by Lana Mowdy
Zach looked at the police officer, imploring, "Can we wait?"
"I will give you a few minutes to pull yourself together. We really need some details. We have two dead bodies and no suspect." The police officer paused for a moment then walked away.
He stood there holding her gently and stroking her hair. When her breathing slowed, she looked up with pleading eyes, "Don't let me go."
"I intend to keep you by my side for the rest of my life, if you will have me."
Her answer hung in the air as she clung tightly to his chest.
"Oh, you found her!" Carolyn flew into their embrace.
Miranda turned to her dear friend, "Tell me what happened."
"I remembered you telling me about Corbin. I tried to play it off, but I could see your eyes shifting as you talked. As soon as I got back to the house, I called Zach. He followed you here and called the police." She looked around, searching the area. "Zach, where is Corbin?"
"He got away before I got here." He stared into the distance, gritting his teeth.
Neither of them noticed the dark, ocean blue eyes watching from the shadows.
Chapter 20
As the prelude began, Miranda walked slowly and solemnly up the aisle. Her auburn hair was laced with tiny pink roses and cascades of curls falling down her back. In her hands she held a small bouquet of seven pink roses, lilies, and baby's breath. The long pink gown, studded with hundreds of rhinestones on the strapless bodice, flowed behind her, making her feel like a princess.
She glanced to her right, where Zach marched beside her, matching each of her steps. He looked incredibly handsome in his full, black tuxedo. His silver vest was topped with a pale pink tie, the same shade as her dress. Even hidden beneath the jacket, she could see the ripple of muscles that pulled his suit taut. He turned to smile at her, and his bright blue eyes shone with love.
Once they had taken their places at the altar with Trey, the wedding march began. Hundreds of family members, friends, and loved ones stood and turned to witness the bride as she emerged from the back. Emily, clinging steadily to her father's arm, tread softly in tiny white slippers that just peeked out below her white gown. Yards of white satin, covered in pearl seed beads, trailed behind her. When they reached their destination, Emily handed her bouquet of white roses to Miranda. Emily's father pulled back her veil and kissed her gently on the cheek. Unshed tears sparkled in the corners of his eyes as he connected her hand with Trey's.
As they repeated their vows, Miranda peeked at Zach, standing behind Trey. His jaw clenched as he seemed to concentrate on each spoken word. When shifted his gaze to meet hers, her heart stopped for a moment. His eyes held a look she had not seen before. The vibrancy had darkened with longing and passion. She could see her own reflection, an image of beauty and grace.
Soon after, Miranda's daughter Elizabeth, led by Emily's older niece, toddled down the aisle. She carried a small, white satin pillow with wedding rings tied to the top. She was eighteen months old, and was quite content to be the center of attention. She smiled brightly as she handed the pillow to the bride and groom, then walked over and stood patiently beside Miranda.
When the ceremony had concluded, and the pastor had announced them husband and wife, Trey held Emily in his arms. They honored their vows with a lingering kiss then returned down the aisle as a newly married couple.
The reception was held in nearby hotel. A large room filled with banquet tables surrounding a parquet dance floor barely contained the guests. At the front of the room, the bridal party sat at a long table, eating, drinking, and laughing. Zach sat beside Miranda, nervously playing with her fingers. She scanned the area and found Elizabeth sitting with her grandmother, chatting happily then returned her attention to Zach. He was acting strangely, somewhat nervous and disconnected. Yet each time he looked at her, he seemed to peer into her soul, searching for answers to some unspoken question.
As the champagne flowed, the volume increased, the guests became more animated, and the dance floor filled. After a couple of toasts, Zach began to relax, but he never took his eyes off of her. Suddenly, his eyes blazed with courage and he whispered, "I'll be right back."
Within a few minutes, Anne Murray began to croon, "Could I Have This Dance?", and Zach was at her side holding out his hand. Miranda's face flushed with emotion as she took his hand and they made their way to the dance floor.
As he held her tightly, she buried her face in his chest and listened to the beat of his heart. She immediately realized that the fear she had harbored for so long was gone. She felt safe, protected, and loved. Closing her eyes, she breathed in and filled her lungs with his scent.
Far too soon, the song ended, and she found herself standing in the middle of the dance floor alone. Around her, guests smiled knowingly as she looked down and found Zach on his knee, kneeling in front of her.
He took a deep breath, "Miranda, the moment I first saw you, I fell in love. And each moment after, you stole a piece of my heart. Each trial that we have shared has only solidified the knowledge that I don't want to spend another day without you. Miranda, will you be my wife?"
Silent tears rolled down her cheeks as she realized that this question had been the one she had wanted, the one she had craved. "Yes, I will."
Applause erupted around them as he stood and embraced her then slipped a beautiful diamond ring on her finger.