Page 78 of The Ghost of Loon Lake

“In your dreams.”

She winked.

“On your marks,” Mr. Willie called.

Christopher positioned himself a few inches from his wife, hoping to distract her with the scent of the aftershave she loved. A couple seconds head start wasn’t much, but he’d take every advantage he could against his spry spouse. He forgot to factor in his reaction to her nearness.

From the corner of her gaze, he studied the flutter at the base of her throat, her long lashes on her heavy lids. Her scent perfumed the air with a mixture of sun-warmed cotton and sugar from their lazy breakfast in bed. He wouldn’t mind skipping the race. He opened his mouth.

“Get set, GO.” Mr. Willie blew a whistle.

Christopher jerked and raced down the hill, full tilt.

But she was agile and fast, blurring past him at top speed. He gave her a head start. If he remembered correctly, she needed a lactose pill before downing the milkshake. She’d forgotten to take one. Or, if she had, she’d kept her actions secret.

He’d let her have a few mysteries. He was coming around to the idea of living his life and letting others run theirs. He hadn’t even asked the potential new owner of the old sawmill for a five-year plan. News of the passing of the owner of the old sawmill had hit him harder than he’d imagined.

After losing Xavier, death was no longer an abstract concept to Christopher or Ashley. He hoped the heir had had a chance for a decent farewell. He glanced at the bench as he ran past, almost imagining, for a second, he spotted his father-in-law sitting and smiling at him.

He gave his head a shake. She wouldn’t believe his sincerity if he told her. But the sighting warmed him from the inside out. And that was progress. Along with accepting her idea for murder mystery weekends.

He studied the island as he neared the bottom of the hill. The lighthouse folly would be rebuilt to aid the Soupy story. Everyone should have a piece of Loon Lake. Everyone should be as happy as he was.

As long as the ghosts—and treasure—remained hidden.