Page 127 of The Girl in the River

Derrick clasped her hand and they walked to his sedan. A light breeze was blowing, the air crisp and scented with flowers, the days since they’d closed the case sunny and bright.

Ten minutes later, Derrick parked at the Botanical Gardens outside of town where Mia and Mark had chosen to have the ceremony. Mia didn’t want to be anywhere near the river. The gardens were a fiesta of colors with walking paths and benches for sitting and enjoying the scenery.

As they arrived, she spotted Lola in the gardens and she looked for Cord but didn’t see him. Then Bryce appeared and Lola took his arm. Together, they laughed and walked to the seating area. Was something going on between them?

She hadn’t heard from Cord since the night they’d discovered the Penningtons were still alive, when she’d called to relay the news personally. She couldn’t help worrying about him.

A gentle breeze rustled the trees as she and Derrick seated themselves across from Lola and Bryce, and Ellie leaned across the aisle.

“Hey, Lola. Where’s Cord?”

Lola gave a small shake of her head. “How should I know? I figured he was with you.”

“I haven’t talked to him since we finished the case,” Ellie said, confused by Lola’s terse attitude. “I called but he didn’t answer.”

“Maybe he went off to get his head straight,” Lola said.

“Straight about what?” Ellie whispered.

Lola rolled her eyes. “Good grief, Ellie, you can’t be that stupid.”

Ellie jerked her head back in surprise. She started to ask Lola what she meant, but the music began, and Lola turned back to Bryce.

ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY

THE BOTANICAL GARDENS

“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!” Pixie sang as she twirled around in her satin and tulle flower girl dress. “Today’s the day we marry Mr. Mark!”

Mia smiled at Pixie’s exuberance and her resilience. She’d tried to explain as best she could that Kevin Moon had technically been her father but she’d left him because he was dangerous. Pixie had learned that hard lesson herself and hadn’t questioned her mother’s story.

Guilt still plagued her for Tori’s death. Liam had not been quite as forgiving as Mark. He’d packed his things and moved away from Crooked Creek, claiming there were too many memories of his wife here to stay. Mark’s mother had visited her, apologized and cried when she’d admitted her part in leading Kevin to her. Mia told her she understood. Sylvia Wade was a mother protecting her son just as she’d protected her own daughter.

Her lies had hurt so many. There would be no more.

Jo-Jo waltzed over to her and adjusted Mia’s veil, the two of them gazing at their reflections in the mirror. They’d been close as children and that bond was even stronger after the ordeal they’d endured.

“You look like Mom,” Jo-Jo said softly.

Mia smiled. Now she understood the reason she’d had dreams of the sewing machine’s buzzing and the reason Jo-Jo had had balked at the idea of sewing. “And you look beautiful, Jo-Jo,” Mia said, her heart full of love.

Jo-Jo laughed. “Ready, sis?”

“I am.” Mia stood. This time she knew she’d chosen the right man and her sister adored him, too.

She clasped Pixie’s hand and Jo-Jo adjusted the train of her satin mermaid wedding dress. Together, they all walked outside.

The fading sun shimmered over the gardens, white bows and lilies adorning the rows of chairs for the guests. Just as before, she’d wanted a simple wedding with her closest friends and Mark’s family. She spotted Ellie with that federal agent, and knew she owed them her life. Sheriff Kincaid slid into a seat in the back. She owed him, too.

As the music strummed and Jo-Jo walked down the aisle, joy filled Mia’s heart. Pixie smiled and bounced up and down as she followed, scattering rose petals on the lawn. Mark stood at the end with his father, his best man, beside him. Sylvia blew her a kiss as the wedding march began.

Seconds later, she and Mark held hands and gazed into each other’s eyes.

Mark spoke his vows first. “Mia, from the moment I met you, I fell in love with you.” He squeezed her hands. “You are everything I’ve ever dreamed about – a strong, amazing woman, a wonderful mother, and my best friend. I love you now, forever and always.”

Mia blinked back tears. “Mark Wade, when I dreamed of marrying as a little girl, I dreamed of you. I hadn’t seen your face or met you, and I do think you’re the most handsome man I’ve ever met. But it wasn’t your looks that stole my heart. I wanted a man with a kind heart, a loving soul, a man who loved family. You are all that and more. I love you, now, forever and always.”

ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE

Ellie smiled as the wind whistled off the mountain, puffy white clouds dancing in the sky, and streaks of red, yellow and orange glittered over the gardens. The evil that had permeated the area was quiet for now, and peace had been restored to Bluff County.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Mark swept Mia into his arms and kissed her, with everyone clapping. Derrick clasped Ellie’s hand and, for a moment, she pictured herself walking toward the altar in her wedding dress.

Only, in her mind, the face staring back at her and waiting at the altar was not Derrick.

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