Second Chances by Kathy Ivan

had been too short, done before they’d even finished their honeymoon.  They never got to move into the new home they’d purchased right before their wedding.  Never got to have kids.  In the blink of an eye their whole world, their reality changed.  Terry said this could be done, had to be done, on the anniversary of their death.  But only if both parties were open and willing to take the chance. 
    And the magic had worked!  
    Looking at her husband, Rose read the peace and contentment filling his expression and knew she’d do it again a hundred times, just to see him happy. 
    "We love you both."  Ryan’s voice jolted her back into the present.  "Are you happy?" 
    Terry and Sharon both nodded in response to his question. 
    "Thank you, Rosie Posey."  Terry’s voice sounded faintly in her ears, although Rose somehow knew the words weren’t actually said aloud.   The nickname Terry always called her, laughing when she blushed every single time, had the breath catch in the back of her throat.  Tears burned her eyes as she fought to keep them from falling. 
    Rose tugged on the dark hair beneath her fingers, getting her husband’s attention before whispering in his ear.  Sharing her joy she told him about the special gift they’d be receiving in approximately seven and a half months, their child.  His eyes glinted with his own unshed tears at her soft words, his hand gently lowered, resting with fingers splayed against her abdomen.  The wonderment in the smile that lit his face made everything they’d done worth it. 
    Leaning forward she whispered a question in his ear, knowing deep in her heart it was the right thing. 
    "Are you sure?"  He repeated the words he’d asked her earlier, before they’d made love and shared this magical evening. 
    Reaching up, she cupped his cheek, placing a soft kiss against his lips.  "I’m sure."  
    Hitching the sheet up higher to cover her naked breasts, she sat up in the bed, facing the two apparitions, friends she’d thought lost to her forever. 
    "So, guys, same time next year?" 
     

Chapter Twelve
     
    D ownstairs in his office, Quinton Chase stood beside the roaring fire in the fireplace, his hand resting against the mantle.  A slight smile dimpling the corners of his lips.  It was done.  Finished. 
    His job as the Fate-Keeper was oft fraught with difficult times, part of his penance for daring to thwart The Fates.  They were some mean bitches when they were pissed off, and he’d definitely pissed them off.  Unfortunately, they still hadn’t gotten over his foray into their inner sanctum and a thousand years later he was still paying the price.
    Often called upon to be a conduit, he became an invisible bridge between this world and the betwixt and between, formed a paranormal psychic gateway for communication and communion between the two sides. 
    Many times the outcome ended with broken hearts and tattered souls for those daring enough to take the chance—not this time.  This time everything went oh so right.
    Four souls forever intertwined, metaphysical and spiritual bonds formed no man could separate. 
    Two souls bound together for eternity through a love which transcended death.  Another two souls reaffirming their own bonds of love in a selfless and joyous union that healed a broken and grief-filled heart and fractured spirit sealing their love, writing it on their hearts and souls, not only in the here and now but until the end of time. 
    He ran a hand through his hair and loosened his tie, pulling it free from his collar before unbuttoning the first button, then the next.  Flicking the switch, he turned off the gas to the fireplace and walked through the door of his office.  The snick of the lock as it tumbled into place echoed behind him as the door closed. 
    The private elevator doors swooshed open at the turn of his key and he stepped inside and pressed the button that would take him to his penthouse suite, his personal oasis