A flush of color tinged Norma’s normally pale skin. She hadn’t been complimented much in the past, and she obviously didn’t know how to react.
“I’m glad you liked it,” Norma said shyly. “I raided your fridge and whipped up whatever I could find.”
“That was really awesome. We’ll go shopping tomorrow and you can buy whatever else you need.”
“Thanks.” She smiled. “I’ve made dessert too. I don’t know if you want some just yet, but I’ve baked an apple pie.”
“Norma, that’s the best news I’ve heard all week.” Leeman smiled at her lazily and she blushed again. “But first, I have something to show you.” Pushing his chair back, he motioned for them to precede him to the kitchen door. He led the two women out into the huge backyard. Maple and oak trees lined the enclosed garden, and a long wooden garage was tucked behind the house to the left. Wild roses curled along the side of the garage wall.
Aspen followed them curiously. Once they’d reached the garage, he opened the doors and escorted the two of them inside. It was dark in the room, and he felt for the light switch.
As the fluorescent light flickered to life, Aspen saw a late-model white Honda compact. The car stood in the middle of the floor, and she rushed up to it and ran her fingers along the sleek metal surface.
“I’d like you to have this car,” Leeman said and touched Norma’s shoulder.
She gasped in surprise and shook her head. “Is this for me?”
He nodded and pushed her gently toward the vehicle. It took a moment before she walked up to it and stroked the hood reverently.
Aspen opened the door and slid into the passenger seat. The car smelled of new leather, and she sank back into the upholstered seats.
“No, this isn’t possible. This can’t be true.” Norma stared in wonder at Leeman. Her face crumpled suddenly and tears rolled down her cheeks. “This . . . this is too much,” she said as she sobbed.
Leeman walked up to her and enfolded her in a bear hug. “It’s okay, Norma. You deserve to be spoiled. This is just the beginning.”
“Wow, Mom, now you can teach me how to drive.” Aspen laughed as she climbed out of the car.
Her mother smiled and wiped her eyes. “I promise I’ll teach you soon.” She studied the car while Leeman kept his arm draped across her shoulder.
“Didn’t you say there was dessert?”
Norma beamed up at him. “I’ll make you the best dessert every night.”
Leeman walked Norma back to the kitchen as Aspen closed the garage door and switched off the light. Her mother’s face was so animated, and she couldn’t be happier for her.
Once they were inside, her mom asked them to sit at the table and then dished up the pie. She placed a portion in front of each person, along with a small fork for each. Aspen jumped up and filled their glasses with juice before they began to eat. She sipped her drink and licked the tines of the fork slowly, savoring the sweetness of the pie.
Minutes of absolute bliss passed, and she couldn’t remember when last she’d been so happy. With a sigh, she pushed back her chair and said, “I’ve had too much to eat. Thanks, Mom, that was delicious.”
Leeman agreed. “Yes, thanks, Norma.” He leaned back and rubbed his stomach. One of his shirt buttons had come undone, and Norma noticed the dream catcher as it gleamed against his skin.
“Hey, you’ve got the same necklace as I have.” She pulled her dream catcher free and held the disk up in the air. The ridges reflected light in soft waves. “It’s so pretty. Aspen has one as well. Did Roman give it to you too?”
Leeman and Aspen remained silent and looked at each other warily.
“Did I say something wrong?” she asked.
“No, Mom, it’s all good,” Aspen reassured her. “Uncle Leeman, I think it’s time that you tell Mom what we are.”
Rather than argue, he reached for his dream catcher. It glittered magically.
“What do you mean?” Norma asked. “Aspen, you’re scaring me. Does this have something to do with what happened to Stephan earlier?”
“Mom, relax.” She placed her hand on her mother’s arm.
“It’s okay, Norma. Aspen and I have a secret that we need to tell you.”
Norma covered her daughter’s hand with her own.
“My surname is Walker, right?”
Norma nodded her head.
“Roman comes from a long line of Walkers—Dream Walkers. Dream Walkers have been on this earth for centuries. We live in a plane parallel to Earth.”
Aspen could feel her mother tense up, and she gripped her hand tightly.
“There are good and bad people living on this plane. The Chancellors are the bad guys. They become powerful and multiply on fear. Fear is what feeds them. Nightmares are ideal for creating fear, so they try and make as many bad dreams as they can. A small child in the middle of a nightmare is the perfect vehicle for strengthening Chancellors. They live on the energy created by that fear.”