Redemption at Shadow Lake

by J E Grace

  “That’s strange. Maybe even then the wheels were turning to bring this all to a closure. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting hungry. How about going somewhere for dinner? Any suggestions?”

  “A new restaurant opened up close to where I live. Shall we try it out?”

  “Sounds good. I’ll grab my coat, and we’ll go.”

  Samantha waited on the sofa. She was pleased that Jonathan seemed to be more upbeat. It was a lot to take it, but she knew that a huge weight had lifted off his shoulders. So much had happened over the short time since Samantha met him. A tear welled up in her eye as she thought of how she almost turned him away. She had God to thank for giving her the courage to trust again.

  ~

  A half-hour later they walked into the quaint seafood restaurant and were seated at a table with a view of the lake. After ordering seafood sampler platters, they sat staring at each other like they were the only two people there.

  Jonathan reached his hand out on the table placing it over hers. “Samantha, since things have settled down now and I feel like I am beginning to be a whole person again, there is something I need to know.”

  Chapter 40

  A nything,” she said giving him a concerned look.

  Jonathan got up from his seat and knelt down on the floor next to her. He pulled out a small velvet box and popped it open. “Samantha, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?”

  Tears streamed down Samantha’s face as she tried to choke them back. Jonathan waited patiently for an answer holding the box with a beautiful art deco style engagement ring inside.

  When she finally was able to speak, she said, Yes!” He placed the ring on her finger, surprised that it was a perfect fit.

  “It’s beautiful. It’s vintage, and I love it. Where in the world did you get it?”

  “It was in the box of things from the mansion and belonged to one of my ancestors. You know if you want something different, that’s okay too. We can pick one out together.”

  Samantha leaned over kissing Jonathan. “It’s perfect.”

  Everyone in the restaurant started clapping. Samantha’s face reddened. Lost in the moment, she had forgotten about other people overhearing the proposal.

  ~

  It was late in the evening when Samantha got back to her place. She had swung by the office to check on things and share her news with Beverly who was over the moon. She immediately started talking about planning the wedding, which reminded Samantha that they hadn’t set a date.

  There were a lot of decisions to make before the wedding. Would she keep her place or sell it? She could always rent it out and have some extra income, which made more sense at the moment. Then, where would they get married, the guest list, and the big one—honeymoon? Maybe, Hawaii.

  She walked into the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea, retreating to the living room sofa. Dressed in pajamas, she curled up with her Bible and said a prayer for guidance before opening it. Lord, guide me to what you want me to read and embed it in my heart. Thank you for sending Jonathan into my life just when I thought there would never be anyone for me. I ask for your blessing on our union and pray that we always put you first in our lives. I pray in Jesus name, Amen.

  Samantha opened her Bible to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

  Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things; Love never fails.

  Samantha’s eyes began to tear up. God was sending her a message, and on the last three words, she would stand steadfast. She took them as a promise from God. He had placed her steps on a path until they found Jonathan. A smile crossed her lips. They both had come from a broken past, but God had molded them and made them whole again.

  Samantha closed her Bible, shut off the light, and made her way to her bedroom. She laid her cell phone down on the nightstand, pulled her covers back, and slipped into bed. Just as she is about to roll over, her cell beeps. A text message flashes on the screen. Good night, love. I miss you.

  She typed. Love you and miss you too.

  Chapter 41

  S amantha had the radio on in the office a couple of days later when the music stopped, and a breaking news story took its place.

  The police had finally given the details of the case to the media. Samantha sat listening as the announcer elaborated on how the Shadow Lake Police Department had finally broken the four-year unsolved murder of Marilyn Williams.

  The announcer went on to say that due to evidence found, they were also able to solve the case of a missing woman from the Denver area, Mrs. Violet Benham, wife of Calvin Benham.

  Samantha almost fell out of her chair. A sense of shame swept across her face as she realized that she was so quick to condemn Mr. Benham in the possible murder of his wife. Lord, I ’m ashamed. Please forgive me for jumping to conclusions and accusing without any evidence. She realized she had let her emotions lead her instead of her heart, allowing the one incident with Calvin, to label him as someone capable of murder.

  She grabbed a bottled water from the refrigerator and took a sip as she walked back to her desk. As she sat down, her cell phone rang.

  “Hey, girl. Have you caught the news? It’s big,” said Beverly excitement ringing through the phone. “They solved the other murder. It was Calvin’s wife.”

  “I just heard it on the radio.”

  “I’m on my way back to the office. The owner over on Lakeview Rd has decided to move to California and wanted us to list her place. Her daughter is coming next Tuesday to fly back with her and would like to have the contracts ready by then.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll give Mrs. Cummings a call and set up an appointment to get measurements and photos for the listing. You can hold down the fort while I’m gone.”

  “See you soon.”

  Samantha hung up the office phone and reached for her cell. It was unusual for Jonathan not to call her by now. She had a feeling that maybe he had turned on the television and saw the news.

  She couldn’t imagine having to deal with the constant reminder of Marilyn’s death. Having grieved for four years and then starting to heal finally, to be thrust into it again like a thorn that festers slowly beginning to administer hurt to all the parts that were recovering. Lord, please give him peace in the midst of all this.

  Her cell phone rang, and she reached to answer it.

  “Hi, love. Sorry I didn’t call earlier. I’ve been kind of out of it today. I’ve been thinking of you though.”

  “You must have seen the news. I know this has to be hard for you, but it is over now. We have plans for a future together. I’m here for you and God has your back. I love you more than anything, Jonathan.”

  “I do not doubt that you do.”

  “How about dinner at my place? I’ll cook for you. We’ll spend a quiet evening alone. How does that sound?”

  “Sounds good. What time?” asked Jonathan.

  “See you around seven, unless you want to come early and help,” she said with a laugh.

  “Be careful what you wish. See you soon. Love you.”

  “Love you too,” said Samantha disconnecting the call.

  Samantha sat there after the call ended thinking that in a short while she would be holding the love of her life in her arms. She hoped he would come early and help. The two of them bustling around in the kitchen sent a wave of warmth through her. Of course, the thought of snuggling close on the sofa didn’t help either.

  Chapter 42

  S amantha and Jonathan had a quiet dinner and retreated afterward to the sofa. Jonathan stretched out with his head in Samantha’s lap, her fingers running through his hair, while she smiled down at him.

  “What?”

  “I was thinking how great it will be to spend every night with you. But we can’t get closer to t
hat day unless we set a date. I need to call my mom and sister so they can make plans. My mom is out of town a lot with gallery shows,” said Samantha laying a hand on his shoulder.

  “There is not only a when but a where. What did you have in mind? I would marry you tomorrow,” he said raising up to meet her kiss.

  “Christmas will be here before you know it and everything tends to be so chaotic then, so what about after New Year’s. How about Jan. 21st? It’s on a Saturday. As far as for the place, our church.”

  “Sounds good. I’m looking forward to meeting your family. It will be nice having one again.”

  “Tell me that again a year from now. My sister, Gabrielle, can be a handful. She’s too competitive. She always had to have the best car, the latest new gadgets, newest stylish clothes and the highest paid job. I love her, but we don’t see eye to eye on most things. My mom is an artist, and you know how temperamental they can be. She means well, but it seems I can never do anything that pleases her,” said Samantha frowning.

  “But then, she hasn’t met me. I’ll win her over, you’ll see. Well, I hate to move, but I have an appointment set up with Mark in the morning. He’s ahead of the rest of the class and only has school in the afternoon a couple of times a week. He needs my advice on what type of camera to purchase. He seems motivated and is passionate about photography,” said Jonathan swinging his body to sit up. He kissed her before standing.

  “That’s sweet of you to mentor him. He will learn a lot from you.”

  “I’ll give the pastor a call and have him put us on the calendar for the 21st then. Plan whatever you like for the wedding. It’s your day. I’ll show up,” he said grinning.

  “You’re teasing right?” she said following him to the door.

  He swept her up into his arms and hugged her. When he put her down, he kissed her so passionately that she had to resist wanting to keep him there. “Of course, I want to know about the plans, but I want you to have the wedding of your dreams.”

  “You forget, I’m not a girl of extravagant tastes,” she said holding his hand.

  “Whatever you decide on, it will be beautiful. I’m marrying the girl of my dreams so it will be perfect. I love you,” said Jonathan as he gave her a deeper kiss.

  “Love you, too.”

  She stood at the living room window watching as he pulled out of the driveway until the taillights whisked out of sight. She was about to shut off the light and head to bed when her phone rang.

  “Hi, Mom. You’re up late.”

  “Yeah, well, a working artist paints when the inspiration hits her. You should know that dear,” said her mother.

  Samantha could feel the tension in her voice. What does she think I did now?

  “I was worried about you dear. What with all the publicity about Shadow Lake. The television said something about a woman’s murder. Why on earth would you want to be in a place like that?”

  “Mom, you’re blowing this all out of proportion. No one got murdered here. They just found some new evidence that solved a murder from four years ago. It gave closure to the woman’s husband.” Samantha hated how her mother always jumped to judgments without all the facts.

  “So how are you, Sam? Is your office doing okay? I worry about the lack of clients in that small town.”

  “Business is fine. Beverly and I are kept quite busy. Lots of closings the past couple of months.” Samantha took a breath and contemplated about the best way to tell her she was getting married. Maybe there was no best way. Out with it.

  “Happy to hear it dear. I would hate it if you were struggling. You had such a good clientele built up here before you left. People still ask about you.”

  “Mom, I’m getting married. I met a wonderful man. He’s a professional photographer.”

  “When are you getting married. You know Gabrielle and I both have busy schedules. We need time to plan your wedding.”

  “No, Mom. I’m not getting married there. We’re getting married at a small church here in Shadow Lake.”

  “But dear, all your friends are here. What am I supposed to tell them?”

  Samantha could tell the direction this was headed. She had hoped her mom would understand and they would travel to Shadow Lake. They both drove, and it wasn’t that far to go.

  “Mom, I’ll send out invitations. They can still come. Gabrielle can drive you, or you can fly in, and I’ll pick you up. It’s not until Jan. 21st. There’s plenty of time.”

  “Who is this man? How long have you known him? Are you sure you aren’t moving way too fast?”

  “His name is Jonathan Williams. I’ve known him ever since I moved here and he’s a sweet man, and I love him. I promise we’ll come soon for a visit so you can meet him.”

  “Okay, dear. Call me first. I have a crazy schedule right now. I’ll let Gabrielle know. Be careful, Sam, I worry about you.”

  “I know Mom. I love you too. See you soon.”

  Samantha heard a click on the other end of the line acknowledging the call had ended. Her jovial mood and the good news seemed to fade as soon as her mom started drilling her about her wedding. Why can’t she be happy for me without making me feel like I can’t make good choices?

  A feeling of dread came over her knowing she had to subject Jonathan to her mom’s interrogating ways. She hoped Jonathan was right, that he could win her over, but she had her doubts. Lord, please soften her heart and let her be happy for me.

  Chapter 43

  I t was about two p.m. the next day when Samantha finally reached Gabrielle about her upcoming wedding. She figured she shouldn’t put it off any longer.

  Of course, she knew mom had filled her in on what she figured to be an impulsive decision to marry a man Samantha barely knew. Why did she always spin things and make them appear the opposite of what they were?

  “Hi, Sam. Mom told me about your wedding. She seemed to think I needed to make sure you knew what you were doing.”

  “I’m sure she did. Trust me; I know what I’m doing. We love each other, and it’s the next logical step,” said Samantha smiling at Beverly as she walked by on her way to the file cabinet.

  “Mom said he was a photographer. That’s like being involved with a musician. What kind of life do you think you will have on his salary? You could do so much better if you were still here.”

  “Now you sound like Mom. Why can’t you just be happy for me? I’m not marrying for money; I’m marrying for the old-fashioned kind of love. The kind you can never seem to find. If I didn’t know better, I would think you were jealous. I thought since we were adults you were over that now,” said Samantha getting tired of the childhood competitiveness.

  “Honestly, Sam, that’s a low blow. I’m perfectly happy the way I am, but one thing does concern me. I googled your finance, and his wife’s murder case is the one that closed the past couple of days. Does mom know that? After all, she said you were both coming for a visit. It could be awkward if she found out,” said Gabrielle.

  “What does that have to do with us getting married?”

  “You know mom. She will automatically think that you are getting damaged goods and that he is bringing all that baggage into your marriage.”

  “It’s behind him now. We have a wonderful future we’re planning together. We have to make sure Mom doesn’t hear about it. Jonathan’s been through enough already.”

  “I’ll do my best, but you know how these things have a way of leaking out on their own. When do you plan on coming? I need to arrange for a couple of days off.”

  “I’m thinking a couple of days before Christmas. Jonathan doesn’t have any family so I thought it would be nice to spend some time together then,” said Samantha wondering if maybe it was a mistake, but then she missed her family even though they weren’t the easiest to get along with.

  “Sounds good. Mom and I will get things set up so we can have a nice dinner together. It’s been too long, Sam. Mom does miss you, you know.”

  “I know. It’s been
hectic here the past couple of months. I’ll call you as soon as I know when we’re coming. Jonathan has a business too so he will have to make arrangements to close for a few days.”

  “So, he isn’t just a photographer then.”

  “No. Jonathan has a framing shop, gallery and does photography shows out of town. He’s a very successful man.”

  “Talk to you later Sam. Mom’s after me to go with her to check out her new show at the gallery in town. I’ll send you some photos.”

  Samantha hung up the phone not knowing exactly how she felt about the call.

  “Hey, girl. Why the long face? I thought you were telling your family about your wedding.” said Beverly hugging her.

  “You don’t know my family. I would like just once to have them be excited about something I’m doing without making me feel like I have to defend everything I say.”

  “Give them some time. After all, you just sprung it on them out of the blue. They didn’t even know you were dating,” said Beverly her eyebrows raised.

  “You know, you’re right. My family will feel different after they meet Jonathan. Speaking of meetings, are there any new clients I need to go see?”

  “Nothing right now. Mrs. Fleming called this morning; She has a B & B on the south side of the lake that she is considering putting on the market. Her husband is ill and needs full-time care, and she thinks it’s time to sell. She will be looking for a smaller place with ramps for her husband’s wheelchair. Right now, I can’t think of anything that would work.”

  “I’ll check around. I’ll talk to Ed down at the marina. He knows everybody in town and can help get the word out. We’ll find a place for her,” said Samantha getting up from her desk.

  Samantha walked over to the front windows looking outside at the winter sky. There were no clouds today, and a mist seemed to settle across the landscape. The mountains surrounding the town deeply covered with the latest snowfall rose high in the background.