by Cindy Bell
“If she hadn’t I might not have made it out of there. Neil admitted that he killed Priscilla and Leanne had nothing to do with it.”
“We heard.” Wes nodded as he walked up to them. “Everything is going to be fine. Once Neil is treated he’ll be headed to prison, and that will be the last time he can hurt anyone.”
“What about the real estate deal?” Suzie frowned.
“It won’t go ahead. The paperwork was never sent and because Priscilla crossed out everything it can’t be used. It’s clear that she intended to cancel the deal before she was killed,” Wes said as he folded his hands behind his back. “It’s all settled. The important thing is that you are safe.”
“Yes.” Mary met her eyes. “Absolutely.”
Paul’s car screeched into the parking lot. Suzie looked up and felt her heart leap at the sight of him. It didn’t matter to her that he might want to marry her, or that he had a ring hidden on his boat. All that mattered was that he was there. Suzie opened her arms to him. He pulled her close and held her against his chest until her trembling eased.
“I love you, Suzie.”
“I love you too, Paul.” She felt his muscles relax in response to her words. She tightened her arms around him. Maybe Paul had different ideas of where love should lead, but she was glad that he wanted to share that love with her.
Chapter 19
After all the reports had been filed and medical evaluations completed, Suzie returned to Dune House with Mary and Paul at her side.
“I am exhausted.” Mary yawned as soon as they walked in the door. “Do you want something to eat, Suzie? Some tea?”
“No Mary, the only thing I want is for you to rest.” She hugged her friend. “Please?”
“All right, I won’t argue.” Mary smiled. “But no wandering off, okay?”
“I promise,” Suzie said. As Mary walked down the hall to her room Paul rubbed Suzie’s shoulders.
“I’m guessing you need to rest, too.”
“Actually, I’m wired. I don’t think I could sit still if I tried.”
“Oh, good.” Paul smiled and looked into her eyes. “Then how about a walk on the beach?”
Suzie started to nod in agreement, then she remembered the ring. “Oh uh, maybe in a little while. I think I see Jason pulling up.” She hurried away from Paul and out onto the porch. Jason’s patrol car parked. He stepped out, followed by Summer.
“Is something wrong, Jason?” Suzie frowned. Paul wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“No, nothing is wrong.”
“I insisted on making sure that you were okay.” Summer searched Suzie for any visible injuries. “I needed to see for myself.”
“I’m okay.” Suzie laughed. “I still have all of my pieces and parts.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” Summer sighed.
Paul nodded to Jason. “It’s a beautiful day isn’t it, Jason?”
“Yes.” Jason met Paul’s eyes. “It is.”
“Some would say perfect.” Paul lifted an eyebrow.
“You’re right.” Jason smiled. “It is perfect.”
Suzie looked between the two as she tried to follow their conversation. She’d never known Paul and Jason to discuss the weather.
“So beautiful, we’re going to take a walk on the beach, while Mary is resting. You two should stay. I’m sure you can find a perfect place for a perfect moment.”
“Good idea.” Jason grinned. “Enjoy your walk.”
“Oh, but I should get them something to drink and eat.” Suzie started to turn back towards the house. Paul held her close to him.
“No, we’re going for a walk.” He met her eyes. Paul was never one to command her. She wasn’t sure what to think.
“I’m not sure that I’m up for a walk.”
“Well, we need to talk.” Paul tugged her towards the sand. Suzie’s heart began to race. She was sure that Paul was trying to force the issue of the proposal. But she knew if she argued anymore things would become more awkward.
“Okay, sure.” Suzie smiled at Jason and Summer. “Help yourself to anything you like.”
“Thanks.” Jason winked at Paul. There it was. Suzie was sure that they were plotting something. Paul escorted her away from Dune House. After a few feet he paused.
“Wait Suzie, here, stand here.” He turned her to face the house.
“What? Why?”
“Please, just trust me.” Paul kissed her cheek.
“Paul, wait, please don’t.” Suzie looked into his eyes.
“What is it, Suzie? What’s wrong?” He took her hands in his.
“Paul, after everything I’ve gone through there’s no question in my mind how much I love you.”
“I love you, too, Suzie.”
“But I don’t want to get married, Paul. At least not right now. I don’t know if I ever want to. But if I did, it would be to you.”
“Married? What are you talking about, Suzie?” Paul frowned.
“I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you. I hope that you still want to continue our relationship.”
“You haven’t hurt me. I know that you’re not interested in that right now, and that’s okay with me. A piece of paper wouldn’t change how I feel about you. All that matters to me is that you are happy.”
“Really?” Suzie’s eyes widened. “But I don’t understand. What about the ring?”
“The ring?” Paul raised an eyebrow. “Oh! The ring!” He grinned. “Never mind about that.”
“What do you mean? Is it for someone else?”
“Yes, it is.” He smiled.
“So, you’re marrying someone else?” Suzie blinked back tears of panic that tried to rise to her eyes. “Is it because I won’t?”
“No, I’m sorry, Suzie, I’ve confused you. The ring is for someone else, and it’s from someone else.”
“Now, I’m really confused.”
“Just wait. I think that everything will become very clear to you soon.”
“How?”
“Look over there.” He pointed towards the deck of Dune House that overlooked the water.
Suzie looked in the direction that he pointed. She saw Jason and Summer who stood very close together. Jason took her hand in his, then lowered down onto one knee. Suzie gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. Paul squeezed her free hand. Jason produced the ring box from his pocket and lifted the lid. He held it up to Summer. Though Suzie was at a distance from the pair she was sure she detected a tremble in Jason’s hand. She looked over at Paul with wide eyes. He winked at her. The two watched as Summer smiled and wept at the same time. Finally, she nodded and Jason stood up to embrace her. Suzie felt as if she’d witnessed a very sacred moment between her young cousin and his future wife.
“Jason didn’t want to buy it from the jewelry shop because Summer’s friend works there and he was afraid she would tell Summer so he asked me to order the ring before I went out in the boat. Then I picked it up when I docked. I kept it because he didn’t want Summer to accidently find it. I couldn’t tell you or Mary because he was afraid that one of you might drop a hint. He wanted it to be a surprise so that he would get an honest answer. It looks like he got his answer.”
“Yes, it does.” Suzie tilted her head against his. “I’m so happy for him.” Paul encircled her waist with his arms.
“I love you, Suzie. Whether you want to marry me or not, whether you want to live alone forever or not. Nothing will change the way I feel about you.”
“I love you too, Paul.” She turned in his arms to face him. “You’ve made my life complete by being part of it. I don’t need anything more than that.”
“Then we’ll just keep loving each other and see where we end up. Sound good?”
“Sounds perfect.” Suzie sighed and snuggled close to him.
“Lucky Benita saved you,” Paul said.
“Yes, that bird is just as special as Priscilla always knew she was.” Suzie sighed. “I’m going to miss her when she goes back to Leanne.�
��
“Shall we take that walk on the beach now?” Paul asked.
“I would love to.” Suzie wrapped her arm around his and the two began to walk down the dune towards the water.
Garber would remain, as it always was, a place of tranquility and beauty.
The End
Copyright © 2016 Cindy Bell
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Chapter 1
Mary drank in the sweet sound of Summer’s laughter. Sometimes she forgot that the medical examiner was still a young woman. As she studied the assortment of fabrics that Suzie spread out before her, it was clear that she was excited about her upcoming wedding.
“I can’t thank you enough for allowing us to have the wedding here.”
“Are you kidding?” Suzie smiled. “I wouldn’t let you have it anywhere else. There are plenty of rooms for all of your out-of-town guests, and we can convert the living area into a nice buffet and bar. We’ll work hard to make sure it will be perfect for you.”
“It’s going to be perfect, as long as Jason shows up.”
Mary raised an eyebrow. “Are you concerned about that?”
“Not really. I mean, doesn’t every bride worry a little?”
“I wouldn’t know.” Suzie grinned.
“I did.” Mary laughed. “Right up until the moment that I saw him at the end of the aisle. A million things run through your mind, and it’s all normal.”
“Still, you don’t need to worry. My cousin is an amazing young man, and quite dependable. He will be there, barring some disaster,” Suzie said.
“Oh please, don’t even say that.” Summer shook her head and looked back at the fabrics before her. “It’s hard enough to pick out a tablecloth, I don’t want to even think about disasters.”
“It’s all going to be just fine.” Mary patted the back of her hand. “I can tell you this much, you’re not going to remember what color your tablecloths were or how many times you stutter during your vows. All you’re going to remember is that perfect moment, when you look into each others’ eyes and promise to be together for the rest of your lives. It’s that moment that counts.”
“I keep trying to tell myself that, but then something reminds me of things I haven’t even thought about and I start to panic.”
“No need to panic, we’re here to help you, Summer. Anything you’re worried about, you just let us know.”
“Thanks so much.” She sighed with relief. “I’m so lucky to have the two of you to give me some help with all of this. My mother isn’t really interested in organizing a wedding. She is happy I’m marrying Jason, but she doesn’t know what all of the fuss is about.”
“We’re honored to be part of it all.” Suzie ran her gaze over a list of different tasks that needed to be completed. “By the way, Paul’s friend, Robbie, should be docking today or tomorrow. We will be meeting with him to organize the amount of shellfish we will need for the wedding. If we add that to the fish Paul will supply, we’re going to have plenty of food.”
“Fantastic. I love the idea of offering a local buffet,” Summer said. “I arranged with the butcher in town to get some chicken and beef as well so there is a variety, and in case there is anyone who doesn’t like seafood.”
“Good idea.” Mary nodded and pointed to a white, linen tablecloth with small roses embroidered on the edge. “This one is pretty.”
“Yes it is, but it seems a bit flowery,” Summer said. “I was thinking something a bit more nautical would be nice.”
“Maybe this one?” Suzie dug through the pile of samples and showed her a white tablecloth with wavy blue stripes along the edges. “Will it compliment the centerpieces?”
“The centerpieces.” Summer’s eyes widened. “I haven’t even thought about them!” Panic caused her voice to grow shrill.
“Relax, we have plenty of time to put them together. Remember, decorating is my specialty. Let me pull up some ideas so that you can start to think about what you might like.” Suzie picked up her cell phone and began sorting through different options. She tagged a few that she thought Summer might like.
“What about the cake? Where are you with that?” Mary leaned closer to her.
“I know that I’m going to use the bakery in town. I know it’s just going to be two tiers and I’ve narrowed it down to four flavors, but Jason is supposed to make the final decision. He has been so busy since Kirk has been off on medical leave that he’s barely had a chance to choose anything with me.”
“I’ll make sure he gets there this afternoon, that way the baker will have enough time to prepare the cake,” Suzie said.
“Good luck. That’s why I’m a little concerned about him showing up for the wedding. At this point we’re not even sure that he’s going to be off duty on the day of the wedding.”
“Are you serious?” Mary gasped. “That needs to be settled.”
“I know, I know. But he keeps telling me his boss is trying to get someone to come in from Parish. So far it hasn’t been confirmed.”
“I’m sure they’ll find someone.” Mary smiled at her. “Just take a deep breath. By the end of today we’ll have the tablecloths picked out, the centerpieces narrowed down, and Jason will choose a cake. Right Suzie?”
“Absolutely.” Suzie nodded, then looked into Summer’s eyes. “We are in this together, sweetie. Your job is to stress as little as possible.”
“I’m trying.” She grinned and began to look through the options on Suzie’s phone. Suzie glanced at her watch. Paul was due to arrive at the dock around four, and she couldn’t wait. As accustomed as she was to him being out on the water, she still counted down the hours to when he would be back. It wasn’t so much that she missed him, but that she wanted to hear about his experiences out on the open water. He was so passionate when he spoke about them, and his skin always smelled like the ocean for a few days when he returned.
“What do you think about this one, Suzie?” Summer pointed out one of the centerpieces.
“Sure, that would be simple to do. I’ll head out and pick out some supplies. You two finish choosing the table settings. Okay?”
“Thank you so much, Suzie.” Summer handed her back her phone.
“I’m happy to do it.” Suzie winked at her then waved to Mary. She grabbed her purse on the way to the door.
The moment Suzie stepped outside she was greeted by bright sunshine. She squinted against it for a moment, then allowed it to wash over her. The view from Dune House was always a welcome sight. She looked back at the beautiful bed and breakfast by the sea and smiled. Running Dune House filled her with a sense of belonging that she had never experienced anywhere else. As she walked to her car she scanned the horizon for any sign of Paul’s boat. It was still early, but it didn’t hurt to look. Only flat open sea was in sight. At least it was a calm day.
Suzie drove towards town and parked in front of the craft supplies store. By the time she had everything that she needed it was close to three. She walked a few blocks down to the bakery. As soon as she arrived she placed a call to Jason.
“Something very suspicious is happening at the bakery. Can you please come an
d check it out.”
“Suzie, are you okay?”
“Yes, but please come and have a look around.” She hung up the phone before he could say anything else.
Minutes later the siren of a patrol car wailed down the street. Jason pulled to a stop in front of the shop.
“Suzie? Is everything okay?” He jumped out of the car and rushed towards her.
“Everything is fine.” She smiled. “Now that you’re here.”
“What?” He glanced around for any sign of trouble.
“It’s time to pick a cake, Jason.”
“Suzie, I’m on duty.” He frowned.
“You’re always on duty. Summer needs you, too.”
“I just can’t right now, I’m too busy. You really shouldn’t have placed a call like that.”
“Really? Are there that many calls flooding the police station right now?”
“Well no.”
“You have your radio on, don’t you?”
“Yes.” He adjusted it on his hip. “I guess I could spare a few minutes.”
“It’s important to show Summer just how important she and this wedding are to you. So, I think it would be best if you took the time to get this settled. If I have to pin you down and force the cake into your mouth myself, I will. You know that I will.”
“Okay, okay, that will not be necessary.” He opened the door to the bakery. “Let’s pick a cake.”
Suzie followed him into the bakery. She was going to make sure that he followed through with a choice so that Summer didn’t have to worry anymore. But as she glanced over at him she was a little worried. His skin was pale, his eyes had fairly dark circles beneath them, and his general attitude was more sour than usual.
He gestured to the woman behind the counter. “I’d like to pick a wedding cake please. My fiancée, Summer Rose, said you would have a few samples for me to choose from.”
“Are you doing okay, Jason?” Suzie asked as the bakery assistant organized the cakes.
“Sure.” He nodded.