The door to Sheriff Davis’ office opened and Olivia walked out. Her eyes were red ringed, as though she’d been crying once again. She also had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders.
“Brigid? Would ya’ call Mike, Olivia’s husband, and let him know she’s safe and with us. Tell him he can come pick her up.” He gently touched her back and she turned to look at him. “If I have any more questions, I’ll come by.”
“Thank you, Corey,” she said.
“Who wants to come in next?” he asked.
“Let Henry go next,” June said. “I’m sure his parents are worried sick.”
“Come on in, Henry. Let’s get ya’ home,” he said as the boy stood up and went into his office. Olivia took the boy’s seat next to June.
“I know this might sound crazy,” June said to Olivia. “But do you think we might be able to talk from time to time? I think you helped keep me sane.” The woman chuckled nervously and Brigid could clearly see the woman was exhausted after her week-long ordeal.
“Of course,” Olivia said. “I don’t think anyone else besides Henry could understand what we went through in there.”
They gave each other a long and meaningful hug before Brigid finally spoke.
“You ready for me to give your husband a call?” she asked.
“Definitely,” Olivia sighed. Tears began to form in her eyes again. “I can’t wait to see him.”
Brigid picked up the phone on the desk and handed it to Olivia to dial. “Let me give him a head’s up first. Then I’ll let you talk to him. I bet he’ll be ecstatic to hear your voice. He was a wreck the day you went missing.”
“You know Mike?” Olivia asked, confused.
“I met him the morning you disappeared. My name’s Brigid Barnes. You and I were supposed to meet that morning,” she said while Olivia dialed.
“Oh, yes! You’re getting married soon,” she said. “And aren’t you also the woman who’s helped Corey in the past?”
“One and the same,” Brigid said as the phone began to ring.
“Hello?” came a groggy voice on the other end.
“Is this Mike Ford?” Brigid asked.
He cleared his throat. “Yeah, I mean, yes. Who is this?”
“Mike, this is Brigid. We spoke a few days ago, and you asked me to help find your wife,” she said as she watched Olivia’s face.
“That’s right,” Mike began.
“Mike, we found Olivia. She’s here at the sheriff’s department, safe and sound,” Brigid said smiling.
“Really? Thank heavens. My prayers have been answered. I’ll be there in just a few minutes,” he said with enthusiasm.
“Would you like to speak with her?” Brigid asked.
“Y-yes, please,” he stammered.
Brigid handed the phone to Olivia, who eagerly took it from her.
“Mike?” she said weakly.
Brigid didn’t know what he said, but Olivia’s face crumpled as tears again started to slide down her cheeks.
“Yeah, baby. It’s me. It’s so good to hear your voice.” She paused as she listened. “I can’t wait for you to get here, but you drive carefully. I know how you are. I love you too, Mike. Always and forever.” She made kissy noises into the phone before finally saying, “Yes, just get here, okay. I’m waiting.” She sighed as she hung up the phone.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” Brigid said, her voice cracking with emotion.
“Me, too,” she said, unconsciously touching her belly. Brigid smiled, knowing what she was doing. She wanted to speak up and say she knew, but she held back. It wasn’t her secret to share. Olivia hadn’t wanted to tell anyone, and Brigid did not want to betray that confidence. Instead, she just let the sight of the woman affectionately rubbing her belly fill her heart with hope.
“Well, I guess I really owe you one,” Olivia finally said.
“Don’t worry about it, really,” Brigid said as she waved her off. “It was my pleasure to help. Besides, your husband asked me to help Corey.”
“You still could have said no. You already have a lot on your plate just planning a wedding. You didn’t need to spend your time trying to find a woman you didn’t even know,” Olivia said as she shook her head.
“It seemed like the right thing to do,” Brigid said with a shrug.
“I know what I can do to pay you back! Let me make your wedding bouquet for free. It’s the least I can do for you helping get me back to my home. I heard the men that took us talking the other day. Once they had four of us, they were going to take us away. If you’d have waited one more day, we might not have been found,” Olivia insisted.
The reality of what Olivia had just said hit home with Brigid like a bombshell. Sheriff Davis was always swamped. If she hadn’t done the interviews for him, it may have taken him another day to find the kidnappers, and by then, it would have been too late. A cold chill rushed through her body, and she felt like her hair was standing on end. She realized how differently things would have gone for these four people if she hadn’t helped the sheriff.
“We can talk about it once you’re feeling a little more rested,” Brigid finally said. “That will give you a little time in case you want to change your mind.”
“I won’t. I can promise you that,” Olivia said.
The sound of a truck pulling up outside made them all turn. Olivia stood so that she could see over the counter that separated the desks from the entrance. Mike jumped out of his truck and rushed inside the building, his eyes scanning the room for his wife. Once his eyes locked onto hers, he hurried toward her.
“Oh, Olivia. I missed you so much,” he said as he pulled her into his arms.
“I missed you too,” she squeaked. His mouth found hers and they kissed so long and deep that Brigid felt as though it were only proper to look away.
Finally, after they broke apart, Mike said, “Thank you, Brigid. You really came through for me.”
“Corey did most of it, I just did some of the leg work for him,” she deferred.
“Still, thank you,” he said.
The office door opened, and Henry came walking out with the sheriff.
“Glad to see ya’, Mike,” Corey said. “Olivia’s a sight for sore eyes, ain’t she.”
Mike turned and looked at her, a smile on his face. “Yes, Corey. I can never thank you and Brigid enough.”
“Yer’ very welcome. Now ya’ take her home and treat her good, ya’ hear? I’ll be by in a coupla’ days,” Corey said.
“Look forward to it,” Mike said. He turned to Olivia and said. “Let’s get you home, babe.” With his arm around her as if he was afraid to let go of her, he led her out of the building and helped her up into his truck.
“Now that’s what I like to see. A happy endin’,” Sheriff Davis said before turning his attention to Kelly and June. “Which one of ya’ wants to go next?”
Kelly turned to June, wide-eyed. She looked as if she wanted to say something, but didn’t have the courage to.
“Go ahead, honey,” June said. “You can head on in.”
Kelly didn’t think twice before standing and following the sheriff into his office.
“Brigid, go ahead and call Henry’s family, if ya’ would. Give June’s family a ring too, so they can start headin’ this way. I’ll call this one’s family.” Brigid gave him a thumbs up before he closed his office door.
“That was awfully nice of you,” Brigid said. “You could have gone next.”
“I know, but she’s just a young and very frightened girl. Plus, she was just snatched tonight. I bet her parents are sick with worry.” June sighed as she pushed her dirty brown hair back from her face. “I can’t wait to get something good to eat.”
“What have you been eating?” Brigid asked.
“Whatever they happened to bring to us. One night it was just a bag of oranges. I always wanted to lose weight, just never thought it would happen this way. I’d kill to have a double cheeseburger right now.”
&nb
sp; “You ready to call your family?” Brigid asked Henry.
He nodded. “I miss my mom and dad and even my little sister,” he admitted, “but a cheeseburger sounds pretty good.”
Brigid lifted the phone cradle as she asked Henry to dial his home number. After a few rings, a woman answered.
“Hello?”
“Hello, my name is Brigid, and I’m calling you about Henry,” Brigid began.
“Did you find him?” the woman asked as if she were afraid to hope.
“Yes, ma’am. He’s right here with me. We’re in the Cottonwood Springs Sheriff’s Department. If you’d like to come get him, I’m sure he’d love to go home. Would you like to speak with him?” Brigid felt wonderful being able to tell this woman her son was safe.
“Oh, yes. Yes, please. I knew he didn’t run away! Phil, Phil, wake up! They’ve found Henry!” she was saying as Brigid handed the phone to Henry.
“Mom?” he said softly. His eyes began to water and thick tears slipped down his cheeks. “Yeah, I’m okay. Just come get me, okay? I want to come home.” He listened for a little longer before finally saying. “I love you, too. Hurry. Bye.” He looked up at Brigid. “I can’t wait to see them.”
“I don’t blame you,” Brigid said smiling.
“Can I go to the bathroom?” he said, wide eyed.
“Sure, it’s just through that door,” she said pointing him in the right direction.
“I guess that means it’s my turn,” June said.
“I guess so,” Brigid said. She pushed the phone across the desk. “I think I’ll let you do the honors.”
“I don’t really know who to call first. My mom or my fiancé,” she said.
“Call your mom first,” Brigid suggested. “I’m sure she’s worried out of her mind.”
“Yeah, but she doesn’t drive well at night,” she began.
“Could your fiancé drive her over here?” Brigid asked.
She nodded. “Good idea.”
CHAPTER 22
The big day had finally come. Brigid was excited but nervous. Outside, she could hear people arriving as car doors shut and the sound of friendly conversations grew louder.
Brigid had just stepped into her wedding gown and gotten it pulled up when there was a knock on the bedroom door.
“Come in,” she called over her shoulder. Fiona, Holly and Missy all filed into the bedroom. They were already dressed with their hair and makeup done.
“How’s it going in here?” Fiona asked, as she hurried over to help Brigid fasten her gown.
“Getting nervous,” Brigid admitted as she stood in front of her full-length mirror. She couldn’t believe it was her reflection. Her skin was bright and glowing, as if she were emitting a light from within.
“It looks beautiful out there, Brigid,” Missy said. “You did a great job planning it all. I don’t think you could have made a more beautiful wedding.”
“Thank you,” Brigid said smiling. “I hope everyone enjoys it as much as you.”
“This isn’t everyone else’s wedding, silly,” Fiona teased as she looked at her sister in the mirror. “It doesn’t matter if they like it, as long as you do.” Fiona was snacking on a slice of apple while they spoke.
“How can you eat right now?” Brigid asked in amazement. “I haven’t been able to eat for days.”
“Uh, about that,” Fiona said as her eyes looked down at the floor and then began darting around nervously.
“What aren’t you telling me?” Brigid asked, suddenly panicking.
“Calm down. It’s nothing bad,” Fiona said quickly. “It’s just, I’ve had something I wanted to tell you, but I’ve been waiting for the right moment.”
“Well spit it out,” Brigid said turning to face her sister directly. “You’re going to give me an anxiety attack, and that’s the last thing I need right now.”
“You know how you’ve noticed I’ve been snacking a lot more, recently?” she began. Brigid, as well as Holly and Missy were hanging on her every word.
“Yes?” Brigid said, drawing the word out.
“That’s because I’m pregnant,” she said, her voice breaking at the end. She began fanning herself, holding back tears.
“Are you serious?” Brigid asked, shocked.
“Yeah, I didn’t want to announce it at your wedding, but I just can’t hold it in any longer.” She smiled and then laughed. “You’re going to be an aunt.”
“That’s wonderful!” Brigid said as she pulled her sister into her arms. “Congratulations!”
Holly and Missy were also excitedly hugging her, happy to share in the great news on such an important day.
A knock on the door made them turn as Brigid said, “Come in.”
“Everyone’s here,” said Sheriff Davis. “Y’all ‘bout ready?”
“We’re ready,” Missy said nodding. “Tell Jordan he can start.”
Corey nodded as he ducked back out of the room.
“Here we go,” Fiona said.
The four of them made their way outside, going the way they’d practiced the previous day at the rehearsal. The temporary lattice wall covered in vines and flowers hid them from the guests until the music began to play. Soon, one by one, they started walking down the aisle.
“Make sure you breathe,” Fiona said as Missy began walking down the aisle. It was just Brigid and Fiona left, and she could tell Brigid was getting super nervous. She picked up the bouquet of white and red roses and handed them to Brigid. “Remember, everyone out there is either friends or family. Don’t think too much about it. You’re going to be just fine.”
“Thank you, Fiona,” Brigid said. “For everything. For talking me into coming back here. If I hadn’t, I would have never met Linc or Holly…” she let her sentence trail off, as she began to feel the prickling of tears in her eyes.
“Don’t mention it,” Fiona shrugged. “Oh, it’s my turn.” She took her place at the starting point of the aisle and with one last smile toward Brigid, she began her march.
“Here we go,” Brigid said aloud to herself. “It’s no big deal. Just don’t trip, and don’t forget to breathe.”
She adjusted her dress one last time and swiped a finger under each eye to make sure her eyeliner hadn’t started to run before finally plastering a smile on her face. At first, it was fake. Yet, as she stepped up to the aisle and the music changed, it became very, very real.
Each guest stood as she started down the grassy aisle deeply littered with red rose petals. The guests were all smiling and taking pictures as she slowly walked down the aisle. She noticed the deputies, and that June and Olivia were sitting next to each other, with Mike next to her. She also spotted Eve Sterling with her husband, as well as many other friends and acquaintances from around the small town. She felt so very blessed to have so many people wanting to share her big day with her. It was like a dream come true.
When she looked farther down the aisle, she saw Linc. His brother had flown in to be his best man and a couple of his friends also stood up with him. But Brigid only had eyes for Linc. Standing there, with a broad grin on his face, Brigid couldn’t help but think she was the luckiest woman alive. He looked so handsome in his suit with a red rose pinned to his lapel. She had to make a serious effort to keep from grinning like a fool as she headed toward the altar.
The only thing that kept running through Brigid’s mind was, Don’t trip, don’t trip, don’t trip. It was as if it were on one continuous loop. Don’t trip, don’t trip, don’t trip. Please, please, please. Don’t trip, don’t trip, don’t trip.
She didn’t relax until she was standing across from Linc.
“Hey,” he said with his lopsided smile.
“Hey, yourself,” she said, laughing slightly.
“Fancy meeting you here,” Linc joked just before Jordan began the ceremony.
“Friends and family, Linc and Brigid invited all of you here today to witness their commitment to each other. They’ve asked that we keep the ceremony shor
t and sweet, so that everyone can spend more time enjoying themselves and the festivities.
“I would just like to say how reassuring it is to see two people so very much in love. While their paths may have had some detours in getting here, I think I can speak for everyone when I say that it’s plain these two were meant for each other. Sometimes we need to learn certain lessons before we can be with our true other half. This may come in the form of other marriages or what have you.
“But love cannot be stopped. It will move mountains to bring two people who are meant to be together. Love is patient, and knows nothing of time. Love is faithful, so that no matter what happens, you know it will always be there. And finally, love is devotion. Being there for one another against all odds, no matter what life throws at you.
“So today, we witness Brigid Barnes and Linc Olsen committing to spend the rest of their lives together. Are you two ready to say your vows?” he asked as he looked at them. When they both nodded, he said, “Linc, you may go first.”
Linc took the ring and cleared his throat before beginning to slide it on Brigid’s finger.
“Brigid, I never thought I could love another person the way I love you. It’s all consuming, I can’t take a breath without feeling my heart swell at the thought of you. Just knowing you want to be with me makes me the happiest man on earth. I couldn’t ask for more. I’ll spend the rest of my days waking up and thanking God for the opportunity to be your husband.
“It had to be fate that brought me here. That’s the only thing that seems to make sense. Of all the places I could have gone, I landed right here, next door to you. If that’s not meant to be, I don’t know what is.” He smiled as he pushed the ring all the way onto her finger.
“Brigid?” Jordan asked as he handed her the ring.
“Linc, you’ve opened my eyes to what love can really be. Before I met you, I didn’t understand it, not really. And I used to scoff at those romantic films, because I thought they were all unrealistic. But you showed me they aren’t. That good men do exist and now, I get to marry one. You’ve accepted me for who I am. No questions, no expectations. You saw who I was and decided to love me anyway. I know there’s nothing I can’t get through with you by my side. You are quite literally my other half. We complement each other so well, I don’t know how I made it through my life without you. I’m just glad that now, I don’t have to do that anymore. As long as we’re together, I’m happy.”
Missing in Cottonwood Springs Page 13
