What the Heart Knows

“You’ll need that kind of faith to get through this. You remember what we discussed about preparing her?”

“Yes, she’s ready. Her kindness has returned, and I see recognition in her eyes when I mention things from our past.”

She leaned forward.

“We will perform a Soul Rescue.”

“Where? I can’t bring her here without making her suspicious.”

“Then I will come to you. Your place is fine. Better in fact because of the history.”

They spent the next hour and a half hammering out the details before they separated. As he walked to his car, Oliver sent a prayer up toward heaven. Please, God, let this work. She would bring all the materials they needed, and he would prepare the house. Oliver left Madeline’s house hopeful and scared out of his mind. This needed to work for all of their sakes.

****

Hannah frowned as she left Cupa for the day. How could this girl come here and work every day? She missed the feel of a camera in her hands and the opportunity to express her vision in an artistic format. The nine to five had never been the career choice for her. Too much time spent in the same place, doing the same thing made her antsy and stir crazy. It was all she could do not to scream as she poured cup after cup of coffee made a million and one ways. She’d be glad when she could tell Oliver who she really was and get back to doing the things she loved.

She unlocked the door to the house and beamed at the sight that greeted her. The lights were dimmed and white candles were lit. It was obvious he was still in love with her. He got a certain look when he mentioned things they had done together in the past. Some part of him must sense the change. It made her feel bad for Juniper. The poor girl had no idea she was a replacement model. Well, place holder now. Hannah had stood by her man, even after death. It was time she was rewarded for her decision. Anger threatened to creep up, but she shoved it back down. Nothing was going to ruin this.

“Oli?”

She set her purse down on the end table by the door and glanced around as she called his name.

“I’m on the back patio.”

Her image of wine and a cheese plate evaporated as she stopped short in the doorframe. A serious look covered Oliver’s face as he stood from the wicker couch.

“I know it’s you, Hannah.”

The words washed over her, and joy filled her body.

“I knew you still loved me, Oli!” She ran to him and jumped into his waiting arms.

“I missed you so much, Oliver. It was hell being able to see you, but not touch you or talk to you.” She stroked his soft hair and nuzzled her face into his neck. She pulled back when she felt drops of water fall onto her neck. His cheeks had turned red, and his body trembled against hers.

“It’s okay. I’m back, and we’re together now.” She offered up a tentative smile when he shook his head no.

“No what, Oli?”

“No, this isn’t right. You can’t just stay in Juni’s body.”

“What?”

Her voice dropped an octave as she removed her hands from around his neck. “Let go of me, you son of a bitch.”

She shoved against his chest, squirming when his arms tightened around her.

“I can’t.”

He began to carry her to the far side of the patio where the dark haired fortune teller he’d visited previously stepped out of the shadows.

“A part of me will always love you, Hannah, but you don’t belong here any longer.”

“I stayed here for you, and this is how you repay me!”

Her voice was shrill and she lashed out to beat on his chest as she struggled to escape. She heard him groan and pleasure filled her. She wanted him to hurt the way she did.

“I didn’t ask you to stay, Hannah. I would never have been that selfish.”