“Frank must have planned to take that money and run. Although he wouldn’t have gotten far on ten thousand dollars.”
“If Karl’s endgame was a murder-suicide, I’m sure he didn’t much care what happened. Frank may have thought Karl had more money and had decided to clean him out after he was dead,” Jack said, lowering his voice to a whisper once again.
I shuddered at the thought of such depravity and stole a glance at Brigit and Todd wrapped in each other’s arms. I could hear Todd asking to ride along to the hospital in the ambulance. After some discussion with the EMTs, he and Brigit had finally conceded that she should get checked out more thoroughly at the hospital, given her pregnancy.
“Thanks for finding my wife,” Todd said as they rolled Brigit out of there.
“Yes, thanks so much,” Brigit echoed him.
“We’re glad you’re okay, Brigit. Congratulations about the baby, too,” I said.
“It’s a good day, Georgie. Let’s have lunch. We have a wedding to plan.”
~~~~~
15 Our Merry Christmas Wedding
There have been only a few times in my life when it has all seemed to make sense. On my wedding day, I had one of those rare moments of clarity. It was as if I heard gears turning or puzzle pieces snapping into place on my way to the church. So many circumstances had aligned to make this day happen.
When I stood in the back at the church, it happened again. I caught a glimpse of Jack, waiting at the altar. That sight stirred me somewhere deep inside. It wasn’t just his handsome face and a beaming smile, although that triggered a bout of now familiar sensations. Snap! Crackle! Pop! More than that, it was the sense of being in the right place at the right time. I once read somewhere about a kind of “positive paranoia”—a feeling that forces in the cosmos are plotting behind your back—for you! Call it positive paranoia or providence. I felt it.
Since I met Jack I had puzzled about the fact that not all the events leading up to our meeting had been good ones. If not for a murder at Catmmando Mountain, I never would have met the man I was about to marry. That same surprising event that brought me a second chance at love took Max’s daughter from him. Max had an angel on his shoulder as he walked beside me, his arm linked in mine. He showed no signs of the toll her murder, or the events on All Hallows’ Eve, had taken. Despite the latest bout of turmoil at Marvelous Marley World, Max and Nelson had that movie back on track, too.
“Karl Dorchester wasn’t my first choice,” Max had revealed a few days after Karl's arrest, confirming that part of the news story Carol had uncovered earlier. “As fortune would have it, my favorite puppet master is available now. I never understand how good things can come from terrible events. I don’t even try to figure it out any longer. I just roll with it.”
Max hadn't told me anything I didn’t already know on some deeper level. In that limo ride to the church, I had also marveled about how soon after meeting Jack, we had succeeded in resolving a sad, decades-old mystery from my youth. I still would have preferred a life unscarred by those brutal events finally revealed to me as they had occurred so long ago. Danny Farrell, whether we were still together or not, should not have ended up as he did.
Could I have handled the truth if I had learned what had happened to my first love earlier in my life? Maybe. Would it have changed the course of my life? Most likely. How sad it would have been to have taken another path if it had led anywhere else than to Jack.
My Jack, sweet, funny, patient and only a short distance from me at the end of an aisle that stretched back in time and history for each of us. Our paths, converging, and leading where? Who knew? That was a question no one who takes the leap of faith into a lover’s arms can ever answer in advance.
I moved slowly, but confidently down the beautiful red carpet rolled out for our wedding two days after Christmas. Max had taken it upon himself to renovate the sanctuary—all of it, even though our wedding guests only occupied the center section of the church laid out in the round. I didn’t hear about that until later, but that evening, there was a glow about the place.
Everything about St. Theresa’s evoked the season. The fragrance of pine filled the air. Twinkle lights had been strung along with pine boughs just below the clerestory windows. Candles sparkled. A choir sang Christmas carols as the guests assembled. I glided down the aisle to my favorite carol—Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming. In another remarkable tribute to kismet, that Christmas hymn was sung by Brigit. Her voice filled the space in a sweet incantation of love captured by an unknown composer who had penned the melody and lyrics long before any of us existed.
I held back tears of joy as I took my place at the altar having counted the miracles in my life along the way. Many were reflected in the smiling faces of friends and family. Jack’s daughter, Beth, one of my bridesmaids, beamed a smile that was so much like her father’s. I returned that smile to a beautiful young woman who had already made it clear she intended to be my daughter now, too.
Beth stood next to Meredith, my best friend’s daughter, who had narrowly escaped a harrowing end to her young life in the summer. She was a living, breathing miracle, standing beside her mother, Jennifer, my Matron of Honor. Despite all the challenges she had faced in her life, Jennifer had found time for me, and had become more a sister than a friend. A blessing to add to those lavished on me by my older brothers who had gone out of their way to welcome Jack to the family. My sense of good fortune grew as Carol, who had become my sidekick on and off the job, nodded encouragingly. She gave me a thumbs-up as she clasped her bouquet standing in line with the other bridesmaids.
When Max sat down next to Imogene after walking me down the aisle, she had smiled shyly. Imogene appeared to be as good as new in a lovely dark ruby red suit I’m quite sure she had designed for this occasion. How wonderful to have a friendship as long-lasting as theirs. A miracle, to be sure.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Brigit slip into a pew next to Todd once she had finished that lovely carol. She sat on the bride’s side, adding to the line-up of new friends from the cast and crew of The Lonely Swan Prince. Another testament to the goodness that can arise from even the worst situations. Her safe return counted as one of the newest miracles I had been privileged to witness.
The enchantment of the season hung about our Christmas wedding. Each person seated in those pews at the church or at a table in the Gathering Room at the New Arcadia Visitor Center, represented Christmases, past, present or future. Many of Jack’s family, friends, and colleagues were still all wrapped up, like the gifts they brought us. How interesting it would be to discover each one of them.
There was still so much to learn about Jack, too. If I had ever seen a happier man, I don’t know where or when. We had trouble keeping our eyes off each other. Jack held me in his gaze as we exchanged our vows at the church. He did the same when we spoke our first intimate words to each other as husband and wife, riding in the back of the limo to our wedding reception. Again, as we danced to our favorite jazz tunes surrounded by the spectacle Max had created for us. A dazzling display of Christmas decorations had been set up in the Gathering Room against a backdrop of soaring ceilings and a night sky exposed through a glass roof.
After dinner, toasts, and more dancing, I leaned against Jack. He held me tight, making my heart pound as we barely moved on the dance floor.
“Are you happy, Georgie Shaw?”
“Happier than I’ve ever been, Jack Wheeler.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to have you all to myself out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean for ten days. What a romantic adventure to cruise the South Sea Islands on another of Max’s extraordinary creations. You cannot possibly get away from me on a cruise ship.”
“I don’t plan to go anywhere ever again, my love. We don’t even have to leave our cabin if you don’t want to.” Jack’s grip tightened.
“Promise?” he whispered in my ear.
“Promise. We won’t have much room to wander once we get to Mau
i, either. It’s a small island. Another ten days of wedded bliss without the call of duty shouting at either of us. It’s almost impossible to believe, isn’t it?”
“Nothing’s impossible with you in my life.” Jack kissed me, and a cheer went up from the crowd.
I thought the hoots and hollers were about that kiss until I heard a familiar bellow. The crowd parted around us. Into that circle walked the red-headed cat wrangler from Max’s studio. He wore a tux, sparkly running shoes, and held two leashes. At the end of each was a Siamese cat. Miles and Ella had joined the party in little wedding outfits of their own. They strained at those leashes, rushing to greet us with more bellows and chatter. The room burst into applause and laughter, as Jack and I scooped up our adorable furry companions.
“What a wonderful surprise,” I said. “Thank you so much.” I stepped forward and placed a kiss on that young man’s cheek. He blushed deeply, his face turning almost as red as the hair on the top of his head.
“Er, uh, it was Mara’s idea. Max thought it was a good one. I’m pretty sure Max has another surprise for you.”
“Thanks, Red,” Max said as he stepped into that circle. “Red,” if that was indeed his name, scooted back into the crowd and stood next to Mara. She gave me a small wave.
“This will be quick, Georgie. Imogene tells me I sometimes enjoy the sound of my own voice too much.”
“Sometimes?” the petite Imogene asked. Laughter spread around us.
“Now you know why she’s one of my most trusted friends. Her wit is as sharp as those scissors she wields. Georgie and Jack, no one deserves to live happily ever after any more than you two. This gesture is a small one, but you know how much we value cats at the Cat Factory. I want you to take your feline friends with you on your travels. The MMW Fantasy of the Sea has issued tickets for Miles Shaw and Ella Wheeler to accompany you. Bon voyage, Ella and Miles.”
Shouts and applause filled the room. Miles boomed, and that drew another burst of applause. I pulled Max close and thanked him. Jack was apparently moved by Mad Max’s lovely gesture and wrapped his arms around him.
What a beautiful moment in a perfect evening. We heard later that the spirited celebration continued well into the night. Jack and I stole away in a limo that took us to a hotel where we would spend the night before leaving on our honeymoon trip. When we arrived at that hotel, as a couple, with our cats, I felt as though our fairytale had only just begun. Our happily ever after would last a lifetime and beyond.
—THE END—
Recipes and Tips
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Serves 4-6
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. fresh asparagus [20 stalks about ¾ inch thick]
4 oz. prosciutto ham [10 slices]
2 T. olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Sea salt [Optional]
PREPARATION
1. Preheat broiler to high with rack placed about 4-5 inches below the heat.
2. Trim the asparagus by removing the woody, tough ends. To do this, grab each stem and bend it. It should break at the spot where it starts to toughen.
3. Toss the asparagus stalks in olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt & pepper.
4. Cut each piece of prosciutto in half, lengthwise. Working with one asparagus stem at a time, wrap a piece of prosciutto starting below the tip and working downward in a spiral. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining prosciutto and asparagus. Try not to let them touch each other.
5. Broil about 3 minutes then flip them and continue to broil until the prosciutto is crisp, about 3 more minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Georgie’s Tips:
Prosciutto is a dry cured ham imported from Italy. When sliced paper thin, you usually get around 10 slices from a quarter pound. If you want to buy a little extra to be sure you have enough it will get consumed, I promise! Prosciutto is wonderful wrapped around fresh melon, too! Go easy on the salt or leave it out altogether—the ham is salty already.
I find it easier to work with the slices of prosciutto while they’re still chilled from being kept in the fridge.
You can also roast these prosciutto-wrapped asparagus in the oven at 450 degrees for about 15 minutes, turning once. Or, they’re wonderful grilled. You can place them on an oiled grill, directly, but I prefer a rack made for grilling vegetables.
Cranberry Bourbon Meatballs
About 24 meatballs—6-8 servings as an appetizer
INGREDIENTS
Meatballs
3/4 lb ground beef
3/4 lb ground pork
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ t. fresh cracked pepper
1 egg
1 garlic clove, minced
Cranberry Bourbon Meatball Sauce
1 cup Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 T hot chili sauce (or mild chili sauce if you prefer)
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup barbecue sauce [your choice]
1/4 cup water
Preparation
Set oven to 350F Spray a baking sheet with olive oil
Mix ingredients for meatballs in a large mixing bowl. Use the tips of your fingers so you don’t overwork the meat mixture. Form into small 1" balls. A teaspoon or small scoop will help keep the amounts uniform.
Bake for about 10 minutes until fully cooked. (Check with a thermometer, it should read 160/165 degrees) Make sauce while meatballs are baking.
To make the sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a skillet and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes until thick.
Place cooked meatballs into the sauce, and keep warm until ready to serve. Serve with a bowl of sauce on the side for extra dipping.
Georgie’s Tips:
If you prefer you can add a spicy pork sausage or breakfast sausage instead of the plain pork. I like the moisture and texture of fresh ground pork rather than the packaged meat. And, yes, as it says in the preparation guidelines, a gentle touch preserves the texture and gives you better meatballs. Don’t overwork the meatball mix.
Don’t like bourbon? You can substitute brandy or sherry. The alcohol cooks out and leaves the rich flavor behind. You can leave the alcohol out, altogether, and add another ¼ c water instead.
Serve these delicious meatballs with little cocktail forks or fancy toothpicks if it’s a special event!
Spicy Sweet & Savory Nuts
Makes 1 1/2 cups
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon honey
3/4 cup almonds
3/4 cup pecan halves
PREPARATION
1. Line baking sheet with foil. Lightly oil foil. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add ginger, curry powder and cayenne pepper; sauté until fragrant, about 5 seconds. Stir in sugar and honey. Add nuts. Stir until honey mixture is amber in color and nuts are well coated, about 6 minutes.
2. Transfer nut mixture to prepared baking sheet. Working quickly, separate nuts with spoon. Sprinkle with salt. Cool. (Make a few days ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature.)
Georgie’s Tips:
This is a recipe that you can tailor to fit your taste. Prefer walnuts, pistachios, or some other nut to almonds & pecans? Just substitute them! Add a little cumin or substitute the cumin for ginger if you’re not a fan of ginger. You must work quickly, but be careful while the mixture is hot. When heated, sugar and honey is not only hot, but it can stick.
Herby Balsamic Grilled Crimini Mushroom Skewers
Serves 8
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. crimini mushrooms [20-24 per pound]
2 T. balsamic vinegar
1 T. soy sauce (
or tamari)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
½ t. fresh rosemary, chopped
½ t. fresh thyme, chopped
½ t. fresh sage, chopped
salt and pepper to taste [about ½ t. each]
4 or 6-inch skewers
PREPARATION
Mix vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, herb, salt & pepper. Toss mushrooms in marinade and let sit for 1 hour. Soak the skewers too so they don’t ignite on the grill.
Skewer the mushrooms [about 3 per skewer] and grill over medium-high heat until just tender and slightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Georgie’s Tips:
You can marinate the mushrooms a day ahead and keep them in a covered dish overnight. These are one of my favorites, and I could eat more than one skewer so you might want to double up on this recipe. That’s especially true if you want to serve these as a side dish with turkey or beef. Rosemary, sage, and thyme are perfect for Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays. You can change out the herbs if you want. These are also great when made with basil and oregano, or tarragon instead of the herbs used here. Add red pepper flakes for a little spice. These are not only delicious, but healthy, too!
Mini Cheeseballs with Cranberries & Pistachios
About 28 mini cheese balls
INGREDIENTS
6 ounces of cream cheese, room temperature
5-ounce goat cheese log [Choose one you like, from mild to pungent] also room temperature
1 T. honey
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped fine
½ cup roasted salted shelled pistachios, chopped fine
Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery Box Set Page 37
