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“As sweet as that sounds, we sure have a lot ahead of us to discover the ‘why’ I’m still here.”
I scowled. “If I could pinch you, I would, and I’d make it hurt. Don’t ruin my romantic moment here.”
He laughed, leaned in and brushed his nose across mine to send a
cold breeze to tickle my skin. “By all means, then, continue…”
“Oh, just kiss me, will you?”
Kipp leaned in as I heard police sirens blaring in the distance and he placed his lips across mine. The frostbite stung my skin, but I embraced it. Who knew how much longer Kipp and I had, but the only thing that mattered was we had tomorrow.
The rest I could figure out later…
Epilogue
Calla lilies, yellow roses and deep green foliage decorated the pretty wreath atop the casket. The large cathedral was stuffed full of people as the sun streamed through the stained-glass windows. I’d never been one to cry at a funeral, but Hannah’s service had me gulping back the lump in my throat. It didn’t help much that Hannah’s mother stood in front of her casket and cried as she addressed the crowd.
“It’s been so long since Hannah went missing, but to us, her father and I, the days have been long. I’d be lying to you that if I said that hearing the news of her body being discovered didn’t disappoint us. We still prayed she’d come home to us and somehow had lost her memory, which explained why she’d been missing.”
The crowd sniffed and sobbed and I found myself unable to restrain my tears. As one escaped my eye, a tissue came up in front of my face. I took the tissue and glanced over at the hand that held it to see Zach. His arm was supported in a brace from what he called a “minor wound”. I was sure getting shot and stabbed was anything but minor, but I wouldn’t argue with him. I mouthed a thank-you and dabbed my eyes before I focused back on Mrs. Reid.
“Once the news had sunk in, I realized what a blessing it was that she’d been found, because what we’d been searching for this entire time happened—Hannah came home. It might not have been how we wanted it, but Hannah wasn’t missing any longer, which is what we wanted all along.” Mrs. Reid straightened her shoulders and wiped the tears off her face. “We’d like to thank the police who went out of their way to find Hannah and the one responsible for her murder, even after all these years. They never stopped caring, searching to find her, and we’re grateful for all they’ve done for our family.”
“You see why we do this now,” Kipp said, standing beside me next to the pew.
Out of necessity, of course—either he’d have to sit on someone’s lap or it’d be hard to explain a seat was occupied because a ghost sat there. Although there were a couple ghosts in the church—an elderly gentleman stood next to the casket and watched Mrs. Reid intently, while a middle-aged woman admired the flowers.
“We’ll continue to miss you, my sweet Hannah. Every day I hope wherever you are, you’re happy.”
A man in front of me sobbed as his wife consoled him. The sight made my light tears fall heavy. Not only because of how sad the moment had been, but because I knew Hannah had found her peace. Her killer had faced the worst type of justice—by my hand, no less—and I held no doubt he’d burn in hell forever.
The ceremony ended with a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace and the crowd began to leave the room. I stood and exited the pew, following Kipp as we proceeded to the front door. But just as I reached outside, I remembered I needed to do something. I spun around and banged into Zach’s chest, who didn’t move an inch while I bounced off him. “Oops, sorry.”
With his uninjured hand, he grabbed my arm and steadied me. “What’s wrong?”
“I forgot I have to talk with Hannah’s mother.” He looked at me curiously, but I just waved him off. “Give me a minute. I’ll be right out.”
“What are you going to say to her?”
I stared at Kipp and gave him a look to inform him, “Hello, I cannot answer you.” The crowd still filed out and I wouldn’t say something random that’d have people gawking at me. Yes, I’d come a long way in how many people were aware of my ability, but I didn’t want to share it with the world.
I made my way back toward the altar and saw that Mrs. Reid had just hugged the priest. I waited a few feet away, not wanting to interrupt. The priest whispered words to her I didn’t hear, but I could tell by the way Mrs. Reid sank into him that he comforted her.
As Mrs. Reid turned away from him, she caught me waiting and offered a kind smile, but sadness stole any happiness on her face. “Y’all from the police department are welcome to our house. We’re having some lunch and continuing with the memorial service for Hannah.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that, but we need to go to the hospital to check in on Eddie.”
Concern touched her gaze. “How are the officer’s injuries?”
“From what I’ve heard, he should have a full recovery and be back on the job in no time.”
“I’m pleased to hear such news.” She smiled.
We were getting off track. I shook my head to focus myself for the conversation I suspected wasn’t going to be easy. “That’s not what I came to tell you.”
“What is it then, dear?”
“Well…” I glanced at Kipp, who nodded me on, and I looked back at her. “I know how insane this is going to sound and I hate to even do this today since you’ve already been through so much. But I’m afraid if I don’t do it now, I might not see you again.”
