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“He had different weapons ready to go,” Conrad said. “According to his final chapter, I was dying by revolver, and you were supposed to pull the trigger and bury my body at the Garden so the two of you could travel the world and live happily ever after.”
Her eyes widened. She shook her head. “So delusional.”
Murmurs of agreement rose from the audience.
Jane led Conrad to the empty spot she’d vacated. “You sit right there, and I’ll prepare you a plate.” Isaac carried a chair over and placed it next to the lawman, allowing Jane to sit by her man after heaping a dish high with food.
Beau’s watch buzzed. He looked at the face and frowned. “And there’s another one. I’ve already kicked two lookie-lous off the grounds.”
“I predict tourists will arrive in droves when my book is published, and the movie is made,” she said. “No more financial problems for the Garden. I’ll finally be able to pay Peach State Security in cash instead of casseroles. Also, consider taking Donnie Eggerson under your wing. He needs some lessons in social etiquette, but other than that, he strikes me as a fine young man eager to forge new friendships.”
Beau, Trick, Holden and Isaac gaped at her.
“Are you threatening to withhold our casseroles?” Beau demanded.
“Not if you take Donnie Eggerson under your wing.” Jane blew him a kiss, certain she’d get her way, and lifted her glass of orange juice in toast. “To all of us for a job well done. We didn’t simply survive, we thrived.”
Everyone toasted with her. As Conrad chatted with the guests, growing more and more at ease, as if shedding the tension caused by his profession, she fell more and more in love with him.
He was just so wonderful. Always he made her feel special. He considered her feelings, took Herculean efforts to ensure her comfort and safety. Worked to show how much he treasured and valued her thoughts and opinions. Not once had he lied to her or killed someone to impress her.
He was amazing in every way.
“I want to marry you this weekend,” she blurted out, the words escaping without thought.
The entire room went quiet, and all eyes swung to Jane. The corners of Conrad’s mouth twitched. Was he fighting a smile?
“Okay, so, that isn’t the reaction I expected tonight,” he said, and yes, he smiled. “Though with you, I should always expect the unexpected.”
“But do you want to?” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “Marry me this weekend, I mean? You and me, here, pledging to adore each other in front of our closest friends, finally making Rolex and Cheddar the fur-brothers they’ve longed to be?”
His smile turned softer than silk. “There’s nothing I’d rather do.”
Joy erupted inside her just as chatter burst out amongst the guests. “Well, then. There’s much to do.”
“Why don’t I make a list?” Fiona suggested. “We can check things off one by one.”
“You need thank you cards. And flowers,” Tiffany said. “I’ll take care of it.”
“I still have connections,” Raymond chimed in, “so I can help expedite the marriage license.”
“I don’t know whether I should be insulted right now or not,” Fiona muttered, and the former sheriff nudged her shoulder with his own.
“Someone has never asked me to marry her,” Raymond quipped. Fiona humphed, but pleasure tinged her eyes.
Conrad held Jane’s gaze. “Think about giving yourself another week or two to work through your thoughts and figure out where we’re going to live?”
Wait. “Are you getting cold feet?”
“No. My feet are hot.” He chuckled a little. “I’d marry you right now if I could. I just don’t want you stressed about it.”
“Well, I’m sure. And this isn’t stress. It’s joy with an edge.” She’d almost lost him during this case. Why waste another moment? “Also, I know where we’re living.” Suddenly the answer was so clear. She’d spent her life in this cemetery and ultimately became its sole protector. But she wasn’t the Garden’s only source of love now. Tiffany and June were here. “We’ll stay in the bungalow, and Tiff and June will take over maintenance here.”
She and Conrad had picked that adorable bungalow together. It was theirs, not just hers, not just his. The perfect place for a fresh start. She didn’t have to live here to be a part of the Garden; she took it with her everywhere she went.
He planted the sweetest kiss onto her lips. “Then we marry this weekend, and you make me the happiest man on the planet.”
Cheers rang out until Fiona clapped to gain everyone’s attention. “All right, people. We have a lot of work to do and not much time to do it. Let’s get started.”
