“How about you?” Casey turned to her. “Looking forward to spending the next two weeks with Lou’s mom?”
“Yep. It’ll be cool.”
It was a great relief to see Summer genuinely happy. An emotional visit with Rhonda last week had sent all three of them into a tailspin for a couple of days. The surgery had taken place and Rhonda assured them that her prognosis was good, yet chemotherapy would soon begin.
Unwilling to have Rhonda completely miss out on this day, Casey had hired a videographer to record everything. Who knew when she’d be allowed to see it, but it would happen someday. She touched Rhonda’s pearl necklace, the “something borrowed” that Rhonda had insisted she wear.
Kendal appeared, her long blond hair pulled up into an elaborate French twist braid. The backless turquoise dress looked stunning on her tanned body.
“Lou’s taking his place in front of the minister,” Kendal said. “We’re ready to roll.”
“Does he seem nervous?”
“He looks petrified that you’ll change your mind.” Kendal chuckled. “You need to marry the poor man. He’s waited long enough.”
“One sec!” Summer said. “I should use the bathroom.”
“I probably should too,” Kendal replied, turning to Casey. “How about you?”
“I’m fine, thanks.”
“We’ll just be a minute.”
Casey turned back to the window. Stan and at least another thirty coworkers were here. But there were absences too. Marie was still recovering from her injuries. Gwyn Maddox had sent his regrets, stating that he was now on a leave of absence. Stan told her that Gwyn had decided not to sell the company, for now.
She and Lou had sent last-minute invitations to the Friends. Del, Felicity, and Lawrence accepted. Travis did not. The Friends thought he was too ashamed about helping Hedley.
Late at night, while trying to sleep, Casey often found herself reliving that terrible night two weeks ago. She also remembered the relief she’d felt when the cop prevented Hedley from setting himself on fire. He was scheduled to undergo a psychological evaluation. Maybe he already had. Sadly, the kid had damaged his future more than Gwyn ever could.
Kendal reappeared and grinned. “You look so gorgeous.”
“Thank you.”
She had found the dress last August. A sleek, ivory gown with two wide straps crisscrossing in the back.
Summer rejoined them, as did the third bridesmaid, Lou’s sister. All four made their way downstairs.
At the bottom of the staircase, Kendal’s mom, Deanne, beamed at Casey. “You’re breathtaking.”
Casey embraced her. “Thank you for everything. This means so much.”
“I’m thrilled to do this for you, darling.”
Once Deanne was escorted to her seat, the best men and bridesmaids took their places. Casey could almost feel their composure settling in. The music began to play. One by one, each bridesmaid moved with graceful assurance.
She thought of her deceased parents and wished they were here. Stepping outside into the sunlight, Casey inhaled the scent of freshly cut grass and roses. The moment she saw Lou’s awestruck face, she knew that all was right with the world. She was exactly where she was supposed to be.
Nodding to friends and coworkers, she welcomed their warmth and love like a longed-for hug. Benny Lee stood by the aisle, a broad grin on a face that was still a little too pale. The tears in his eyes made her own eyes glisten. She reached out her hand. He grasped it, then gently kissed the back. Standing next to Benny, Stan winked at her.
Dimitri was also here, the cut to his forehead just a thin scar now. Wesley’s beefy wrestler’s arm was no longer in a sling, but it probably still bore a scar from Charlie Applebee’s knife. Wesley nodded, which was about as warm and fuzzy as he was likely to get, and this was just fine.
Casey smiled, grateful that these wounded warriors were here. This was a perfect day for family and friends and celebration. For gratitude.
BOOKS BY DEBRA PURDY KONG
Casey Holland Transit Mysteries
The Opposite of Dark (#1)
Deadly Accusations (#2)
Beneath the Bleak New Moon (#3)
The Deep End (#4)
Knock Knock (#5)
Alex Bellamy White-Collar Crime Mystery
Fatal Encryption
You Can Contact Debra Through Her Website:
www.debrapurdykong.com
or email her at:
[email protected]
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning writer, Debra Purdy Kong, lives in Port Moody, British Columbia. She’s published more than one hundred short stories, essays, and articles for publications that include Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul, B.C. Parent Magazine, and the Vancouver Sun.
Her criminology studies and work as a patrol & communications security officer, provided inspiration for her Casey Holland transit mysteries. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and a facilitator for the Creative Writing Workshop through Port Moody’s Parks & Recreation Program.
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