The Final Flashpoint

by Iona Morrison

  She tried to stop him, slapping at his hands. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m following instructions. You may as well resign yourself and go with it.” He closed the door and got back in the car.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” She frowned, tugging on the blindfold.

  “Oh, no you don’t.” He pulled her hand away and held it. “Be a good girl and don’t make me tie your hands behind your back.” He chuckled and patted her hand. “This was hard enough.”

  “At least you can tell me where you’re taking me.” Jessie tilted her head.

  “No peeking.” He reached over to make sure she couldn’t see. “I can’t tell you where, but you’ll find out soon enough.

  She lifted her hands in surrender. “If you must. Lead on. I’m at your mercy.”

  He drove for at least fifteen minutes, turning several times. “We’re almost there.” He grinned to himself. He had been circling Blue Cove for a while. Jessie was too quiet.

  “I sure hope so. I’m getting motion sickness. I’m not kidding. All this driving and turning without being able to see is making me lightheaded.”

  He pulled into a parking space and helped her out of the car. “I’m sorry sweetheart; you’ll have to wear this a little longer.” He grabbed her hand to stop her from pulling the blindfold off.

  “I don’t understand why I have to wear it at all.” She held tightly to his arm as she stumbled.

  “You will, soon enough. We have a few stairs to go up. I won’t let you fall.” He placed her hand on the railing, and they took the stairs slowly. They walked through the door Katie was holding open. He stopped in the center of the silent room, waiting for Katie’s signal. With a flourish, he removed the blindfold as everyone yelled surprise.

  ****

  Jessie looked around at the sea of smiling faces. She hadn’t suspected anything. How had Matt managed it? Sadie and her mom and dad were standing in front of her along with new friends and old friends. She was overwhelmed. The beautiful Inn was glowing with candlelight and party decorations. The balloons made her feel like a kid again.

  “How’d you pull this off?” She gazed into Matt’s face, feeling happiness shining in her eyes.

  “Do you like my little surprise?” He leaned close to whisper in her ear.

  “It’s perfect, thank you.” She smiled when his hand at her waist pulled her closer. Together they greeted family and friends.

  It was a magical night for her. The food was wonderful. Between Katie and Molly’s amazing creations, the guests enjoyed every tasty morsel including an awesome birthday cake. The gifts and well wishes were only a few of the evening’s highlights. Jessie’s dad kept telling her how much he liked Matt. She assured him that she felt the same way. Her mother spent the evening talking to Katie’s parents and gushing over Katie’s wedding plans. If she asked her once, her mother asked several times if they would be planning their own wedding soon. Jessie danced around the question without ever answering her. Conversations flowed, laughter spilled out often, and Jessie’s heart was full. This is what gave life meaning—family, friends, and enjoying the special moments when they were handed to you.

  Her eyes often strayed to Matt. Surrounded by Dylan, Liam, and Kip, he was talking, and they were laughing. Her heart fluttered. She shuddered to think how close she had come to losing him, which made this moment all the sweeter. He winked when they made eye contact. Slowly he made his way toward her. She watched him every step of the way.

  “Are you happy?” He tucked her hand in his.

  “Yes. How did you find time to plan this? You’ve been a little busy the last few weeks.”

  “I had help from some friends. Remember you still have another surprise waiting for you.”

  “Matt, I love this! You don’t have to do anything else. Seeing Sadie and Reba and my parents tonight is the best gift of all. You can’t possibly top it.”

  “You have to take both nights as a package deal. Tonight, it’s about celebrating with your family and friends. Tomorrow is our private celebration.” He kissed her cheek.

  “I can’t wait.”

  When the last of the guests were either in their rooms or on their way home, Matt walked Jessie to her cottage. He carried her gifts, and she carried the cards.

  “Sadie looks good, and she wants to move here. She likes Reba—they seem to hit it off.” Excitement tinged her voice. “I would love for Sadie to be near.”

  “Your parents seemed happy to see you.”

  “It was good to see them. My dad likes you, Matt. He told me several times tonight.”

  “I’m growing on him.” He smiled. “At least I wasn’t nervous this time.”

  “This ranks up there among my best birthdays ever. I loved every minute of this night.” She rushed ahead to unlock the door.

  “I’m happy that you’re happy.” He placed the bags on the couch. “I’ll be here at five-thirty tomorrow for round two.” He gave her a quick kiss and went to the door.

  She stopped his progress. “I want to properly thank you for everything.” She pulled his head down and kissed him until they were both breathless. She leaned against the door, finally, a bemused look on her face.

  “Get some sleep.” He nudged her to get her moving. “You need your beauty rest.”

  “I’m not sure how to take that.” She tilted her head to look at him.

  He smiled and walked out the door. “Sleep tight.”

  ****

  In the morning, Jessie showed her parents her bookstore. Sadie tagged along. Her dad was impressed by how well the store was doing when he looked at her financial records.

  “You’re making a nice profit for a new business. The town doesn’t seem big enough to sustain it.”

  “I did my homework, Dad. This town has many tourists year round. It’s quite capable of turning a nice profit.”

  “I wasn’t sure when you first told me you were buying it, but you knew what you were doing. I think you were smart to connect it to the coffee shop. Audrey is an asset, too.” He beamed at her. “I’m proud of you, kiddo.”

  “Thank you.” Jessie was stunned. Her dad didn’t compliment her often.

  “What are you girls going to do today?” He sipped his coffee.

  “You know, girl stuff and shopping. Jessie has a big date tonight.” Sadie grabbed Jessie’s hand.

  “You know where to find me when you’re ready. I’ll be at the Inn, watching the game.”

  After being pampered at the spa, they went shopping at the new boutique in the next town up the highway. Her mother handed her a red dress to try on. “Every woman needs a red dress for a special occasion,” she said. “I’m sure Matt will love you in this.”

  “You know, dear,” Sadie added, “a sexy red dress that shows off your figure to perfection without giving away all its mysteries. Look at you.” Sadie turned her toward the mirror. “This dress does what it’s supposed to and a whole lot more. Your mother’s right. This is the dress.” Sadie and her mom laughed like young girls.

  Jessie had bought the dress. In her mind, she could still hear them laughing. She smiled. Her hair did what it was supposed to do. Picking up the perfume bottle, she sprayed her wrists, then dabbed a bit in her cleavage and behind her ears. Jessie glanced at the clock. He would be here in ten minutes. She took a deep breath and released it. Her mother knew what she was talking about. She turned one more time in front of the mirror. There was a lot to be said for a little red dress.

  ****

  Matt knocked on her door. “It’s me,” he called out and walked in.

  “I’ll be right out; make yourself comfortable,” she told him.

  Matt sat in his favorite chair and stretched out his legs. He thumbed through a magazine while he waited. “Jess.” The whistle came out before he could stop it. Jumping to his feet, he moved toward her. “Wow, sweetheart.” He gulped as his mouth went dry. “You look…stunning.”

  “Mom and Sadie took me shopping. They taught me t
he importance of having a special red dress. I take it you approve.” She turned to give him the full effect. “I don’t believe you’ve ever whistled at me before. It’s a first.” She grinned at him.

  “It’s not because I didn’t want to. Remind me to thank them.” Matt held her coat for her. “You smell good, too.” He turned her around. “Are you ready?” Matt wasn’t sure what he was saying or how he was going to get through the evening with small talk. “Damn, Jess, you look smoking hot.”

  “I may be wrong, but I think hot was the reaction Sadie was hoping for.” Jessie walked through the door he held open. “Is it a surprise, or can I ask where we’re going?”

  “It’s a surprise.” He glanced at her every few minutes.

  “You’re quiet. Is everything all right?” His cologne smelled wonderful. She inched closer to him.

  “Everything is fine. I like the way Sadie thinks. I bet she gave your grandpa all that he could handle.”

  “She did and a few other men along the way.” She placed her hand on his arm. The aroma of his cologne filled the air.

  Matt turned off the highway. “I heard this place was voted the most romantic restaurant several years in a row. We are about to find out.” Matt opened her door.

  She looked perfect in the setting. Matt noticed others noticing too. Built in the eighteen twenties, the inside was rustic but elegant. The tables were set up in private sections throughout the restaurant. White linen tablecloths and candles on each table added to the ambiance. A grand piano stood in front of a floor-to-ceiling window with amazing views. The pianist was incredible. He was playing Unchained Melody. Matt grinned. Luck—along with a little romance magic—was on his side tonight. She had told him once the words and the melody made the song romantic. It was near the top of her list. He whispered in her ear. “He’s playing your song, sweetheart.”

  “I know.” She smiled as he pulled her closer. The host seated them at a table in a private alcove.

  The sommelier went over the extensive wine list with Matt and helped him make his choice. The waiter took their orders of lobster and shallot-crusted beef tenderloin.

  Matt reached across the table to take her hands in his. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

  “Thank you. You’ve made this the most amazing birthday ever.” She held his hand up to her lips and kissed his fingers. “This place is beautiful.”

  “You are beautiful. This place suits you.” He smiled at her.

  They dined, talked, and discovered new aspects of each other. When the waiter removed the last plate, Matt placed a card and small box on the table. “I realized something in the last few weeks. You gave me back my life, and I’m grateful.” He rubbed his thumb across the palm of her hand. “Years ago, my girlfriend was murdered and it wasn’t until I found myself facing death that I fully comprehended how much it had affected my life. Something inside me had died slowly until you moved to town. You made me believe I could have it all and believe me I want it. I’m a new man.” He leaned toward her with his lopsided grin.

  “I don’t know what to say.” Her eyes were misty.

  “I love you, Jess, every part of me does. There’s room in my heart to love again because of you.” He pushed the box toward her. “You can open your gift.”

  Jessie read the card first. “Oh, Matt.” Her hand trembled as she unwrapped the box. She held up a ruby necklace with two small diamond chips. “This is exquisite. Thank you. I’ll never forget this birthday or the words you wrote on my card.” She gazed into his eyes repeating a few of his words back to him. “You are my love, my life, and the inspiration for every good thing I accomplish. You mean the world to me.”

  “I meant every one of them.” He grabbed his wine glass. “To you, sweetheart.” He toasted her, lifting his glass. “Little did I know when you walked into my life that night almost a year ago, Heaven was sending an angel to watch over me. You’ve brought out feelings I thought were dead. I love you, Jess, and always will. You’re home to me. If I learned anything through all this, it was, wanting to see you again that gave me the will to fight. Life can be over in a moment and I don’t want to waste any time that I can spend loving you. We both have dragged our feet in this relationship, but no more. I will chase you to the ends of the earth if necessary to win your heart. I love you that much.

  She raised her glass clinking it against his. “To us.” She smiled and sighed. “Put away your running shoes, I’m not going anywhere. My heart already belongs to you.” He could see the love shining in her eyes. “I love you, too, Matt.” She leaned across the table and kissed him.

  A word about the author…

  I enjoy writing fiction. The character development, their stories, and the twists and turns in the plot intrigue me. Once I let the characters loose I can't wait to see where they take me. I'm hooked from the first words on the paper and I have to keep writing to see how the story ends. Layer by layer it builds until I come to the happy conclusion.

  I live in Colorado with my husband and family who have supported me in this chapter of life. I am a member of the RMFWPAL (Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Published Authors League) and have enjoyed becoming involved in my community as one of the many authors living in Colorado.

  Thank you for purchasing

  this publication of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

  Also available from The Wild Rose Press, Inc. and other major retailers

  Only a Shadow

  by Iona Morrison

  Trouble rears its head once again in Blue Cove and dashes straight into Jessie’s store in the person of a battered young woman fleeing her abusive spouse. Jessie finds herself pulled into another case as a body is discovered in the church dumpster, and the dead woman's ghost takes up a vigil in Jessie’s place of business.

  Is the dead woman connected to the frightened and battered girl who took refuge in the store? Matt and Jessie’s search for the killer leads them to their victim’s family, and members of a strange religious group that lives off the grid outside of town. Add to the mix a crypt in the woods on a foggy night, Jessie’s abduction, a couple of angry and abusive husbands, and the resident ghost, and they will have their hands full solving this crime.

  Will Matt and Jessie's love for each other keep them grounded until justice can be served?

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