Marked by a Ghost

The cool wind brushed against my cheek sending a shiver down my spine. Sometimes I wondered if it was just because of my slender frame that the chill seemed to seep into my bones. Today, however, was different. I felt...unsettled as I stood before this giant house that I would soon call my home. "I'm nervous," I said softly as I stood there holding the hand of my fiancé Mike. His dark brown hair wafted through the wind as he deep blue eyes gazed into the distance towards the rundown mansion that stood before us both. "Don't be babe, this is an incredible opportunity for us," Mike said as he gripped my hand tighter. I felt safe in his embrace and some of the trepidation began to fade away. "I know you're right...it's just..." I paused trying to wrap my head around what was bothering me about this. I wondered if it was the fact that we were there at night, or if it was the way the moon hit the house at such an eerie angle. "I can't help but feel unsettled. I think we should come back in the morning." He turned his gaze from the house and bore his eyes deep into mine. My blue eyes were not quite as captivating as his. I could almost feel him reading my thoughts and I felt...exposed. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I snapped. Probably shouldn't have but I was growing increasingly uncomfortable and the feeling of being watched grew with each passing moment that we stood on that bloody driveway. He smirked at me and those lips of his...god he is handsome. "Baby, listen, I'm looking at you like this because you are beautiful and I can't wait to take you into this house and make love to you on the first surface we find. This is going to be amazing. Do you see this place? It is fantastic. I'm so happy that we have this opportunity to build a home together." "I know but..." "But what? Your aunt passed away and I know you haven't spoken with her in years but look at what she left you." he motioned his hand around the wide expanse of the property. This 6,000 square foot home set on 4 acres of land. For us, this was a huge transition from our 1-bedroom apartment in the city. I had to admit he was right yet I couldn't shake the feeling that we needed to leave as soon as possible. He pulled me into a tight embrace and held me there. I breathed in his scent and felt my worries falling away. "You're right. I love you so much," I whispered this, almost afraid of someone hearing my confession. "I love you too, that's why I'm marrying you. I can't have some other man come and take you away from me," he winked and I couldn't help but smile. I lightly smacked his chest and leaned up to kiss him. He's got a good foot over me height-wise but I'm OK with that. It makes things more interesting anyway. "Mmmm...your kisses taste like candy," he said as he rested his forehead on mine. "Let's go into our new home baby. You ready?" I stood there, captivated by the moment. I didn't want to pull away but I needed to dig in and find some strength."Yes" that was all I could utter. The fear slowly returning. The sensation that we weren't alone was almost crippling but seriously, it was just nerves. What did I have to be afraid of? The money we were going to have to pour into this place to get it livable? "Great!" he smiled as he gently walked me towards the front door. The door was a two-door entry. Very old fashioned with a metal knocker. In his hand was a literal skeleton key. Can you believe it? A skeleton key to get into this place. That's not unsettling at all! "I still can't get over this key...it's just...nuts" He laughed a hearty laugh. "It is, unique," I smirked at his reply. This man always has something witty to say. "I'm just saying," "I know baby, I get it. This is going to take some getting used to but think about it. Imagine raising our children here and we could even get a dog!" his eyes lit up and I couldn't help but smile. Whatever concerns I was having must be nerves because standing beside me is the man I am going to spend the rest of my life with. The man whose children I want to bear and there is no place that I would rather be than right here with him right now. Scratch that, I lied. I would rather be in our tiny 1-bedroom apartment with the man standing beside me. Here, I would really rather not be here. "A dog you say?" I raised an eyebrow with mock surprise. I've always known he wanted a dog but our landlord didn't allow pets. "Yes, baby, a dog, or two...or..." "Don't you finish that sentence," I put on my stern voice. I knew where he was going. "What? I'm just saying you don't want our dog to be lonely, right?" he smiled wide knowing that I was cast so deep under his spell he could ask for a farm and I would most likely agree. "You are so lucky I love you, you know that right?" I said as I placed both hands on his cheeks. "Oh, I know it alright. You are the most beautiful, amazing, wonderful, talented, exciting woman I have ever met. You are generous and wouldn't mind having a house filled with kids and dogs. Did I mention, dogs?" he chuckled at his own joke. So endearing. "I think you might have mentioned something about a dog. I can't remember," I put my pointer finger to my chin in a mock attempt to recall his discussion about a dog. We both laughed out loud. "Let's go inside," he inserted the key into the lock and we could hear the bolt slowly move. "Maybe we get that fixed," "Yeah" Once we crossed the threshold, the doors slammed shut behind us. What have I gotten myself into?