kitchen for some serious bakin’?"

  "Baking?" asked Kevin skeptically.

  "Cookies and wee cakes. Laura's plannin’ to make flavored snow cones—cold, for sure, but nonetheless appetizin’, if the gleam in yer eyes is any indication. So, laddies, tis up to we males to handle the bakin’. Are you wi' me?"

  The boys looked at Beth, again at Roan then scrambled from the bed with whoops of hilarity. Roan passed Beth a grateful look then, reminding the boys not to awaken the twins, ushered them toward the staircase.

  Before he descended with them, Beth ran into the hall and breathlessly asked, "Roan, have you seen Lachlan?"

  "Last I saw him, he was headed to the carri
age house."

  "Thanks. I need to talk to him."

  "Beth?" Roan gestured for the boys to meet him downstairs and turned to Beth when they were out of earshot. "He's shut himself off from everyone. Are you really determined to confront him right now?"

  "He hasn't come near me since we arrived. And as far as I know, he hasn't even seen the twins. I'm damn angry with him, Roan. I need to get this off my chest."

  To her surprise, Roan leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. He straightened back with a shy grin and a sparkle in his eyes. "Then give him hell, lass. But help yerself to one o' Laura's coats and her spare set o' boots. She won't mind. They're by the front doors on the coatrack."

  "Thank you, I will. I won't be gone long. The babies should sleep until I get back."

  Ten minutes later, after she'd again checked in on the twins and found them still asleep, Beth went downstairs, donned Laura's fur-lined boots which were a tad too large, and a blue, down-filled three-quarter length coat. As soon as she stepped through the outer set of doors, a freezing gust of wind slammed against her and robbed her of breath. She almost relented to an urge to dash back inside the house. But she didn't. She looked at the carriage house a short distance away and felt a lump rise into her throat.

  If Lachlan meant to be cruel, than he couldn't have chosen a better way. In death he had wooed, pursued and won her heart. Now, alive, it was as if she were a leper. Angry? No! She was fuming mad and determined to make him smart just a little – if she could. From what she'd been told by Aggie, Deliah and Laura, he was distraught over being one of the living again. Distraught! Had he lost his mind?

  The way to the carriage house proved slippery and, by the time she made it to the door, the cold had worked through the dark tan slacks she wore and bitten her knees. Without preamble, she opened the door and walked in. The interior was lit by two lanterns. Sitting on a cot across the spacious room to her left was Lachlan. Elbows resting on his knees and his chin atop his entwined fingers, he was deep in thought and not aware of her approach. At that moment Beth felt torn with emotions. On one hand, she wanted to throw herself into his arms. On the other—

  Instinct chose the latter and she whacked him on the top of his head.

  "Och!" he bellowed, jumping to his feet. The instant he realized she was the one who had hit him, he shrank back, his dark eyes seeming too large for his pale features.

  Beth also recoiled at the sight of his face covered with a thick, bright red mustache and beard. They made his skin appear paler and his eyes even blacker than usual.

  "Beth," he managed, her name coming out more of a croak.

  "At least your memory's intact," she said flippantly, glaring at him. "Which is more than I can say for your heart, you miserable sonofabitch!"

  "Dinna disparage ma mither," he muttered, looking aside to spare himself the accusation in her eyes.

  "You're a coward, Lachlan Baird."

  His gaze cut to her face and he scowled. "I need time to think, womon!"

  "You need time to think? Poor baby." She sucked in a breath in an attempt to lessen another urge to whack him. Her hands clenched and unclenched. Her heart pounded wildly behind her breasts. "Have you even looked at the twins?" He glanced away and she barked, "Have you?"

  He shook his head, then gestured his sense of helplessness. "I canna see them yet, Beth. I'm no' fit to be around anyone."

  "Oh, you're not fit, all right." Tears stung her eyes. "How can you do this to them? To me? Was loving me only under the condition you remained dead?"

  He looked at her as if she had punched him in the gut. "I have no future in this time, Beth! I canna offer you and the babes anythin’!"

  Beth couldn't see the anguish ravaging his features, or hear the desperation in his tone. Something inside her died at that moment, and she knew it was something more precious than had been her life.

  Leaning toward him, tears falling unchecked down her face, she said, "If you were even half a man, your first concern would be for your family, and not for yourself. So wallow in self-pity. Go crawl to your grave and remember the good ol' days, mister, because you're right. You don't belong here. You certainly have no place in my future. And you look like death warmed over. Nothing like the man I thought I loved."

  She fled the carriage house, leaving the door open behind her.

  Lachlan sat hard on the cot. Sat like the rag-doll of a man he'd become. Tears burned at the back of his eyes but he refused to release them.

  His Beth was right. Crawling back to his former resting place was his only recourse.

  * * *

  The Phantom's nostrils flared as he stared down at the infants in the crib. They'd been stirring for about a minute now and he realized he would soon have to leave. Dressed entirely in black, a steel gray, three-days' growth shadowing his lower face, his cold gray eyes regarded the babies with disdain. Now and then he flicked a glance at the embroidered, lace-trimmed pillow angled on the antique rocker next to the crib. It wouldn't take much to permanently silence the twins. Since he'd found the wall entrance in the library and had been exploring the narrow thruways, he'd heard the babies crying more often than not. And each time their wails cut into his ears or sparked his nerve endings, he thought about silencing them.

  He had no way of determining if they would become part of the technological destruction of the planet. His Guardian only granted him foresight with the mothers, the begetters. Or perhaps, he reasoned, the fact that the infants' cries so irritated him, was indeed a sign that they, too, were the enemy.

  A sob caught his notice. With the agility of a cat, he opened the secret passage at the back of the closet and slipped inside the darkness. He kept the door slightly ajar and listened. Soon, he heard, "Mommy loves you," and knew the babies' mother had returned. It struck him that her voice held an element of sorrow.

  Soundlessly closing the door, he stood for a time in the darkness, pondering the reason behind her despondency. Did she know her babies were destined to destroy the world?

  His locked his teeth so tightly, pain shot along his jawline.

  Being a mother, she wouldn't have the strength to end what shouldn't have been bred. But he wasn't emotionally involved. When the right time came....

  * * *

  Hunger wrestled Winston from his deep sleep. He felt deliciously good and reluctant to move, especially spooned as he was to the back of the warm body sharing his bed. His stomach growled, more pesteringly this time and he grimaced. Then he grinned and snugged closer, and inhaled the slight floral scent of her hair. She remained fast asleep, not even stirring when he palmed her left breast. The nipple was soft and pliable. For a moment he considered rolling her onto her back so he could feel the textured nub between his lips, but decided, instead, to content himself with caressing her. The fingertips of his left hand trailed over the breast and beneath it. Tenderly moved down her ribs and made a path across her flat abdomen. His hand was traveling upward when he came across something that made him frown. Doubting his touch perception, he retraced the area.

  Where a belly button should have been, was a flat, smooth surface.

  Still doubting, he scooted back and eased her onto her back. She stirred slightly, but quickly became still and lost within the depths of slumber.

  Winston wasn't aware he was holding his breath as he cautiously drew back the quilt. He saw for but a second her naked torso before she turned back onto her right side and partly drew up her knees in a semi-fetal position. Realizing the cold had nearly awakened her, he lowered the quilt on them then lay on his back staring up at the ceiling.

  His eyes had confirmed what his touch had relayed to his brain. And it dawned on him that he'd seen the anomaly before. On the tower. When she'd been dancing nude in the moonlight.

  All human beings have navels.

  Yet, Deliah didn't.

  No longer hungry but sick to his stomach, he eased himself from the bed and lethargically donned his briefs, slacks and sweater. His mind was a batt
lefield of questions as he took a clean pair of socks from the drawer in the armoire and sat on the edge of the bed to put them on. Forgotten was that she was in the room, and that he was even sitting on the very bed where they'd made love.

  No navel.

  What did it mean?

  He'd first encountered her in the fourth dimension.

  Was she a being from that world?

  She'd talked about a monastery that once stood on Baird land, and the evil that had swept over the place.

  She'd hidden in the tree. Hidden? How had she fallen asleep in a tree?

  He rocketed to his feet when something touched his back. He whirled and looked down to see Deliah smiling up at him sleepily.

  "Ye are dressed. And here I was dreamin’ o' us pleasurin’ each ither again." Lowering the quilt just enough to expose her breasts, she patted the mattress. "Come, Winston."

  His panic fled. So did everything else he thought he'd felt for her. His expression deadpan, he asked dully, "Wha' are you?"

  She frowned prettily at first then realized he was serious. A bleak look crept into her eyes. She sat up, drawing the quilt to her chin. Her gaze crept to the vicinity of her torso. "I thought the magic would last till this eve."

  "Wha’ magic?" he asked caustically.

  "The forgetfulness I sprinkled on yer face," she murmured.

  Winston thought of the golden sparkles he'd seen on his inner eyelids just prior to their lovemaking. Anger simmered in his blood and he took several breaths through his nostrils.

  "You're a witch."

  Her head shot up and her eyes widened in disbelief. "No. Bite yer tongue! I be no witch, good or bad. Wha' I be, ye will never understand."

  "Try me."

  She adamantly shook her head and cringed back against the decorative headboard. "I thought freein’ ye o' yer inhibitions would simplify the knowin’, but I can see ye canna accept me. Ye winna accept wha' ye canna dissect in yer mind and rationalize.