The Gatekeeper's Secret: Gatekeeper's Saga, Book Five (The Gatekeeper's Saga) by Eva Pohler Page B

to the window. “Oh, Mom! Why didn’t you ever tell me about it before?”
    “You were only fifteen when we died,” her father said.
    “But still…” Therese argued.
    “Actually, I did once, when you were really little. I think you were five. I dressed you up in it and took photos of you. I thought I put them in one of the albums.”
    “I’ve never seen them,” Therese said.
    She sensed Carol coming up the stairs, so she kissed her parents good night, closed the window, and returned to her bed.
    Carol knocked before entering. “It’s freezing in here! Did you have the window open?”
    It was difficult for Therese to sense just how cold it was.
    “I just needed a little air.”
    “Should I get you another blanket?”
    “No, thanks. I’m fine.”
    Carol sat on the edge of the bed and hugged herself to keep from shivering. “I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I should have known better.”
    Therese was thankful for her aunt’s apology. She had hoped Carol wouldn’t pretend she had never said anything. The accusation stung.
    “That’s okay. Don’t worry. I know I’ve been acting kind of strange.”
    “Are you having second thoughts?”
    Therese sat up. “No. Not at all. I promise.” She hoped she wasn’t giving anyone that impression, especially Than. Therese had never felt surer about anything in her life.
    “Just…”
    “I love Than. He’s the sweetest, most thoughtful, most trustworthy person on the planet. I admire him so much, more than any boy I’ve ever met. I wish you could have the chance to get to know him better. I’m telling you, he’s the one for me.”
    Aren’t you laying it on a little thick? A prayer from Hypnos came unexpectedly.
    Hip? Quit spying on me!
    I’m on my way to see Jen.
    “Just because you know he’s the one doesn’t mean you have to rush into anything. Richard and I waited a few years, and I think it helped us make a stronger beginning.”
    “I’ve known Than for almost four years, Carol. I’ll be nineteen in April. I know not all girls are ready this young, but I am. I really am.”
    “What about college? Are you planning to finish those online courses?”
    Therese twisted the covers in her hands. She had nearly completed her degree in psychology, but there was no way she could tell her aunt. She would think it impossible. And it was impossible for a normal girl. “Yes. I may even finish early.”
    “Is it still psychology?”
    Therese nodded. “It will help me get a job as an animal caretaker and trainer.”
    Like Apollo and some of the other gods, Therese hoped to integrate into the company of humans as often as possible. With a degree, she could even get a real job, which she hoped would make it possible for her to help more people and their animal friends. Plus, the psychology had already come in handy more than a few times.
    “Are you still working at the animal shelter?”
    “Yep. I love it.”
    Carol smiled. “I guess it’s a good thing Than’s parents are loaded.”
    Therese laughed. “You don’t need to worry about us. We’ll be fine.”
    Carol nodded—her body more relaxed—and said, “I have an idea, but tell me what you really think, not what you want me to hear, okay?”
    “Okay.”
    “What do you think about having Lynn as your flower girl?” Carol’s eyes were gleaming, but Therese’s heart was breaking. “I know she won’t be quite three by the wedding, and she might do something silly, but even if she messes up, she’ll still be adorable. We could give her a basket of rose petals, and she could…”
    “Carol, stop,” Therese said, feeling the blood leave her face. As much as she would love to see Lynn in a pretty dress carrying a basket of flower petals, all she could see was how much more danger her little sister would be in if she walked down the aisle alone among all those gods.
    The gleam left Carol’s eyes, and she blushed. Even her ears turned red, nearly the same color as her hair. “I’m sorry. This is