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By Root 1402 0

that we were having a baby, even though the doctors had warned me that I carry a dangerous gene that could claim my life and that of any child I might conceive.” She looked away. “Perhaps I was foolish, but I believed myself invincible. And though Jake worried, I think I’d halfway convinced him as well. Then one night, before I could even call out to him for help, I was gone. Of course he blames himself, though it was never his fault, and there was nothing he could have done. But I’m so worried about him. His grief is wide and deep. He has given up a successful business, one that made him millions of dollars and gave him such joy, and has given away most of his money to a foundation he started that is researching the terrible illness that took my life and that of our unborn child.”

“But that’s so noble.” Vanessa reached out to catch Lily’s hand, careful to touch her lightly enough to keep from passing through. “Surely you understand that making piles of money won’t bring your Jake as much pleasure as finding a possible cure for your illness.”

“Of course. I’m pleased that he’s using his fortune for a just cause. That isn’t what worries me. But he’s become so reclusive. He takes only an occasional job as a carpenter and cabinetmaker, and then only when he thinks the work will satisfy him. He’s turned his back on his friends. There are weeks at a time when he speaks to no one. It isn’t right. It isn’t healthy to be so grief-stricken that he turns away from all the good things that could build happy memories. I want him to find some joy in his life before it’s too late. It breaks my heart to see him so sad and lonely.”

Vanessa’s eyes narrowed with sudden concentration. “Is your Jake handsome?”

Lily’s smile lit up the room. “Very handsome. I was so proud to be his wife.”

“And brave?”

“Now Vanessa . . . ” Ted tried to silence her, but she got to her feet and stood facing Lily across the bed. “Tell me. Is Jake brave?”

“I know that he would have died for me if he could. He’s the bravest man I know.”

“Oh, Ted.” Vanessa clapped her hands together. “He’s the one.”

“You don’t know . . . ”

She shook her head. “Oh, but I do. Don’t you see? Jake Ridgeway is the perfect guardian for Christina and Tyler.”

“Guardian?” Lily looked from Vanessa to Ted. “What is this about?”

As quickly as possible they told her what they’d learned since entering the spirit world.

She listened in silence before giving a slow nod. “It sounds as though your daughter and son are in grave danger. This man who caused your death will stop at nothing to have their fortune.”

“Exactly.” For a moment Vanessa looked as though she might break down and cry.

Lily’s voice grew stronger. “As I said, I knew I was meant to be here in your space, though I didn’t know why. Now I do.” She took a deep breath. “If Jake can save your loved ones from peril, and if your daughter can bring joy back into Jake’s life, I’ll do whatever I can to bring them together.”

Vanessa hesitated. “It won’t cause you pain to see your husband . . . love someone else?”

Lily smiled then. “Love has a very different meaning in the spirit world. Here, love is completely unselfish. We want only the best for all those who matter most to us. And if your Christina can bring the joy and laughter back to my Jake’s life, I will ask no more.” She paused. “Do you have a plan to bring them together?”

Ted glanced at Vanessa. “Jake Ridgeway may have been a successful businessman, but our families moved in different circles. And it would seem that despite his wealth, he now spends all his time in woodworking, while Christina is in advertising. I just don’t know how we’ll get them to meet.”

“We’ll find a way.” Vanessa was smiling now. “After all, darling, it’s meant to be.”

“So you say.”

“I know it.” She touched a hand to her heart. “I can feel it here.”

“So can I.” Lily stood and circled the bed, embracing first Vanessa, then Ted. “Just meeting the two of you, I feel a renewed sense of hope. I believe that you are more than capable of resolving this without me. But if there is anything I can do to