AN: This is a longer one, but I had to finish this part.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the family of six was complete once again. Alexander sat in his room awaiting the punishment he might have for his adventure. He pulled the journal and necklace out of his sack, examining them both.

"Sam, he is genuinely sorry for his actions," Cassie pointed out to her husband. "What he did was wrong, but I think in the end, he scared himself just as much and has learned his lesson."

He sighed. "Ok, yeah, you're right, but", he added. "I do think that staying in his room for the remainder of the evening might give him some time to consider what he did."

She nodded in agreement and Sam left to inform Alex of their decision.

Elizabeth sat watching her mother and father discuss the fate of her twin. Nick and Grace were in the kitchen and noticed their little sister's distress; she had grabbed the basketball and headed outdoors.

"I'll go talk with her," Grace said putting her hand on Nick's shoulder. He nodded and let her go to their sister.

Grace walked outside and couldn't help but laugh slightly at the sight in front of her. Elizabeth was certainly a Radford, basketball was in her blood.

"Well, little sis, you certainly have the family obsession for a certain sport," she smiled. Lizzie gave her a familiar Radford grin and threw her the ball.

"What's wrong?" Grace asked.

"How do you know anything's wrong?" Elizabeth answered.

"First," Grace smiled, "You're a Radford. When Nick and I were in high school he would drive me crazy because I could hear him shooting hoops from Grey House, and Mom could tell you how your Dad does the same thing when he's got something on his mind," she recalled. "Plus," she added, "you're a Merriwick and my baby sister, so I know when something is up…spill."

Lizzie sighed and smiled. "We're different, aren't we?"

"What do you mean?"

"Alex and I. You and Mom. We can sense when others are coming, who they are. Cousin Abigail can too," she looked at the basketball and Grace nodded. "Dad and Nicky, they can't."

Lizzie and Alex did have a sense of the Merriwick abilities just as her mother had said, Grace realised. "No, they can't," she admitted. "But, they're our family. They love us."

"I know. It's just…sometimes I get these feelings. Dread. Trouble."

Grace looked at her sister. "You get feelings."

"Yeah, and recently, I had one I couldn't understand. It kinda scared me."

"Lizzie, did you tell Mom and Sam?"

"No," she admitted. "I didn't know what to make of it. I thought it was my imagination."

"Tell me. We can decided together," her sister said sagely.

Elizabeth proceeded to tell her big sister of the two times she encountered Grey House's mysterious guest, Alice Hurt, and the odd sense of unease that came along with them. Grace became concerned; now four Merriwicks had had unexplainable feelings about this particular person, but where three couldn't pinpoint their sentiments, the youngest had been clearly distressed by her presence.

"You need to tell Mom and Sam," Grace told her sister with urgency.

"What good will it do?" she asked, "I don't even know what this feeling really means. If it means anything."

"Trust me, it means something," Grace insisted, "and our parents need to be told."

Elizabeth saw the seriousness in her sister's eyes. "Alright, but you'll be with me?"

"Of course I will be," Grace said hugging her little sister.

Pywacket lay on Alex's lap enjoying the attention he was receiving from the boy. He had been enthralled in Leland Merriwick's journal been ever since he had learned from his father that he would be sentenced to his room for the remainder of the evening to really consider what he had done.

"Pywacket," he said to his feline friend, "there is a Radford in this journal! I wonder if we're related."

He pulled out the necklace, studying it, knowing he had seen the emblem.

"I know I've seen this somewhere before," he said to an empty room and a cat. Pywacket mewed and a smile grew on Alex's face.

Grace and Elizabeth re-entered the house and Cassie knew something had happened between her girls. "Grace, Elizabeth, what's wrong?"

"It's alright Mom, but Lizzie does have something to tell you both," Grace said to her mother and step father.

Cassie reached out for her daughters and they both went to her, sitting down as Sam and Cassie looked expectantly at Elizabeth. She told them exactly what she had told Grace, recounting her uneasy and feelings of dread the two times she had Alice Hurt in her sights. Cassie could see the feelings flow across her husband's face with every word their daughter spoke. Husband and wife looked at each other.

"Thank you for telling us, Lizzie" her mother said soothingly giving her hug.

"We'll take care of everything," her father added rubbing her arm, "Don't worry."

"Come on," Nick said to his sisters sensing Sam and Cassie needed to talk, "Let's go to the Bistro. Maybe get some dinner?"

"That's a good idea, Nick, thank you," his father answered.

The three siblings left the room leaving Sam and Cassie to themselves. "Well," Sam said, "What now?"

Despite being confined to his bedroom for an entire evening, Cassie and Sam were pleasantly surprised when their son was full of excitement the next day. They thought that perhaps it was because of the special day—a big one in Cassie's household—Halloween. Alex, however, had other things on his mind than trick or treating that night.

"Dad, can we Facetime Granddad today?" Alex asked, jumping up and down in excitement.

"Ok, ok, sport," Sam agreed, "but why the sudden change of heart? A few days ago when I suggested it, you seemed almost uninterested."

"Well," Alex thought, "I just finally decided since Lizzie is concentrating on Merriwicks than I would focus on Radfords."

Sam crooked his eyebrows looking at his young son, unsure about what to think about the sudden change, but decided to go with it and went to get the laptop from his study. Cassie, on the other hand, was a bit more curious.

"You're sure there isn't more to your sudden interest in your Radford background than your school project, sweet pea?" she asked.

"'Course not, Mama," he said, just a bit too quickly.

Cassie had a feeling their son wasn't telling them everything and she knew her husband thought the same, but she decided to let things continue as they were, for the moment. Sam had prepped the laptop as Elizabeth and Nick came in from a round of basketball.

"Hey, we're going to face time with your Granddad," he told them, "Want to join in?"

They both eagerly accepted and sat down joining Sam and Alex. Cassie sat behind them, happy to say hello to her in-laws as well.

Samuel William Radford Sr. appeared on the screen, his wife next to him; both of them were happy to see their son, grandchildren and daughter-in-law. "Well, if it isn't my favourite son and his family," he said cheerfully.

Nick, Alex, and Elizabeth all greeted their grandparents in unison as Grace came up behind her Mom and waved to them.

"I'm your only son, Dad," Sam answered once they were done.

"Doesn't change anything," he smiled in return.

Alex, jumping right in, asked, "Granddad, tell us about our ancestors."

The elder Radford looked at his son in slight surprise and Sam went on to explain the main purpose of the call.

"Ah well, the Radfords came from England," he began and for the next half hour he recounted all that he had been told of their family history. Cassie and Grace sat next to Sam listening as intently as everyone else, finding it just fascinating as the rest of the family.

"And, your Dad now carries our family heirloom and crest from the Old Country on his right hand…," he said pointing towards his son's hand.

Alex had been amazed by what he had learned, but his grandfather had yet to confirm what he really wanted to know.

"…passed down to the first male born of the next generation. Nick, it will be yours one day," Samuel finished.

"Not for a long while though," Sam clarified. "My uncle gave it to me before he passed since he didn't have any boys."

"That's it," Alex enquired.

"You were hoping for more, Alex" Cassie chimed in questioningly. He simply shrugged his shoulders.

"Wait," Samuel added, "There is one family mystery of sorts. Francis Radford, your six-times great grandfather, son, had a sister who travelled to the New World with him, but the family story goes that she ended up going West because he didn't approve of her interests and 'independent spirit'", he said emphasising he last two words. "In the end, he had regretted his actions all his life, but it was too late. He never knew exactly where she went and what had become of her. Flora Radford is lost to the centuries. Quite sad really."

There it was; the confirmation Alexander had wanted and needed. Now, he had a secret; he knew of Flora's fate and it seemed it was intertwined with a Merriwick. He thanked his grandfather and ran to his room, confusing the others in the room.

"I knew it," he said to himself as his mother knocked on the open door.

"Everything ok, Alexander," she asked.

"Sure. Everything's perfect."

Cassie was now certain there was something her son was not telling them and she wondered when he might do so.

Halloween night had finally arrived. Grey House's annual haunted house would soon be in full swing.

Everyone wore a costume. Sam had begun wearing them again regularly the first Halloween he and Cassie spent as a married couple. This year they decided to go as the characters from their favourite classic movie, after all they already had Pywacket.

Cassie worked on the last preparations for the upcoming evening at Grey House—the festivities were only hours away. She and Sam would take the twins trick or treating, then everyone would be gathered at Grey House for an enchanted Halloween.

"Alice," Cassie said turning around from her tasks, "Anything I can do for you?"

"No, everything has gone quite smoothly," she responded, "I've really enjoyed exploring Middleton and the surrounding area. Foster's Woods is simply gorgeous. I had a wonderful walk through there yesterday…"

"Yeah, it is. My husband and I take walks there quite a bit with our kids."

"Oh, so I saw your son out front this morning," Alice stated, "You found him, then?"

"Yes, thankfully. It seems he decided to take a walk in the woods instead of helping his family clean up decorations," Cassie explained, choosing her words carefully, "and decided not to tell anyone. Needless to say, he had to spend the evening in his room to reflect on the worry he caused his family."

"Ah, well let's hope he did," Alice smiled. "Will your family be at the gathering tonight?"

"Of course, Grey House is hosting after all" Cassie affirmed. "We take our kids trick or treating and then we'll all come here for the rest of the evening."

"Wonderful," Alice replied. "Well, I have an appointment with your husband to check on my injury. He seemed quite eager to get me in today."

Cassie knew that Sam was eager to get their guest out of Grey House, so she wasn't surprised. "Then I'd better let you go. I happen to know Dr. Radford keeps a tight schedule," she smiled.

"Indeed? Then I'd better get going," Alice said giving Cassie a wave.

Cassie shook her head. Like other previous Halloweens, she felt this one would end up being quite revealing and was intrigued to see what the night would bring.

Alexander, Elizabeth, Grace and Nick were also getting ready for the big evening. Grace sat at the sewing machine putting the finishing on her step-brother's costume. She and Nick had chosen their themed costumes months ago when they decided they were coming home for Halloween—Dr. Victoria Frankenstein and her Creature. Nick had thought the twist on the original characters would be appropriate as Grace was going to be the next doctor in the family.

"Looking good, sis," Nick said as he came in behind her.

"Well, I have to be sure My Creature has an extra creepy outfit." They both laughed.

"So, what's up with our siblings?" Nick said, giving Grace a knowing look.

"I think it's just growing pains. School can be tough when you feel different from other kids," she simply explained.

"Different?" he questioned. "They're nine."

"Yes, they are."

"I remember when it bothered you being different…you weren't nine," Nick pointed out.

Grace looked at Nick putting down her needle and thread. "No, I wasn't."

Understanding each other, step brother and sister shared a smile. "You and your Mom have insights and feelings that Dad and I don't fully understand, but trust implicitly. If Alexander and Elizabeth have that too, how is that a bad thing?"

"Nick," Grace said, "becoming a Merriwick isn't always the easiest thing. There were many times when I was growing up that I wanted to be 'normal' like Brandon and Lori, like you. I understand what they are going through."

"What can I do?" he asked.

"What you've always done. Be the awesome brother that you are—be there and listen. Tell them how special they are, that you love them just as they are, how they don't need to change and are unique, like no other" she smiled, quoting him the words he used long ago. "It worked for me. I never forgot."

He nodded and they hugged. "I can do that."

Seconds later, two small Radfords came looking for their brother and sister. "Grace, Nicky, Mama said our costumes were in here," an excited Elizabeth informed them.

Nick smiled. Halloween was certainly the favourite family holiday—which surprised him since there were no presents involved—and he enjoyed being right in middle of it. Coming out of his reverie, he noticed that Grace had pulled out two detailed costumes. Elizabeth unfolded a wondrous dress that looked to her like it came straight from a magical story.

"Well," said Grace, "if you're going to be our ancestor for Halloween, you'd better look the part."

"This is amazing," Lizzie exclaimed in awe as if she had never seen something as beautiful in her life. "Thank you Grace."

Alex had been reading Treasure Island and was currently fascinated by pirates. "Wow," he said putting on an eye patch.

"Our sister really out did herself, pal," Nick said ruffling his brother's dark-brown hair and placing the hat on his head.

"Yeah, thank you Grace," he said hugging her. "Now all I need is my treasure."

"You're welcome, Alex."

Cassie had told Grace what the twins wanted to be for Halloween and, for her, sewing was the one thing that would bring calm from a busy schedule of work and school. She was happy to do the favour for her mother and her little brother and sister. "My treasure, huh," she pondered out loud to Nick. "Our brother sounds like he's already found something special."

Nick looked at his step-sister, not quite sure if she was serious or joking, maybe both he concluded.

The sun had begun to set over Middleton. It was officially All Hallows Eve and Cassie was as ready as she could be. She looked over herself in the mirror once again; the black, velvet vintage-styled dress with the blonde tinge she had temporarily added to her styled hair coupled with her natural charm made her feel just like Gillian Holyrod—that is, almost. As if he knew what was missing, Pywacket entered Sam and Cassie's bedroom.

"There you are, my friend," she said to the feline picking him up as he purred in her arms. "How did you know what I needed to make my outfit complete."

Feeling that safe, familiar presence, she said, "Well, if it isn't Shep Henderson." She turned around to face Sam. He couldn't look more like James Stewart's Sheppard Henderson, she thought as she saw him in a 1950's grey suit, his hair slicked back and hat in hand.

"Hello Gillian," he said bringing her towards him for a kiss and smiling. "I do believe we have a few interesting people to meet before we head out?"

"We do," she answered playfully. "We certainly can't keep Elizabeth Merriwick, Long John Silver and Dr. Victoria Frankenstein and her Creature waiting, now can we?"

Sam laughed, "No, we cannot."

With a laugh and kiss, they came into the main room to find their impatiently waiting twins and two grown children.

"Oh, you all look great," Cassie said excitedly hugging each one of them. The traditional Halloween photo was taken and the Radfords left to join the Russells on a trick or treating tour of Middleton. Nick and Grace were on final Grey House duty and as soon their parents, brother and sister left they made their way to the Bed and Breakfast.

Middleton neighbourhoods were filled with families going door to door. Sam and Cassie lagged behind, hand in hand, taking in the sights and enjoying the moment together. The twins had joined Jacob, Brandon, Tara and Lori on a quest for candy.

Sam felt something was on his wife's mind, she was being too quiet on Halloween. "What's wrong, love?"

"How do you know anything's wrong?" she answered mischievously.

"After all these years, I've learned a few things," he said. "Plus…I had a feeling."

She smiled. Halloween had just begun, and by the end she felt that things were going to be very different for her family.

"Did Alice Hurt check-out yet?" Sam asked suddenly.

Cassie gave a look. "No Sam, she hasn't"

He sighed. "Cassie, this guest bothers me. Four Merriwicks, all who happen to be dear to me, have had odd feelings around her. My own daughter has had particular feelings when she encountered her, "he said, his voice full of concern and eyes full of love for his wife. "I trust you, all of you. I trust your insights, believe in your feelings. She needs to go."

"Sam," she said, making sure Brandon and the rest of the family were out of earshot, "one more night, ok? Just until tomorrow."

He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Ok," he reluctantly agreed. "One more night."

Three excited kids and three exhausted-looking adults finally joined Sam and Cassie. "Well, I think our kids have enough sweets to last them until next Halloween," Tara said looking at Jacob, Alexander and Elizabeth.

"Yeah, we'd better get home and get this guy to bed before we head to Grey House for the festivities," Brandon added.

"Sounds like a plan," Sam said.

"Lori, are you sure you don't want to come?" Cassie enquired of the woman who was still so much of a step-daughter to her. "You've always enjoyed a Grey House Halloween."

"Thanks, Cassie, but I've got a deadline with my publisher," she answered. "I am happy to stay while Jake sleeps, so Brandon and Tara can go."

"Ok," she simply said hugging her and all the Russells. Lori had become the author of a series of children's stories about a little girl and the 'witch' that lived in her town. Cassie was proud that Lori was finally writing the stories that she wanted to tell.

Back at Grey House, Dr. Frankenstein and her Creature had set out last minute items. Abigail had come down and found them. "Great costumes, guys," she commented, snatching candy corn from the bowl in the foyer. "Grace, have you seen our mysterious guest today?"

"No, I heard Sam say to Mom that he had his final appointment with her. I think the sooner she leaves, the happier he will be."

Abigail nodded. "Well, I think I might agree with him on this one."

"You know Cassie, she won't ask someone to leave without a good reason," Nick chimed in, "She may not leave anytime soon."

Upstairs, Alice Hurt had kept to her room all during the Halloween preparations below. "Oh, Merriwicks. I know you have what I need even though you may not," she said to the empty room. "Tonight is the night."

A couple hours later, guests and visitors had made their way to Grey House. The old, grey-stoned building stood out grand, tall and timeless in the orange glow of the surrounding pumpkin lights. Inside the house, spider webs hung across shelves and banisters, jack o lantern were lit in every room and guests' eating, mingling and having a good time—a hostess's delight. Cassie looked about the house where her friends, family, guests and a multitude of Middletonians filled the house; however, there was one person she felt was missing.

After the candy had been sorted and the rest of the Radford clan had gone next door, Alexander was still at home. He was just finishing his costume he had told his mother, father and sister; he would be there in a minute. It had been much more than minute. Alexander needed to finish his costume; a pirate needed his treasure, after all. He grabbed the brown, leather bound journal from under his bed and put it in a sack that his dad had found to go with the costume and tucked the necklace safely in a small pocket. He had read a family journal, found a missing ancestor and gotten tons of candy—it had been an eventful Halloween.

Alice Hunt had left the hustle and bustle of Grey House. She needed some air and stepped outside into the night. Her gaze went toward the Radford house next door. With everyone inside, she thought, this may be the best opportunity to find the answers she so desperately needed.

Elizabeth Radford wandered through the haunted Bed and Breakfast, weaving among the guests, grabbing bits of food and drinking punch. From her spot in the foyer, she studied the painting of her ancestor, her namesake like she had many times before. Over the past few days she had learned a lot more about the Merriwick women, of whom she had already heard so many stories, while at the same time learning about a mystery of a Radford ancestor who seemed to have disappeared into the West more than 200 years ago. She felt bad for the way she had treated her twin brother by becoming so possessive of their Merriwick ancestors. Looking up at Elizabeth Merriwick, she realised she had to find him and set things straight between them. Just as she was about to head back home, a feeling came over her. She rushed through the house looking for her family.

"Mama, Daddy," she cried out hoping she was loud enough to break through the music and conversation.

Cassie heard her daughter just as a feeling came across her and she began to look for her husband. Sam, she noted, was already on his way towards her. "Lizzie?" "Lizziebeth?" her parents queried simultaneously.

"Alex. Where's Alex?" she asked. "I have a feeling…"

That was all Sam needed to hear. Nick and Grace had also heard their sister and had joined them. "He was at home finishing his costume when we left him, right Grace?"

"Uh, yeah. He's not here yet?!"

"No, Sam and I haven't seen him."

"Then he's still home. I'm going," Sam said clearly worried, particularly after he had already gone missing once already.

"Right behind you," Cassie said grabbing his hand.

Grace and Nick stayed behind calming Elizabeth. Assuring her that their parents would find him, that he was just at home.

Back at the Radford house, Sam and Cassie had made a quick search.

"He's not in their room or any place around here." Cassie said.

Sam came into the main room from the other part of the house. "He's not in the rest of the house either. Here we go again," he sighed.

Cassie nodded and they both rushed to the yard. Several feet ahead they saw him. Their son and Grey House's guest, Alice Hurt, deep in conversation. Both parents recognised the look they saw on Alex's face. He was scared.

"Something's not right," Sam said, his protective nature seeping through every word.

"No, it's not," Cassie agreed.

He made a move forward, but Cassie stopped him with simply a touch of her hand and a look. "I know you want to protect our son," she said, "because I do too. But, I don't think she'll hurt him."

"What about Lizzie's feelings of trouble and dread?"

"Oh, they're there Sam, but she's nine. How she interprets those feelings may be a little…off."

"Ok, so...," Sam thought out-loud, "we have to find a way to help our son without making things possibly worse."

Seconds later Sam had a look on his face that Cassie knew very well. "You have an idea," she said.

"I do," he affirmed.

Alex was scared. The conversation with Grey House's guest had started out ok—she had said 'hello', asked if he remembered her, and said she was glad to hear he had made it back home—but, now she was asking questions. Too many questions. It seemed to Alex that she was too curious, asking too many questions about the Merriwicks and Middleton's history than anyone might. Thanks to the book tucked away in his bag, he now knew a lot more.

"So, how is your school project going?" she asked.

"Fine," he answered monosyllabically.

"Did you find any more information on your Merriwick ancestors?"

"No. I am researching my Dad's side of the family," he replied somewhat truthfully.

"Oh, really," she continued. "You seemed quite keen on the Merriwicks when I ran into you at Grey House."

Alex was astonished, and frankly a bit scared, at her spot recollection of their encounter. In his experience, not many guests remembered the owner's children. Over Alice's shoulder, as she went on about their first meeting, Alex noticed his parents. He could see their worry which didn't do much too make him less scared, but then his father left and he saw his mother come towards them.

"Hi Alice," she said. "Sweet Pea, there you are. Your Dad and I were wondering when you'd join us at Grey House."

He began to answer, but was cut off.

"Oh, hi Cassie," Alice answered instead inching a bit closer to the boy. "Sorry to hold up the family reunion. I just happened to run into your son here and thought I'd ask him about his adventure."

"Adventure?"

"Yes, getting turned around in Foster's Woods is surely an adventure for a boy."

"Well, it sure was an adventure that worried his family," Cassie reiterated.

"I am really sorry for that, Mama," he said again.

"I know you are Alex, honey," she said reaching for him. "Come on, it's time to go."

"Not so fast," Alice said as she grabbed he arm, stopping him from leaving her company. "I think this pirate has found buried treasure. Buried treasure that has answers. Answers that I need. Answers we deserve."

Before Alex had time to panic any more, an arm reached out from behind Alice grabbing and pressing slightly, in just the right spot, on her bandaged arm.

"Oh!" she yelled letting go of Alex and taking hold of her arm. Alex took the opportunity to run to his mother's side and Sam didn't let go until he saw that he was in her arms, letting go as soon as he saw his son was safe. Alice, still bent over in pain, soon raised herself and looked around. By this time, three other family members had come to join their parents. Alice shook her head. "Well, the Merriwicks win out again."

"Alice, what do you mean?" Cassie, always curious, queried.

"You don't know."

Cassie shook her head in the negative.

"Well," she said looking around at the Merriwicks and Radfords, "you and I obviously heard different stories growing up."

In the following minutes, Alice explained everything: the stories she had heard as a child about the Wicks, about a family, about those that left and those that stayed behind. "I was searching for Leland Wick's, or Merriwick's rather, journal and I think that pirate there has it," she said pointing to Alex, still clinging to his mother.

Alexander reached into his sack and pulled out the tattered, brown, leather book. "It's his journal. I found it in tunnels I discovered under Grey House," he said, Cassie and Sam looking at each other knowingly. "That's where I was when I went missing. I started in Grey House and the tunnels led to Foster's Woods, or the ones I took did. There were so many pathways."

Having read the whole journal, he was able to point out the sections that supported Alice's story. He gave it to his mother and she read a passage aloud:

With my family gone, I left. I regret that I didn't take the others. Their fate will always rest uneasily on my soul. But coming to this new world, becoming a Merriwick, meeting those I have has changed me, but my actions could affect my descendants many years to come.

"Their fate was to be treated abhorrently by the townspeople who wouldn't accept them. They were driven out of their home and made their way to the newly formed United States of America. They never found their relatives, despite searching. I finally found him under the name Merriwick, rather than Wick," Alice finished.

"I never knew," Cassie said truthfully. "Our family never knew. We've always been Merriwicks as far as we knew."

"Well, I suppose changing names is hereditary," Alice said looking at Cassie poignantly.

The twins looked at their mother, confused by the last comment.

Seeing their reaction, Sam stepped in. "Ok, ok, uh, Alice, I think you've learned what you wanted to and we've sure learned a lot, but why all the secrecy?"

"Why?!" she answered looking at Sam as if he had asked the most crazy question in the world. "They never wanted to leave! They were forced out. Don't you understand?!"

The twins drew closer to the nearest family members.

"Alice," Cassie said calmly, "I'm sorry for what happened to your relatives, your family, and what they went through, but consider that you shouldn't continue to live in the past and carry their burden." Alice's face began to soften, the anger and frustration gradually fading from it. Cassie continued, "I know that things that are unknown, different or out of what is considered normal and acceptable tend to scare people. Fear sometimes drives people to do unreasonable things."

"Maybe," Sam interjected, "you can focus on the good, positive and amazing things that your ancestors did instead of the bad that happened to them. Leland Merriwick may have made a mistake leaving his relatives behind, but he is right when he said that it affected his descendants. From the stories that I've heard and the ones that I know they are the most caring, compassionate and loving people I know. They are all very special to me."

Cassie smiled at her husband. He never ceased to surprise her and she loved him even more for it.

"Leland felt bad, Ms. Hurt," Alex chimed in, "I know. I read it in his journal."

Alice looked at the people surrounding her and was in awe at what was before her. "Well, if you're his descendants, I suppose that maybe," she said with a glint in her eyes, "he must have been a pretty good person and genuinely regretted his actions. I bet we could learn a lot from each other, Cassie."

"Yes, we certainly could," Cassie smiled and agreed, "Why don't we all head back to Grey House and enjoy the rest of the night."

Everyone agreed and made their way back to the Bed and Breakfast to join the Halloween gathering. Nick, Grace and the twins led the way, Alice slightly behind them rubbing her arm and clearly more calm than she had been just minutes before.

"Well," Sam said coming up beside her and putting his arm around her, "Your feeling to let her stay was right. But, I have to say, I think our kids are on the path to becoming Merriwicks themselves, don't you agree?"

"Probably," Cassie confirmed. "But, they are also Radfords. Our son likes getting into trouble, making discoveries, just like his Dad. And, I've never seen anyone with as much persistence and tenacity as our little girl." She smiled.

Sam laughed. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Merriwicks and Radfords, a pretty good combination."

Both laughing, they joined everyone taking in all that the season and the rest the night offered.

It had been a long and interesting Halloween for Cassie, Sam and their family; they were both happy when all of their children were finally at home, safe and sound. Finding out that Alice Hurt was a distant cousin had peaked Cassie's curiousity, but their son's confession of his adventure and his admission of his discovery in the tunnels below Grey House had angered Sam. They had been both worried about him, and had been through a lot due to their son's unapproved adventure as well as the omissions he used to cover it up. In the end, Sam felt he had no choice but to ground his young son for one more day.

Cassie understood the reasoning behind her husband's anger, so she ultimately agreed and supported his decision saying only, "Your father's right on this, Alexander," to her son's pleading eyes.

She was now enthralled in Leland Merriwick's journal. Sam appeared at the door of their bathroom, leaning against it, finishing his nightly routine.

"Has our own Indiana Jones discovered the Merriwick Holy Grail?" he joked.

Cassie smiled and laughed. "Our boy certainly has found something," she said waving him over to join her. "Merriwick history goes back into Middleton's history, but I think this is the beginning. Before Middleton was founded. Even before Grey House was built, but look," she said pointing to a passage, "there was a Radford here. A Radford that was loved by a Merriwick. Like us."

She handed him the journal showing which passage she wanted him to read, out-loud. He began:

This new land continued to unfold before me in strange and unsettling ways. Never before had I been called somewhere. The desire to put my skills to work, to build a home, a life, and set down roots. The native peoples of the area were nothing like they had been described back East and those of us who have travelled here discovered this quite quickly. Like me, many came here for an escape. In my own exploration of this 'middle land', as it is called by the native population, I found a kindred spirit in one Flora Radford, the local apothecary who has taken to using the native, natural remedies to heal rather than our modern scientific ones.

He stopped reading and looked at Cassie. "Well, there she is. Just as Alex had said. You think Flora Radford is our missing ancestor that my Dad mentioned, just like our son does."

"You don't? It fits Sam. The necklace with the same crest as the one on your ring. Your Dad said it has been passed down to the first sons in your family. What if the women had an heirloom too?"

"Yeah, you're both right," Sam said looking at Cassie with more love than he possibly ever had. "Flora Radford fell for Leland Merriwick and she gave it to the man she loved," he stated matter-of-factly.

"And Leland loved Flora," Cassie finished, holding the necklace so Sam noticed the crest again.

"What happened to Flora? My family knows nothing," Sam asked making a grab for the book.

"Oh no, I don't think so Mr read-the-last-chapter-of-a-novel-first-Radford," she laughed pulling the journal away. Suddenly her face saddened. "Actually, he mentions her on one of the first pages—a sort of dedication."

Sam could tell by the look on his wife's face that it wasn't a happy ending for Flora. "Ok," he said, "go ahead."

She sighed deeply and began to read:

Within these pages lies a story. My story. Her story. Our story that would never be complete. My best friend and my soul mate who has made me promise to live. To my Flora."

"Wow," Sam finally said putting his arm around Cassie and holding her tight. "That's why."

"What's why?"

"I know why I felt so drawn to you. Why I wanted to be a part of your life in every way soon after we met." He looked into her eyes as only he could. "But, I could tell you were still grieving for Jake and really hoped you weren't interested in Ryan," he smiled coyly. "Cassie, you have always been my missing half. Perhaps it fits because we are also the missing piece for another Radford and Merriwick: those who didn't get their chance." Cassie took in her husband's words.

"I didn't understand it, nor I suppose really realised it then," he continued, "but I think you're right. Maybe Fate can have a hand in things." He gently ran his hand across her cheek, placing a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

"You believe in Fate now," she said with a small smile.

"I've learned to believe in a lot since I met you," he paused and added "I love you so much."

"I love you too…even more every day," she answered. With those words, they both smiled at each other falling into a passionate kiss, and the journal falling into Cassie's lap.

Down the hall, Alexander and Elizabeth had gone to bed long before their parents, but were wide awake as they heard faint voices in conversation.

"Well, you're sure in trouble," Lizzie stated.

"Thank you for sharing the obvious. Your Merriwick insights must have helped on that one," he replied quite sarcastically.

After a few silent minutes, Lizzie said suddenly, "I'm sorry."

"Sorry?"

Elizabeth looked at her hands, nervously fiddling with her fingers. "I…it's my fault. Isn't it?" she said looking up at her brother.

"It's not your fault. I found the door in the floor and kept it to myself. I took off when no one was looking. I got lost and lied. I, me, did all of it."

"Yeah, but if I hadn't gone all Merriwick crazy and claimed all of them for myself, maybe things would be different."

"Maybe," Alex conceded. "But, it is not your fault, ok?"

Elizabeth smiled at her brother. "Ok."

"Goodnight, Lizzie."

"Goodnight, Alex"

She turned over and closed her eyes, while Alex gave Pywacket one last stroke down his back before closing his own. It had been a long day and he felt the next, being grounded, would be as equally long and now he didn't have his ancestors journal to keep him occupied, Treasure Island would have to do.