Beckoning Spirit (A Romantic Paranormal Short Story) Read Online Free PDF

to entertain me as a little girl.”
    “And now, ya believe them to be more?”
    “Yes, I do. Obviously, my grandma didn’t paint this portrait, but if we agree there’s such a thing as reincarnation, isn’t it possible that one of her past lives did—a woman with the same initials? Grandma always told me spirits watch over us after they’ve thrown off their physical garments and left the earthly world. I think that’s what she’s been doing. Grandma has been watching over me, and she used the woman in white to guide me to you.” Devin stepped quickly toward the lobby, pulling him along with her. “I need to speak to the president of the Historical Society. It’s very important.”
    They stopped at the front desk and Kipp asked the clerk to once again ring Mrs. Grey. When she answered, Kipp reminded her of their earlier call and asked if she would mind speaking to Amelia Fuller’s granddaughter.
    “I’m happy to talk with Amelia’s kin,” she said. “I remember Devin.”
    Kipp placed his ear up close and listened at Devin’s side as she explained to Mrs. Grey the reason she was calling.
    “The artist’s name was Annabelle Serafina Freemont,” Mrs. Grey said, “but she went by her middle name of Sera. She was Darla Freemont’s mother.”
    Serafina!
    Devin and Kipp gazed at each other. After she thanked Mrs. Grey for the information, the two returned to the parlor and sank into a loveseat. They fell into a companionable silence, pondering the amazing coincidences.
    “Do you believe we’re Kenneth Summers and Darla Freemont reincarnated?” he finally asked.
    “I don’t know how else to explain this.”
    “But why did we meet now? Your grandmother passed away a year ago.”
    “One year today.” Devin lowered her eyes and spoke with ragged honesty. “Grandma and I were very close. Her last words were spoken to me. She told me to follow my dreams and I’d find love. It’s been a difficult time for me this past year. My personal dreams almost came to a standstill, and I’d nearly given up on love in any shape or form. Maybe this is Grandma’s way of getting me back on track—of reminding me that love is always there, waiting for us, no matter how long it takes to reach us.” Her eyes welled.
    Kipp took her hand and stroked it with his finger. “I’ve been waiting for love, too. I’m willing to do my part so that your grandma’s dreams for both of us come true.” He drew her hand to his mouth and kissed the inside of her wrist, where her pulse beat.
    “How do you suggest we start?” she asked softly.
    “I think we should begin by first promising each other we will never, ever go near the cliffs together.”
    Devin laughed and cupped his cheek. Kipp threaded his fingers underneath her hair and caressed the back of her neck.
    She closed her eyes and sighed pleasantly. “I think that’s a wonderful way to begin, but as a romance writer, I can’t help but wonder how the story will turn out in the end.” She gazed at him tentatively.
    His passion-clouded gaze delved deep. When he pulled her to his chest, she felt the rhythmic drumming of his heart against hers.
    “Happily ever after, of course,” he replied.
    As their lips touched for the first time, a new dream replaced the other. The vision she pictured was of she and Kipp standing on the shore looking out to the sea, exchanging rings, and promising to love each other throughout all of time.
    When their mouths parted, she glanced at the portrait on the wall and startled. Something about the painting was different. After a moment, she realized what it was. Darla’s mouth was no longer pressed into a thin, sad line. A smile now played upon her lips. And the fairy light of love kindled in her eyes, reflecting back at Devin.
     
     

 
     
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
     
    Stacey Coverstone is a multi-published author of Gothics, contemporary and historical western romance, romantic suspense, short ghost stories, and the Briony Martin Mystery