Redemption at Shadow Lake

by J E Grace

  “You sure have been quiet. Is everything okay?” asked Jonathan sneaking a glance at Samantha.

  “It’s been a while since I’ve been home and I’m not sure what to expect. I should be excited, but for some reason, I’m not. I think it’s because my dad is gone.”

  “I know it’s going to be different now, but remember, I’m here with you. You’re not facing your family alone,” said Jonathan smiling at her.

  “I don’t think I could face mom on my own. She means well but always seems to say something to upset me.”

  “I guess I’ll have to keep her busy, so she doesn’t have time to think about it,” he said grinning.

  Samantha hoped that Gabrielle kept her mom from finding out about Jonathan’s connection to the solved murder. She would go to no end to create an issue if she found out. Samantha could hear her now. He has too much baggage. Do you want to take second place to his dead wife? How do you know he’s over it? Do you want to start your marriage this way? And on and on. She had warned Jonathan, and that’s all she could do. The rest was up to Gabrielle. Hopefully, she would keep her word.

  Jonathan pulled into a gas station to top off the tank while Samantha went inside the store for a couple of bottled waters. On her way out, she stopped outside and dialed her mom.

  “Hi, Mom. We’re here. We should be at the house shortly.”

  “Hi, dear. Gabrielle and I can’t wait to see you and that young man of yours. He did come with you, right?”

  “Of course, Mom. I’ve got to go. Jonathan is done gassing up, and we’re heading out. See you soon. Bye.

  Samantha walked towards the vehicle and met Jonathan just as he was about to get behind the wheel.

  “I can take it from here. We’re about ten minutes away.”

  “Okay. I’ll kick back and rest a bit then,” Jonathan said giving Samantha a quick kiss before entering on the passenger’s side. Samantha got in and started up the engine, pulling out into the intersection. Within a few minutes, she pulled into her mom’s driveway.

  Jonathan looked up at a modern walkout basement home in an upscale neighborhood. With the weather a balmy fifty degrees in December, it was much different from Shadow Lake. As he exited the car, the smell of freshly cut lawns and fragrant flowers filled his nostrils. He grabbed their luggage from the trunk and arm in arm they walked up the steps.

  The door opens, being greeted by Gabrielle. “Well, glad you made it. I made up your old room and Jonathan can use the guest room across the hall. I’ll let you take him upstairs while I put on a pot of coffee,” said Gabrielle. She smiled at Jonathan as she left the room.

  Samantha climbed the stairs followed closely by Jonathan. After they reached the top, Samantha pointed to his room and grabbed her suitcase to take to hers.

  She entered her room, and the memories filled her with love but also with sadness. Sadness because her father was gone. She missed him so much and wondered if Gabrielle did. Samantha was lost in thought when she heard a knock at her door.

  “Ready to go back downstairs. I can’t wait to meet your mother,” said Jonathan giving her a wink.

  “I hope you feel the same a few days from now,” said Samantha.

  Chapter 49

  W ell, Jonathan had won Samantha’s mother over as he predicted. That was until she brought up the recent solved murder at Shadow Lake. Her mom had been resourceful and managed to figure out that it was Jonathan’s wife. She didn’t say anything to Jonathan directly but couldn’t wait to unleash her negativity on Samantha.

  The prying questions started until Samantha wanted to scream. She finally had to tell her mom that she wasn’t going to discuss it anymore and that Jonathan had moved on now that he had closure.

  Christmas dinner went well in spite of it. Her mom and Gabrielle put together a meal that not only was delicious but was a feast for the eyes as well.

  Packages were passed around and opened. Mother of course had outdone herself as she usually did. Her mother loved the new French easel Samantha and Jonathan had purchased for her.

  At her mother’s protests, they were packed and ready to head to Shadow Lake. Her mom and Gabrielle even managed hugs for both of them before heading out. Of course, there were comments on the upcoming wedding. Samantha could hardly wait to get home and finish the planning.

  They put their luggage into the Jeep and pulled away. The sun was out, and Samantha rolled the window down enjoying the warm breeze. She wanted to enjoy it while she could. It would be much different once they were back home.

  Jonathan smiled over at her as he maneuvered down the freeway. Samantha watched in the mirror as the town of Pigeon Bay disappeared in the distance.

  ~

  It was early morning when the town of Shadow Lake came into sight. The snow still covered most of the landscape reminding her that it was still winter. Samantha would miss the warm weather of Pigeon Bay, but this was home now.

  A few minutes later Jonathan pulled up in front of Samantha’s cabin. He popped the trunk and carried Samantha’s suitcase up the front porch steps with Samantha’s arms wrapped around his waist. She pulled away to punch in the code for the alarm and entered the house with Jonathan right behind her.

  Samantha picked up her suitcase and took it to her bedroom placing it on her bed and then returned to the living room. She stood facing him. He gently lifted up her chin, moved in and claimed her lips in a sweet kiss. She kissed him back, lost in the passion.

  “I had a wonderful time, but I’m exhausted. I’ll call you later,” said Jonathan as he pulled back from their kiss.

  “Me too. I’m going to unpack, take a shower and relax with Evelyn’s latest book, if I don’t end up falling asleep.”

  “Did I tell you that she contacted me about writing a book on the McClure Mansion? I’m considering it.”

  “Sounds like a wonderful idea. It has been enlightening, and there’s plenty of suspense for a novel,” said Samantha walking him to the door.

  “You can say that again. It’s a tough decision. I’m not sure I want to share that part of my life with the public,” he said the sadness showing in his eyes.

  “You could think of it as a tribute. A way to keep Marilyn’s memory alive forever. Kind of like her story,” said Samantha hugging him.

  “I never thought of it that way, but you’re right. I need to call her now that we’re back home. If I’m going to let her do the book, I have to take my Mom’s journals to her.” Jonathan gave Samantha another hug. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” she answered.

  Jonathan walked towards his truck as Samantha closed the door and reset the alarm. She watched as he pulled out of the driveway thinking to herself how lucky she was not to have to compete with the memory of his dead wife. At least he had moved on, and she felt confident with God’s assistance, they would have a happy life together.

  Chapter 50

  S amantha pulled her coat up around her neck to block out the chill from the wind. The sky was overcast creating a bleak landscape- cloudless and empty. She wished for Spring to come and everything it would bring with it.

  Only a month to go until she would walk down the aisle and become Mrs. Samantha Williams. The only thing left to do was to find the perfect gown. She wanted a simple style, nothing too fancy.

  She walked the last couple of blocks, the wind blowing at her back, as she approached the Shadow Lake Bridal Shop. A dress in the front window caught her eye. White satin, long sleeves, flowing skirt, and just the right amount of lace. But, was it her size?

  A bell chimed as she opened the door to the shop. The gust of warm air filled her bones with the heat her body needed, and she unwrapped her wool scarf from around her neck.

  A young woman in her twenties approached her. “Can I help you with something?” she asked smiling at her.

  “Yes. I would like to see the gown in your front window.”

  “I’ll get it for you. It’s our special of the week. Marked down 30 %,” the clerk
said as she carefully lifted the gown from its display. “What size do you wear? The dress is a size seven.”

  “Perfect. I would like to try it on,” said Samantha following the woman over to the dressing room.

  “Let me know if you need anything,” she said as she walked away.

  Samantha entered the dressing room and undressed. She glanced at the dress and prayed to herself that it would fit. It was the perfect dress.

  Samantha pulled the dress over her head and smoothed it down over her body. It fit like a glove. She couldn’t believe the image in the mirror. Is that me?

  The clerk tapped on the door. Does it fit okay? Do you need any help?” she asked.

  Samantha opened up the door. “Could you zip me up?” she asked.

  “Sure. You look beautiful. It was made for you,” said the clerk as she stepped back.

  “I have to agree. How much is it with the discount?” asked Samantha turning around to get a better view of the back of her gown.

  “$450 plus tax.”

  “I’ll take it. Do you have a veil that would go with it?”

  “After you get dressed we can match one up. I’m sure we have something that would work.”

  Within a few minutes, Samantha was exiting the shop. She fought to hold onto her gown which was sealed in a waterproof garment bag until she reached her SUV parked a couple of blocks away. Why didn’t I move my car?

  She carefully placed her gown across the back seat and got in and called Jonathan to share her news.

  “Hi, hon. What’s up?” said Jonathan.

  “Just wanted to let you know our wedding preparations complete. I just bought the perfect wedding gown. Got it at a discount too,” said Samantha turning on the heater to warm up.

  “I can’t wait to see you in it. Even though it’s just a couple of weeks, it can’t come soon enough for me. I can’t wait to make you Mrs. Samantha Williams.”

  “Well, I’m headed to the office and then home. Do you want to go out for dinner or have dinner at my place?”

  “Why don’t you come by here and I’ll fix us something. It will be a surprise.”

  “Okay. I’ll drop my gown off at my house first. Love you,” she said smiling to herself.

  “Love you too. See you soon.”

  Samantha made her way up the hill to her cabin, parked, and got out. She retrieved her gown from the back seat draping it over her forearm and ambled up the walkway to the front door. She entered the house and padded into her bedroom hanging her gown in the closet, before changing into casual clothes and was about to head out the door again when her cell phone buzzed.

  “Hi, Mom.

  “Hi, Sam. How are the wedding preparations going?” she asked.

  “Fine, Mom. I just found the perfect wedding gown earlier, and I’m headed over to Jonathan’s for dinner.”

  “Gabrielle and I will be coming the day before the wedding. We booked a room at the Shadow Lake Inn through the day after. I need to get back to prepare for my new showing, and Gabrielle has clients waiting.”

  “That’s fine, Mom. Jonathan and I are leaving the next day for our honeymoon in Hawaii anyway,” said Samantha wondering if they weren’t leaving, if it would even make any difference.

  “Hawaii. Well, that should be nice. At least it will be warm there. I’m not looking forward to the cold at Shadow Lake. Thank goodness it’s a short visit,” she said sounding annoyed.

  “Well, I hate to rush, but Jonathan is waiting, and I don’t want him to ruin our dinner on my account. Love you, Mom. Tell Gabrielle hello for me

  Samantha hung up the phone. Why does Mom have to make the focus on everything about her inconvenience? Oh, well some things never change. Samantha loved her in spite of it, but things did seem to worsen since her father died. Oh, daddy. How I wish you were here to walk me down the aisle.

  Chapter 51

  I t was January twenty-first, and the weather was at least cooperating for Samantha and Jonathan’s wedding. The sun wasn’t out, but the temperatures were moderately cold, and no predicted snow.

  Samantha stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room at the Shadow Lake Community Church. Her mother and Gabrielle stood next to her admiring her image in the full-length mirror.

  “Honey, you are so beautiful,” said her mother as tears escaped from her eyes and started to run down her cheeks. She quickly patted them away with a tissue.

  “You do look wonderful,” said Gabrielle hugging Samantha. “I was beginning to wonder if this day would ever come.”

  “Well, I still haven’t given up on you,” said Samantha as she pulled away. Gabrielle gave her a smirk.

  Samantha’s mom picked up the veil and helped place it on her head letting it flow down the back of her shoulders. Samantha’s long dark hair had been upswept on top of her head with just a few curls framing the front of her face.

  “I’m going to go check on everything. I’m sure it won’t be long now. Mom, are you still going to walk Sam down the aisle?” asked Gabrielle.

  “Sure. I do wish your father could have done it though.”

  Samantha’s eyes tore with the mention of her dad, and she had to fight them back. After all, this was the most important day of her life, and he would want her to be happy. She smiled to herself and took a deep breath. She knew in her heart that her dad would be there in spirit.

  Jonathan waited at the front of the church next to the minister. Gabrielle and Beverly were her maids of honor and stood there also. The wedding march started, and all the guests rose and turned to face the back of the church.

  Samantha, a vision of beauty, held her mother’s arm as they made their way down the aisle toward the front of the church where Jonathan stood. When they reached the front, Samantha faced Jonathan.

  Samantha’s heart was beating so wildly in her chest that she thought she might faint. God had poured out blessings on her that her heart couldn’t contain. Her knees grew weak, and she was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to speak the vows she needed to repeat.

  The minister started the ceremony and Jonathan, and Samantha said their vows. Samantha looked deep into her husband’s eyes silently vowing to God to always love him. She was sure he was probably doing the same thing.

  Before she knew it, they were pronounced husband and wife and Jonathan took her in his arms and gave her the deepest most loving kiss she had ever felt. They turned, and the minister said, “I give you Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Williams.”

  The rest of the afternoon at the reception was a whirlwind. Samantha and Jonathan had changed into their casual clothes, joined their guests for food, and had then rushed out into the afternoon air to their Jeep to make a mad dash for the Denver airport.

  Eight hours after they departed, they would be lying on a beach in Hawaii soaking up the sun. Samantha couldn’t wait.

  Chapter 52

  T heir honeymoon trip was over all too soon. Jonathan and Samantha both loved Hawaii and couldn’t get enough of snorkeling in the water, eating the island cuisine, and just relaxing on the beach.

  On the way home in the jet, Samantha leaned back in the seat resting her head on Jonathan’s shoulder. Visions of their Hawaiian honeymoon swam around in her head, making her swoon. Her love for Jonathan had deepened, although she didn’t know how she could love him any more than she already did.

  Jonathan was warm, caring, and loved the Lord with all his heart. She couldn’t ask for a better husband, and she would thank God every day for bringing him into her life.

  The night of her honeymoon, Samantha was a bundle of nerves. She prayed that the Lord would ease her mind and that their union would be one of tender love. Jonathan had not disappointed her. He made her complete, and she was the happiest she had ever been.

  She stirred and looked at Jonathan who was looking out the side window, staring at the billowing clouds that blanketed the visible sky. He turned and smiled when he saw her staring at him.

  “Well, Mrs. Williams. Was our honeymoon everythi
ng you hoped for?”

  “Absolutely and then some,” she said raising her lips to his.

  “Now it’s time to go on with the rest of our life. Nothing is impossible with God. Who knows where God will lead us,” said Jonathan.

  “As long as we’re together, I can face anything, but first I think I’m going to need some rest. I feel like I have jet lag already,” said Samantha leaning back in the seat.

  “I know what you mean,” said Jonathan shifting his weight in the seat.

  The sign came on signaling to put on their seatbelts, as the plane made its descent onto the Denver runway. A short drive and they would be home.

  After showers and a quick meal, Jonathan and Samantha settled in for the night. They lay in each other’s arms in Jonathan’s king size bed.

  Samantha comfortable and safe in his arms, relaxed in her new home above Jonathan’s art gallery, as the moonlight entered the windows and cast a shadow on the sleeping couple.

  It was early morning when Jonathan awoke and padded to the kitchen to start the coffee. He glanced over at Samantha sleeping peacefully and leaned over brushing a kiss against her lips. She stirred and smiled up at him.

  “Nice way to wake up, but you’re not getting off that easy,” she said pulling him back onto the bed kissing him. He fought her laughing but then finally succumbed to her sweet lips.

  “This is very nice, but I thought maybe we could take a walk downtown today. See if anything has changed while we were gone and we do need to stock up on groceries,” said Jonathan.

  “I need to check with Beverly too and see what’s been going on since we left. Hopefully, she has some listings lined up for me to contact,” said Samantha pulling on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt.

  Jonathan and Samantha decided to grab breakfast while they were out. When they finished their meal, Jonathan drove towards Samantha’s office and parked. Samantha could see Beverly buzzing around the office as they entered.