Free A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) by Brenda Phillips Page A

worked.
Well not really a man, more a shadow of a man.
When
I told my Father about it he just said that it was Della’s beau.
I
didn’t think any more about it.” After another bite, he continues,
“Some people in town think Della was crazy; other’s think she had a
gift.
I personally lean toward she had the gift that was why he
appeared to her.”
Now thinking back to yesterday he wonders if
he had seen Archibald at the attic window.
    Releasing her hand, “Why don’t you read the next entry?”
Getting up from the table he takes their plates to the sink and
washes them.
Placing them in the drainer he leans against the
counter with his arms folded across his chest waiting.
Not needing further encouragement Stephanie turns the
page and reads aloud.
Aug 30th
Dear Diary,
    It has been a little over a month since Archibald came to visit
me the first time.
We spend an hour every evening talking about
how to help him.
I had suggested he tell me about his life in the
army as a Union soldier.
He does not tell me about the fighting,
just about the weather, the riding on horses for hours and tells about
some of the men getting sick and dying.
How he would write his
parents every night but never gets a chance to mail the letters.
He
tells me stories of his youth, growing up in a God fearing family.
Before joining the regiment he lived with his parents in Illinois.
His
family owned a General Store.
    We are not any closer to finding a way to help him.
But I
have to admit this just so I can have it out in the open; I am in love
with my Archibald.
I count the hours before we are together again.
I miss him when I am busy with my chores.
    My parents do not understand why I spend so much time in
my room and I am unwilling to tell them my reasons.
I do not want
to be sent away.
I would die if I was unable to see my love.
    When Stephanie gazes at Chase he sees tears in her eyes.
Moving to her, Chase drops to his knees pulling Stephanie in his
arms.
“Oh Chase, this is breaking my heart.
She loves him.
How did she survive when he left her?”
With his arms around her,
Chase kisses the top of Stephanie’s head.
    In a low voice he informs her, “I don’t think he did leave her.
I think he has been here with her all these years.
Because I think
he loved her as much as she loved him.”
Drawing back so she
could see his face, “I think he is still here now, still unable to move
on.”
    “You mean he is still stuck here?
Oh my goodness, we have
to help him.
With Della gone he has no one, no one to try to help
him.”
Scooting forward, she kisses Chase’s forehead.
Stephanie
stands up and Chase’s hands fall to his sides as he rises to his feet
she continues, “I am going back to the attic.
When I was leaving
earlier with the journal I could have sworn I hear a low sigh.”
Almost running Stephanie heads for the stairs.
    Behind her she hears Chase following at a slower pace.
Due to his long legs he is beside her in no time and they finish
walking up the stairs side by side. Stopping at the attic door
Stephanie looks at Chase for guidance. Shrugging his shoulder he
takes her hand before they step inside the room.
    Blowing out a breath Stephanie rubs her hand together,
looking at Chase she starts talking to Archibald.
She begins telling
him they know he is here; they are not afraid of him then continue
to explain they want to help him.
    When she finishes speaking, they look around the attic
waiting for Archibald to appear.
After several minutes Stephanie
starts walking around the room trying to think of a way to make
contact.
Maybe they could have a séance; when she suggests this
to Chase he shakes his head no.
Stephanie sits down in the middle
of the floor to try again, this time using a more personal approach,
“Archibald, I know you are still stuck here in limbo.
I also know my
Aunt Della was helping you.
I would like to try to help you too.
Chase and I would like to help you