“No worries, young lady. I brought the application with me.” The mayor waved a paper in the air. “And I’ll be happy to walk it through the process on Monday, personally. After all, what’s family for?”
“Family?” Colin questioned with a slight frown.
“Remember?” Brian said, “The mayor is my aunt.”
“Funny how things work out.” Emily drew a deep breath and tried her best to gain control over her tears. She turned back to Colin and squeezed his hand lightly. “I promised myself we would get married today, come hell or high water, but I never dreamed it would be like this.”
Colin chuckled, then winced in pain and groaned. “We certainly got some of each.”
Emily glanced around at all her friends, moving from face to face. “I don’t know what to say. This is all so, so…”
“Wonderful?” Camille asked.
“Surprisin’?” Maggie chimed in.
Emily wiped a couple of stray tears from her cheeks, searching for the right word. “Overwhelming.”
“Oh, now stop that,” Colin’s mother said, her eyes misting, “before you have us all blubbering.”
“Everyone is invited down to the hospital chapel.” Susan pulled the wedding gown off the hook. “As soon as we get the bride into her dress, the ceremony can begin.”
“What about my shoes?”
“Got ’em,” Susan assured her. “I snuck them out of your closet this morning when you weren’t looking.”
Isabel clapped her hands together a few times. “Come on people, let’s get moving. We’ve got a wedding to put on. Can someone grab those flower arrangements?” She moved next to Emily. “I know now’s not a good time, but when you get back from your honeymoon, I hope you’ll let me explain myself.”
Emily wasn’t sure how to feel. Isabel was her best friend, yet she had lied to her for years, had kept Evan’s charade a secret, and who knew what else. But she did love Isabel—they were closer than sisters. Could she ever trust her again? Maybe Isabel had truly done it to protect her.
Emily nodded. “When we get home.”
Isabel gave her a little smile before going off to help get the chapel set up for the wedding.
“It’s really happening, isn’t it?” Emily glanced down at Colin, still holding his hand.
“It certainly looks that way, Babe.”
“Are you sure you’re up to it? Going to the chapel, I mean.”
“I think so.”
“You think so? So the doctor hasn’t cleared you to do this?” Emily pitched him a stern look.
“With help, I can get into a wheelchair and have someone push me down the aisle just as well as I can laying here.”
Emily turned and looked at Brian, lying helpless in the other bed, one leg still in traction. He would have to miss the wedding because of his broken legs. “How about we have it right here?” she said. “Then Brian can be a part. He is family after all.”
Susan beamed.
Colin nodded with a smile. “Great idea.”
“It’s settled then.” Emily looked pleased with the new arrangement. “Now if someone can grab the mayor and get the fellas to bring the flowers back, I’ll get into my dress and we can get this party started.”
“Now, Emily,” Camille stepped in, “do you have something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?”
“Well, no,” Emily replied. “I actually hadn’t even thought of it. But those things—”
“Oh, we certainly can’t have that,” Colin’s mother said, joining the group. “Here, Emily.” She handed her a small black felt box. “I brought these for you. I thought you might like to wear them.”
Emily slowly opened it and saw a beautiful pair of teardrop pearl earrings with diamond-crusted studs. “Oh, Carolyn! They’re gorgeous.” She hugged her in appreciation.
“They were my mother’s and I wore them when I married Colin’s father. So, there—something old.”
“Can I get some help?” Colin moaned, trying to reach the drawer in his side table.
Maggie rushed to his aid.
“Pull out the drawer and hand me the black box in there.”
Maggie gave it to him and he held it out to Emily. “This was going to be my wedding gift to you, Babe. Isabel was kind enough to get it from my room.”
Emily opened it to find a strand of luscious pearls. “I love them!” She leaned down and kissed him. “Thank you, sweetheart,” she uttered, looking deeply into his smiling eyes.
“And that takes care of somethin’ new,” Maggie said. “Now for somethin’ borrowed.” She handed Emily a white linen handkerchief with delicate hand-crocheted lace on the edges. “My granny made this for me when I got married. So all you have left is to find somethin’ blue.”
“Emily!” Whitley pressed her way through the small crowd until she reached the bride. She lifted a silver chain up and over her head and handed Emily the pendant with the blue rhinestones that Ben had given her. “You told me on several occasions how much you liked this necklace and, well, after finding out who Ben really was, I can’t keep it. So there’s your something blue.”
Caught off guard by the gesture, Emily looked down at the pendant in her hand and then to Colin, meeting his gaze. “Thank you, Whitley.” She turned back to the young woman and hugged her neck. “This is wonderful. You don’t know what this means. I don’t think it will go with my wedding gown, but I’ll be sure to wear it under my dress.”
The girl grinned and seemed happy with herself as she stepped away.
Emily fumbled with the pendant and slid the thumb drive connector out, confirming it was exactly as she had suspected. “I think we’re set.”
The men brought the flowers back as Emily and Susan went into the bathroom with her gown. By the time they came back out, everyone was in the room waiting for the bride, making a center aisle for her. Mayor McCormack stood on the right, beside Colin.
Emily slowly marched down the middle of the crowd, holding a single white rose. Suddenly, the wedding march began to softly play. Emily looked in the direction of the music. It was coming from Molly’s iPod, and Emily flashed the girl a grateful smile.
She continued down the aisle, her eyes locked on her groom, and his on her. She glided to her place on the left of Colin, facing her guests, and took his hand.
“Wow,” he whispered, his eyes lighting up. “You look so beautiful.”
She smiled down at him and a happy warmth filled her, confident she had chosen the right man to spend the rest of her life with.
Mayor McCormack led Colin and Emily in reciting their vows. Maggie’s borrowed hanky came in handy as a few joyful tears fell on Emily’s cheeks, but she wasn’t the only one in the room shedding them.
“Something must have gotten in my eye,” Brian murmured to his wife.
“Me too,” Colin’s dad admitted.
“I promise you, Babe,” Colin smiled up at his bride, his eyes moist as well, “’til death do us part, as long as we both shall live.”
“Yes, as long as we both shall live.” Emily leaned down close to him and whispered, “This couldn’t be any more perfect.”
“Now, who has the rings?” the mayor asked as her gaze danced around the room.
Colin’s and Emily’s eyes flew wide and they each shot an expectant look toward the other.
“The rings!”
THE END
Afterword
I hope you were as excited and entertained reading The Harbor of Lies as I was when writing it. If you did enjoy the romance and mystery of The Harbor of Lies, I would like to ask you a favor to go back to Amazon and leave a review. We indie authors live and die by our reviews.
Want more romance/suspense/mystery? Just check out the next section!
~*~
Other Works by Debra Burroughs
The Scent of Lies
a Paradise Valley Mystery
Book One
An engaging, fast-paced murder mystery with a sensual, but sw
eet and satisfying romance. Full of friendships, romance, mystery, and intrigue. Think “Sex and the City” meets “Nancy Drew.”
Praise for The Scent of Lies…
“The Scent of Lies caught my attention on the first page and kept me engaged until the last. Main character, Emily Parker, is a likable, vulnerable, sassy, hotheaded, smart woman surrounded by loving friends. This cleverly crafted story takes the reader on an engaging romp through hidden clues, romance, crime and murder.”
~ Janis McNutt
Amazon Reviewer
“Debra Burroughs has once again had me addicted to my kindle. I love the characters in this book. They are so real and so likable you want them for your own. Each time I thought I knew who the killer was, there would be some kind of twist to make me question myself. I was rooting for Emily from the beginning. Can she solve this murder and really become the private investigator that she truly wants to be? She proves herself to all of those who doubt her.”
~ Yvonne Havens
Amazon Reviewer
Amazon Reviewer
To purchase or sample The Scent of Lies, simply click here.
~*~
The Heart of Lies
a Paradise Valley Mystery
Book Two
Online dating can be murder. The Heart of Lies is a captivating and suspenseful mystery with a healthy dose of real romance and the close bonds of friendship.
What people are saying about The Heart of Lies…
“I enjoyed every page of this book, The mystery draws you in but the relationship between Emily and Colin keeps you wanting more…I can’t wait to continue reading about these characters, and digging deeper into the mystery in Paradise Valley!!”
~ J Douglas
Amazon Reviewer
“This book has proven to be a five-star sequel to The Scent of Lies. Don’t let the author’s clean writing fool you, the passion and sexual tension between Private Investigator Emily and Detective Colin is delicious.”
~ jne2003
Amazon Reviewer
“I loved the characters and the intense story line. I am currently reading book 3. So far I love this author and will be reading more of her books. I can’t wait to find out the outcome of the mystery of Evan.”
~ Natalie Hardie
Amazon Reviewer
To purchase or sample The Heart of Lies, simply click here.
~*~
The Chain of Lies
a Paradise Valley Mystery
Book Three
A sensual and gripping story with murder, romance, mystery, and intrigue—think “Sex and the City” meets “Women’s Murder Club”. Female private eye Emily Parker is hunting down a suspected sex slave ring with the help of her girlfriends and the town’s sexy police detective.
Praise for The Chain of Lies…
“The book was great! I loved this book the best out of all three!! I sure hope you write another one so we can find out what happens to Collin and Emily and the others. You can’t leave us hanging. I love the characters in this book. You did such a wonderful job when you wrote these books, I felt like I was in the books. Thanks for being such a great writer. I couldn’t put the books down - some of them I read in one day!!”
~ Melinda Becker
Amazon Reviewer
“Psychological, mysterious, suspenseful and above all provocative and intriguing your mind. The mastery of the author is undeniable, style is enviable, narrative – awesome …”
~ Boyko Ovcharov
Amazon Reader
To purchase or sample The Chain of Lies, simply click here.
~*~
The Pursuit of Lies
a Paradise Valley Mystery
Book Four
A sassy, sexy small town private eye, Emily Parker’s world is flipped upside down when the man she loves is accused of murdering a female Assistant District Attorney, with whom the police believe he was having an affair. Emily must fight to prove him innocent, with the help of her friends, as she struggles against her own doubts.
Praise for The Pursuit of Lies…
“Wow, a real page turner! I had no idea in what direction it was going to go. The gang of Paradise Valley did it again. You will not be disappointed with yet again a thrilling book!
~ Jen Douglas
Amazon Reviewer
“Well written. Just the right amount of suspense and romance. Liked the characters, they each have unique personalities that combine to make a very unusual group of friends. Never a dull moment!”
~ Ali3698
Amazon Reviewer
“Each time Ms. Burroughs puts out a new book I can’t wait to download it. And once again the folks of Paradise Valley don’t disappoint. Since this is the fourth book, it’s almost like reading about people you know and can’t wait to catch up with. From the first page I was intrigued and caught up in the plot. I really enjoyed the entire book and was kept guessing till the end.”
~ Janet
To purchase or sample The Pursuit of Lies, simply click here.
~*~
The Betrayal of Lies
a Paradise Valley Mystery
Book Five
Feisty private eye, Emily Parker, is finally moving forward in her relationship with the hunky police detective—that is, until a new friend suddenly goes missing. Suspicions are flying that one of Emily’s closest girlfriends may be involved. Emily and Detective Andrews find themselves locked in a desperate race to solve the mystery of who abducted the woman and rescue her before someone winds up dead.
Praise for The Betrayal of Lies…
“Debra does it again with another great read. Love her!! Thank you for writing books that are enjoyable to read and keep you wanting to know ‘who done it’.”
~ Natalie Hardy
Amazon Reviewer
“I wish I could have given it more than 5 stars … I had a hard time putting the book down. Debra never fails to deliver a captivating story line. I loved the mystery all the way to the end!”
~ J. Douglas
Amazon Reviewer
“Fabulous book! Waiting anxiously for the next in the series. This set is one that stays on my Kindle for rereading! Characters are well-developed, locations are believable and the story has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.”
~ Copperlisa
Amazon Reviewer
To purchase or sample The Betrayal of Lies, simply click here.
~*~
The Edge of Lies
a Paradise Valley Mystery
Bridge Short Story between Books 2 and 3
As a short story in the Paradise Valley Mystery series, The Edge of Lies reveals the captivating love story of Emily and Evan, from when they met and fell in love, the secrets he kept from her, and how they ended up in Paradise Valley. When love is blind, maybe she needs her eyes opened.
Praise for The Edge of Lies…
“Debra Burroughs has done it again!! She makes her characters real people that I have come to know and love. I feel the emotions that each character is going through. This was the beginning foundation that was needed for the following Paradise Valley series. I have read all of the series and now I understand the main character and some of the questions I had are answered. I love a good romantic mystery and this one fits.
~ Judy 4 Eyes
Amazon Reviewer
“This is a terrific short story prequel to a full length mystery series. It does everything a prequel should. It entices AND satisfies. Evan and Emily are interesting, engaging characters. On the surface they are loving newlyweds starting their life together in Paradise Valley, Idaho. But clearly danger lurks beneath. Taut writing and a gift for mystery has sent me scampering to buy the next book in the series. Highly recommended!
~ Windigo
Amazon Reviewer
To purchase or sample The Edge of Lies, simply click here.
~*~
The Color of Lies
a Paradise Valley Mystery
Short Story, Bridg
e between Books 4 and 5
This short story is a bridge between The Pursuit of Lies, Book 4, and The Betrayal of Lies, Book 5, in the Paradise Valley Mystery series. If you have been following along in the series, you have watched Emily and Colin fall in love and their relationship blossom. You will have also seen them fight crime together and on opposite sides of a case, him as the police detective and her as the private investigator. The Color of Lies is Colin’s story before he arrived in Paradise Valley.
Praise for The Color of Lies…
“This is a great short story! I loved it! It was finally nice to find out what really happened to Miranda. The book kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait for the next one!
~ Melinda Becker
Amazon Reviewer
“I couldn’t put the book down…I’ve grown attached to Emily and Colin and Paradise Valley. I really liked getting the background story on Colin, as he’s been a little bit of a mystery in the series, never really knowing the real him at all. You finally see the real him and learn more about his past. I can’t wait to see what the final chapter has in store for the gang.
~ JenDoug
Amazon Reviewer
To purchase or sample The Color of Lies, simply click here.
~*~
The Lake House Secret
a Jenessa Jones Mystery
Book 1
Reporter Jenessa Jones is drawn back to her small hometown by a death in her family. Caught between an old flame and a new beau, she becomes embroiled in a murder case that ends up pointing the finger at someone she loves. Can she uncover the truth before it destroys any chance she has at happiness?
What people are saying about The Lake House Secret…
“I started reading it and couldn’t put it down. The family dynamics are intriguing and everyone loves a good mystery.”
~ Sherry Heater
Amazon Reviewer
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