by Wendy Tyson
Mother Nature graced them with sunshine, mild temperatures, and a cool breeze on Saturday morning. The Marshall barn had been set up for a baking demonstration, Alvaro’s treats—homemade soft pretzels, cups of freshly-popped popcorn, cookies, and plates of fresh vegetables and dips—were set out in the barn classroom, and the Marshall house itself, officially christened as the “Marshall House Retreat,” was mostly furnished and open for tours, working plumbing included.
“Still worried that people will come here just to see a crime scene?” Clay asked.
Megan gave him a toothy smile. “Not at all.”
Whatever their reason for attending, the crowds started rolling in at noon, after the farmers market. Bibi sat at the reception desk Ryan had built and handed out information about the Retreat’s offerings. Clay and Porter kept the food coming and the garbage cleared, while Clover painted children’s faces. Even Gunther and Sadie were in residence. It was everything Megan could do to keep Gunther from herding the children.
“You did well,” Megan told Ryan, who’d joined the festivities with most of his crew. “And thank you for all the special touches for my grandmother. I suspect you built that innkeeper’s quarters with her in mind.”
Ryan simply smiled.
By two, the crowds had grown sparse. The food was nearly gone, and Clover’s queue was down to three little boys.
Megan grabbed Denver’s hand. “I want to show you something. Come with me.”
She led him around the back of the barn where they had a view of the Pennsylvania hillside. The sky was clear lapis lazuli, the trees a sharp green contrast against the horizon. Fields of yellow flowers dotted the meadows. It felt like a perfect summer day.
“It’s gorgeous,” Denver said, looking out at the vista.
When he turned back, Megan was down on one knee. “Marry me, Daniel Finn.”
Denver’s eyes widened in surprised before his face gave way to a look of pure joy that made Megan’s heart soar. She’d known for a while this was the right path. It had just taken her time to realize it.
“Are ye sure, Megs? Absolutely certain?”
“Marry me, Denver. I’m absolutely certain.”
“On your knee and everything. Wait until I tell my sister.”
“Is that a ‘yes’? Can I get up now—or are you going to leave me on the ground?”
Denver picked her up and spun her around. “It’s a yes, Megs. It’s very definitely a yes.”
Megan was halfway down the path to the farm, near the largest greenhouse, when she heard a rustling behind her. Sadie stopped and growled. Megan was carrying supplies back to the house, and she spun around, half expecting to see Dominick. Instead, the woman who stood before her was small and brunette—with killer cheekbones.
“Claire.”
Claire smiled wanly. No designer threads today—just jeans and a pink t-shirt. Brown hair was pulled back in a stubby ponytail. Her hands were empty and open.
Sadie relaxed, and Megan did, too.
“I’m here to thank you.” Claire flushed. “And to apologize.”
“For what?”
“When you left me off at the memorial, I knew I couldn’t actually go in. David had left me a package buried under the potting shed. He’d left it there in case something happened to him. I slashed our tire so I could arrive ahead of my sisters. Once I found it, I knew I wasn’t safe. I never thought my sisters would focus on you.” Her face darkened. “I never thought Penny would be in danger.”
“I’m sorry about Penny.”
“No one is sorrier than I am.”
Megan nodded. “You did what you had to.”
Claire’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Is the police chief here?”
“Bobby King? Yes, he’s at the barn. Come on, I’ll walk you up. He’ll be happy to see you.”
As they walked side by side, Megan felt nothing but sorrow for her companion. To love a man forbidden to you, and to suffer all of this? Tragic. The tapes captured on those CDs would at least be worth more with Claire corroborating their content. Maybe justice would prevail. After what she and her family had been through, she deserved some justice.
“This is a lovely farm. You live here?”
“Down there, in the big farmhouse.”
“Lucky you,” Claire said.
“It’s not the house that makes me lucky.”
Megan could see her family talking in the distance. King had his arm around Clover, who was holding Emily’s daughter in her arms. Emily and Clay were chatting with Bibi and Denver, who, Megan was sure, was busily spreading the news of their engagement. Alvaro was popping more popcorn in the machine they’d rented for the day, and the rich smells of the corn and butter were wafting this way.
Claire stopped short when they reached the end of the stone path.
“What’s wrong?” Megan asked.
“They all look so…happy. I don’t want to break it up.”
Megan smiled. “You won’t. Come on.” She took the woman’s hand. “You’ll be welcome.”
“Even after everything?”
Megan squeezed her hand. “Especially after everything.”
THE END
(Book #6)
Ready to binge a new mystery series boxed set?
Discover the Tj Jensen mysteries from USA Today bestselling author, Kathi Daley. The beautiful scenery, warm characters, and murderous adventures will take you straight to paradise and keep you guessing late into the night.
Tj Jensen Mystery Series - Boxed Set
From Agatha-Nominated author, Kendel Lynn, comes PI-in-training Elli Lisbon, dubbed “the Stephanie Plum of the South.” With a delightfully quirky cast and an engaging amateur sleuth, it’s a seaside romp of mischief and misfortune you do not want to miss.
Elliott Lisbon Mystery Series - Boxed Set
As Library Journal says, it’s time to “make room for Vallere’s tremendously fun homage.” Get ready to binge on national bestselling author Diane Vallere’s delightfully clever signature series. You don’t want to miss a single page!
Madison Night Mystery Series - Boxed Set
You can practically hear the Indiana Jones theme song when you crack the first page of this USA Today bestselling series from multi award-winning author Gigi Pandian. The suspenseful, mysterious, and romantic come together in the exotic world of treasure hunts…don’t let the adventure pass you by!
Jaya Jones Mystery Series - Boxed Set
Lefty Award-winning author Alexia Gordon strikes an enchanting chord in the Irish countryside with this captivating mystery series. Featuring African-American classical musician Gethsemane Brown (and a grumpy ghost of an Irishman), each well-tuned mystery blends charm, suspense, and a whole lot of cheek.
Gethsemane Brown Mystery Series - Boxed Set
Meet Lola Cruz. She’s got smarts, sass, and more tenacity than her Mexican mafioso-wannabe grandfather. Throw in her muy caliente boss, her gorgeous ex, and a whole lotta calamity, and you’ve got an entertaining series that packs a serious punch.
Lola Cruz Mystery Series - Boxed Set
Welcome to the Palace movie theater! Now Showing: Philandering husbands, ghostly sidekicks, and movie mayhem. Starring the delightful Nora Paige and the charming Trixie (a spunky 1930s usherette), each murderous screening will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Movie Palace Mystery Series - Boxed Set
Join crafty tole painting enthusiast Aurora (Rory) Anderson in Vista Beach, a quite California beach community where she often finds herself painted into killer situations. This richly textured mystery series mixes colorful characters and clever plots into intriguing landscapes.
Aurora Anderson Mystery Series - Boxed Set
Well, bless her heart! USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes blends a dab of paranormal with a whole lotta Kentucky char
m in this delightful down-home mystery series. It will leave you hankerin’ for more.
Kenni Lowry Mystery Series - Boxed Set
About the Author
Wendy Tyson’s background in law and psychology has provided inspiration for her mysteries and thrillers. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Wendy lives in Vermont with her family and three dogs. Wendy’s short fiction has appeared in literary journals and crime fiction anthologies, and she’s a contributing editor and columnist for The Big Thrill and The Thrill Begins, International Thriller Writers’ online magazines. Wendy is the author of the Allison Campbell Mystery Series and the Greenhouse Mystery Series.
