The adventures they’d had with Chad had left their mark. She’d learned she was braver than she thought and that she enjoyed helping people. Fiona had a new career on the horizon. Susan had a new library to explore and Poppy had found out that she liked scary rides and taking chances. She hadn’t had an opportunity to ask Raven what her special date had been, but she’d come back with a grin the size of a mountain, so it was probably pretty eye-opening as well.
Cash stood at the podium set up in front of the group of women and announced that this was the finale of the first season of Catch of a Lifetime. The women clapped and cheered.
“As a producer on this show, I have to tell you, we faced some special challenges that we never expected. But each of these women rose to the challenge, being gracious and kind all the while. They’ve behaved admirably in circumstances that have been unnerving to say the least. They are all winners in my eyes, but now it’s time to find out who my brother chose as the grand prize winner of Catch of a Lifetime. Please welcome Chadwick Crawford!”
Chad strutted down the steps of the staircase looking every bit as handsome as she remembered. She looked over at Cash and couldn’t help comparing the two. Chad was more polished, taller and thinner than his brother. But Cash had that special something that made her heart flutter and her insides melt. He looked up just then and caught her looking at him. His eyes lit up and he smiled a tender smile, just for her.
Chad had reached the podium and he stood behind it, ready to announce his choice.
“This has been quite a journey,” he said, grinning into the cameras. “I’ve spent time with each of these special women and I have to say, every moment was a pleasure. He turned and looked at her. “Stella, introducing you to Max was one of the highlights for me. And watching you serve food at the soup kitchen. Even when you were so tired you could barely stand, you kept going, determined to serve every last person.”
As Chad moved on to Fiona, Stella found her mind wandering. She knew he wasn’t going to choose her; it was clear he knew how she felt about Cash. She started thinking about what the detective had learned. She really hoped the murderer was someone other than Willow. But if not, she’d deal with it. She had her family, the Four Rich Witches, and now Cash and Chad, her new friend. She just wanted closure and to be able to move on.
She was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t hear who Chad chose as the winner. As balloons and confetti fell from the ceiling, she looked up into green eyes that were coming closer and closer. She didn’t care who won dates with the rich guy. She’d found the love of her life.
Cash stood in front of her, eyes blazing, a silly grin on his face. “It’s over.”
“Yes, it’s over,” she repeated.
“Are you upset he didn’t choose you?” There was the faintest whisper of fear in his question and she felt a quick jolt of tenderness.
“Not even a little,” she said. She moved closer and put her arms around his neck. His lips came closer, then closer still. They touched hers and she was sure she’d never experienced anything as magical in her life.
30
“Thank you so much for being here today,” Stella told Cash.
“There isn’t anywhere I’d rather be,” he replied.
Onyx jumped up on her lap and snuggled closer. She hadn’t had a chance to thank Pixie and Henry, but they’d done a great job taking care of her cat. He’d been waiting by the door for her and had jumped into her arms as soon as she put her luggage down. He’d been by her side ever since, but not in a needy way—it was more like he’d missed her and wanted to be near her. It made her feel loved and valued.
A loud knock sounded on the door and she jumped, but Onyx didn’t even flinch. “Would you like me to get that?”
“Yes, please, if you don’t mind. Then come right back,” she urged.
Cash opened the door and let Carl in. “Have a seat, please, Carl.” She gestured towards the chair across from the sofa where she and Cash were sitting.
“Thanks for meeting with me today. I’m sure you’re glad to be back home,”
“You know, I am, but I think I’m going to miss the manor. I enjoyed having all my friends close by and the gardens were lovely.”
He nodded and reached into the briefcase he’d carried in. “I have something for you. I think it will give you the answers you’ve been looking for.”
She looked into his face, hoping it would betray whether the news was good or not, but he was a police detective—used to keeping a straight face.
He handed her a packet of letters and journals. “We found these in the room at the manor. They had to be documented and validated before we could release them to you. They’re journals written by your great-grandmother, Willow, letters written by Reginald to Mabel and Willow.”
She took them from him, hands trembling. “Oh my,” was all she could say. She opened the top journal and flipped through the pages. The writing was old-fashioned and there were smudged words where the ink had run, as if someone had cried over them. As she smoothed the letters with her hand, a lump formed in her throat and her eyes filled with tears.
“Could you tell us what they say?” Chad asked, softly. “Do they explain things?”
“If Stella would like me too, I can summarize what we believe happened.”
Unable to speak, she nodded, gripping Chad’s hand tightly.
“From the letters, it appears that Reginald was hired by Mabel’s husband, Gregory, as a gardener. Gregory had some business across the country and apparently, while he was gone, Mabel and Reginal had an affair. When Gregory came home, they broke off the affair, but Mabel started inviting Willow over as an excuse to be in the garden, near Reginald.
Willow and Reginald fell in love, and Willow documented their relationship in her journals. When Gregory went away for business again, Mabel wanted to start up the affair. But Reginald rejected her advances. He told her he loved Willow and was going to ask her to marry him. Mable told him she was pregnant, and she was certain it was Reginald’s baby. She threatened to tell Willow about their affair if he didn’t break it off and come back to her.
“Reginald was afraid he’d lose Willow, but he knew he had to be honest with the woman he loved. He went to her and told her about his affair with Mabel and that she was going to have his baby. Willow didn’t care. She still wanted to marry him.
“They got the marriage certificate and planned the wedding. From the journals, it appears they were very happy and excited to get on with their life. Willow was getting the interior of Spinney Estates--that’s what the manor was called at the time--ready for the wedding while Reginald was taming the gardens.”
Carl paused and asked if he could have a glass of water. Feeling numb and unsure if she wanted to know the rest, Stella found a glass and added ice cubes and cold water. She set it on the table in front of him. He took a sip of water, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then continued.
“One day, Mabel went to see Willow at Spinney Estate. She told her she was pregnant with Reginald’s child and that she loved him. She swore he’d promised to marry her if she left her husband, but she’d said no. Now she was regretting that decision, she said. She wanted Reginald and since she was carrying his baby, she expected Willow to back off.
“Mabel didn’t know that Willow was pregnant, too, so she was surprised when the woman told her no. Before she could utter any more threats, Willow made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. She said she’d sign over Spinney Estates if Mabel promised to keep her mouth shut and leave them alone. Mabel agreed and Willow signed over the deed.
“Before the ink was even dry, Mable ordered Willow off the property and told her never to come back. Willow went to Reginald and asked him to leave with her, but he refused. He was busy planting a new rosebush, especially for her. She told him to meet her in town, at the Greveswood Arms Hotel. He kissed her and said he was right behind her. She left him behind, and never saw him again.”
Stella had tears in her
eyes, and she sniffled, then asked, “What happened to him, Carl. Do you know?”
“The bullet that killed Reginald was matched to a gun owned by Gerald. The trajectory of the bullet shows the killer was around six feet tall, which matches Gerald’s height. We’d considered Mabel, but she was only 5’5”, so it’s unlikely she shot him. It appears that he killed him that same day that Willow signed over the deed, then buried him under the rose bushes he was planting for his bride.”
For a moment, there was silence, as Cash and Stella processed the information. Cash cleared his throat. “What about the baby? Did he kill her, too?”
Carl looked down at his shoes. “Mildred was shot with a small caliber handgun. It’s impossible to say for sure, but we think she was killed by Mabel. From what her sister told us, Mabel went into a deep depression after her husband killed Reginald. She mourned his death and blamed herself. She thinks Mabel killed her daughter because she was a constant reminder of her sins. About a year after her husband died from cancer, she commissioned the portraits that hang in that hallway. Mildred’s was painted from a combination of a photo taken of the baby and a photo of your grandmother, at that age.”
“Do the journals explain why Willow left Greveswood? Did she know that Reginald had been shot?”
“That I don’t know. They stop on the day that she signed over the deed to Mabel. It’s possible she knew but it’s also possible she thought he left her for Mabel. We might never know for sure.”
Stella didn’t say anything, she just sat, staring at the letters and journals.
Cash cleared his throat. “Thank you, detective. That’s a lot to take in. Can Stella keep these or do they need to be returned to evidence.”
“No, those are hers to keep. They belong to you, Stella.”
“Thank you this, Carl. I really do appreciate it.” Stella finally found her voice. She stood up to walk him to the door, but he didn’t budge.
“Actually, I’m not finished. You might want to have a seat,” he told her, his eyes twinkling. Once she was seated, he pulled a wooden box and a manilla folder from the briefcase. “These are for you, as well.”
He handed her the wooden box. She lifted the lid and gasped. Inside were the jewels that had missing all these years. Opals, sapphires, and diamonds glinted and sparkled, in intricate settings of gold and silver.” Tears filled her eyes as she thanked him. “I never thought I’d see these. Where did you find them?”
“One of the letters Mabel wrote detailed a hiding place in the kitchen. We were able to find it and the box was inside. We had an expert examine them and he says they’re the real deal. These are your family heirlooms.”
He cleared his throat. “I have one more thing for you. He opened the manilla folder and handed her the envelope inside.
She took the envelope and opened it with shaking hands. Inside was a deed—the deed to Spinney Estates/Marwood Manor. Signed over to her, by Misty Marwood. “What? Is this real?”
Carl chuckled. “Yes, ma’am. I was required to inform the Marwood’s attorney of the findings of the case, since the bodies were found on Marwood property. An hour later I was invited to meet with Miss Marwood. She’s a very pleasant young woman who seemed genuinely horrified by what happened. She told me that the property belongs to you and should be returned to you. She asked me to relay her apologies for the actions of her ancestors.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Stella mumbled.
“Just say thank you,” Cash suggested. Stella grinned.
“Thank you, Carl.”
Epilogue
“Is this going to be the last meeting of the Four Rich Witches?” Poppy asked.
“Of course not, why would you say such a thing?” Fiona glared at the younger witch.
“Well, things have changed since we went on the show. Stella’s moving into Marwood. . . oops, I mean, Spinney Manor and she and Cash are engaged. The rest of us have budding relationships. Things are changing.”
“Yes, they’re changing, but we will always have each other,” Raven said.
“I want to thank you all so much for helping me solve the mystery. You have no idea how much it means to me.” Stella’s eyes filled with tears. “And to answer your question, Poppy, nothing’s going to change between the four of us. We’ll always be sisters. And if any of you need anything, you just let me know. With the jewels and the Manor, I don’t have to come up with any more get rich quick schemes.”
“You don’t have to, but you probably will,” Fiona laughed. “It’s kind of your thing.”
Stella raised her glass of champagne and the others followed suit. “Here’s to the Four Rich Witches and all of our dreams coming true!”
Over the newly named Spinney Manor, fireworks, rainbows and balloons filled the air, as the four friends celebrated the beginning of their new lives.
More Peach Plains Paranormal
Welcome to the paranormal world of Peach Plains. It’s a rural region of Southern Georgia where magic is real and mysteries abound. If you loved this book, make sure to check out its sister series from other talented authors…
View them all and grab links here:
www.SweetPromisePress.com/paranormal
The Secret Academy by Mila Riggs
Nestled among the hills and forests of Winding Creek, Georgia, the Secret Academy lies hidden in plain sight. It’s an exclusive school for the world’s most powerful young magic users… and also Zoey Harper. Unfortunately, this strange new world Zoey finds herself in doesn’t come with a rulebook or a map, but it does come with a captive white tiger who’s decided to stick to her like glue. Meanwhile, nobody’s seen her particular magical gift for decades, which means they’re all watching and waiting to see whether she’ll use her abilities to better their world or to tear it apart from the inside. No pressure, right?
Dark Gifts by Mila Riggs
The boring South Georgia town of Grandon Township is about to get a whole lot more interesting, thanks to a new psychic shop that’s just opened up down the road. Now local teens are finding themselves with extraordinary powers, and they’ll need help to control their newfound abilities. Among the first to present is Alex Kosmitoras, a blind sophomore who gains the ability to “see” the future. The fates sure were having fun when they came up with that one. But will he be able to use his other senses to interpret his haunting visions and save a close friend from dying what seems a certain death? That’s one answer he doesn’t have, and it may be the only one that matters.
The Magical Soapmaker Mysteries by SE Babin
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The Magical Real Estate Mysteries by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
Travel to Swan Hollow, Georgia, magic is everywhere and ghosts are real. As the one and only full-time assistant to a part-time real estate agent, Alyssa Grey does it all. She delivers contracts, picks up dry-cleaning, and occasionally even gets to help show the old houses her boss specializes in listing. Old houses, of course, come with lots of extra work to do. Will Alyssa be able to dispose of the skeletons in the closets and settle the disrupted ghosts who haunt the halls in time to make the sale? There’s more at stake than a few hundred thousand dollars here—getting it wrong could cost Alyssa her magic… or her life.
Bewitching the Rich Guy By Michelle Francik
Welcome to Greveswood, Georgia, home to sweet tea, succulent peaches, and the country’s hottest new reality dating show. When Stella Spinney learns it will be filmed in the infamous Marwood Manor, she enlists the help of her three best friends to infiltrate t
he competition and discover the truth about the stolen estate that was meant to be her family legacy. With this club of Four Rich Witches on the case, the other competitors don’t stand a chance… especially when they find out they’ll be solving a murder or two while locked in together with no hope of escape. Yikes! Who cares about the guy when there is so much more at stake? Oops, maybe Stella kind of likes him after all.
Channeling Ghosts for Beginners by Izzy Wilder
Fiddlehead Creek is a strange place to live, and hapless psychic-in-training Esme Hightower is among the strangest of its residents. These days, she’s just a few satisfied clients away from a big promotion. Unfortunately, most of her latest readings involve solving murders while attempting to sidestep pesky ghosts. Despite the added attentions of a very persistent—and very annoying—shape-shifting hunk, Esme needs to keep her head on straight or risk losing everything she’s worked so hard for. That is, if she can survive long enough to expose the killer and bring justice to the dead.
Once Upon a Witch by Nxy Halliwell
Once upon a time in a small Georgian town called Story Cove… Four magical sisters with extraordinary witchy powers find themselves in very real, living versions of their favorite fairytales. These stories come with princes and castles, but also murder, mystery, and—let’s not forget—magic. Enchantment abounds as they fight evil, break curses, and navigate the modern dating world, all while searching for their personal happy endings. But can they do it before reaching THE END?
A Get Witch Quick Scheme (Bewitching the Rich Guy Book 1) Page 13