AllFreeNovel
Share Us
* * *
“You are exquisite,” June said. She looked exquisite herself in a blush, tea-length lace dress with a sweetheart neckline that had come straight from Grandma Lily’s closet.
“The most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying something since I’ve seen myself,” Tiffany told Jane, pressing a hand over her heart. Tiffany, too, exuded beauty. A timeless sleeveless gown in midnight complimented her elegant frame.
“Conrad will tear up when he sees you, and I am here for it.” Beau grinned at her. The handsome war vet had worn some wild getups for her. Everything from her Pops’s short shorts straight from the 1970s to a too tight leisure suit. But he took her breath away in a formal tuxedo that fit him to perfection.
Surrounded by her trio of bridesmaids, Jane beamed. Fiona had altered Grandma Lily’s own wedding dress, ensuring it fit Jane like a glove. The knee-length confection of light and floaty fabric with dotted, sheer lace above the bodice ended with a demure boat neckline. Atop her head rested the most perfect pillbox hat with netting. Dainty peep-toe heels completed her look. Rolex wore a beautiful bow tie. He wasn’t fond of his leash, but he still rubbed against her legs.
Fiona joined them inside the mausoleum, where Jane had chosen to get ready. And how fitting. Before Conrad, her heart was nothing but withered remains. With Conrad, she had new life.
“It’s time, hon.” Fiona handed Jane a beautiful bouquet of pink roses and matching ribbon, symbolizing joy and happiness.
Jane’s heart fluttered, and her stomach churned with nerves. Gah! This was her wedding day!
Suck it, curse!
One by one, her bridesmaids hugged her before leaving the structure to walk down a makeshift aisle created with a row of flowery arches. Soft music wafted through the air, played by Lucy, who’d had piano lessons as a child.
Finally, it was Fiona and Jane’s turn. “I know your Grandma Lily and Pops are smiling down on you right now, proud of how much you’ve grown and all you’ve overcome.”
Jane squeezed her hand. “You have helped me every step of the way, and I will be forever grateful.”
“Just make lots of babies, and we’ll call it even.”
What! She nearly choked on her tongue as her beloved Fiona chuckled. Babies. Cherished additions to her family. Children who would forever know how much Mommy and Daddy loved them. Longing threatened to overwhelm Jane.
“Any fears we need to kill before we head out there?” her friend asked.
“No. I’m good.” And she was. Truly. The churning was already fading. Had the curse attempted to invade her mind today? Yes. Oh, yes. But it was no match for her joy.
“Then let’s go make you Mrs. Jane Ryan.” Fiona linked their arms and led her into the sunlight. Her future awaited her in the gathering area. They walked along the cobblestone path amongst her beloved trees and manicured hedgerow. Wildflowers popped up here and there and big white bows adorned the tree trunks lining the way. Birdsong added to Lucy’s playing.
Only their closest friends and family were invited, and everyone had a job. Wyatt, Susan, and Conrad’s former partner at GBH, Georgia Bureau of Homicide, Tim Barrow acted as groomsmen. Holden guarded the food from insects, and a perfectly recovered Cartier sat at Lucy’s feet, resplendent in a tiny white dress, watching to ensure Rolex behaved. Isaac, it turned out, was ordained. He stood with Conrad at the end of the aisle.
Jane’s breath caught. Conrad held Cheddar’s leash, and he looked magnificent. Like Rolex, the pup wore a bow tie. But back to Conrad. He wowed! He, too, wore a tux, though he’d added a vest and his boutonniere was a pink rose, matching Jane’s bouquet. His customary Rolex watch hugged his wrist.
Jane’s chest squeezed as their gazes locked. Adoration glowed in his amber eyes.
Fiona offered Jane’s hand to Conrad, and he accepted, drawing his soon-to-be wife closer. She peered up at him, and he peered down at her. Here he was, the love of her life. The man who’d had little joy in his life until he’d met Jane. He considered her a slice of Heaven on Earth. She considered him the soothing balm she hadn’t known she’d needed. He’d fought a dragon of a curse with every ounce of his being to prove she was worth any hardship. He enjoyed her quirks while she made him feel as if he were part of a family again. They were imperfectly perfect together.
Isaac began. “Dearly beloved…”
But honestly, she didn’t hear him, her attention riveted on her soon-to-be husband.
“I love you,” Conrad rasped. “So much.”
“I love you, too.”
“I expect casseroles. Daily.”
“And I expect to be hired as your assistant,” she said. “Co-sheriff has a nice ring to it.”
The audience laughed.
“I guess we’re gonna get to the vows now?” Isaac asked, earning snickers from everyone. “All right. Go for it. Jane, you first.”
As her joy overflowed, she told Conrad, “I fell for you at first sight. And first sniff. Then you suspected me of murder, and I knew deep down I had to have you.” Chuckles swept through the onlookers. “You are strong. Loyal. Smart. Brilliant, really. And brave. So brave. You have loved my fur-son as if he were your own. And you trusted an offbeat cemetery girl with your battered heart. I like to think I’ve taken good care of it. But I promise you this. I will cherish your gift for the rest of my life. I give you all that I am, all that I have, and all that I will be.”
