It had been one month since the house and property had been investigated, cleansed, and consecrated. There had been no other haunting, paranormal activity, or disturbances since then.
Diva and her litter, Thor, Caden, and Trina were back in the house. Abbott and Costello never came back.
“I know we had agreed several months back that we really didn’t want a big to-do for a housewarming party,” Josslyn signed to Nathan one day, “and that we’d be content to settle for a small, intimate gathering like the one we had a while back. Now I’ve decided that I’d like to have a very big shindig.”
Nathan raised his brows in surprise. “A big shindig? Like what?”
“Like a housewarming party to celebrate the success of Eric Skylar and his wonderful team for getting rid of those evil spirits.”
“Okay. When would you like to have it?”
“I was thinking sometime during the Columbus Day weekend, like on Sunday, October 11.”
“Sounds good.”
“And, just for the sake of variety, I’d like to do this at a different venue. Your parents’ place.”
“I think they’d be okay with that.”
“We’ll invite some friends, including Evan, Jared and David.”
“What about Eric and his team from Skylar and Associates?”
“I’d love to invite them, but I think it’s not considered appropriate or professional to invite them to social functions.”
Nathan agreed.
“Oh, and let’s not forget that lovely Norma,” Josslyn signed. “You know how she is about our ‘spooky house’ in spite of it having been cleansed. That’s why I thought of your parents’ place.”
The aroma of broiled chicken kabobs drifted up around Nathan as he manned the grill in his parents’ backyard.
Josslyn walked from the kitchen to the patio. She carried a plastic container while Evan followed at her side with Maddie in his arms. Josslyn felt a light tap on her arm and turned.
“I’m glad those spooky spirits are no longer in your house to bother you and your wonderful family,” Norma said. “Even though you said they’ve been exorcised from the home, I’m still not ready to set foot in it yet.”
“No worries,” Josslyn signed. “I understand. By the way, I’ve got a little surprise for you.”
“Oh, dear, you didn’t have to.”
Josslyn placed the container in front of Norma. “I just know you’d love to have some more of those delicious no-bake pink lemonade frozen bars.”
“Oh, how wonderful! Bless your heart, Josslyn. Thank you so very much. Although I know how to make them myself now. I’ve learned how to get on the computer and navigate websites with thousands and thousands of recipes.”
“That’s great! The sky’s the limit, as they say.”
Norma nodded with a smile and helped herself to a piece of the pink lemonade frozen bar. “Thank you again, dear. I appreciate it.” She popped one into her mouth and rolled her eyes. “Mmm-mmm, delicious!” She licked her finger and thumb, then gave the “okay” sign with her forefinger and thumb encircled. Josslyn delighted in Norma’s joy and gave the “thumbs-up” sign.
“I’m going to jump in the pool now,” Evan signed to Josslyn. He handed Maddie to Josslyn, then did a cannonball at the deep end. Water splashed up and sloshed over the rim of the pool.
Augusta saw Josslyn walking toward where she sat with George. “You know, having been to your house recently,” she signed, “I just have to tell you that it is much, much lighter now.”
“Indeed, it is,” Josslyn signed.
“It feels as if you can breathe better,” George signed. “Not oppressive and suffocating like before.”
“I concur,” Josslyn signed. “As you can see, we couldn’t be happier.” She glanced at Nathan by the grill. “Please excuse me a moment. I’ll be back shortly. Love you two!”
She gave a peck to each on the cheek, then went to Nathan as he turned the chicken kabobs over on the grill. She put an arm around his waist and looked up at him with love and contentment. She kissed him on the cheek, then on the lips. She held up the three-finger hand sign for “I love you.”
Nathan held up the hand sign to return the gesture and the love.
Words—spoken or signed—weren’t needed. It was all in their eyes and body language, each with its own expression.
They watched guests mill about the backyard. Another watched, as well.
A different demon observed and grinned.