Free Garden of Sorrow (Book 4 of Psychic Visions, a paranormal romantic suspense) by Dale Mayer Page A

hit the brakes.
    What the hell?
    The gardener in her was stunned. Both the transmitter and receiver in her were overwhelmed…with joy. Gently she parked her truck to the side, and got out. She took several steps forward, tears in her eyes.
    It was apparent in this setting that she was but a green student to a master when it came to gardening or plant health. All the bushes, flowers, even the trees looked like they were on steroids. The house itself twinkled through the greenery that both hid and guarded it from prying eyes. One side of Stefan's house was all glass that reflected the late afternoon sun. The rest was crafted from logs. Some of them so huge she'd wished she'd seen the trees before they'd been felled. Evergreens bordered the top of the property and they glowed with some otherworldly shimmer.
    Everything was alive in a way she had never seen before. Birds twittered and sang in the garden as she stood in awe.
    "Were you planning to come in or just stand there?"
    Stefan.
    She didn't bother to glance at him. Her gaze was desperately trying to delve deeper into the miracle in front of her.
    "Earth to Alexis."
    "I'm here. I'm just…overwhelmed." She'd never seen roses with blooms so big. And the colors. Everything practically radiated joy. Wood carvings peeked out from parts of the garden, catching and holding her attention. Such craftsmanship.
    "Don't be. You're very talented with plants as well."
    That caught her attention. "No," she said. "I'm skilled." She waved her arms around her, and added, "This…is talent. I don't even recognize some of these plants."
    "I'm a bit of a collector. Have plants from all over the world." He grinned.
    She stared for a moment then grinned back. "And you are too damn good looking, too."
    This time he chuckled. "But only temporarily. Once you get to know me, I won't look that way at all."
    She frowned and walked closer. "Why? Does the troll in you shine brighter the better I get to know you?"
    He stepped inside and motioned her to enter, but she couldn't. She stalled at the open front door. Made of wood, it was as if she saw Tolkien's tree Ents coming to life. Faces had been carved, making unique use of the wood grains. She shook her head and walked in. "You didn't answer my question."
    She followed him through the house, loving the unique space, the bright lights…and oh my God, the stained glass windows. She spun around trying to take everything in, and realized she couldn't. The walls were covered with paintings that drew her in and wouldn't let go.
    "I don't need to."
    Had she insulted him? She hoped not. Damn her unruly tongue. She studied Stefan's features carefully. He didn't appear to be upset.
    He motioned her to a chair. "We'll start right now. And we'll keep it short. I want to show you how to protect your space and how to run the energy you need for your system. I'll show you several techniques to help you meditate. From there, all kinds of skills can be worked on."
    "Like?" Alexis sat where he pointed.
    "Talking safely with ghosts, for starters."
    She flushed. Dare she ask about the safely part? But he was already giving her instructions to sit comfortably and take several deep breaths. She tried to let the questions go and followed along.
    And hoped she could trust where he led.
    Forty minutes later, she was still hoping.
    "Okay, we'll try to put all this into practice right now, then call it a night. Close your eyes. Focus on deep breathing. One breath in… Let it out slowly. And again. As each thought flits into your mind, acknowledge the thought exists, then let it slide away. Let it go. Let them all go. Let the thoughts drift in and then drift out. Just like your breath. Deeper breaths, longer exhales. Feel the tension drain away.
    "Now think of a favorite place where you'd like to be. A waterfall, a beautiful meadow. One or your favorite gardens perhaps. See yourself there. Be there. Smell the fresh air… Feel a breeze on your skin."
    Alexis walked forward