Her Silent Spring
Page 29
Walking toward the patio, Veronica was shocked to see Tom Locke and his mother seated at a wide, round table.
“Ms. Lee, it’s good to see you,” Tom said, standing as they approached. “And I know ya’ll have already met my Ma.”
Veronica greeted Harriet, then turned to see Skylar approaching, her green eyes shy but friendly.
“Come sit next to me, Skylar,” Harriet called out. “And introduce me to that puppy of yours.”
As Skylar talked with Harriet, Conrad led Veronica and Hunter toward the edge of the patio.
“When I heard that Tom Locke had helped find and save my granddaughter, I decided I’d better meet him and thank him.”
Conrad looked over at Tom, who was watching his mother and Skylar with a happy smile.
“He’s a nice man,” Conrad said. “And he and I have a lot in common. Donavan Locke cast a shadow over both our lives for decades, and we’re both trying to start fresh. I’ve even invested in his new charter company. I think he has a good future.”
“I’m glad you and Tom have found each other,” Veronica said. “I know Skylar likes him, and she’s so eager to have as much family as she can, after all the years she was alone.”
Laughing as he watched Goldie take a snack from Skylar’s hand, Conrad sighed and shook his head.
“It sure is good to have her here. I was hoping she might come stay for the summer,” he said, turning hopeful eyes to Veronica. “She could learn to ride Sunshine, and Goldie could come, too.”
“I think that sounds nice,” Veronica said, looking around. “I know her mother wanted her to love this place as much as she did.”
Conrad wiped at his eyes and nodded.
“I’ve been waiting to do something until Skylar was here,” he said. “I received Summer’s ashes from the FBI, and I wanted to spread them in the lake. It would mean a lot if Skylar was there.”
Taking a deep breath, Veronica nodded, knowing it would be hard, but thinking that might give Skylar the closure she needed.
Later, as the sun set over Sky Lake, Conrad and Skylar held up a small, porcelain urn and tipped Summer Fairfax’s ashes into the clear, cool water.
“We made it home, Mom,” Skylar whispered as she stared into the lake. “We finally made it home.”
Turning away, Skylar called to Goldie, who chased a butterfly toward the water’s edge, then shook her coat, splashing Skylar with water and prompting a surprised laugh.
The sweet sound hung in the warm air, and Veronica leaned back against Hunter’s strong chest, feeling safe and content for the first time in a long time.
If you enjoyed this book, try the Mercy Harbor Thriller Series
By Melinda Woodhall
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Acknowledgements
THE TIME AND EFFORT NEEDED TO WRITE A BOOK is always greater than expected, as is the support, patience, and encouragement I get during the process from the loved ones in my life. While writing to schedule can be a challenge, it’s always easier when I know my family will be there to support me no matter what.
As I wrote Her Silent Spring, I was incredibly lucky to have my loving husband, Giles, and my five fantastic children, Michael, Joey, Linda, Owen, and Juliet to lean on.
I’m also truly grateful to be able to rely on my extended family, including Melissa Romero, Leopoldo Romero, Melanie Arvin, David Woodhall, and Tessa Woodhall.
The positive feedback and support from the readers of my series motivates me every day to keep writing, as does the fond memories I have of my mother sitting in her chair enjoying a good book.
About the Author
Melinda Woodhall is the author of the new Veronica Lee Thriller series, as well as the page-turning Mercy Harbor Thriller series. In addition to writing romantic thrillers and police procedurals, Melinda also writes women’s contemporary fiction as M.M. Arvin.
When she’s not writing, Melinda can be found reading, gardening, chauffeuring her children around town and updating her vegetarian lifestyle website.
Melinda is a native Floridian, and the proud mother of five children. She lives with her family in Orlando.
Visit Melinda’s website at www.melindawoodhall.com
Other Books by Melinda Woodhall
Her Last Summer
Her Final Fall
Her Winter of Darkness
The River Girls
Girl Eight
Catch the Girl
Girls Who Lie