Page 22 of Ghosts From Christmas Past

As much as he wanted to tell her everything, he couldn’t. Not yet. “That could be anything. You and I were always getting into trouble.” It was a lame excuse that she didn’t buy.

Charlie stifled another yawn and set the photo down. “Maybe I am a little tired.”

He rose and held out his hand to her. Charlie slowly took it, and he pulled her up beside him. Kissed her temple.

She searched his face, taking his breath away. He wanted to kiss her again, but he’d promised himself he wouldn’t rush things. He’d give her time.

Dylan let her hand go and grabbed the bag from where he’d left it.

What appeared to be regret showed on her face when he glanced her way. Was he making a mess of things? He had no idea the best way to handle his and Charlie’s relationship. More than anything, he wanted to remain her husband, reclaim the love they once shared, but she had so many obstacles to overcome. And he wouldn’t put an undue burden on her.

Dylan opened the door to the guest room that was down from his. “Bathroom’s next door. If you need anything, my room is down at the end of the hall.”

She smiled a little sadly and ran her hand over his cheek. “Good night, Dylan. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Dylan handed her the bag and she closed the door. His breath seeped from his body, and he forced himself to move away. He returned to the living room and sank to the sofa, running a hand through his hair. He’d never felt so helpless before. Sliding from the sofa, he dropped to his knees and poured out his heart to God while tears ran down his face. He loved her. Didn’t want to lose her. He’d fight for his and Charlie’s marriage no matter the cost. Dylan ended the prayer, rose, and went over to the window. The world outside lay in darkness. Somewhere out there, a killer waited to finish what he’d started all those years ago.

The phone in his pocket rang. Dylan pulled it out. Sam’s number appeared, and he quickly answered the call. “Please tell me you have news.” They needed answers and now.

“I do.” Dylan could hear the excitement in his deputy’s voice. “Crime scene managed to get some fingerprints. Guess who they belong to.”

There was no doubt in Dylan’s mind. “Ronald Dennis.”

“You got it. We’re doing a statewide search for him now. I ran his name. He’s married and has an SUV registered to him, so I’ve put out a BOLO for it.” Sam told him Dennis was living near Colorado Springs. “I’ve contacted the police there and asked them to speak to his wife and sit on the house. If he shows up at his house, they’ll pick him up for questioning.”

A relieved breath escaped. “That’s good news. Thank you, Sam. For the time being, I’m going to be working here to stay close to Charlie. Once you have news about Dennis, call me immediately.”

“I will,” Sam assured him. “I sure hope this is getting close to being over, because if anyone deserves answers, it’s Charlie.”

Chapter Seven

She opened the bag and removed her gown and the rest of the items there. Something small had slipped to the bottom of the bag. A ring. She held it up. A class ring. Large, silver gold, D. P next to the stone.

Charlie sat on the bed and stared at it. The simple ring had the power to send her heart beating wildly. She recognized it. Why was it in the bag? Charlie squeezed her eyes shut. An image of her smiling at Dylan. A sense of happiness was all around. She struggled to pull the rest of the memory free.

They were seated at a booth. A restaurant. Trawicks. She remembered the drive-in with its red and white awning. All the teens around the area went to Trawicks. She and Dylan sat in the corner booth. There was something special about it. They’d shared many beautiful moments in that booth.

She was smiling at him, and he held out the ring for her. Memories slowly rose to the surface. She’d loved Dylan. That love was still imprinted on her heart.

Pain seared down to her soul and she had to ask. Had to know what the ring meant. She flew out the door. Found him in the living room. He turned when she entered the room. Saw the ring in her hand, and his face crumpled.

“What does this mean?” she asked and waited with her heart ready to break. “You gave it to me, and it meant something special. Are we—”

He stared at her for the longest time before answering. “We’re married. I didn’t have enough money to buy you a proper ring, so I gave you my class ring.”

She couldn’t bring words out for the longest time. “When?” She wished she could remember their wedding.

“Christmas Eve.”

She stared at the ring, willing the memory to return. “Your uncle. Judge Preston, your mother’s brother married us.” Dylan proposed at Trawick’s. She’d been so excited and a little afraid. Though she’d wanted her father to marry them, she’d been so certain he would refuse, and so they’d gone to Dylan’s uncle who reluctantly agreed.

“That’s right.” Dylan’s eyes widened. “We snuck away, and Uncle Preston performed the ceremony in his office with his clerk as the witness. We decided we’d tell my parents first that night.” Dylan shook his head. “I never saw my dad look so confused or so angry.”

Charlie couldn’t take her eyes off him. “He didn’t even try to talk us out of it, though. Your mother either. It was as if—” She didn’t finish but he nodded.

“Almost as if he knew we were meant to be together.”

Another memory fell into place. “That’s why you were coming over to the house. We planned to tell my parents then.”

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