“Bob talks too much. I’d like to get off this ship but wanted to wait for you.”
I understood that feeling. I was looking forward to being on land.
Or rather off the Serenade. I kind of liked cruising—except for the murders.
I linked my arm through his. “Good thing, since you’re my ride to the airport.”
“Actually, there’s been a change of plans. We’re not going to the airport today,” Ted said as we walked down the gangplank.
I groaned. “Our flight was delayed? I just want out of here. I’m done with vacationing.”
“Are you sure?” Ted gathered up our luggage and escorted me through customs.
Since we had nothing to declare, it was a short and painless process. Though it was sounding like getting back to Eden would be anything but easy.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“Even if the detour we’re taking is a five-day stay at Disney World?”
I spun him to face me. “What?”
“You know, the place where Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell live? Where dreams come true? That place. We’re staying there for a few days before we head home. Just you and me.”
“But…work. You and I have jobs. What will the chief say?”
“That some extra time off will be good. The gossip mill will have another story churning through it by then, so the station won’t be overrun with reporters.”
“My grandmothers.”
“I called them. And I have a confirmation text. See?” Ted showed me his phone.
My grandmothers, Hope and Cheryl, wished me a magical time at Disney World. As a joint gift, they wanted a picture of me and Mickey. For individual presents, Cheryl wanted a Stitch plush and Hope a Mickey Mouse cookie jar. “What did you tell them?”
“That my family gave you a little bit of a hard time and I wanted to salvage the vacation by taking you on a side trip. That I need some quality time with you before I ask you an important question involving a ring.”
“Are you serious or were you just manipulating my grandmothers? You know they’ve been trying to marry me off for the last two and half years.”
“I knew they’d say yes, and I think it’s better to give you a heads up on my plan.” He grinned at me. “I know you need to agonize everything out before you make a decision on your personal life. If it was a crime, you’d jump right in.”
“You’re comparing the possibility of marrying me to a crime? I’m not sure if I should be flattered or insulted.”
Ted herded me toward the employee parking lot. “I’m talking about your method of decision making. I’ve never seen anyone second guess themselves so much when it comes to mundane choices, yet charge ahead when it puts their life at risk.”
“So now a proposal is mundane? Gee, Ted, you really know a way to a girl’s heart.”
He grinned at me and stopped beside a bright yellow Mustang convertible. “I do try. Here’s our ride. My mom offered us her convertible for the week.” He opened up the passenger door. “Let’s get going. We’re wasting daylight, and there are tons of rides and parks to explore.”
“You’re really taking me to Disney World?” I knew I had a sappy grin on my face as I slid onto the smooth leather seat.
“You’ve always wanted to go, so why not now? We’re near Orlando. What better place to propose to you?”
“Are you asking me to marry you because I saved Claire?”
Ted pulled out from the spot and headed for the entrance ramp to the interstate.
“I will ask you because I love you, and life is rather boring and predictable without you around. I’ve accepted the fact you’re a trouble seeker, and I know how to get you out of it.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’ve always thought your intentions were to keep me out of it, Mr. Bossy Detective.”
“I gave up on that a few months ago. Too much work.”
“You know, I’m not trying to find it.”
“I know. You’re just good at your unique specialty.”
“What’s that? Wreaking havoc?”
“No, putting yourself second. So I’ll put you first. I want no arguments from you.”
I laughed.
He scowled. “I’m not joking.”
“Of course it’s a joke. If I don’t argue with you, you’ll think something is wrong.”
“You do have a point.” He slid a look toward me as he merged onto the highway. “No comments or suggestions?”
“How does Claire feel about it?”
“She said you’d be okay as a stepmom.”
Stepmom. That worried me a little bit. I’ve never been a mom and didn’t know if I was up to the task for an eleven-year-old.
“You saved her, Faith. You were willing to give your life for hers.” Ted choked on the words. Tears filled his eyes.
“Don’t you ever doubt yourself. Because I never have or ever will.”
“I can deal with being okay. Gives me a good starting point and an opening for improvement.”
“Just be you. Don’t twist yourself into someone else. She’ll love you. I’m sure of it.”
Claire was at a rough age and there were already so many changes in her life. Her mother was having a baby. A stepdad on the horizon. And possibly a stepmom. I’d let Claire know I’d be a safe place for her. A friend. I’d work my way up from there.
Ted must’ve thought my silence was from insecurity and my possible role in Claire’s life, because he started listing all my qualities a tween would love.
“And I’m sure once she sees how I can annoy you and ruffle up your well-smoothed-down feathers, she’ll think I’m just the gal for you,” I said.
“That’s why Bob loves and adores you. He thinks I’m a little too impatient and you’re helping me learn it. It’ll be great for when Claire is a teenager, since I’ll have had plenty of practice of keeping my cool with you. You are perfect for me. We mesh well together. Our combined personalities keep the seesaw stable. No one is firmly planted on the ground or up in the air. It’s a well-honed balancing act.”
“The romance just oozes from your words.” I placed my hand on my forehead. “I think I feel a swoon coming on.”
“I haven’t officially proposed yet. It’ll be more romantic. I promise.”
“Is that so?”
“When you’re ready, just let me know you want to see the Hall of Presidents.”
“The Hall of Presidents?” I loosened the seatbelt for a moment and twisted to face Ted. “That’s quite an unusual place.”
“I know. That’s why I picked it. How many people have been dreaming about going to the Hall of Presidents? It’s not usually on someone’s must-do list of Disney attractions, so that’s why it’s the perfect spot. When you’re ready to tell me yes, no, or let’s hold off and date some more, just say you want to go to the Hall of Presidents. We’ll be in Disney World for five days. I promise no hounding you for an answer. If you want more time, I’ll revisit the question around Halloween. We’re not conventional people, so no Valentine’s Day or Christmas proposal.” Ted glanced over at me and winked before returning his eyes to the road.
It was long enough for me to catch the emotion in his eyes. He loved me. For me. The headstrong part. The anxious part. The meddlesome gene that poked at his patience.
He knew me better than anyone had in a long time. He knew a surprise proposal would throw me off balance. He wanted to save me from making a rash decision or freezing up and later regretting my reaction. He was leaving the timing to me while making sure I knew what he wanted. No games. No guessing. Was I ready?
He rubbed my leg. “You’ve been put through the ringer in your past relationships. You might not be ready for a commitment yet, and I understand. Whatever your decision, it won’t change anything between us. Okay, maybe a little if you say yes, as you’ll have a ring, and my mother and your grandmothers will drive us crazy with planning, but my feelings won’t change. I love you. In all probability, I have from the very moment we met.�
��
“The very moment? You suspected I was withholding information on a murder. I seriously doubt you had loving feelings for me then.”
He grinned. “Okay, I’m exaggerating a little. I liked your spunk, even though it annoyed the heck out of me. Most of all, I admired your loyalty to your friends and your determination to find justice. Those were likable qualities, so I hoped I wouldn’t have to toss your cute butt into jail.”
“What can I say, I grow on people.”
“For the record, I was right. You were holding something back from me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Must you always be right, Detective Roget?”
“Not always. I was wrong on who was the better guy for you. I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong.” He twined his fingers with mine and gave a quick squeeze before he placed both hands back on the steering.
The way I preferred he drive. Warmth flooded through me.
I settled back against the seat. “So, who gets to pick the first attraction?”
“You.”
“Great. Because I’ve always wanted to go to the Hall of Presidents.”
About the Author
The Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery series brings together Christina Freeburn’s love of mysteries, scrapbooking, and West Virginia. When not writing or reading, she can be found in her scrapbook room or at a crop. Alas, none of the real-life crops have had a sexy male prosecutor or a handsome police officer attending.
Christina served in the JAG Corps of the US Army and also worked as a paralegal, librarian, and church secretary. She lives in West Virginia with her husband, children, a dog, and a rarely seen cat except by those who are afraid or allergic to felines.
Books in the Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery Series
by Christina Freeburn
CROPPED TO DEATH (#1)
DESIGNED TO DEATH (#2)
EMBELLISHED TO DEATH (#3)
FRAMED TO DEATH (#4)
MASKED TO DEATH (#5)
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Henery Press Mystery Books
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Masked to Death (A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery Book 5) Page 26
