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There’s no words. Nothing I can say that she wouldn’t already know and feel anyway. Frank’s arms slowly rise and then I feel them like a warm band around my back.

“Wow. This feels weird,” she whispers.

I can’t help the snort I breathe directly into her neck, where my face is buried.

“Ew, gross. That felt weird too,” she teases, but tightens her arms anyway.

“OK, so, I have no idea what’s happening, or how a lot of this weird soul juju works but I’m guessing Frank is real now?” Kristie says, looking around, shrugging.

Pulling back I wipe the happy and sad tears from my cheeks, unable to hide my grin. “Frank. I’m hugging Frank. I can see her and touch her like I can with Gabe and Grammy.” My words drift off as I search the room for Grammy. “Grammy?”

“I’m here, Bren,” Grammy says, a sad smile on her face as she comes closer.

“Grammy! What’s wrong?” I move to grip her arms, hold her steady. She looks pale, weak, her bright pink now a dull, muted tone.

She cups my face in her soft, pillowy hands, stroking my cheeks with her thumbs. “It’s time, baby.”

“No,” I whisper.

“You’re safe, you have Gabe and his family, you have Frank,” she grins and shakes me a little. “You will never be alone, Brenna.”

“But I don’t want you to go,” I cry, unable to stop my chin from wobbling. “I’ll miss you.”

“And I’ll miss you. But remember, I’m always here.” She touches my temple, “and here,” placing her hand over my heart. “It’s time for my soul to go somewhere glorious, Sweet Pea.”

I nod, my head bobbling up and down and I know, I know in my heart that I have to say goodbye. “OK,” I whisper, drawing Grammy near and holding her as tight as I can. “OK. I love you Grammy. I’ll see you someday, when it’s my time.”

“I’ll be waiting for you on the dancefloor.”

I snort, and sob, and grip even tighter, hoping I can hold on just a little longer. “I love you, Grammy.”

“I love you too, Bren. So much.” She presses a wet kiss to my cheek then steps back, her gaze moving over my shoulder.

My back hits a warm, hard chest, arms band around me and I know I’m going to be OK. Grammy chose this for me, and for that I’m ever grateful.

“Frank? You’re kick ass. Grammy loves you,” Grammy says, squeezing Frank’s hand.

“I get it from my grandmother,” Frank sniffs out.

Grammy winks then moves her gaze. “Send me on, Gabe.”

“Thank you, Grammy, for everything,” Gabe croaks out.

I keep my gaze on Grammy as she smiles and waves. Then she pokes out her tongue and makes the hand sign for boning and I lose myself in a fit of giggles.

A hand grips mine, one I know as well as I know myself. “I’ve got you, Bren.”

“And I’ve got you, Frank.”

Chapter 19

Gabriel

Ihold Bren tight as she cries into my chest. There’s nothing I can do, or say that will help. She’s just lost her grandmother for the second time. My gaze meets Frank’s over her shoulder and it shocks me to my core how alike they are and yet how completely different. She watches as Brenna sobs, placing a hand on Brenna’s shoulder before resting her forehead on the back of Brenna’s head.

I stand, quietly, stoically as my woman loses it. Murmurs behind me draw my attention and I’m met with the unnerving green gaze of Vito. He tilts his head, staring down at the charred remains of Percy whoever the fuck his name was before looking at at my sister.

“What can I say? It’s been an eventful night,” Kristie says, sunglasses still on.