“All this because of a dog?” Summer said. “Why didn’t he do something sooner? I mean, what set him off?”
“I don’t think we’ll ever know the full truth,” Josh said. “It could’ve festered over the years until everything bubbled over, and he snapped. It might’ve been a news item regarding Ashley that pushed him, or it might’ve been something to do with his military career.”
“You’re saying he might have suffered from post-traumatic stress?” Summer asked.
“It could’ve been any of those factors or a combination,” Nikolai commented.
Ashley sighed. “From what we have, it was clear Stephen loved and admired his father. After his father’s suicide, his life changed. He hated school. He hated living in Australia.”
“Returning to New Zealand didn’t make him happy either,” Summer pointed out.
“No, but he had a mission. He wanted to punish you and make you realize how your actions changed his life for the worse,” Josh said.
Ashley swallowed hard. “I had no idea. Jess’s death hit me hard, and the fact I’d been driving the vehicle was ghastly. I told the police there was a dog, but I don’t think any of them believed me.”
“What happens now?” Summer asked.
“I’ll reach out to Stephen’s mother and speak with her,” Ashley said. “Tell her how sorry I am.”
“Then you’ll whip New Zealand into shape, right?” Summer winked at Josh.
Ashley smiled. “I’ll sort out my cabinet, formerly take office when the Governor-General swears me in as Prime Minister, and then whip the country into shape. That should take about two weeks. I thought I might have a long weekend in Fiji after those two weeks.”
“That sounds heavenly, and I’m envious.” Summer sighed. “I wish we could take a break.”
Josh winked at Ashley. “We might offer an incentive.”
Ashley grinned. “What Josh said.” She glanced toward the door where Nelson and Gerry kept guard. Then, she leaned closer to Summer and Nikolai. “Here’s what we were thinking.”
23 – Eloping To Fiji
The sun shone overhead, bringing out a jewel-like sparkle in the fine white sand. Ashley followed the waves with her eyes as they sounded a gentle whoosh of advance and retreat. A warm breeze rattled the nearby coconut palms while the floral scent of the air screamed tropical island.
Fiji, and her wedding day.
Ashley stepped beneath a flower-decorated pagoda at The Ocean Resort Hotel, her hands linked with Josh’s. She grinned, her gaze becoming enmeshed with Josh’s as a tall Fijian marriage celebrant spoke in a deep voice and started their wedding vows. Euphoria and excitement tugged at her, and she’d never been more certain of a decision.
“The rings,” the marriage celebrant said.
Seconds later, Josh pushed a golden wedding band onto her finger, and she repeated the action a few minutes later, claiming him with her own ring.Mine, she thought.My man.Happiness filled her, and she wondered if she might burst with anticipation and delight.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Josh took her in his arms and kissed her. Glee bubbled through her. Contentment.
“That’s enough of the kissing,” Summer chided from behind them. “Some of us want to offer congratulations.”
They pulled apart with reluctance.
“Later,” Josh promised with a wink.
“Welcome to the family.” Summer offered Ashley a heartfelt hug. Summer turned to Josh and embraced him too. “You realize Mum will have a strong opinion regarding this secret wedding.”
“So will Frog.” Josh’s grin dimmed a fraction.
Ashley smiled. “I don’t care. We’re married. Besides, I’m the Prime Minister of New Zealand. I must havesomeauthority.”
“And I’m married to the PM.” Josh beamed at her, the love in his gaze making her breath stall. “We have our own security guys.” He waved at Gerry and Nelson who stood at a distance, but close enough to witness their vows too. Both wore a casual uniform of cotton shirts and shorts. “Want to go for a walk? A paddle in the sea?”
