Ghostly Encounter (Ghostly #1) (Ghostly Series)

by Daniels, Suzannah

  Benjamin rammed his hands through his hair. “Mia, the portal isn’t linked to other battlefields. You’re still in Chickamauga Battlefield.”

  Mia blew out a sigh of relief. “Good. We can’t be more than a few minutes from my car. I can still make it home before my mother gets too upset.”

  He put his hands on her shoulder, squeezing gently to reassure her before he broke the bad news.

  “You won’t be going home tonight.”

  “What are you talking about?” she asked. He could hear the thinly veiled panic laced in her voice. “Where are we? Where did the portal take us?”

  “To the past.”

  Mia gasped.

  Benjamin squeezed her shoulders gently. “You are standing on the battlefield in Chickamauga, but it’s 1863. The battle has not yet occurred.”

  It was difficult to see her reaction in the faint moonlight. Dread churned through his veins. “I have been through the portal many, many times. It is how I have relived my death over and over again. The portal always delivers me to the months preceding my death. I didn’t know how the portal would affect you. I had heard rumors that a living person once entered the portal, a woman dressed in a wedding gown, searching for her betrothed, but I wasn’t sure how it ended. I am relieved to see that you seem to be fine.”

  “Fine?” she shrieked. “You knowingly took me through a portal to 1863, not knowing whether I would live through it or come out the other end in some hideous deformity and you think I’m fine?”

  “It was the only way I knew to escape Old Green Eyes. Mia, he’s dangerous. He’s not an average ghost. He’s a gatekeeper. He protects the portals. His purpose is to scare people far away from the portals during the full moon. Mia, he can materialize. Unlike me in your time period, he is real. He will kill, if necessary, to protect the integrity of history.”

  “Where is he now?”

  “The portal only appears during a full moon. The gatekeepers materialize with the portals. They would never pass through them and leave their own portal unguarded.”

  He heard her soft intake of breath. “That’s why you were relieved it was a crescent moon.”

  “Yes. I knew you would be safe.”

  “What do we do now? How will I get back?”

  “The portal only appears during the full moon. I know of no way for you to get back without the portal.” He glanced at the sky. “It is a waning crescent moon, which means that it will be at least two weeks before the full moon rises again, maybe a little longer.”

  “Two weeks?” she shrieked. “My mother’s going to freak out. I can’t wait two weeks.”

  “I fear there’s no alternative.”

  “Two weeks?” she repeated, softer this time.

  “Mia, I know this is my fault, and I am truly sorry that you are in distress, but…in two weeks, you will be back with your mother and all will be well.”

  His fingertips glided the length of her silky hair. “Please, I beg of you, give me the pleasure of your company for two weeks. I’ll not ask for more.”

  The silence was nearly unbearable. It seemed an eternity before she answered. “Benjamin, I do want to spend time with you. I’m just really scared for my mother. I’m all she has. When she realizes that I’m gone….” She shrugged her shoulders, tears shimmering in her eyes. “It seems there’s nothing to be done, but wait until the next full moon. My mother always says that sometimes we can’t enjoy the bloom of a rose because we’re too busy crying over being pricked by the thorn. Perhaps this is one of those times.”

  He touched his lips to her forehead. “Thank you, Mia,” he whispered against her cool skin.

  They sat in the open field until the wee hours of the morning, talking, laughing, and learning about each other. Benjamin lay back in the soft grass and beckoned to her with his hand. “Come, Mia, lie down with me. We will get some rest and when the sun rises, I’ll take you to meet my father.”

  Mia took his hand and stretched out in the grass beside him, laying her head against his chest. He wrapped his arm around her, reveling in the feel of her in his arms, and rested his cheek against the top of her head. He wanted to hold her here forever and keep her safe. He knew all too well that time waited for no one, so instead of forever, he would settle for holding her close for the night. When he heard the soft breathing of her slumber, he, too, drifted into unconsciousness.

  ***

  Benjamin cracked open his eyes and saw the first rays of dawn. Mia still slept, curled against his side. It was not a dream, then? Relief flowed through his body. He watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest. Ever so carefully, he lifted a strand of her hair, rolling it slowly between his fingertips, amazed at its softness. She smelled good, like lavender or was it roses?

  She moved, exhaling deeply, and he dropped the strand of hair and focused on her face. Her eyes fluttered open, then widened in fear as her full lips released a soul-shattering scream.

  Surprised, Benjamin tried to soothe her. “Mia, it’s me,” he shouted. “Benjamin.”

  Her screaming stopped. “Benjamin?”

  “Yes.”

  “Last night wasn’t a dream?”

  “No.”

  She reached out and touched his arm as if to reassure herself that he was indeed real. “Jennie is never going to believe this.”

  “I can barely believe it myself,” he replied. He hopped to his feet and offered her his hand. “Come with me. I would like for you to meet my father. But first, we’re going to have to find you some proper clothing.”

  He helped her to her feet.

  “What’s wrong with my clothing?” she asked, glancing down the length of her body, clothed in a tank top and shorts.

  He helped her up, unable to stifle a grin. “Let’s just say women do not dress like that in 1863.

  “Come on. My sister lives nearby, and she’s about your size.”

  Nearly half an hour later, Benjamin and Mia broke through the edge of the woods. He could see Abby’s two-story house up ahead, past the fenced pasture dotted with lazily grazing cattle. “That’s Abby’s house,” he said, pointing. “She’ll have you dressed appropriately in no time.”

  He watched as Mia stared at the house and chewed on her lower lip.

  “You have nothing to fear,” he whispered gently. “I know you are surrounded by unfamiliarity at every turn, but I promise that I will take care of you. Abby will fall in love with you instantly, and she’s an excellent cook. I don’t know about you, but I am famished.”

  Moments later, Benjamin rapped on the weathered, wooden door.

  The heavy door swung open.

  “Benjamin!” Abby exclaimed, her hand resting atop her swollen abdomen. Benjamin already knew her babe would be a son born in less than two months. “What on earth are you doing in a war uniform? You know how Father feels about that.”

  Benjamin, not thinking about his own clothing, glanced down his body at the ragged uniform. “It’s a long story. I was considering joining the war effort,” he replied.

  “Benjamin, you mustn’t.” Her eyes drifted to Mia, who was standing behind him.

  “Abby, I need you to do me a favor.”

  “Of course, Benjamin, you know I’d do anything for you.” She waited patiently for him to explain, a look of slight concern turning down the corners of her mouth, as she absentmindedly rubbed her belly.

  He stepped to the side, urging Mia to stand beside him. “This is Mia. She’s a long way from home and has found herself in dire need of a proper dress.”

  “You poor dear,” Abby cooed, walking purposely toward her and taking her by the arm. “Don’t worry. We’ll find you the perfect dress.”

  Mia glanced at Benjamin as Abby dragged her past him and into the house. Benjamin couldn’t help but smile. He knew Abby would take control of the situation.

  Half an hour later, Mia and Abby entered the sitting room where Benjamin had been waiting patiently, imagining how wonderful it was to be living once again, only this tim
e the pattern had changed, this time he had the whispered promise of a companion. He knew his time with Mia would be short, and he planned to make the most of it.

  “It’s last year’s fashion, but fabric is difficult to get with the war and all,” Abby announced apologetically.

  Benjamin immediately stood when they entered the room. “Mia!” he exclaimed. “Your beauty is astounding.”

  “Isn’t it?” Abby agreed. “My clothing looks much better on her than it does on me.” She smiled as she patted the top of her rounded stomach.

  “That’s not true,” Mia insisted, smoothing her palms across the skirt.

  “Of course it is,” Abby insisted. “But I’m glad you can make use of it. I copied this fashion from Godey’s Lady’s Book last June. You look stunning in pink grenadine.”

  “You made this yourself?” Mia asked.

  “Yes,” Abby answered, smiling.

  “Abby’s very talented,” Benjamin offered. “She cooks as well as she sews.” He turned his gaze on Abby. “Speaking of, do you have any fare?”

  “There’s some breakfast left on the table. Help yourselves.”

  “After we eat, do you mind if I borrow the wagon?”

  “Benjamin, you may use whatever you need. Do you want me to have Wesley take you? He’s out in the field. He usually comes back to the house mid-morning to check on me.”

  “If it’s not too much trouble.”

  “He won’t mind a bit,” Abby promised, waving away his concerns.

  “It’s settled then. Come, Mia.” Benjamin motioned to her. “Let us eat. Then, I’ll take you to meet my father.”

  The door opened and Wesley sauntered into the room. “Benjamin!” he called in greeting. “What brings you here?” His eyes turned to Mia.

  “Wesley, I’d like you to meet Mia. Mia, this is Wesley, Abby’s husband.”

  “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Wesley said easily, his deep voice echoing through the house.

  “It’s nice to meet you, too,” Mia replied.

  “Wesley,” Abby called, walking to him and taking his arm. “Would you take Benjamin and Mia to my father’s house after they eat?”

  “Of course,” Wesley answered, his hands moving to her belly. “How are you feeling? Is the baby kicking?”

  Abby grinned, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Like a mule. He’s going to be strong like his father.”

  “Or stubborn like his mother,” Benjamin interjected.

  “Benjamin!” Abby shouted in feigned indignation.

  Wesley chuckled.

  The rest of the morning passed quickly. Benjamin bantered with his sister, not knowing whether he would ever be able to do so again. He relished every moment with Abby, Wesley, and Mia, but he was eager to see his father.

  As promised, Wesley hitched the team of horses to the wagon and gave Mia and him a ride to his father’s office.

  Benjamin jumped down from the wagon. He lifted Mia by the waist and assisted her to the ground, her pink grenadine dress barely touching the cobblestone walk. The sun reached its peak in the cloudless sky, and he thought the day exceptionally beautiful. Today was the first time that he had been able to change his fate since he had exhaled his last shattered breath on that colder-than-normal, summer evening in 1863.

  Mia lowered her head, and a slow smile spread across her face. “Thank you, Benjamin.”

  “The pleasure was mine.” He watched her gray-blue eyes intently for a brief moment, then turned to Wesley and waved. “I am indebted to you.”

  “Good,” Wesley bantered. “I’m sure once the babe arrives, Abby and I will need your assistance.”

  “You know that I will help in any way that I can.”

  “Yes, I suppose I do. Tell your father that Abby and I will come by in a day or two.”

  “I will.”

  Wesley flicked the reins and the horses nudged the wagon forward, their shoes kicking up dust.

  Benjamin could feel Mia’s eyes on his back as he watched Wesley steer the wagon down the narrow street. He turned to her. “Are you ready to meet my father?”

  “Absolutely.” She straightened her back and adjusted her skirt. “How do I look?”

  “You are more beautiful with every passing moment.” He motioned toward the narrow, wooden door, and when they reached it, he turned the knob and pulled it open.

  His father stood over a small, wooden table, studying a plat. Benjamin watched him as his finger traced a path along the map. Despite the fact that his father owned a luxurious hotel not far from here, this tiny office was where he preferred to pass his time, studying railroad routes and devising the best paths to lay new track.

  Benjamin knew all too well what the future held, and he desperately hoped that the events of last night would be enough to change the course. Benjamin walked to him and clasped his shoulder. “It’s good to see you, Father.”

  His father looked up, a huge grin spreading across his solemn features. “Benjamin, there you are.” He laughed. “You act as if you haven’t seen me in ages.” He pulled out his pocket watch and glanced at the time. “It’s only been a few hours since we had breakfast together.”

  Benjamin chuckled. “I suppose you’re right, but it seems much longer. I would like you to meet a friend of mine.”

  His father turned his attention to Benjamin and noticed his uniform. His smile vanished, and he pointed at it. “Why are you wearing that?” he asked, his voice cold.

  Benjamin looked down at his worn uniform. “I was thinking about joining the war,” he said.

  His father shook his head. “I need your help with the railroad, Benjamin. If you go to war, who will help me?”

  “Wesley helps you.”

  “Wesley has to split his time between the business and his farm, and Abby will deliver the babe soon. I don’t like it, Benjamin. This war is a tragedy, and I don’t want to lose my only son to it.”

  “Do not fret, Father. I will help you with your businesses. I want you to meet Mia Randall.”

  His father turned and noticed Mia for the first time. Benjamin realized how much he had missed him. He examined his face closely, his kind, blue eyes that were now focused on Mia. His chestnut brown hair was just beginning to gray at his temples.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Randall,” Benjamin’s father said softly, extending his hand to her. “I don’t believe I’ve heard Benjamin mention your name before. Are you from around here?”

  Mia shook his hand. “Uh, no…yes…not exactly,” she stammered, her face perplexed.

  “She just arrived in town,” Benjamin explained easily.

  “Ah. Well, welcome to Chattanooga,” his father said.

  “Thank you, Mr. Richards.”

  “Why don’t we walk over to the hotel and have a cup of tea?” his father suggested.

  “That sounds wonderful,” Mia answered, enthusiastically.

  Benjamin walked to the door and held it open for them. He ushered them outside. His father paused to lock the door, and then they were on their way down Market Street.

  ***

  Mia watched as horse-drawn wagons traveled down the dirt roads, the gentlemen driving them nodding their heads and waving as they passed. Knowing what the modern downtown Chattanooga looked like, it was fascinating to see it as it was in 1863.

  With all the history that she had learned in school, none of her lessons were as intriguing or informative as the lesson that she was experiencing right now, her long skirt swishing along the path, the lack of technology, the way everything looked vastly different. There were no horns blowing, no cars whizzing by in a desperate hurry to get to the next destination, no traffic lights warning travelers when it was time to stop.

  They strolled south for a couple of blocks when the charming hotel came into view. The architecture set the building apart from the other buildings surrounding it. The main feature was a large stained glass dome. The building was constructed of light colored stone, and huge arches sur
rounded every entrance. Ornate carvings added a touch of elegance.

  They entered the restaurant and a young man greeted them, “Good morning! Your regular table, Mr. Richards?”

  “Yes, Henry, that would be fine,” Mr. Richards answered.

  Henry led them to a round table that would seat six, nestled in the back of the restaurant with more privacy than most of the tables. It was covered with a starched, white tablecloth, a small vase of fresh flowers, red roses and daisies, positioned perfectly in the center.

  As soon as they were seated, a waiter appeared, delivering cloth napkins, silverware, and small glasses of water. “Could you bring us all a cup of hot tea?” Mr. Richards asked.

  “Right away, Mr. Richards.”

  “So how’d the two of you meet?” Mr. Richards asked Benjamin after the waiter rushed away to fill the order.

  Benjamin and Mia looked at each other, neither saying a word. Finally, Benjamin responded, “I met her while she was on a late afternoon stroll.”

  Mr. Richards looked at Mia and asked, “Is your family from here?”

  Mia froze. How should she answer his question? Once she mulled it over briefly in her mind, she decided that the truth would work as well as a lie. He had no way to verify what she told him. “My parents were originally from Knoxville. My father passed away when I was young.” She paused. She couldn’t tell him that it was from a car accident. He certainly wouldn’t know what an automobile was.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. I know how painful it is to lose someone. Does your mother live around here?”

  “Yes, she doesn’t live far from here.” Not in miles, anyway, she thought. The number of years might be a different story.

  Henry reappeared with three cups of hot tea in what appeared to Mia to be fine china, though she and her mother had never actually owned any. She picked up the bright white, cloth napkin and carefully laid it across her lap, protecting the beautiful pink grenadine skirt. Mia followed Benjamin’s lead and added two lumps of sugar, stirring daintily. She’d never drunk hot tea before and wasn’t sure she’d like it, but after carefully taking a sip, she liked the trail of warmth it left on its way to her stomach.