Cadenbury Town Does Halloween (Cadenbury Town #7)

Chapter 24

CHAPTER 24

T he afternoon goes quickly. I finally leave the table and go and start work in the bookshop. I walk to the counter and hand a coffee and a slice of fruitcake to Alfred.

“Thanks, Pops,” he says, taking them and grinning.

Pa walks over and scowls at me.

“What?” I innocently ask.

He shakes his head and walks off. “So disappointed.”

I laugh and pick up the books to put away.

Sal walks off with the boys to Shattered Glass, much to all our surprise, none more so than Ebby and Sly. But they smile happily, albeit a little shocked when Xander says they were fine walking to Shattered Glass with Sal.

Pa made the boys promise to show him whatever they helped with and after promising they would, walked off smiling happily.

“Thank you, John,” Ebby said to my Pa.

“No thanks needed. You’re family, and the boys need a grandpa figure in their life. I have no magic in me so they know they are safe with me.”

“We’re not really family,” Sly pointed out.

“Too late, we’ve all claimed you,” Alfred tells them. “We can welcome you to the family at tomorrow’s BBQ.”

“I can lick you too if you want?” I say grinning.

Alfred and Sly burst out laughing, Ebby makes a yuck face and Pa just shakes his head.

“I blame your Ma. I’m sure she dropped you on your head when you were a baby,” Pa says.

“I think we’re both fine without you licking us. Pretty sure you wouldn’t lick me as well as my Ebby does. He does this thing ...,”

Ebby quickly puts his hand over Sly’s mouth, blushing. “We’re fine with you not licking us, and just say thank you for claiming us as family.” He takes his hand away from Sly’s mouth and holds it close in case he needs to stop Sly from talking again.

Sly laughs, grabs Ebby’s hand and kisses it.

“Seriously though, thank you,” Sly says. “Not many witches want anything to do with me.”

I give a rude snort. “We liked Sal before he was grey, the same with Justice and Cal. We don’t care what someone’s magical colour is, as long as they’re not trying to kill us or harm the town.”

“Yeah, and you’ve all been helpful. Don’t forget to come to dinner tonight. Nana found out Enoch’s favourite food and promised she’d cook it tonight,” Alfred tells them.

“Are you sure? We’ve eaten dinner at yours for the past few evenings.” Ebby says.

“Yep, it’s all good. Plus, it saves you having to find somewhere else to eat.”

“Thank you. Once we’ve moved in, you must all come to dinner at ours,” Sly says.

“We’ll do that, thanks,” I say.

“And with that, we’re off, we have a few free hours without the boys,” Ebby says grinning.

“Enjoy your afternoon. By the way, I know for a fact that Larry and Janice are at the Haunted Farm all afternoon,” I tell them.

Sly grins. “Good to know, see you at dinner,” and with that Sly rushes Ebby out of the shop.

“So, we know what those two will be doing this afternoon,” Alfred says laughing.

“I don’t blame them,” I shake my head. “It must be hard being constantly on the move and living out of B apart from worried, he looks sad and tired. “Are you sleeping Cass?”

“Not very much. I spend a few hours here and there in the chair, as I don’t want to leave Sion in case he needs something,” he replies as food dishes are handed to him.

“We can take turns sitting with him. You need sleep as well Cass,” Titus says.

Cassie sighs. “I might take you up on that at some point. I know we’re all needed at the fair tonight, but I don’t want to leave Sion alone.”

“I can sit with him if you want,” Ma offers, “or John can if you want to go out tonight.”

“No one will mind if you want to stay home though,” Adhan tells him.

Cass nods. “Thanks, I’ll check on Sion after we’ve finished dinner and if he’s still asleep I’ll come with you. If you’re sure Jodie, John.”

“I’ll sit with him. John is on babysitting duty tonight,” Ma replies.

Nora smiles at Pa. “Really Grandpa?”

John nods and smiles. “Yep really.”

She looks at Cam and Nix. “You can both go to the fair tonight if you want.”

“If you’re sure, Doobs, John,” Nix says, looking at Pa.

“Yep, we’ll be fine,” he looks at the boys. “Is that alright with you two, or would you prefer someone else stays?”

“Nope, we’re good with you John,” Xander says.

Ebby and Sly smile and look at Enoch.

“Yep, we’re good with John.”