As we made our way downstairs, I saw the complete destruction of the home for the first time since the attack. My heart began to ache replaying the horrifying events which took place only a few days ago. So much death and destruction had happened in such a short time.
But over those past few days, Alaine had flown in a few highly skilled workers who she paid well to work round-the-clock. The windows had been reinstalled, the door was back in place, and they were hanging new sheets of drywall to cover the damages.
In the middle of the foyer was a huge heap of rubble, and I noticed pieces of from the crystal chandelier and stained glass. As I glanced up at the large, clear plastic sheet spread across the hole in the ceiling, I wondered how in the world Alaine tried to explain the damages. Maybe she paid them not to ask questions. I certainly would.
There were about five men working on different sections of the room. None of them stopped to look at us. They tediously continued what they needed to.
As we made our way down toward the bottom of the stairs Kade wrapped his arm around my waist. “Be careful where you step,” he warned.
I nodded, laying my head against his shoulder to keep my eyes from wandering to the places I’d last seen James and Malachi.
As we made our way through the rubble and into the kitchen, I was glad to see it hadn’t received too much damage. The lights were already on, and I could hear voices in the dining area.
“Do you guys care what you eat?” Thomas asked.
“Nah,” I answered. “I’m just really hungry.”
“Alright, you two go ahead. Dom and I will fix something quick and bring it in.”
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Yes, he’s sure. This is your time to share your gifts with your parents,” Dom winked.
“Thanks, guys,” Kade said.
“Yes, thank you,” I repeated.
“Oh, and Emma,” Dom called out.
“Yeah?”
“Please don’t kick their asses. That would be a complete tragedy.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t worry, I won’t. I’ll even sit across the table from them.”
“Good thinking,” he said, giving me a thumbs up.
As Kade and I made our way into the dining area, Samuel and Alaine’s faces lit up.
“Emma,” Alaine said, standing to her feet. She stood and came towards us, but Kade stepped in between and held out his hand.
“It’s okay,” I said. “I won’t hurt her.”
Alaine stopped and looked at us puzzled.
“Kade was just protecting you,” I said.
“From what?” she asked.
“From me,” I breathed.
“I don’t understand,” she said, shaking her head.
“One of Emma’s gifts is strength. Dom threw a fake punch at her, and she reacted without control. She grabbed his arm and tossed him over her head like he was a pillow.”
“What?” Samuel asked. His face lit up.
“Yeah, and that’s not the only gift she has,” Kade explained.
I was relieved he was doing all the talking. It made it so much easier for me because I had no idea what I was going to say, or how I was going to explain it.
“What’s your other gift?” Alaine asked.
Kade stepped to the side so she could see me fully. I smiled and disappeared.
“I knew it,” she gasped. Tears flowed from her eyes, then she slowly walked up to me. I became visible again, and threw my arms around her.
“A chip off the old block,” Samuel chimed. Little did he know, I was a chip off of his block as well.
When he came to me, I could see a look of pride glowing on his face. “Look at you, all grown up. You’re radiant,” he said.
“Thanks,” I said, hugging him tightly.
“And don’t worry about not being able to control your gift. There are some gifts which take longer to tame than others. In time you’ll get it, and I can help you if you want,” he offered.
“I’d like that,” I said, and his smile widened.
During our late night meal, we discussed everything from the renovations on the house, the return of Courtney and Caleb, and details of the wedding. It was going to be a small affair, on a big budget.
Although Samuel had already performed his magical Angelic cremation ceremony on James and Malachi, he did collect their ashes knowing I would want them.
I requested for each of them, including Danyel, to have a small headstone placed outside in the graveyard; an area where we could go to remember them; where all our loved ones would be remembered, for as long as we were alive.
Alaine agreed.
The wedding would be held in the back yard, and the reception in the ballroom. Alaine said she would have gardeners come and trim the labyrinth all the way down to waist length, and then cut away the center to make it large enough to hold the ceremony. She promised it would be transformed into something unforgettable, and I didn’t doubt her.