Death Comes Calling: Death Card Series, #6

CHAPTER 1

Looking into the mirror, I bypassed the middle-aged woman with wild salt and pepper hair staring back at me and, instead, visualized my younger self with my beauty intact, who’d made choices that today I might not have made.

That’s hindsight, you silly woman. And who says you wouldn’t have made the same choices today? Consider what they’ve brought you, I whispered to my image. Lost in thought, I didn’t hear them until they were close by.

Where’s your grandmother, baby girl? a familiar voice asked.

I listened to the pattering of small feet as a tiny girl ran into my room. Gramma Rose, it’s me! It’s Joslin!

I opened my arms wide to receive the bundle of energy of my favorite granddaughter—my only granddaughter. I smiled at my daughter with her flowing dark hair and mesmerizing dark eyes, who was still as beautiful as she had been when I first laid eyes on her. She had been my little sister in a previous lifetime and now was my daughter in this one. I marveled at our exquisite reconnection.

Isabella, love, when did you get here? Have I been dawdling?

No, Mama, I’m early. I couldn’t wait to begin our day together. We don’t often get to do that, just the three of us, she said as she kissed my cheek.

Me, too, demanded Joslin as she clambered onto my lap. She sat facing me, placing her small hands against the sides of my face and kissing each of my cheeks. I love you, Gramma Rose.

My heart filled with tenderness for her as I struggled to place her on the floor and rise out of my chair.

Here, let me help you, Mama, said Isabella as she extended her arms to help me up.

No, sweetheart, I need to do this myself, I insisted. I’d had a knee replacement several months earlier, and it still gave me occasional discomfort—especially getting up after sitting for any length of time.

Is this a bad day for you? she asked in concern.

I smiled at her. No, it’s a perfect day to spend with my beautiful daughter and granddaughter.

As we neared the front door, Mike came forward. Ah, my beauties, where are you off to? He studied me, trying to remember what I’d told him earlier.

We’re going for cookies and sweets, Papa Mike, answered Joslin.

That’s right, he said with a chuckle. High tea at the Waldorf Astoria, right?

I smiled at him and nodded. He kissed my lips, lingering a bit, kissing me twice. He turned to the others. Have a good time. I’ll see you later, ladies.

What are you up to, Mike? Isabella asked.

I’m watching the golf game on television right here at home.

Good for you, Mike, a quiet afternoon without us, Isabella said and kissed him goodbye. I overheard her whisper to him, I’ll take good care of your woman; don’t you worry.

He chuckled. See that you do, sweetheart.

Mike was still striking with grey, nearly white hair, dark eyes, and his body in good physical shape for his age. As before, he stood tall and walked with a certain grace and confidence. We’d had many years together now, and we’d become inseparable in heart and soul. It was a love that had endured the ups and downs of life and become stronger in time. It had not been so sure in the beginning…

***

Back then, we spent our first summer separated from each other since our relationship had formed. By the end of it, we’d reached the point where each of us needed to decide how we wanted our relationship to move forward … if at all.

Mike had gone back to Boston to work at the detective agency he’d started with his business partner, Brian. They’d hired a female employee who was determined to win Mike’s love at whatever cost, and our relationship had faltered. I’d spent the summer in Santa Fe with Isabella on her school break and had unexpectedly fallen in love with Tom Little Horse, who had been my husband in a former lifetime. In this life, he’d ended up being murdered, and I had been devastated. When I discovered I was pregnant, the baby’s father could have been either Mike or Tom. Unless Mike wanted our relationship to move forward and get married, I would remain silent about the baby. I was not going to allow my being pregnant to interfere with his decision—or mine.

So, it was a great surprise at the end of that summer when Isabella and I returned home to Las Vegas to find Mike waiting for us at the airport with open arms. My heart lifted at the sight of him; yet, I dared not believe that all was right between us unless I heard him tell me what I needed to hear. It was only later, when we were alone at home, that Mike and I had a chance to discuss our situation.

Mike apologized for his behavior in Boston, which had ultimately left me free to develop a relationship with Tom. We shared what’d taken place with both of us, with my leaving out that I was pregnant. Only after Mike declared his love for me and his desire to spend the rest of our lives together that I told Mike that he would be the father of a son. With my psychic abilities, Mike never questioned the gender of the baby, and so it was that the world turned right for us. Mike, Isabella, and I were ready for a new beginning… which now included a baby.

CHAPTER 2

That day seemed so long ago. Yet, it still brought a smile to my face …

When Isabella returned home from her friend Sammy’s that night, she sought us out, concern on her brow. She looked at me, and when I smiled broadly at her, she knew all was right with Mike and me. I chuckled to see Mike get up and grab Isabella in a hug. So, you’re going to be a big sister, huh?

Yes, I can hardly wait!

Me, too, and I know you’re going to be the best big sister of all times, he stated earnestly with a smile.

Isabella grinned at us.

I agree, I said, nodding.

What room is going to be his? she asked, knowing we were using all three bedrooms already.

I looked at Mike. I think we need to start looking for a new house. What do you think? Something to call your own?

His face lit up. That sounds good.

Let’s move close to Grandfather, Isabella said.

Well, we can see what’s available there, but ….

There’s one right next door to him, Mama. I saw it.

Mike and I looked at each other. Used to our psychic ways by now, Mike simply nodded in agreement. The next day, I called Sylvia, the same realtor who’d sold the house to Grandfather.

Hi, Sylvia. I don’t know if you remember me, but you were the realtor for Cal Williamson.

Of course, I remember you and your darling daughter. What can I do for you?

We’d like to look at the house for sale next to his.

I don’t have one listed there unless it’s in process, and I don’t know about it. I’ve been off for a few days. Let me look.

She came on the line several minutes later. Wow, you were right. It’s not officially on the market yet, though. We’re still taking pictures of it.

Is there a chance we can look at it now—as is?

Let me check, and I’ll call you back.

When Sylvia called back and said we could look at the house at four o’clock, I immediately called Cal to let him and Virginia know what we were doing and asked if they wanted to take the tour with us.

Yes, for sure. Why don’t you stay for dinner? We haven’t seen you all for so long, and I’ll put some steaks on the grill, Cal said.

That sounds wonderful. Mike loves a good steak, and so do I. Isabella does now too. She has grown to like a lot of things outside of pizza. I wasn’t so sure that would ever happen, I chuckled.

I know what you mean. That girl sure does love pizza. It’ll be good to see you all. Virginia and I have missed you, Cal said.

At a quarter to four, Mike, Isabella, and I, plus our dog Sweet Pea, drove into Cal’s driveway and got out. Isabella ran to Cal, who stood in the doorway with Virginia. Hi, Grandfather and Virginia! We’re moving next door to you!

Cal turned to look at me with a smile. Is that right? How nice it’ll be to have you nearby.

Cal, too, was used to our psychic ways and accepted Isabella’s proclamation as fact. Then, he stepped down and held his hand out to shake it with Mike, who was standing stiffly at my side. I knew Mike was embarrassed by his previous behavior with Allison. That had been on full display at the time of the opening of the restaurant named after me. Mike hesitated for only a second before moving forward and clasping Cal on the back as he shook his hand. Cal, it’s great to see you and Virginia again.

I’m happy to see you back where you belong, Cal whispered to him, speaking as a father might to his son.

Happy to be here, confirmed Mike.

Mama, there she is! The realtor is here! announced Isabella. Let’s go and see our house.

I hugged Virginia, and then Mike kissed her on the cheek before we headed to the house next door. Mike took my hand, and we hurried up the walkway, looking at the beautiful home from the perspective of critical potential buyers.

After taking our time to look at everything downstairs, we made our way upstairs. Isabella stood at the top of the stairs with a wide smile. Come look at my room and the baby’s room, Mama. They’re perfect—even the colors!

At her words, we all stopped where we were. I turned around to face Cal and Virginia, and Mike put his arm around my shoulders. We were going to tell you over dinner. We’re expecting a baby. You’re going to be grandparents again, I explained.

It’s a boy! said Isabella.

It was a moment to remember. All of us stood there beaming at each other, delighted with the news. Cal kissed me tenderly on the cheek and then shook hands with Mike. Congratulations, son!

The house was everything we could have asked for—5 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, den, office, mudroom, laundry room, living room, dining room, and an oversized eat-in kitchen. The backyard was beautiful with desert plantings. There was a Jacuzzi, a large covered patio with an outdoor fireplace, barbeque, and television. It had a place where we could clear an area to provide a private walkway from our backyard to connect to Cal and Virginia’s backyard. The thought of having easy access to each other pleased us all.

CHAPTER 3

Present Time

Mama, we’re here. Let the valet help you out, okay?

I can do it myself, I said, rejecting her suggestion. One look from Isabella, and I added, But I won’t.

I was stiff from sitting, and it felt good to move around. Before I got all the way out of the car, Joslin began to pull on my arm. Hurry, Gramma Rose.

Joslin, don’t pull so hard on her, commanded Isabella.

Okay, Mommy, Joslin answered, dropping my hand and running ahead to wait for us on the veranda.

You know how much I love that girl of yours, I said to Isabella with softened eyes.

She feels the same about you, Mama. She’s always loved you best, stated Isabella.

After her parents, you mean, I said, smiling.

Isabella smiled back and nodded. Yes, there’s no one who could ever replace her father.

C’mon, let’s go and enjoy our time together with your beautiful daughter, shall we? Looking at Joslin standing there, I was struck by her beauty. She was a later-in-life gift from the Universe. She took after her father with her blond hair that waved naturally around her stunning face that held large blue eyes which missed nothing. Her complexion was light like Sammy’s, and the two of them together made for a fascinating look at how gene pools manifest.

We entered the hotel, the three of us attracting attention from those around us. I laughed to myself when I heard one of the bystanders ask, Who are they? Aren’t they movie stars or something?

We were used to the attention and didn’t respond or act upon it. We were simply three generations of women out for high tea and the enjoyment of being together.

How are things going with you, Isabella? I asked. You’ve taken on a big load when you and Sammy took over Cal’s house. What does your husband think about that?

Thank goodness, Sammy is the type of man who realizes ‘if the queen is happy, so is the court.’

I chuckled. Sammy’s a smart man.

I watched Isabella’s eyes follow a young woman as she passed by and sat down not too far from us. Now there’s trouble, she said.

I felt goosebumps cover me and a flutter in my stomach.

Isn’t that the woman who complained about the guest house used by transients? I asked Isabella.

It certainly is, she answered, annoyed. She gave me a look that indicated that we’d talk about it later.

Ooh, what are you going to eat first, Joslin? The biscuits or the sandwiches? I asked.

I think I’ll start with the cookies, Joslin answered, eying me with a sly grin. I smiled and watched Isabella roll her eyes.

We finished our tea, and Isabella drove me home. Mike must have heard us as we pulled into the driveway because suddenly he was there. He’d come through the open doorway and stood at the end of the driveway waiting for me. His eyes lit up as he watched me walk toward him. It amazed me that we still found a certain excitement in being together even after so many years. Each time I saw his reaction, my heart fluttered, and warmth spread through me. I was a lucky lady. We stood with arms wrapped around each other and waved goodbye to Isabella and Joslin as they backed out of the driveway and headed next door, where they now lived in Cal’s former house.

***

Later that night, while I lay fully awake, sleep evading me, I looked at Mike resting peacefully. He looked so calm and collected, without worry. I smiled when I remembered that he was anything but when Mike and I were set to get married in Santa Fe during the Christmas holidays. One thing after another seemed to go awry. I chuckled, remembering it…

Where did you put that slip of paper, Rosie? You know the one—the receipt from the jewelry store in Santa Fe?

Didn’t you take it out of your wallet to call them? I hollered from the bathroom where I was applying my makeup.

Yes, I did. They said all I’d need to do is bring them the receipt, and there’d be no problem.

I guess we better find it then.

Mike looked frantic. Isabella?

She came running into our bedroom. What is it, Mike?

Did you see the paper receipt that I had earlier?

You mean the one that’s over there on the floor? she asked, pointing to a spot near the bed.

That’s the one, alright. Thank you, he said, ruffling her hair. Okay, listen up, girls. The cab will be here in less than an hour. Is everyone packed and ready to go? he asked.

Almost, Isabella said. I just need to pack up Sweet Pea’s stuff.

Do you need help with that? I asked.

Nope. I’ve got it covered.

I went to Mike’s side. Are you okay? I’ve never seen you so uptight.

Well, I’ve never gotten married before, he defended, pulling me into his arms.

At least not one you remember, I amended, pinching his cheek.

Ah, that, he grinned. What a mess. I’m glad her parents were understanding and gave us their blessings.

Me, too.

Mike stuffed the receipt into his wallet. Noticing me lost in thought as I watched him, he asked, What is it?

I can’t believe that piece of paper has been through so much. I almost threw it out several times, thinking it had no value. When I showed the slip to the clerk at the jewelry store at the time of Karen’s wedding, I thought he was talking about the bracelet you’d given me at Christmas last year. He said that I could come back to have it adjusted. I had no idea that the slip had anything to do with an engagement ring. I can’t believe you bought it a year ago.

Last Christmas didn’t feel like the right time to ask you to marry me, what with Coyote’s nephew being murdered. I didn’t want his death to blemish a happy time for us.

I know. It’s been a crazy year for all of us—good and bad.

He kissed me. The good part is on its way. I know that we’re going to be happy together—all of us, he said, patting my expanding belly.

I agree, I said, placing my hand against his handsome face. I love you, Mike.

I love you, too, my queen.

Before long, the cab was outside honking its horn. Mike carried our suitcases out to the car while Isabella and I checked the house to see if we’d left anything behind. We’d be gone for close to two weeks while we spent Christmas and New Year’s in Santa Fe.

During that time, Mike and I would be married. It wouldn’t be the grand ceremony that Karen and Coyote had, but it would be perfect to have my larger family there with us. Mimi and her chef boyfriend, Charles, were staying in Las Vegas to run Rosalie’s restaurant (named after me) so that Romano and Randy could take the time to attend our wedding. Grandfather and Virginia would be there, along with my sister-friends. Of course, so would Maria and her family—now my family, ever since Maria and I shared the role of being a mother to Isabella. Certainly, Grandmother, Angel, and Nica would be there as well.

Instead of wearing the beautiful heirloom Indian wedding dress that Karen wore for her wedding, I’d be wearing a maternity dress that my stylist, Louie, had designed for me. It was a stunning off-white silk flowing dress that I could easily have adjusted to wear again after the baby was born.

Mike was standing over the open door of the taxi, waiting for us. Hurry up, girls! Time’s a-wasting.

As we pulled away from the house, I sensed I needed to look back. When I spotted a lone suitcase on the doorstep, the cab had already begun to pull out onto the main street. I yelled for the driver, Stop! We need to go back!

The cab made a U-turn, and Mike got out and grabbed it. Sorry. I can’t believe I missed it.

We arrived late at the crowded airport. People in line were not happy with us as we moved in front of them to reach the ticket window so we wouldn’t miss our flight. My heart pounded with worry as we got close to our gate and heard them announce the last call for Santa Fe. As we raced forward, I wasn’t sure we were going to make it on time. Only when all three of us, plus Sweet Pea, were seated in the plane that I let myself relax. I sure hoped this wasn’t a sign that the next two weeks would continue to be off-kilter.

Coyote was there to meet us at the airport. Karen was too uncomfortable with their baby due any day for the hour-long drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and back again.

How’s Karen feeling, Coyote? I asked.

"She’s really