THE WEDDING

A FACES OF EVIL Short Story

Debra Webb

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2014 Debra Webb, Pink House Press

Edited by Marijane Diodati

Cover Design by Vicki Hinze

All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the author’s intellectual property. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

PINK HOUSE PRESS

WebbWorks, LLC

Huntsville, Alabama

First Edition November 2014

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

About the Author

1

Birmingham Police Department

Birmingham, Alabama

Friday, December 18, 4:00 p.m.

Lost in thought, Deputy Chief Jess Harris removed the crime scene photos from her case board. Her team had caught a double homicide early in the week. The case had appeared cut-and-dried at first. An intruder had entered the home and murdered the homeowner and his best friend. The house had been ransacked and any items of cash ready value such as jewelry had been taken. Sadly, the wife and two teenage daughters had arrived home later to find the awful scene.

Jess studied the photo of the wife and daughters before taking it down. The case had turned out to be anything but a random break-in. The father had been leading a double life that included drug dealing for extra income. The slow economy had driven him to make bad decisions. He and his friend had paid the ultimate price for his mistake.

Within forty-eight hours Jess and her major crimes team had uncovered the truth. None of it was pretty and finding justice for the murdered father and his friend hadn’t made any of them feel one iota better. The wife was still a widow and the two daughters were still without a father.

“You know,” Lori Wells moved up beside Jess and took the photos from her hands, “this was an unfortunate case to catch this week.”

Jess smiled at the detective who was her good friend as well as her maid of honor. “Everyone has secrets, some are just worse than others.” Jess removed the final photo. “Tomorrow I’m marrying the man I’ve been in love with for most of my life. I know him better than most women know the men they marry. More importantly, I trust him completely. That said, it’s impossible to know everything.”

“She knows all my secrets.” Sergeant Chet Harper grabbed the eraser and started removing the written timeline from the board.

Lori narrowed her gaze and issued a warning, “I’d better.”

From his desk, Lieutenant Clint Hayes tossed in his two cents worth. “That’s why I’m never getting married.”

Jess laughed as she turned to the lieutenant. “Because you won’t trust anyone with your secrets?” She’d long suspected he had a few.

“I’ll never tell.” He grinned. “Some secrets should stay that way.”

Chad Cook, newly promoted to detective, joined them at the case board. He still walked with a bit of a limp, but he was doing great. His up-close encounter with a follower of the depraved serial killer Eric Spears hadn’t kept him down. Thank God. Chad had been back to work for a month now. Jess imagined those eight weeks of recovery and physical therapy had been the longest of his life.

“By this time next year,” Chad said, “I plan on having a wife of my own with a baby on the way—if I’m lucky.”

Jess grinned at him. Chad and Dr. Sylvia Baron, who was Jefferson County’s associate coroner and closer to Jess’s age than Chad’s, had decided they were better at being friends than lovers. Jess was immensely grateful the break-up had been an amicable one. Chad was wise beyond his years. Having just turned twenty-four he had plenty of time. His recent brush with death had obviously made him decide not to waste a moment of it.

“That’ll make you the only bachelor, Hayes,” Harper challenged as he set the eraser aside. “You might want to rethink your strategy.”

Chet Harper and Lori Wells were engaged. The two were getting married next June. Jess still counted her blessings they had been able to pull off their personal relationship without it interfering with their work on the team. Jess didn’t want to lose anyone on her very specialized major crimes team. The Special Problems Unit had proved its worth in Birmingham as well as all of Jefferson County. So much so that the Sheriff’s Department and the BPD had decided to make the SPU permanent. Jess and her team would be fighting crime throughout Jefferson County for a long time to come.

“Not a chance,” Hayes declined. “I like my status and my strategy.”

“As interesting as this conversation is,” Lori announced, “the Chief and I are calling it a day. We’re having a mani-pedi party.” She rubbed her hands together in glee. “Twenty-four hours until the wedding!”

Jess checked the time and groaned. “I have so much to do.” She headed for her desk. “I don’t know why this wedding has to be so complicated.”

“Last night’s rehearsal went well,” Lori reminded her as she gathered her purse and keys. “The dinner was amazing.”

Jess hummed an agreeable note. Katherine, Dan’s mother, had insisted on a lavish rehearsal dinner for the wedding party since Jess and Dan had opted not to have a sit-down meal after the wedding. Neither she nor Dan wanted to delay their honeymoon flight until the day after the wedding so the dinner option had been taken off the agenda.

As pleasant and fun as last night had been the whole evening had been exhausting. Her soon-to-be mother-in-law and her sister, Lily, had organized a genuinely lovely but hectic wedding week down to the last detail. Jess had sworn she wouldn’t complain. She wanted to be happy and to enjoy all the festivities. The truth was, she was simply tired. At forty-two years old and five months pregnant, she wasn’t your typical blushing, energetic bride. Right now she’d trade her mani-pedi for a nap.

“We don’t get a mani-pedi?” Harper teased.

Lori waved him off. “Please. Tonight is ladies night.”

“I guess that means we get a guys’ night,” Hayes suggested.

Harper shrugged. “I have my son tonight, but you and Cook are welcome to come over for pizza.”

“Before you go,” Cook said, interrupting the male bonding moment, “we have a little something for you, Chief.”

Bag slung over her shoulder, Jess hesitated as she rounded her desk. “What? You guys have done too much already. You shouldn’t have bothered with a gift.” She’d lost count of the gifts she and Dan had received. In the past two weeks there had been a shower hosted by the bridesmaids, another one hosted by Dan’s mother, and yet another one from the BPD. There were also endless gifts from long distance friends—like Wesley Duvall, her ex-husband, and Ralph Gant, her former boss at the Bureau. She didn’t need more presents.

From beneath his desk Cook removed a gift wrapped in the traditional snow white paper and tied with an elegant silk ribbon in the same white.

What was she going to do with this wonderful group of people? “You better not make me cry.”

“No promises.” Lori placed the package on Jess’s desk. “It’s from all of us.”

Jess shrugged off her bag, letting it slip to the floor. She opened the gift with shaking hands. Foolishly, she had hoped to make it through this day with no tears. At this point she wasn’t sure she could keep blaming her emotions on the pregnancy. Beneath the glossy wrapping was a white box stuffed with tissue paper. Wrapped carefully in the paper was an eight-by-ten photograph of the entire team framed in Waterford crystal.

“When was this taken?” She didn’t remember anyone snapping a photo like this. Judging by the outfit she wore it had been taken in the past couple of months. Lately, she’d had to go with fabrics that had a little stretch to them. The crime scene looked vaguely familiar.

“I had one of my buddies from the Crime Scene Unit take it when we worked that case with the missing cousins,” Chad explained.

“Read the inscription on the frame,” Lori suggested.

Before she’d even read the engraved words Jess was already swiping at her eyes. “Your family away from home.”

“While you’re on your honeymoon and then staying home with the baby,” Harper said, “we didn’t want you to forget about us.”

“You don’t ever have to worry about that,” Jess assured them.

After hugs were exchanged and Jess had totally ruined her mascara, Lori insisted they had to go.

It was Friday after all. The case was closed and Jess had less than a day before her wedding to the man she’d loved for twenty-five years.

2

3309 Dell Road

Mountain Brook, Alabama

Saturday, December 19, 1:30 a.m.

Empty boxes were scattered all over the floor. The distinct evergreen scent of the Fraser Fir mingled with the lingering smell of sugar cookies. Jess stood back and surveyed the enormous tree. Dan had borrowed his father’s truck and driven out to the Christmas tree farm first thing Thursday morning. He’d brought the tree into the house and set it up so they could hang the first ornament together before leaving for the office. The beautiful angel sitting on the very top of the tree made Jess smile. They’d hoped to get home early enough after the rehearsal dinner to finish decorating but that hadn’t happened.

This morning—yesterday morning, technically—she and Dan had left for work and, according to his mother and Jess’s sister, it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride again until the wedding. It was a ridiculous superstition in Jess’s opinion, but she wasn’t about to test fate. Particularly after the summer she and Dan had survived.

Though she’d missed Dan, Jess and Lily and the bridesmaids had spent the evening doing fun, girlie things. The mani-pedis had been first, and then dinner and going over the preparation list for the big day. Everything was set. Except Jess didn’t feel fully prepared.

She wrapped her arms around herself and ran down her mental checklist. Bear, their sweet but huge yellow Lab, was staying with Detective Cook for the next week. Cook had picked him up after work yesterday. Hayes would be keeping tabs on the house for Jess and Dan while they were in Barbados. Harper was in charge of the team in Jess’s absence.

Everything had been arranged. She and Dan were packed. Although Katherine and Lily had taken care of all the wedding planning, Jess had selected her gown, the veil and shoes as well as all the flowers and most of the music. The rest she had gladly left in their capable hands. She had never been more grateful for that decision than she was this week. Despite the careful planning and meticulous execution of every little thing, Jess felt oddly out of sorts as the final hours before the wedding ticked away.

Somehow there seemed to be too many things undone. She stared at the tree, inhaling the rich scent. It was almost Christmas and she hadn’t hung the rest of the ornaments. She supposed it didn’t really matter since they wouldn’t even be here for Christmas. Yet, not having a decorated tree in their new home for their very first Christmas as a married couple felt wrong. She wanted to return from their honeymoon and smell the scents of the season all through the house. She wanted them to take down the decorations together the way they had in that tiny apartment near Boston College all those years ago.

Maybe this unsettled feeling was just nerves. Jess pressed her hand to her belly. Her sister had been right about most everything so far. She had hit the twenty-week mark in her pregnancy and only gained a few pounds. The worries about her gown fitting had been unnecessary. It fit like a glove. Finding one she loved hadn’t been nearly as problematic as she’d feared. She’d known the moment she saw it that it was the one.

Jess smiled. Tomorrow—today, she reminded herself—she would become Mrs. Daniel Thomas Burnett. She blinked at the emotion that immediately filled her eyes. She had been in love with him since she was seventeen years old. As their college days had come to a close, so had their relationship. They’d spent almost two decades apart and both of them had been married before. Somehow none of that had been able to keep them apart.

“Jess?”

Lily Colburn, Jess’s older sister by two years, shuffled into the room, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The huge hair rollers and well-worn chenille robe reminded Jess of their mom. She vividly recalled watching their mother, dressed in a similar robe and slippers, at the stove making breakfast. On Sunday mornings her hair had always been up in rollers.

“I hope I didn’t wake you.” Jess had tried to be quiet.

Lily draped an arm around Jess’s shoulders and surveyed the tree. “Sweetie, you do realize it’s almost two o’clock in the morning and that you’re getting married in just over twelve hours? You should be sleeping.”

Jess reached up and touched the matching rollers in her own hair. “How can you sleep with these things boring into your skull? Wouldn’t it have been easier to go to a salon?”

Lil rolled her eyes. “No salon. I want to do this. Now, all you have to do is climb into that big comfy bed, close your eyes, and focus on something else.” She stared at Jess’s hands and frowned. “You didn’t mess up your manicure, did you?”

“No,” Jess grumbled. “I was stringing lights not scrubbing floors.” She sighed. “I wanted to decorate the tree before we left.” If she’d taken Friday off from work as everyone had wanted her to she might have had time. Maybe this child would give her the ability to walk away from work at a decent hour even if all the i’s weren’t dotted and all the t’s crossed.

“All right.” Lil walked over to the waist high stack of ornament boxes Jess had accumulated since the middle of October when they started showing up in stores. “We’ll decorate your tree, and then you are going to bed.”

Jess smiled. “You’re sure you don’t mind?”

Lil made a sound that was more a grunt than anything else. “As long as we can see to walk down the aisle tomorrow, I don’t mind at all.”

Jess picked up the box of red crystal bells. “I spent a lot of time selecting these ornaments.”

“Money, too,” Lil teased.

After hanging an ornament on the tree, Jess shrugged. “It means a lot to Dan and to me that we start traditions that we’ll keep year after year. The ornaments are part of it.”

Lil hung a shiny silver star. “I know what you mean. Blake and I have ornaments from our first Christmas, too. Those and the ones the kids made when they were little are my favorites.”

“You’re a good sister, Lil.”

“I know.” Lil smiled. “You, too.”

Jess’s cell chimed with an incoming text. She picked up her phone and smiled. “Dan can’t sleep either. He and his father are playing cards.”

Lil laughed. “We’re all going to need naps before the wedding.”

I love you, Jess.

Jess smiled as she replied with love you, too.

As she reached for another ornament, she decided that maybe she didn’t want to sleep at all.

This day was too important to miss a single minute.

7:30 a.m.

A second cup of coffee cleared the haze sufficiently to have Jess tugging the rollers from her hair. Long spirals of blond hair fell around her shoulders. She groaned. Between her puffy eyes and the not so happy feeling in her stomach, she wasn’t sure how she would get through the day.

A tap on the door and Lil appeared in the bathroom mirror behind Jess. “Dan’s at the door and he insists on speaking to you.”

Jess’s heart leapt. “He’s here?”

“He can’t see you, Jess,” Lil cautioned. “It’s bad luck. Don’t you dare poke your head outside that door.”

Jess considered her reflection. “Don’t worry. If he saw me looking like this he might get cold feet.”

“Not a chance, but keep in mind that I’m the one who would have to answer to Katherine if she found out I let Dan see you.”

“I won’t let him see me,” Jess promised. She didn’t want anyone seeing her like this!

“All right. Go.”

Lil stepped aside, and Jess hurried through the bedroom and down the hall. Sitting on the floor near the Christmas tree, four-year-old Maddie looked up and smiled.

“We gots the same hair, Aunt Jess.” She tugged at a long lock of her blond tresses.

Jess smiled down at her little niece. “We sure do. Your mommy swears she can make it beautiful.”

Maddie looked about as convinced as Jess felt.

In the entry hall, Jess hesitated to catch her breath. She couldn’t actually see Dan through the front door’s stained glass, but she could make out his form. Tall, broad shoulders. Her mind easily filled in the rest. With every fiber of her being she wanted to go to him. She wanted to feel his arms around her and to rest her cheek against his chest.

Just a few more hours.

She went to the door and opened it just a crack so they could hear each other without shouting. She pressed her hand to the glass, wishing she could somehow touch him through it. “Good morning.”

“Hey. I know I’m not supposed to be here.”

Jess heard the smile in his voice and her heart melted a little more. “The rules don’t say we can’t talk.”

His soft laugh had her trembling with the renewed urge to throw open the door and fall into his arms.

“I have something for you.” His hand appeared inside the door, a small black velvet box clutched in his fingers.

“Dan.” She reached for the box, her fingers lingering on his. The delicious tingles that shivered through her body were almost her undoing. “You didn’t have to bring me a gift.”

“I know you don’t wear a lot of jewelry, but I wanted you to have these.”

Her heart pounding, Jess opened the box. Diamond earrings sparkled up at her. “They’re beautiful.” They must have cost a small fortune.

“I’ve waited for this day my whole life, Jess. It means the world to me that you want to spend the rest of yours with me.”

God, she was going to cry. She pressed her hand to the glass again. “Love you.”

On the other side, his hand closed over hers. “Love you.”

Jess dabbed at her eyes with the back of her hand. “I’ll see you at the altar.”

“I’ll be there.”

3

7:50 a.m.

Before Jess could turn away she heard her maid of honor and the bridesmaids coming up the sidewalk. Greetings were exchanged with Dan as he walked away, and then the doorbell rang.

Hoping no one would run when they got a good look at her, Jess opened the door wide and beamed a smile. “Good morning.”

“Good morning!” her friends shouted in unison.

“I brought donuts,” Gina Coleman, Birmingham’s award winning television journalist announced as she waltzed in carrying a Dunkin Donuts box.

“Coffee!” Lori said, strolling in right behind her with a tray of cups from the same donut shop. “And a milk for Maddie.”

Dr. Sylvia Baron cruised in next. She lowered her sunglasses enough for a closer inspection of Jess’s face. “You look like hell, Harris. We have to do something about that ASAP.”

Jess wanted to hug the snarky medical examiner. This was exactly what she needed this morning. Normalcy. “To the kitchen, ladies.”

Halfway down the entry hall, the group stopped at the door to the living room to admire the Christmas tree.

“It’s very elegant, Jess,” Gina raved.

Jess was quite proud of how the tree had turned out. She and Dan had selected genuinely beautiful ornaments that evoked the Christmas spirit. Nothing too frilly or showy, just—as Gina said—elegant.

“Wow. You have to show me how to do this.” Lori turned to Jess. “It’s really gorgeous. So’s the mantel.”

“Lily is the one with the real talent,” Jess admitted. “Save your compliments for her. All I did was follow her directions.”

“You have to stop this,” Sylvia scolded. “You and your sister are making the rest of us look bad.”

Laughing, they moved onward to the kitchen. Lil and Maddie were already munching on bacon and eggs.

After greetings and hugs were exchanged, the ladies gathered around the kitchen island to indulge in the scrumptious breakfast Lil had prepared. She’d even baked homemade biscuits. Her sister was really going the extra mile to make this day special.

Jess sipped her coffee. “Did you sleep at all after we finished the decorating?”

Lil grinned. “I’ll never tell.”

“Okay. We’re supposed to be at St. Paul’s by two, right?” Sylvia surveyed the faces around the island.

Lil nodded. “Katherine has a limo picking us up at one-thirty.”

“The groom and his party have a suite at the Tutwiler. They’re getting a limo, too,” Jess said. “They won’t be arriving at the cathedral until after three.”

The Tutwiler, Birmingham’s historic hotel, was only a few blocks from St. Paul’s, but Katherine had insisted on taking care of all transportation needs for the entire wedding party. The reception would be held in the Tutwiler’s grand ballroom. From there, Jess and Dan would be whisked away to the airport for the flight to their weeklong honeymoon.

“You’re all packed for the honeymoon?” Gina asked as she selected another slice of crunchy bacon.

“We are.” Jess reached for another slice as well. “Everything’s at the Tutwiler. We’ll be able to change there before we leave.” She looked around the kitchen. “We won’t be back home for a whole week.” She had never stayed away from work for seven days. Her vacations had always been working ones or short visits with Lil and her family.

Strangely enough the idea that she wouldn’t be home for all that time and wouldn’t see Bear bothered her the most. For the first time since she was ten years old, she felt a connection to a place.

This was home.

“Did you get the nursery decorated?” Lori asked.

Jess sighed. “We decided to wait until we get back. There’s just been too much to do with settling into the new house and pulling together a wedding in barely three months.”

“Don’t worry,” Sylvia said with a mischievous glance at Jess, “Katherine will probably have it done by the time you get back.”

Jess waved a finger. “No sarcastic remarks or thoughts about my soon-to-be mother-in-law. I live by that rule now.”

The laughter that followed her announcement warmed Jess. She genuinely cherished these women.

Maddie licked the milk from her upper lip. “I want make-up now.”

“Princesses always go first,” Gina said, tapping the little girl’s nose.

“Before the make-up,” Sylvia announced, “we have massages, facials, and the removal of any unsightly hair.”

This was the first Jess had heard about a mini-spa—not that she was opposed, mind you. “I hope I wasn’t supposed to schedule those.”

The doorbell chimed. Sylvia smiled. “That will be Antonio.”

Uncertain what to expect, Jess and the other ladies, including Maddie, followed Sylvia to the front door.

“Antonio.” Sylvia opened the door wider. “You’re timing is perfect as always.”

“It’s a pleasure to be at your service, Dr. Baron.” Antonio gifted Sylvia with an air kiss.

“Come in, gentlemen.” Sylvia waved her arm and Jess along with the rest of the bridal party backed out of the way.

Antonio, followed by four other muscular, good-looking men of Latino descent, swaggered into the entry hall.

Sylvia hung an arm around Jess’s shoulders. “This is the bride, gentlemen. She needs a nice, deep massage before her facial.”

“I want Sylvia to be my wedding planner,” Lori murmured.

Jess smiled. Leave it to Sylvia to keep things interesting.

Noon

The sound of the doorbell echoed through the house.

“That’s probably the delivery guy!” Lori shouted from the kitchen. “I’ll get it.”

Jess was absolutely certain she could not eat—unless it was chocolate. Thankfully breakfast had stayed down, but if she dared consume a bite now she was doomed. Her nerves were frayed. She stared at her reflection and heaved a big sigh.

“This is the happiest day of your life so far.” And it was. It really was. She wanted it to be perfect. She wanted it to be all that Katherine Burnett had dreamed it would be, and more importantly, she wanted it be filled with memories she and Dan would cherish forever. The facial and massage had been wonderfully relaxing. All would be exactly as it should be if her hair would only cooperate.

“We’ll get it,” Gina assured Jess as she gazed over her shoulder and into the mirror. “I know what you’re going for.”

“That’s what Lily said an hour ago.” Jess was going to be the first bride to stroll down the aisle at St. Paul’s who looked a mess.

For some reason Lily and Maddie’s hair had fallen into soft, lush waves. Maddie wore the sweetest sparkly tiara. Lily’s hair was up in a French twist. Lily swore that sleeping in those massive rollers had given her hair just the right amount of fullness and body.

Jess was reasonably confident her sister had made up that part.

“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll have to go with an up-do like Lil’s.” Jess had really wanted her hair down since her gown was an off-the-shoulder one.

She still remembered the one and only photo she’d ever seen of her parents’ wedding day. The small, framed photograph had sat on the bedside table in their bedroom. Her mother had worn an off-the-shoulder gown, and her long blond hair had draped her shoulders like a curtain of wavy silk. Jess supposed she’d been thinking of her mother when she chose her own gown.

“Try not to worry.” Gina dug her cell phone from her purse. “I’ll call my stylist and see if I can get her over here ASAP.”

Jess felt ill. Her nerves were twisted into a thousand knots.

“Jess.”

She turned as Lori entered the master bathroom. “Tell me you have a hair genie who can transform this…” Jess stared at her reflection again. “Oh, for heaven’s sake.”

“Your aunt is in the living room,” Lori said gently. “She said she has something for you.”

Jess frowned. Wanda Newsom had been invited to the wedding. She’d received her invitation. No question. Jess had gotten the RSVP. Had something come up? Was she here to give her regrets in person?

Whatever mistakes Wanda had made in the past, Jess’s new motto was never to take family and friends for granted—or to hold their past transgressions against them.

“I’ll be back,” she promised Gina.

How was it that women like Gina and Sylvia could look so beautiful so effortlessly?

Jess sighed as she tightened the sash of her robe and headed for the living room. Her hair didn’t have to be perfect. The gown, the flowers, and the cathedral would be perfect. No one was going to care what her hair looked like.

“Besides you,” she muttered.

Wanda stood in the living room admiring the Christmas tree. Jess paused at the door a moment and considered how nice her aunt looked. She wore a well-fitting skirt and jacket, both in a soft powder pink. Her gray hair was styled in an attractive fashion.

Sensing Jess’s presence, Wanda turned around and smiled. The apprehension on her face warned that she worried she’d intruded or overstepped somehow by coming to the house.

“Your home is just beautiful, Jessie Lee.”

“Thank you.” Jess moved into the room, noting that Wanda carried a small white gift bag. “You didn’t need to bring a gift.”

Wanda held the bag out. “I came across this as I was digging through a couple of old boxes I found in the attic. I thought you might want it for today.”

Jess accepted the bag. “That’s very thoughtful of you.” She gestured to the sofa. “Won’t you sit down?” Jess wanted to shake Lil for not joining them. Lori had no doubt told her Wanda was here.

“I know you’re busy. I don’t want to be in the way.”

As much as Jess resented that Wanda had not been there for her and Lil when they had needed her so very badly, she simply didn’t have the heart to hold it against her any longer. “You’re not in the way.” Jess sat down with a plop. “Right now I’m so frustrated with my hair, I need a break anyway.”

Wanda settled on the sofa, her back stiff as if she feared she’d chosen the wrong place to sit. “I’m certain you’ll be beautiful no matter how you wear it. You look so much like your mother.”

The compliment caused a decided bump in the rhythm of Jess’s heart. “Thank you.” She opened the bag and reached inside. The delicate silver chain bracelet was adorned with small blue gemstones. “It’s lovely.”

“It was my mother’s,” she explained. “Your grandmother’s. I wore it at my wedding and your mother wore it when she married your father. I don’t know how I managed not to lose it or… anyway, I thought you might want to wear it. It’s so delicate it’s hardly visible so it won’t clash with your colors, and it gives you something blue.”

Her hands trembling, there was no way Jess would even attempt to fasten the bracelet around her wrist. “I’m so glad you found it. Thank you.”

“You know,” Wanda knotted her hands together in her lap, “I fixed your mother’s hair for her wedding. Would you like me to try doing something similar with yours?”

Jess thought of her mother’s wedding photo. “You know, that’s a wonderful idea. The half up, half down do my mother wore is what I wanted.”

“I’ll give it a try, if you’d like.”

Jess stood, the delicate bracelet clutched in her right hand. “I would really appreciate your help.”

While she showed Wanda through her home, the doorbell rang again. This time it was the pizza. Surprisingly, Jess’s appetite had awakened. She might have a slice after all.

4

Cathedral of St. Paul Boardroom

2120 3rd Avenue North, 3:30 p.m.

Dan reached for his tux jacket. He slipped it on and adjusted the lapels.

His father clapped him on the back. “It’s almost time, son.”

Dan smiled. He was so grateful to have his father as his best man for this amazing moment. A few months ago he’d thought he had lost him, but Daniel Thomas Burnett, Senior, had survived his second heart attack as well as the brutal assault of a serial killer.

“I’m ready.” Dan couldn’t wait to begin this journey with Jess. “You have the ring.”

His father patted his chest. “Interior jacket pocket.”

“You’re not getting cold feet on us, are you, Danny boy?”

Dan glanced at the most recent addition to his lineup of groomsmen. “Not a chance, Corlew.”

Buddy Corlew was Jess’s oldest friend. Dan’s cousin had ended up in the hospital earlier this week with acute appendicitis. Corlew was standing in for him. Fortunately, his cousin’s tux had been a perfect fit since it had been too late to order and tailor another one. Dan doubted Corlew had ever or would ever again be caught in a tuxedo. A former BPD detective and a little rough around the edges, Corlew made his living as a private investigator. He was a damned good one, Dan had to admit, even if some of his methods skirted the law.

Frank Teller slid his cell into his pocket and held his hands up in surrender before Dan could remind him yet again to turn the damned thing off.

“It’s off. I swear.” The man was one of Dan’s oldest friends and a highly respected Birmingham attorney. “You know how it is, there are some calls you just have to take.”

“I guess I missed the bachelor party,” Corlew said, drawing Dan’s attention back to him. He leaned against the conference table. “What’d you guys do, discuss your financial portfolios?”

“Funny, Corlew.” Dan adjusted his black bow tie. “My bachelor days have been over for a while.”

“I figured as much.” Corlew grinned. “Don’t worry, last night I celebrated the demise of your bachelorhood for you. Umm-hmm. Not one but two strippers—twins—helped me celebrate. It doesn’t get better than that.”

“Did you take pictures?” Frank wanted to know.

“Don’t encourage him,” Dan advised. “Corlew, you’re the only person I know who would talk about strippers in the boardroom of St. Paul’s.”

“Come on now. I’m just pulling your leg. I was on surveillance last night. I’m working a big case. It does, however, involve twins. They share an apartment and apparently don’t ever close the blinds. They did this little—”

A rap on the door preceded Mary Green’s entrance. “Gentlemen, we’ll be proceeding to the sanctuary in five minutes.”

Anxious to get started, Dan smiled. “Thank you, Mary.”

“I’ll just have a quick look to make sure all is in order.” She surveyed each of them from their red rosebud boutonnieres to their well-polished black leather oxfords. “Very good, gentlemen. I believe we’re ready.”

She flashed Dan a smile of approval and closed the door once more. Mary, the cathedral’s wedding coordinator, had kept his mother in line. Katherine Burnett had a tendency to go overboard. Dan had to give her credit though, she had done a wonderful job with the wedding. More importantly, she’d been respectful of Jess’s wishes. He’d worried about that in the beginning.

“Have you and Jess decided if you’re running for mayor next year?” Frank asked.

Dan had wondered how long it would be before his old friend would inquire about those rumors. Dan had been offered the position when Joseph Pratt had stepped down, but he’d decided to hold off. He liked being chief of police. He and Jess had been busy with their personal lives the past few months. Buying a home, getting settled, and preparing for the baby’s arrival next spring had been their primary focus. The timing simply hadn’t been right. The deputy mayor who had actually planned to retire stepped in until the next election. The powers that be were still leaning on Dan for an answer on the upcoming election. Jess insisted the decision was his. He wasn’t saying no just yet, but he was far from a yes.

“We’ll consider the proposal in the spring.” The position of mayor required a tremendous commitment, personally as well as professionally. With the baby coming he wasn’t sure he wanted to spend more of his time away from home. They had a great deal to consider before he made a decision.

“I spoke to Sylvia at the rehearsal dinner,” Frank said, “she mentioned that Nina is doing extraordinarily well at the new clinic.”

Nina was Dan’s second wife and Sylvia’s younger sister. She’d suffered with mental illness her entire adult life. The outlook had been quite dire the past few years. Now, however, a new medication recently approved by the FDA was helping her to make great strides at an innovative facility in New York.

“If she continues on her current path, she may be home in a few months. She’s made an incredible turnaround.”

“It’s a miracle,” his father agreed. “Your mother and I are very happy for her family.”

“Speaking of miracles and Barons,” Corlew said, “what kind of miracle would it take to get you to swap bridesmaids with me, Teller?”

Frank raised a skeptical eyebrow. “I think Mrs. Burnett and Mrs. Green would have something to say about that, Corlew.”

Dan grinned. It shouldn’t but the idea that Corlew was uncomfortable escorting Sylvia gave him just a little glee. “What’s the matter, Corlew? You afraid Sylvia might bite?”

“I don’t think she likes me too much.” He shifted his attention back to Frank. “I’ll even throw in a bonus and teach that investigative team of yours some of my secrets.”

“No way,” Frank said. “I’m not getting in trouble with Dan’s mom. I’ve been down that road, Corlew. Believe me, you do not want to go there.”

Dan laughed. “You’d better listen to him, Corlew.”

“I know I would,” Dan Senior agreed.

Corlew shook his head. “Maybe you have a point. She’s been on my back all week about cutting my hair.” He shook his head. “I was afraid to go to sleep at night. The lady is persistent.”

Dan hadn’t missed the wedding coordinator’s raised eyebrows at Corlew’s ponytail. Corlew was about as far from a good Catholic boy as one could be, but he was Jess’s friend. Back in high school, Dan and Corlew had been serious enemies, but those days were over. Dan owed the man. He was proud to have Corlew as one of his groomsmen.

The door opened and Mary waved her arm. “This way, gentlemen.”

His father placed a hand on Dan’s arm. “Just a minute, son.”

“We need a moment,” Dan said to Mary.

“We’ll be waiting for you.” Mary ushered Corlew and Frank into the corridor and closed the door.

His father took him by the arms and smiled. Dan didn’t miss the sheen of tears in his eyes.

“You’re a good man, Dan. Your mother and I are immensely proud of you, not only for the way you’ve served this city but also for the outstanding human being you’ve always been. From the time you were old enough to have a paper route you were kind and helpful to others. It makes our hearts glad to know that we had a little something to do with making you the man you are today.”

Dan blinked back some tears of his own. “Thank you, Dad. I wish I could take the credit, but I have an excellent role model to follow.”

His father smiled. “We’ve always respected your decisions, and never once have we doubted the plans you’ve made.” His father squeezed his arms. “I just want you to know that we are especially thankful you’re marrying Jess.”

Dan couldn’t speak for a moment.

“You and I both know your mother wasn’t so keen on Jess back when the two of you were kids, but she realizes now how wrong she was. Jess is a wonderful woman. We’re very pleased to be welcoming her to the family not only as your wife but as our daughter.”

“That means more than you can know, to both of us.”

“We’re going to spoil your children every single day.” His father laughed. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be here for this day. Your mother and I are looking forward to many, many more wondrous events with you and your new family.”

Dan hugged his father hard. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you, son.” His father drew back. “Today you’ll watch your bride walk down the aisle toward you the way I watched your mother walk toward me all those decades ago.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Right now,” his father laughed, “if we keep Mary waiting any longer, she’ll be calling your mother to come and light a fire under us.”

Dan laughed. “We should go then.”

He’d been waiting for this moment a very long time.

5

Cathedral of St. Paul

3:40 p.m.

While Lily helped Maddie pick up the rose petals she’d decided to spread around a little early, Jess took a moment alone before the call to take their positions. She stood in the room that had been designated as the dressing room for the bride. When Katherine had first suggested having the wedding at St. Paul’s, Jess hadn’t been very happy. She hadn’t wanted a big formal wedding. She’d wanted a private ceremony with only close family and friends. Sometime during the past couple of months, Jess had changed her mind.

This cathedral had graced downtown Birmingham for more than one hundred twenty years. It’s neo-gothic architecture and incredible stained glass windows made it awe inspiring. Jess had never been inside until the wedding planning began. If she’d thought the exterior was beautiful, the interior was breathtaking. The granite columns, vaulted ceiling, and arches soared high overhead to the ornate domed ceiling. Rich hand hewn wood floors filled the space with warmth. Something about the sacred beauty and history had changed her feelings about a big wedding. Knowing that Katherine and Dan Senior had taken their vows here had sealed the deal for Jess. This was another of the traditions she and Dan wanted to have in their lives.

She pressed her hand to her belly. A few months from now, they would be baptizing their child here. Perhaps their son or daughter would one day take his or her vows in this cathedral.

Jess moved to the full-length mirror and checked her reflection one last time. The gorgeous earrings Dan had given her twinkled from her earlobes. Her wedding gown was only the third one she’d tried on and both Lily and Lori had urged her to look at others, but this had been the one. The gown was made of soft, elegant tulle overlaid with lace and accented with a grosgrain belt and a crystal gemstone bow. The three-quarter-sleeved wrap-over bodice was fashioned from the most exquisite lace. Jess loved the way it hugged her body. The floor length A-line skirt of the gown was embellished with lace appliques and a scalloped hem. The matching sheer veil fastened at the back of her head allowing the gauzy fabric to drape down her back and along the length of her gown. Jess adored the way it featured the same lovely lace and crystal appliques. The soft ivory color of the gown and veil made her skin appear more radiant.

Wanda had done a marvelous job with her hair. The half up do was exactly the look she’d wanted. Wanda was right about Jess looking like her mother. Blinking back the tears that would ruin her make-up, she fingered the delicate silver bracelet. “Wish you were here.”

A knock on the door sounded about two seconds before Lily, Maddie, and the others poured into the room with the soft rasps of tulle, satin, and taffeta.

“Oh my God, Jess,” Gina cried. “You look…” She pressed her fingers to her lips.

Sylvia smiled, her lips trembled just a little. “What she’s trying to say,” she finished for Gina, “is that you look stunning.”

Lori nodded. “You were right, Jess. This gown was the one.”

Maddie touched one of the lace appliques. “Looks like my dress.”

“It sure does,” Jess agreed. As the flower girl, Maddie’s little dress had been made to complement Jess’s.

“Dan is simply going to melt when he sees you,” Lily promised.

“Thank you.” Jess surveyed her sister and dear friends. “And look at all of you.” Lily and Lori wore dresses of silver satin and taffeta. The formfitting bodices and long sleeves flowed into cinched waists and floor-length A-line skirts. Gina and Sylvia’s were a deep Christmas red in that same striking fabric. The dresses glittered as if they’d all been dusted with diamonds. Jess sighed. “Just wow.”

Lily hugged her, careful of their make-up and dresses. “I’m so happy for you and Dan.”

“Okay, okay, ladies,” Sylvia scolded, “no tears. We have a few last minute details to cover.”

Lori stepped forward. “You have something new.”

Jess touched one of the diamond earrings Dan had given her and smiled. “Yes.”

“The chief also gave you something a long time ago that you asked me to be sure you didn’t forget to bring.” Lori held out the locket Dan had given Jess when they were seniors in high school.

Jess’s breath caught. “Thank you for remembering, Lori.”

Gina held Jess’s hair and veil aside while Lori fastened the tiny catch. The cool white gold of the locket rested against Jess’s throat. Inside was a photo of her and of Dan. God, they had been so young. Jess had kept this locket safely tucked away for more than two decades.

She touched the cherished locket, relished the feel of it against her skin. “This was the first important gift Dan gave me.”

“Stop,” Lily protested, “you’re going to make me tear up again!”

“Moving on,” Sylvia announced. “You have something blue, that leaves the something borrowed. I brought the something borrowed.” She handed Jess a lady’s handkerchief. Tiny pink flowers were embroidered on the soft ivory linen. “My great grandmother brought that handkerchief with her from Ireland. You may borrow it for this auspicious occasion.”

Gina produced Jess’s bouquet. “We thought you could tuck it into the bouquet in case you need it.”

“Good idea.” Jess bit her lips together to stop their trembling. Tears brimmed on her lashes as she clutched her bouquet. She had selected every flower being used today and simply looking at them made her heart glad. They were so very lovely. Roses of red and varying blush shades, cream colored tulips, and orchids, with baby’s breath and delicate silver sprigs as accents. In the cathedral were more roses, tulips, and orchids, along with hydrangeas. The ends of all the pews were festooned with silk ribbons and hanging drifts of the gorgeous flowers. It was so lovely.

“Since I’m walking you down the aisle for Dad,” Lily spoke up, “I brought the six pence for your shoe.”

More emotional laughter had Jess battling tears. Lori helped Lily to place the small silver coin in Jess’s shoe.

Jess took her sister’s hand in hers. “Thank you, Lil, for being an amazing big sister.”

Lil squeezed her hand. “Any time.”

A fluttering deep inside made Jess gasp.

“Are you all right?” Lori searched her face, worry in hers.

Jess smiled, more of those confounding tears burning her eyes. “I think I just felt the baby move.”

“Oh!” Lil placed a hand on Jess’s belly. “Isn’t it incredible?”

Another of those little butterfly flutters made Jess gasp again. “It’s incredible.”

“Tissues!” Sylvia rushed across the room and grabbed the box.

Jess couldn’t help smiling as her friends dabbed their eyes. Lori handed Jess a tissue and she did the same. A rap on the door made them all jump.

“That’s probably the wedding coordinator,” Lil warned. “It’s almost time.”

Lori went to the door and opened it. She looked surprised. “Just a moment,” she said to whoever was on the other side of the door before turning to Jess. “There’s someone here to see you.”

“As long as it’s not Dan,” Lil cautioned.

Lori shook her head and opened the door. Wesley Duvall walked in.

Jess’s breath caught again and this time it had nothing to do with the baby. “Wesley!” He’d said he was coming. She was glad to see he’d made it.

“Jess.” He nodded to the others. “Ladies.”

Before Jess could make any introductions, Wesley kissed her on the cheek. “You are simply glowing, Jess.”

Wesley Duvall was her ex-husband. They’d realized soon after the marriage that they were better at being friends. “Thank you, Wesley.” Jess glanced at her friends. “Does everyone know Wesley? He’s—”

“The fool who let her get away,” Wesley announced.

Sylvia thrust out her hand. “Sylvia Baron.”

Wesley shook Sylvia’s hand. “Wesley Duvall.”

“Gina Coleman.” Gina shook his hand next.

“We’ve met,” Lori said with a nod and a brush of palms.

“Yes, Detective Wells, we certainly have.”

Lil took her turn but opted to give him a hug rather than shake his hand. “Did you see Blake and the kids out there?”

“I did. In fact, I’m sitting with your family. The usher said that’s where I was to sit. I hope that’s right.”

“You are family,” Jess assured him. She and Dan had discussed the issue of exes. Annette Denton and her daughter Andrea were seated with Dan’s mother. Technically, now that all the required paperwork was done, neither she nor Dan had an ex. This would be their first and only marriage in the eyes of the Church.

Wesley smiled. “I have to leave right after the ceremony and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to say hello so I convinced the wedding coordinator to give me a moment.” He took Jess’s hand in his and gave it a squeeze. “I wanted to tell you that I’m so happy for you and Dan. I look forward to an invitation to the christening.”

“Absolutely,” Jess promised.

After a careful hug, Wesley hurried away to take his seat. Mary returned with the three-minute warning.

After more careful hugs and air kisses, the bridal party filed out of the dressing room and moved to the vestibule. Jess could hardly hold herself together as the heartrending notes of Canon in D Major filled the cathedral. Buddy sneaked over and gave her a hug.

“Love you, kid,” he murmured, almost starting a flood of fresh tears. Thank God for Sylvia’s great-grandmother’s hankie.

A moment later Buddy wrapped Sylvia’s arm around his and started their walk down the center aisle.

Next Frank Teller escorted Gina along that same path.

Dan’s father left a kiss on Jess’s cheek before taking Lori’s arm and heading down the aisle.

“Ready, sis?” Lil asked, her face beaming with the same happiness filling Jess so completely.

Jess nodded.

The wedding coordinator gave the signal.

With Maddie leading the way, Jess and Lil moved into the main aisle. The guests rose and turned to watch as Jess and Lil started forward. Sweet little Maddie wandered along just as she’d been instructed, leaving a trail of red and cream colored rose petals.

Jess’s gaze settled on Dan who looked so very handsome in his black tuxedo. Despite how much time had passed, they had never stopped loving each other. No force on earth had been able to keep them apart.

When it came time to take their vows, Dan and Jess stood facing each other. It was as if they were the only two people in the cathedral. All other thought vanished and there was only the man Jess loved with all her heart standing before her.

“I Daniel Thomas take thee Jessie Lee…”

The sweet words he spoke wrapped her heart with such love and tenderness, filling her with a sense of being honored and treasured.

“I Jessie Lee take thee Daniel Thomas…”

She pledged her endless love and devotion to him, her voice catching ever so slightly at the incredible happiness shining in his blue eyes.

“You may kiss your bride…”

Dan smiled down at her for a moment before taking her into his arms and kissing her breath away.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Thomas Burnett.”

6

Tutwiler Hotel

The Burnett Wedding Reception

2021 Park Place, 7:00 p.m.

The photographer didn’t need to tell Jess to smile. She couldn’t stop. The formal photos had been taken. The toasts had been made and the gorgeous cake had been cut. Jess wasn’t sure she’d ever seen a cake so beautiful or so enormous. Five luscious layers of decadent red velvet cake covered in sweet cream cheese frosting generously embellished with sweet fondant jewels. The middle layer was monogrammed with the letter B and crowned with silver and crystal columns that supported the top two layers. It looked as extravagant as it tasted.

“Are you enjoying yourself, Mrs. Burnett?”

Jess peered up into Dan’s eyes and her smile widened. “I am, Mr. Burnett. The wedding was everything I’d dreamed it would be.” Jess laughed. “Once I got used to the idea of a big wedding anyway.” She gave her head a little shake. “Really, Dan, it was perfect. Absolutely perfect.”

“The Tutwiler was a good choice for the reception.” He surveyed the hundred fifty or so guests still celebrating, some swaying to the soft notes of the music drifting from the band, others simply mingling.

Dan’s mother had personally overseen the decorating of the ballroom. The lights, the classic holiday ornaments, and the flowers, all of it was simply magnificent.

“All right, ladies and gentleman,” the bandleader announced, “let’s clear the dance floor for the bride and groom’s first dance.”

Dan leaned close. “You finally get to hear the song I selected for our first dance as husband and wife.”

“I can’t wait to hear it.” He smiled and Jess’s heart skipped a beat. His smile had always had that effect on her.

Dan led her to the middle of the dance floor accompanied by a round of applause. She wished she’d held onto Sylvia’s great-grandmother’s handkerchief now. She’d been afraid it would be lost so she’d given it back to Sylvia once all the formal photos had been taken.

The slow easy notes of the song began as Dan took her into his arms. The female member of the band stepped to the microphone and started to sing.

At last…

My love has come along…

Jess’s eyes filled with emotion as Dan guided her smoothly to the easy, gentle rhythm of the music. She looked up at him and whispered, “Good choice.”

Their life together was finally exactly where it should be.

At last…

“I love you, Jess.”

She smiled. “Love you, too.”

“Earlier you said you had something to tell me.”

After the ceremony there hadn’t been a moment of time alone. Though they weren’t alone now, the dance allowed a hint of privacy. “I felt the baby move.”

“You did?” His face lit up. “Did it feel like a butterfly’s wings?”

The books they’d read had described the first movements a mother could feel as a fluttery sensation. “It really did.”

“I can’t wait to feel him move.”

“Her,” Jess reminded her new husband.

Dan laughed. “I guess we’ll know when the time comes.”

They had opted not to be told the baby’s sex. Why spoil the fun? They were planning to decorate the nursery in shades of soft yellow and green with a little blue and pink here and there.

“When I saw you coming toward me, Jess, I couldn’t breathe for a minute. You are so very beautiful. I wouldn’t have thought it possible for you to look even more stunning than you do everyday and somehow you did.”

“I felt the same about you, Mr. Burnett.”

“We’re very lucky.”

Jess nodded. “We surely are.”

The final notes of the song faded and the applause began. Dan leaned down and kissed Jess until she was dizzy.

“Excuse me, son.”

Jess turned to Dan Senior and smiled. “Are you cutting in?”

He gave Jess a nod as Dan stepped aside. “No one can take the place of your father, Jess, but, if you’ll have me as a stand-in, I’d love to share the father-daughter dance with you.”

Battling another wave of tears, Jess hugged him. “I would be honored.”

What a Wonderful World floated through the air and Jess felt as if she were bursting with happiness. Across the dance floor, Dan danced with his mother. Soon, more couples joined them. Blake and Lil made a lovely couple. Blake Junior twirled Maddie around the floor. His sister Alice carried three-year-old Chester, Chet’s son, around the dance floor.

Jess almost laughed out loud when she saw Buddy with Sylvia cuddled in an intimate embrace. She was reasonably sure Sylvia had indulged in a little extra champagne to allow Buddy Corlew to put his arms around her so tightly. Chet and Lori whispered to each other as they swayed with the music. Chad Cook danced with Gina Coleman and Clint Hayes maintained his wallflower status. Jess was very happy that every member of her team was here, alive and well.

As the official parts of the evening were concluded, Jess lost all track of time. There were so many congratulations and hugs exchanged her head was spinning. Lori was still beaming after having caught Jess’s bouquet.

Ralph Gant, Jess’s former boss at the Bureau, had even traveled all the way from Virginia for the wedding. Jess had spent a few weeks trying to be angry with him, but she’d failed miserably. Gant would always be a sort of father figure in her life. As much as she might deny it, she’d worked with him for two decades and she couldn’t pretend she didn’t care about him.

Deputy Chief Harold Black caught up with her at the bar when she went for another glass of water. No matter that he’d lost his wife last month, he found a way to be here and that meant a great deal to Jess.

“Harris, I have to tell you, with the exception of my wife, I have never seen a more radiant bride.”

Jess smiled. “Thank you, Chief. I’m glad you came.” She wouldn’t have blamed him if he’d wanted to pass on the invitation. The loss of his wife was so recent.

“I wouldn’t have missed it.” He gave her a hug. “You and Dan have a wonderful honeymoon. I’ll check in with your team from time to time to see if they need anything.”

“Thank you, Chief. That’s very thoughtful of you.”

“I suppose it’s time we dropped all the formality. If you’ll call me Harold, I’ll call you Jess.”

“I can do that.”

He gave her another hug. “I’ll have a word with Dan and then be on my way.”

Jess watched as Dan chatted so easily with the power players of the city and the elite of Birmingham society. They were all here, too. Senator Baron, Sylvia’s father, was among them. They all wanted Dan to agree to run for mayor. If he agreed, they would make it happen. Jess intended to stay out of that one. She was fine either way.

“Jess.”

She smiled as Katherine Burnett joined her. “I don’t think I’ve had the opportunity to tell you how lovely you look, Katherine.”

Dan’s mother had chosen a striking beaded suit in a gorgeous deep rose. The fit of the jacket as well as the pencil skirt showed off her trim figure. Her dark hair was fashioned in a lovely bun that accentuated her high cheekbones. Katherine really was a beautiful woman.

“Thank you, Jess.” She gazed across the crowd. “Everything turned out beautifully. Sharon Pace from the Birmingham News was quite impressed. I expect a full page in the Lifestyle section as well as a front-page headline. This was the event of the year, hands down.”

Jess hugged her. “Thank you, Katherine, for making this day more special than I could have ever imagined.”

Katherine blinked rapidly, holding back tears. “Why, you’re welcome, Jessie Lee.” She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “I wouldn’t have wanted anything less for you and Dan. The two of you are my world.”

Jess tried to hold back the tears but it wasn’t happening. “I know that.” She nodded. “And… I love you for it.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Katherine hugged her tight. “I love you, too.”

When they had their emotions under control once more, they both laughed and shared Katherine’s handkerchief. Jess would never forget that moment. Something had changed in Katherine… or maybe Jess was the one who’d changed. Either way, it felt good.

Before the crowd could thin too much, Jess and Dan changed into their traveling clothes and said their goodbyes. More photographs were snapped as they rushed from the entrance of the historic hotel beneath a shower of bubbles.

A gleaming white limousine waited. Jess settled into the elegant leather seat and Dan slid in next to her. Their luggage was already in the trunk. With final waves, the limo rolled forward, leaving the crowd of well-wishers behind.

Jess leaned against Dan and sighed. “I’m exhausted. I’m certain I’ll sleep the entire flight.”

Dan hugged his arm around her. “Rest while you can, Mrs. Burnett. Once we arrive in paradise, there won’t be a minute of rest for either of us.”

Jess looked up at him. “Is that a promise, Mr. Burnett?”

“Definitely.”

He kissed her. The taste of champagne and cake icing made her want to devour him right here and now. But she could wait. The future was theirs.

At last...

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About the Author

DEBRA WEBB, born in Alabama, wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has penned more than 100 novels including her internationally bestselling Colby Agency series. Her debut novel, OBSESSION, in her romantic thriller series, the Faces of Evil, propelled Debra to the top of the bestselling charts for an unparalleled twenty-four weeks and garnered critical acclaim from reviewers and readers alike. Don’t miss a single installment of this fascinating and chilling ten-book series!

Read all the Faces of Evil books!

OBSESSION

IMPULSE

POWER

RAGE

REVENGE

RUTHLESS

VICIOUS

SILENCE (A series prequel)

The Face of Evil (A short story)

VILE

HEINOUS

DEPRAVED

The Wedding (A short story)

Visit Debra at www.thefacesofevil.com or at www.debrawebb.com. You can write to Debra at PO Box 10047, Huntsville, AL, 35801.