I think we should talk. – text from Pagan to Shiloh
The sentence murmured as Shiloh drifted off to sleep haunted Pagan. Four days later, it was still rattling around in his head. So was the mind-blowing sex.As the girls got dressed for trick or treating, he sent her a message.He had typed it and deleted it several times. Sometimes it was short. Other times it was so long, it should have chapter and verse.He finally settled on five simple words. Then after he sent it, he realized how ominous it sounded. There was no way to get it back. The message he received back invited him and the girls over after trick and treating.With bags full of candy and treats, they parked in the driveway to their house and walked across the street. Pumpkins and decorations lined the street. Even their own house had seven jack-o-lanterns on the porch.Cookie had brought them home with Gertie and told Pagan that he needed to call Shiloh. When Karan got home with the girls, theyThe Aranya are the only spiders that do not serve a purpose in this world. – ShilohPagan and his girls moved in with Shiloh in November. The Saturday after Halloween, Cookie and some of his crew painted the rooms just as the girls wanted. The following weekend, they moved in.For Thanksgiving, he took the girls to the Shack. Shiloh apologized for not going, but this was one of her obligations. As much as she wanted to spend the holiday with them, she was not ready to take them to meet her family. “Believe me, it has nothing to do with you.” Shiloh assured him as they kissed goodbye that morning. “They are horrible people, with a few exceptions. And I certainly don’t want them being cruel to the girls. And trust me, they would be.”“But we’ll have Christmas together?” He asked as the girls buckled themselves into his SUV. “Absolutely.”It had been late when she finally got home. She sat on the couch with a girl snuggled into her sides and watched Disney mov
Some creep bought me out. Just wanted the spiders, nothing else. – KellyIt was not what any of the Saint’s wanted to see.The pictures that Kelly sent Shiloh clearly showed an Aranya member. “Thanks for your help, miss….?”“Shiloh.” She smiled at him as she scooped up the tarantula and placed him back in the box. “I’m guessing that you don’t want him?”“No!” Spider loudly declared and his brothers chuckled. “You can keep him.” Toad chuckled. She secured the lid on the box before going to get Christina. “Why are you keeping them separate?” one of the men asked.“Because he’s younger, smaller and weak. And she may try to kill him.” Shiloh said placing Christina on her shoulder. “She’s my most aggressive spider.”“Aggressive?” Spider squeaked. “Territorial. She won’t hurt you. Besides, Alyssa likes feeding them. They’re all getting a little plump.”“Do you have a place for him?” Pagan asked. “Yes. Alyssa asked for one and I hav
The biggest problem that I’m going to have is not getting lost in the books. – GertieShiloh was proud of her friend. She liked a good book from time to time. Rainy afternoons were a great time to curl up with a good cozy book. But Gertie did not need a reason to read. Or even a specific type of book.Walking into the new bookstore, Shiloh looked around and was thrilled with what Cookie and his crew had done with the old movie theater and the stores on either side. The walls were covered in floor to ceiling bookshelves. The old balcony had been extended to create a walkway that encircled the upper part of the store. The gradual slope of the theater had been changed into wide terraces with shelves five feet high.The old concession area was now the check out area. While the small stage and screen had been was now a small coffee bar. Cookies and other baked goods from The Cookie Jar were available along with hot and cold coffees. The children’s area was situated in th
Christmas is one day. Yule is nearly two weeks. – NessieNeither of the girls liked going into the basement of the funeral home. It had become the best place to hide their Christmas gifts. After the girls went to bed Christmas Eve, Pagan and Shiloh began bringing the gifts up.“You didn’t get them too much, did you?” Pagan teased. They were still carrying his presents up on the third trip.“Nothing compared to you.” She laughed as they placed the latest load around the tree.“Not all of it’s from me. Quite a bit is from my parents and Santa.” He countered. “We usually go to the Shack for Christmas dinner.”“That sounds awesome. Do I need to cook anything?”Pagan laughed as she arranged a few boxes. “No, Nessie would be insulted.”“The carnival and stuff is gone, right?” she asked quietly and he heard the fear in her voice.“Yes, Santa’s Wonderland is officially shut down. Some of the booths and tents are still up, but we won’t be going over there.” He
Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Santa found us! Just like you said he would! – AlyssaAshlyn and Alyssa rushed into the master bedroom long before the sun came up on Christmas morning. Pagan groaned as he realized that he had never talked to Shiloh about the girls getting up so early. It had been like this for as long as he could remember. They bounded up onto the black and purple bed. Pagan scooted over and his girls squeezed in between him and Shiloh. “Buon Natale.” Shiloh told the girls with a great big smile. “You said that Santa has been here?”“Yes!” both girls exclaimed excitedly. “Then let’s go see what he brought.” Shiloh told them and they both jumped out of bed and ran downstairs.“Merry Christmas.” Pagan murmured as he rolled over and settled above Shiloh.“Buon Natale.” She smiled as she pressed her lips to his.“I would love to stay here.” Pagan kissed her. “But my girls are as good as they can be all year for one day.”Shiloh laughed as she
He is the saint of the bricklayers and masons. He cared for the poor and the needy. It is our duty to continue his ministry. – NonnaThe traditions that Nonna had started lived on through Shiloh and Nonno. Nico knew her for only a few years before her death but was honored to be included in the traditions.Shiloh had told Pagan that she would be gone just about all day. She was surprised when she got up the day after Christmas and he also got up. She was even more surprised when the girls were also up and ready by the time she walked down to the kitchen.“What are you girls doing up so early?” Shiloh asked as she kissed each of them on their heads.“Daddy said that today is the day that you celebrate Nonna.” Ashlyn said. “We want to help.”“That’s really sweet girls.” She smiled at them. ‘It’s a lot of work, but I promise that you’ll feel really great as you crawl into bed tonight.”“What all are we going to do today?” Pagan asked as he handed her a large cup
I don’t think that you understand your place within this family. – Elizabeth GiordanoPagan and Shiloh spent New Year’s Eve at the Shack while the girls went to a kid’s party over at Chance’s house. He knew that his new wife would not be comfortable with the New Year’s Eve activities and hosted the annual party for the kids. When Pagan had called Chance at ten in the morning, Rye answered the phone whispering.“Hey, Pagan.”“Good morning, Rye. How are the girls?”“Still asleep. Hang on.” Pagan could hear her moving around in their house and then she took a picture. A moment later, his phone chimed as the picture came through and he clicked the speakerphone button before he moved the phone so that both he and Shiloh could see the screen.Chance was lying on his back asleep on the living room floor. He had his niece, Morgan, asleep on one shoulder and Alyssa asleep on the other. He looked happy and content asleep surrounded by a dozen or more club kids.
Most people make the mistake of overcooking the lasagna. – NicoOn the second Saturday of the new year, Nico invited himself over to teach the girls how to make authentic Italian lasagna. He showed up with almost all the ingredients that they would need. As he mixed up the pasta dough, he explained everything to the girls. Pagan and Shiloh sat at the table watching them. “Daddy always just thaws out the lasagna and puts it in the oven.” Ashlyn declared and Nico acted like he was going to die in the kitchen.Shiloh laughed at her cousin as he lay on the floor clutching his heart, mumbling a prayer in Italian. “I’ve made it from scratch before.” Pagan grumbled with a smile.“You never made the pasta.” Ashlyn pointed out.“Or the sauce.” Alyssa added.Shiloh laughed harder. “They have no loyalties to you when it comes to food.”“None.” Pagan agreed as Nico slowly and dramatically stood back up. The girls were helping him as he clutched the cabinet door