Death by Chocolate (The Davenports 2)

Micah grinned. “Papa bear is missing his cubs.”

“Don’t worry, this one will be here soon enough for you to dote on,” Olive patted her rounding belly. Her skin glowed, and her smile appeared permanently pasted onto her mouth. “Everyone else is already in the back.” Olive and Luka lead them through the house to the backyard where everyone was gathered around a massive wooden picnic bench custom made to fit the Davenport family and plenty more.

The candy brick patio led out to a natural grotto with a small waterfall that fed into a large pool. He’d whittled away hours in this pool as a youth. He couldn’t blame his brother for choosing to stay in the family home. Even if it was far too large for two people.

“Hey.” A chorus of greetings rushed up to meet him. He hugged his little brother. “It’s good to see you in person instead of on Skype.”

The lanky youth tossed his fringe of brown hair out of his hazel-colored eyes and grinned. “I figured it was time to come home for a while before you guys forget I existed.”

“Wise plan,” Luka grumbled. It was clear he was proud as a peacock and happy to have them all in one place again.

“I finally get to meet this beautiful lady in person.” Kane bowed and kissed the back of Daize’s hand after they shook.

“I see the charm runs in the family,” she said dryly.

Kane laughed. “Oh, this one is a keeper. She sees through us.”

“Keeps me humble,” Micah replied.

“It’s good to meet you, too, Kane,” Daize said with a smile. She’d gotten used to dealing with his random family.

“When did you get in?” Micah asked Kane.

“Late last night. I got up just in time to help Luka set up. My poor body is eternally confused about time zones.”

“That’s what happens when you country hop,” Rachel called.

“Your sympathy is staggering,” Kane replied drolly.

“Welcome to my family’s dynamics.” Micah steered her away from the bickering siblings to greet Asher and Clara. The girls had become fast friends, and they did a lot of double dating.

“When Kane comes back, we realize how quiet it is without him,” Asher remarked as the girls hugged.

“Mean, but true.”

We chuckled. As the second youngest, Kane often took his share of ribbing.

“How are things at home?” Asher asked.

“At my home? Great.”

“Stop.” Daize sat beside Clara. “They still don’t like him.”

“What did you do?” Asher said.

“It’s more of what I represent for many of them,” Micah admitted. “We brought in a more powerful psychic who’d assured us the ghosts meant Daize no harm. Their goal was to be noticed, not to scare. They feel protective of and grateful to Daize.”

“Daize the ghost whisperer,” Asher marveled.

“Oh no, there is no whispering. I’m fine with the silent knowledge they’re around.”

“Where are you in the battle to have something done?” Clara asked.

“The owner of the building isn’t too keen on having rumors of dead bodies under his complex. We’re locked in negotiations at the moment.” He’d gotten their lawyers involved. If they could provide enough proof, the decision would be taken out of the owner’s hands, but he didn’t want to do that. He was hoping to eventually meet in the middle.

“As far as we still have to go in society, looking back at the past shows me we have made major progress. I can’t even imagine not being seen as human,” Clara said.

“I had the same thoughts,” Daize replied. “It’s why I can’t just leave them, not knowing what will happen next. If I don’t ensure they find peace, who will?”