Page 33 of Vows of Murder

“As long as the weather holds.” Aunt Jackie pointed out the obvious.

I turned to Esmeralda. “Do you have any contacts who knowMother Nature?”

She laughed and hugged me. “I wish I did, but mythical creatures aren’t usually hanging out in the spirit world, no matter what you seeon television.”

“Well, I’m going to pray for good weather tonight,” Sadie offered. “We’ll seewhat He says.”

As we got seated, a large floral arrangement was brought into the room. I smiled at my aunt, who was seated next to me. The colors were in my blue-and-silver theme, with white carnations, blue cornflowers, and tulips that looked silver in the light. “You didn’t have to do this, butit’s stunning.”

“I didn’t order this.” Aunt Jackie stood and rooted through the arrangement and found a card. She read it, then handed it to me. “That’s unexpected.”

I read the card aloud for Greg. “Blessed nuptials tomorrow. When two become one in the Lord’s eyes, nothing can come between them. Your new friends, Rogerand Maryanne.”

“Roger and Maryanne. Please tell me you know someone else by those names.” Greg tucked the card in hisjacket pocket.

“No such luck.” I stared at the too-perfect floral arrangement on our table. The Matthewses from the New Hope church had sent us a gift. Somehow, it felt more like a warning or a reminder that they were still here. Watching us.

“Don’t worry.” Greg turned my head away from the flowers. “I’ll deal with it on Monday. This is our weekend. Come hell or high water, remember?”

I smiled at his use of one of my favorite phrases. “We’re still getting married tomorrow?”

“I’ll be at the mission at eleven o’clock with bells on.” He kissed me.

“Bells are going to make quite a racket,” I teased as we were served our salad.

The dinner went smoothly, without any more hiccups. I was in the restroom, checking my makeup and hair before I went back out for dessert, when Sasha cameinto the room.

“Jill, I’m so sorry for the disturbance this afternoon. I don’t know why I reacted that way.” Sasha gave me a quick hug. “Do you forgive me?”

“If I saw a ghost, I’d freak out too. No worries. I’m just glad it wasn’t something serious. I’m so glad you came tonight.” I squeezed her forearms. Sasha had worked for me for years while she got ready to go to school. “It’s so good to see you and Olivia. I’m so proud of all you’veaccomplished.”

She sighed and looked into the mirror, checking her hair. “Thanks. Honestly, my success has made it impossible for either Toby or I to see a future between us. We’re ending whatever this is this weekend. I can’t move Olivia back here and keep my job. Toby won’t leave South Cove. Not even for us. So we’ve decided to bejust friends.”

“Oh, Sasha, I’m so sorry.” I watched as she brushed tears off her face. “If being at the wedding tomorrow is too much, I’d understand.”

She turned to me. “Oh no, missy. You’re not getting off that easily. That ghost isn’t going to scare me away and neither is a soon-to-be ex-boyfriend. Both Toby and I are grownups. We want to be here to celebrate with you and Greg. This wedding islong overdue.”

“That’s what everyone keeps saying.” I gave her a quick hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. I need to get back before Greg thinks I’m sneaking out and sends someone after me.”

Sasha laughed and waved me off. “If Toby’s looking for me, I’ll be back out in a minute. Men in law enforcement do know how to keep tabs on those they love, don’t they?”

As I made my way back to the banquet room, I wondered about Sasha’s last line. Had the distance been the only thing that had separated the couple? Or had Toby’s need to have control over his life taken over when he thought about the future? The man had spreadsheets for everything. The one thing I did know was that their relationship wasn’t my business. I had enough to deal with in my own almost-marriage.

I shivered with excitement. I hadn’t felt this giddy in years. I was going to be Mrs. Greg King. And whatever our coupling would bring in the future, I was looking forward to it. Even if I decided to keep my old name. Or hyphenate it. Or take Greg’s name.

Those were just details. Our relationship was more than that. Marriage was the joining of souls—one thing the New Hope founders had gotten right on their card. The sentiment was beautiful. Now, if only the source of the flowers didn’t giveme the willies.

After dessert, Greg stood and pulled me up next to him. Then he addressed the room. “Thank you all for coming tonight and helping me get this one to the altar. It’s been a long journey to tomorrow’s ceremony and I want my fiancée to know that I’ve treasured every moment of our lives together so far. Even when we fought becauseshe was wrong.”

I kissed him, then turned to add my part of the speech. “You notice he didn’t mention the fights where I was right. I’m sure he just wanted to use the word “fiancée” one last time, since tomorrow I’llbe his wife. The old ball and chain. I also want to thank my family and friends for being here with us. It means a lotto both of us.”

We raised our glasses. Greg looked at me, then at the table full of our closest friends. “Thank you, South Cove, for being our home.”

As we were saying good night to everyone, Jim came up to us with Beth and Amanda by his side. “Greg, where are your keys? I’ll run andget your bag.”

“Maybe Mom can have my room and I’ll go home with Jill. I hate leaving her alone with all that’s going on.” His eyes drifted to the flowers still on the table. We’d decided not to bring them home. The gesture still felt creepy.

“No way, man. She’s got Toby just a few steps away in his apartment after we close down the bar.” Jim winked at me. “Beth’s taking Mom to the house now while we get youto your party.”

---