Ty dropped his head. “When I thought you were dead . . .”
Cassidy rested her hand on the side of his face. “I know. Believe me, I know. You weren’t supposed to show up. After it all happened, Samuel was going to call you. Why did you come?”
“I managed to find Ryan’s phone in his rental car, and I called one of the numbers listed there. The guy—Ricky Ernest—thought I was Ryan. He asked if they should stick to the plan—the plan being to kill you. I knew I had to warn you. I knew also that you’d said I should trust you and stay there, but I couldn’t let you die.”
A smile tugged at her lips. “I should have known.”
He pressed his lips against hers. “I love you, Cassidy.”
“I love you too, Ty. Always.”
“When can you get back to Lantern Beach?”
“Samuel said I may need to stay here a few days before they can get me out of here. Why?”
“Because we’re getting married. I thought we talked about this.”
She smiled again and pulled a necklace from beneath her shirt. Her ring was there, kept safe. She took it off the chain and slipped it back onto her finger. “I’d like that. Very much.”
Ty and Cassidy sat across from each other at the safe house where Cassidy was staying until Samuel confirmed it was safe to leave.
Ty had taken it upon himself to be her personal guardian, and he hadn’t left her side except to sleep.
It had been three days since Cassidy had supposedly died. Three days since this nightmare ended. Three days since Cassidy took the first step in regaining the life she’d always dreamed about.
An FBI agent outside the door opened it, and Samuel came inside. He sat across from them, placing some coffee and muffins on the table. His shoulder was bandaged, but thankfully the bullet had only grazed his skin. It could have been much worse.
“Good morning,” he said.
“You have an update?” Cassidy grabbed a cup but didn’t have the stomach to take a sip yet.
She’d been anxiously waiting to hear about any new developments. The past three days had been wonderful—being with Ty. Knowing this was over. Anticipating the future.
But she’d also felt anxious for finality.
“I do have some updates for you,” Samuel said. “First of all, our original plan worked. Everyone on Lantern Beach thinks your crazy ex-boyfriend’s brother came into town and tried to kill you. They think you’re in the hospital right now, but that you’re okay.”
She nodded, hating to deceive people. But, in this case, how could she not?
“We talked to the innkeeper—casually,” Samuel continued. “She believes Ryan is your ex’s brother, and that he came up here from Florida. We made up a story about how your new Navy SEAL boyfriend saved you, and that was all it took to distract her from what had really happened. She’s apparently a total romantic.”
Cassidy exchanged a smile with Ty.
“Ryan knows there’s no way for him to win this. There’s too much evidence against him. He’s been slow at giving up information, but he’s trying to cut a deal. Otherwise, he knows he’ll be killed in prison. He wants solitary confinement somewhere he has a chance for survival.”
“I hate to say it, but he deserves anything he gets at this point,” Cassidy said. “There’s nothing in me that feels sorry for him.”
“I agree. But I thought you’d want to know that he did confess that his uncle killed your friend Lucy. Your theory was right. They’d blackmailed Lucy’s father, Hiroto, into creating new and improved versions of flakka over the years. Lucy’s mom was supposed to die that evening. Apparently, Hiroto had refused to create anything else for them and threatened to walk away. They decided to teach him a lesson.”
Cassidy’s heart pounded with a wave of grief. “At least there are answers now. That’s all I ever wanted.”
“What about the trial?” Ty asked. “Since Cady Matthews is dead, that means Cassidy is out of this, right?”
“That’s right. With the information she gathered while undercover, as well as the recording of Ryan’s confession, we have enough to prosecute him without revealing that Cady is still alive. She’s free to live the rest of her life as Cassidy Livingston. Or Cassidy Chambers.” Samuel smiled.
Cassidy and Ty exchanged a look.
She liked the sound of that. Based on Ty’s smile, he did too.
“What about my parents, Samuel?” Cassidy asked. “What will we tell them?”
“Actually, your parents heard what happened. They’re on their way.”
“Here?” She sat up straight. “What are you going to tell them?”
“I thought you might want to at least tell them goodbye. But it’s your choice.”
“They don’t know I’m not actually dead?” Cassidy asked.
“We haven’t told them the truth yet. But we’re going to let that be your choice.”
She sat back, feeling numb as she thought it through. “I guess I’ll talk to them.”
“Okay then. I’ll arrange it.”
Two hours later, Samuel returned—with her mom and dad. Cassidy held her breath as her parents stepped inside, both looking as prim and proper as ever. Her mom wore a tailored sheath dress. Her dad in a neatly pressed shirt and crisp slacks.
She stared at them a moment, unsure how to greet them.
Her mom let out a little cry and pulled Cassidy into her arms. “I’ve never been so happy to see you.”
Cassidy held her mom, drinking in her expensive perfume. She thought it would turn her stomach, but it brought her a strange comfort instead.
As soon as her mother pulled away, her dad enveloped Cassidy in his embrace. His skinny arms wrapped around her. “I’ve missed you, Cady.”
“I’ve missed you too, Dad.” And she meant the words as she said them.
Which surprised even her, considering how absent her parents had been for most of her life. But they were still her parents.
“I’m proud of you, Cady,” her dad said. “Agent Stephens told us how brave you were and about everything you did. He also told us that we have to pretend you didn’t survive.”
“Only if you want me to actually survive.”
Her dad offered a sad smile. “We do.”
Cassidy remembered that Ty was behind her and stepped back. “Oh, Mom, Dad. This is Ty. I’m sorry.”
They shook hands.
“He’s my neighbor. A former Navy SEAL. And the man I’m going to marry.” She held her breath, waiting for her parents to rain down their judgment.
Instead they nodded. “We’re glad you found someone,” her mom said.
“You promise to take care of her?” Dad asked.
Ty nodded. “I promise.”
Cassidy extended her arm behind her toward the table. “Why don’t we sit down, have some coffee and catch up?”
Samuel called her over to the door a moment and lowered his voice. “You can go back in two days to Lantern Beach. We’ll escort you there. And you never have to hear from us again, Cassidy.”
She nodded, feeling another chapter in her life closing. “It’s been quite the ride, hasn’t it?”
“It sure has. I look forward to seeing what new things there are in store for you.”
Chapter Thirty
One Week Later
Lisa and Skye stepped back and stared at Cassidy as she stood in the living room of her cottage. A full-length mirror had been set up in the corner. Flowers decorated the space. The mild day outside drifted in through the open windows.
“You look gorgeous,” Lisa said with a confident nod. “Ty’s jaw is going to drop.”
Cassidy looked in the mirror and smiled. She’d gotten a second-hand wedding gown at a shop here in town. It was simple with a sweetheart neckline and a shirred bodice that nipped at the waist, creating a soft silhouette. Skye had made a veil for her, and it was also simple—just a few sheets of lace that hung at the top of a long, loose bun Cassidy wore at the nape of her neck.
For flowers, she carried a bouquet of oriental lilies. They’d been Lucy’s favorite, and it seemed only appropriate to honor her friend today. Especially after all they’d been through—even if part of that bond had happened even after Lucy’s death.
Live like today is your last day on earth.
The advice from her friend’s Day-at-a-Glance had been echoing in Cassidy’s mind for the past week. She was finally doing it. She was taking life by the horns, and nothing was going to get in her way this time.
Thank You, God, for finally opening my eyes to what’s important—faith, family, friends. Help me not to squander this opportunity.
“Where’s the honeymoon going to be?” Skye asked.
“I don’t know. Ty said he plans to surprise me.” Ty and Samuel had coordinated something together since Cassidy still needed to remain low-key for a while. “I have the impression it has something to do with a boat and miles and miles of endless water in the middle of nowhere.”
Someone knocked at the door. Cassidy turned and saw Del standing there with a wide grin on her face, and a new curly red wig atop her head.
Warmth spread through Cassidy at the sight.
Cassidy rushed toward the woman and wrapped her arms around her. Del’s doctor had approved her and her husband, Frank, to fly out to Lantern Beach for the ceremony.
“I’m so glad you made it,” Cassidy murmured in Del’s ear, still holding her close. “It means the world to us.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. Especially not for cancer. The disease has already stolen too much from me. No more.”
Cassidy pulled back, feeling the tears glistening in her eyes. “But you’re feeling okay?”
“It’s too soon to say for sure that I’ll be okay, but my doctor feels the prognosis is really good.”
“Nothing could make me happier.”
Del grinned—actually, she beamed. “You know what makes me happy? Seeing my boy happy. His father and I are over the moon. You’ll make the best daughter-in-law, Cassidy. In fact, could I just think of you as my daughter?”
“I’d love that.”
“Then it’s a done deal.” She stepped back, glancing at Lisa and Skye. “And you both look gorgeous as well.”
“Thank you,” Lisa and Skye said.
They wore pale yellow sundresses, a simple design they’d be able to wear again. There was no need to waste money on fancy dresses that would only be put into storage.
“Okay, I’ve got to get back out there,” Del said. “I just wanted to say hi.”
After she left, Cassidy glanced out the window of her cottage and smiled at the scene outside. There on the sand near the rolling waves of the mighty Atlantic were six rows of white chairs. Ty had built a driftwood pergola near the makeshift stage area, and Lisa and Skye had decorated it with lilies as well.
Carter Denver, the town’s local singer/songwriter, sat in a chair near the front with his guitar. Jack Wilson stood beneath the pergola. He was the new preacher in town, and a chaplain Ty had known while in the military.
All of Cassidy’s new friends were seated on the seats there. Friends from church. From around town.
Jimmy James had come, as well as Quinton, Wheezer, Ralph, and even the woman from the inn.
Cassidy’s friend Ernestine was here and sat beside Doc Clemson, the town’s doctor and medical examiner.
Ty’s friends Austin and Wes would be his groomsmen. They’d decided against formal attire, and all the guys wore khakis and white button-up shirts instead.
Kujo waited with a small bag attached to his collar. He was going to be their ring bearer.
After the ceremony, Lisa and her crew would cater the reception. She’d made all their favorite dishes, including grilled cheese with peaches, salt-and-vinegar potato chip cookies, and her newest favorite recipe: cheesesteak egg rolls.
“It’s time,” Lisa said, glancing at the clock on the wall. “Are you ready?”
Cassidy smiled. “I’ve been ready.”
“We could all see this coming from a mile away,” Skye said. “I’m really happy for you.”
They all stepped outside and took their places.
Just as Lisa started down the walkway, someone ran down the driveway.
Serena.
She was dressed like someone from Grease with an A-line skirt and some type of scarf tied over her hair. She squealed when she saw Cassidy and threw her arms around her.
“You came,” Cassidy said. “All the way from Michigan. I thought you had class.”
“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. And, girl, I’ve got more class than you can imagine.”
Cassidy chuckled. “You’ve got more character than anyone I know. But, really, I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Coming? I’m staying. I’m going to finish my classes online.”
“You’re staying here? In Lantern Beach?”
She nodded. “That’s right. And I’m buying Elsa from you.”
“My ice cream truck?” Cassidy hadn’t even put it up for sale—though it was a great idea.
“That’s okay, right? And I’m hoping Ty can reverse that little upgrade he did.”
“What upgrade?”
“You know, the one where he made sure music no longer randomly plays. Random songs are a big selling point. People on social media talk about Elsa all the time. She’s like the Lost Colony of Lantern Beach. We need a little mystery here.”
“I’ll let you talk to Ty about it later.”
“It’s a deal. Okay, I’ve got a ceremony to get to.”
As Carter started playing the wedding march, Cassidy joined Mac at the top of the sand dune. He kissed her cheek. “You look beautiful.”
“You’re just trying to make me blush.”
“I’m telling the truth,” he said, all glib gone. “You’re one special lady, Cassidy.”
She actually found herself blushing. “Thank you.”
“You ready to take over as police chief?”
That new development had been in the works this week. Mac didn’t want the position full time anymore, and he’d insisted that Cassidy should have it. Samuel had helped Cassidy obtain a false PI license.
After talking with the town leaders and explaining that she’d worked for a security firm in the past, they’d agreed to hire Cassidy. Cassidy had only agreed if Mac would stay on as a consultant.
She was going to start in two weeks—after her honeymoon was over. Ty hadn’t told her where they were going, and it didn’t matter to Cassidy. She just wanted to be with Ty. Now and forever.
Ty’s eyes took on a glow like Cassidy had never seen when he spotted her. Her heart felt as if she might burst with happiness.
Before she knew it, it was time for them to say their vows. Ty took Cassidy’s hands in his, and she felt them tremble just a bit.
“Cassidy, from the moment I saw you, I knew I’d never be the same.”
Cassidy smiled as she remembered their confrontation at a local store after he’d cut her off in traffic. It had been a rocky start, to say the least.
“I knew from the moment I met you that you were the girl for me. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since then. And I know I never want to lose you. I know life isn’t always going to be easy, but I know that it will always be better with you by my side.”
Tears sprang to her eyes.
She mouthed, “I love you.”
He kissed her hand. “I love you too.”
“Hey, you two,” Jack said. “No kissing yet. That’s not until the end.
All the guests laughed.
“Ty Chambers, as I’ve told you before, you’re my tender warrior.” Cassidy’s throat tightened at the words. “Anywhere I am with you feels like home. Being here with you in Lantern Beach made me realize what I was lacking in my life. It made me realize what’s important, and I’m thrilled to spend my life with you. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
They exchanged rings, and Ja
ck prayed over them and their marriage. As soon as Jack said amen, he flashed a wide grin at Cassidy and Ty. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Ty’s lips met hers, a wonderful promise of what was to come.
Cassidy had found the people she loved and the place where she belonged, and she couldn’t wait to make a life here on Lantern Beach. A real life. With Ty. As police chief.
You must first go through fire before you become beautiful.
Day-at-a-Glance wisdom.
And none was ever so true.
Sad to see the Lantern Beach mystery series come to an end?
There’s still more to come!
Introducing: Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense!
And later: Lantern Beach PD!
Also by Christy Barritt:
Other Books in the Lantern Beach Mystery Series:
Hidden Currents
You can take the detective out of the investigation, but you can't take the investigator out of the detective. A notorious gang puts a bounty on Detective Cady Matthews’s head after she takes down their leader, leaving her no choice but to hide until she can testify at trial. But her temporary home across the country on a remote North Carolina island isn’t as peaceful as she initially thinks. Living under the new identity of Cassidy Livingston, she struggles to keep her investigative skills tucked away, especially after a body washes ashore. When local police bungle the murder investigation, she can’t resist stepping in. But Cassidy is supposed to be keeping a low profile. One wrong move could lead to both her discovery and her demise. Can she bring justice to the island . . . or will the hidden currents surrounding her pull her under for good?
Flood Watch
The tide is high, and so is the danger on Lantern Beach. Still in hiding after infiltrating a dangerous gang, Cassidy Livingston just has to make it a few more months before she can testify at trial and resume her old life. But trouble keeps finding her, and Cassidy is pulled into a local investigation after a man mysteriously disappears from the island she now calls home. A recurring nightmare from her time undercover only muddies things, as does a visit from the parents of her handsome ex-Navy SEAL neighbor. When a friend's life is threatened, Cassidy must make choices that put her on the verge of blowing her cover. With a flood watch on her emotions and her life in a tangle, will Cassidy find the truth? Or will her past finally drown her?
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