AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“By the power vested in me by the State of Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
It’s nearly impossible to kiss when you’re smiling as big as we are, but we make it happen. Constance nestles herself right up against my chest, cradling my cheeks in her hands, and I hold her to me. She’s not going anywhere.
To avoid any embarrassment, we break apart, link our arms, and go down the aisle together. Everyone is all smiles and cheers. But I don’t care much about them right now. The world is just me and Constance.
“I have to be honest, during the ‘til death do us part’ thing, I—” Constance mutters into my ear.
“You were thinking about our bones, weren’t you?” I finish.
She leans her head on my shoulder. “You know me so well.”
I kiss the top of her head as we make our way inside. The air is filled with the sweet smell of syrup and brewing tea. In the Victorian fashion, we are opting for a brunch instead of a nighttime reception.
Constance places a hand against my heart. The one that’s been beating just fine the past two years with her at my side.
“Dr. Chaplin?—”
Our attention snaps to the Wilhelm House event manager, Deana. She moved here from Chicago to take this job. We’re a catch-all for everyone wanting to get away from the hubbub of city living.
Deana’s expression is strained.
“What is it?” Constance asks and then gasps. “Did more crystals fall off the chandelier in the foyer?”
Dean shakes her head vehemently. “No, no, it’s?—”
Sheriff Colleen Boyette emerges from the shadows. After I stepped down from the post, there was a bit of consternation and wishy-washiness before my successor was determined. “Sorry to interrupt the festivities.”
Constance and I exchange a look.
“Something wrong, Boyette?” I ask.
“We’re dealing with a little bit of a unique situation over in Wabash proper.”
“Oh?” Constance and I say simultaneously, leaning in, ears tuned for what’s next. We’re clearly meant to be.
Colleen sighs. “I hate to ask you on such a special day, but?—”
“Colleen, tell us what happened,” Constance eggs on the sheriff. I love this woman.
“It’s very strange, really. There was a break-in in one of the well to-do neighborhoods. I’d call it an art heist except…”
I already know this case is going to be my speed.
“They didn’t take the art. They took the frame. We’re trying to make sense of it, but… we thought it would be a job for you.”
Constance looks at me, a sneaking smile on her lips. “You thinking what I’m thinking?”
I match her smile with my own. “I’ll drive.”
*******THE END*******
