Chapter 16

Hours later, Jane, along with the members of Team Truth and a handful of others sat at her dining room table, talking and laughing, with a feast spread out before them. Fried chicken, collard greens, fried okra, toasted pimento sandwiches, BBQ short ribs and desserts. For such a special occasion as this, Fiona had even prepared the cream of the crop. Blueberry pancakes.

Wyatt and Susan had come. Raymond Moore, Holden and Lucy, too. Donnie stayed for a bit before taking off. With the case solved, the delusional Christopher locked behind bars, and the pure gold ending to Jane's book settled—the ex did it, of course—she enjoyed the camaraderie. The group was only missing Conrad. He'd texted a short while ago to inform them Cartier had been found in Christopher's shed at home, alive and well. That news had erased all tension from Lucy, who remained by Holden's side, the two whispering and smiling at each other. It was safe to say they'd patched things up.

"I'm still in shock," Fiona said, passing the warm maple syrup June's way. "Christopher Wellington, Jane's ex-boyfriend, a murderer. I never suspected."

Jane's sister accepted the offering, but she didn't dive into her pancakes like any sane person would. Rather, she remained focused on the banana pudding, as if she'd never tasted anything better. Tiffany snatched the syrup and drowned her cakes before shoveling bite after bite into her mouth. She excelled in table manners until Fiona's specialty was available.

"I know," Jane said. "I really let the team down with this case. Though, yes, I did execute the most sublime sting operation in history probably. However, I failed to peg Christopher as a monster right from the start." Perhaps it was time to hang up her investigator hat?

Beau forked a bite of his greens. "I never trusted him." The darling man had fixed Jane's phone, ensuring any trackers were disabled.

Isaac and Holden threw pieces of bread at Beau while booing.

"You were snowed, too," Trick retorted. "Admit it."

The front door opened and closed, saving Beau from having to reply. Jane's heart skipped a beat as familiar footsteps reached her ears. In seconds, Conrad strode through the opening. He looked tired, and his hair and clothes were disheveled, but relief and satisfaction tinged his features.

She jumped to her feet and rushed to hug him. They held each other tight for several long beats. She breathed in his delicious scent. Dry cedar and refined spices. Something she'd loved about him from the beginning.

"It's over," he breathed out. "We discovered multiple drafts for Grave Actually in Wellington's home. He tried out numerous scenarios and used the game of Clue as a blueprint."

"I knew it," she replied. Perhaps she shouldn't hang up her investigator hat, after all.

But. By going undercover as an author, she'd developed a love of writing. And, while on the case, she'd discovered a desire to help Conrad at the office. Perhaps she could do both, one fodder for the other. Plus, "number one worldwide mega best-selling author" did have a nice ring to it.

Should she stick with Jane Ladling—or rather, Jane Ryan—or go with a pseudonym? Dilla Jangen, perhaps? The moniker had come to her in a dream, and for some reason, she adored it. If not a pseudonym, maybe she should change the name of the hotshot detective in her manuscript. Well, she'd go with whatever her agent suggested. When she acquired an agent, of course.

"He had different weapons ready to go," Conrad said. "According to his final chapter, I was dying by revolver, and you were supposed to pull the trigger and bury my body at the Garden so the two of you could travel the world and live happily ever after."

Her eyes widened. She shook her head. "So delusional."

Murmurs of agreement rose from the audience.

Jane led Conrad to the empty spot she'd vacated. "You sit right there, and I'll prepare you a plate." Isaac carried a chair over and placed it next to the lawman, allowing Jane to sit by her man after heaping a dish high with food.

Beau's watch buzzed. He looked at the face and frowned. "And there's another one. I've already kicked two lookie-lous off the grounds."

"I predict tourists will arrive in droves when my book is published, and the movie is made," she said. "No more financial problems for the Garden. I'll finally be able to pay Peach State Security in cash instead of casseroles. Also, consider taking Donnie Eggerson under your wing. He needs some lessons in social etiquette, but other than that, he strikes me as a fine young man eager to forge new friendships."

Beau, Trick, Holden and Isaac gaped at her.

"Are you threatening to withhold our casseroles?" Beau demanded.

"Not if you take Donnie Eggerson under your wing." Jane blew him a kiss, certain she'd get her way, and lifted her glass of orange juice in toast. "To all of us for a job well done. We didn't simply survive, we thrived."

Everyone toasted with her. As Conrad chatted with the guests, growing more and more at ease, as if shedding the tension caused by his profession, she fell more and more in love with him.

He was just so wonderful. Always he made her feel special. He considered her feelings, took Herculean efforts to ensure her comfort and safety. Worked to show how much he treasured and valued her thoughts and opinions. Not once had he lied to her or killed someone to impress her.

He was amazing in every way.

"I want to marry you this weekend," she blurted out, the words escaping without thought.

The entire room went quiet, and all eyes swung to Jane. The corners of Conrad's mouth twitched. Was he fighting a smile?

"Okay, so, that isn't the reaction I expected tonight," he said, and yes, he smiled. "Though with you, I should always expect the unexpected."

"But do you want to?" She nibbled on her bottom lip. "Marry me this weekend, I mean? You and me, here, pledging to adore each other in front of our closest friends, finally making Rolex and Cheddar the fur-brothers they've longed to be?"

His smile turned softer than silk. "There's nothing I'd rather do."

Joy erupted inside her just as chatter burst out amongst the guests. "Well, then. There's much to do."

"Why don't I make a list?" Fiona suggested. "We can check things off one by one."

"You need thank you cards. And flowers," Tiffany said. "I'll take care of it."

"I still have connections," Raymond chimed in, "so I can help expedite the marriage license."

"I don't know whether I should be insulted right now or not," Fiona muttered, and the former sheriff nudged her shoulder with his own.

"Someone has never asked me to marry her," Raymond quipped. Fiona humphed, but pleasure tinged her eyes.

Conrad held Jane's gaze. "Think about giving yourself another week or two to work through your thoughts and figure out where we're going to live?"

Wait. "Are you getting cold feet?"

"No. My feet are hot." He chuckled a little. "I'd marry you right now if I could. I just don't want you stressed about it."

"Well, I'm sure. And this isn't stress. It's joy with an edge." She'd almost lost him during this case. Why waste another moment? "Also, I know where we're living." Suddenly the answer was so clear. She'd spent her life in this cemetery and ultimately became its sole protector. But she wasn't the Garden's only source of love now. Tiffany and June were here. "We'll stay in the bungalow, and Tiff and June will take over maintenance here."

She and Conrad had picked that adorable bungalow together. It was theirs, not just hers, not just his. The perfect place for a fresh start. She didn't have to live here to be a part of the Garden; she took it with her everywhere she went.

He planted the sweetest kiss onto her lips. "Then we marry this weekend, and you make me the happiest man on the planet."

Cheers rang out until Fiona clapped to gain everyone's attention. "All right, people. We have a lot of work to do and not much time to do it. Let's get started."

* * *

"You are exquisite," June said. She looked exquisite herself in a blush, tea-length lace dress with a sweetheart neckline that had come straight from Grandma Lily's closet.

"The most beautiful bride I've ever seen, and that's saying something since I've seen myself," Tiffany told Jane, pressing a hand over her heart. Tiffany, too, exuded beauty. A timeless sleeveless gown in midnight complimented her elegant frame.

"Conrad will tear up when he sees you, and I am here for it." Beau grinned at her. The handsome war vet had worn some wild getups for her. Everything from her Pops's short shorts straight from the 1970s to a too tight leisure suit. But he took her breath away in a formal tuxedo that fit him to perfection.

Surrounded by her trio of bridesmaids, Jane beamed. Fiona had altered Grandma Lily's own wedding dress, ensuring it fit Jane like a glove. The knee-length confection of light and floaty fabric with dotted, sheer lace above the bodice ended with a demure boat neckline. Atop her head rested the most perfect pillbox hat with netting. Dainty peep-toe heels completed her look. Rolex wore a beautiful bow tie. He wasn't fond of his leash, but he still rubbed against her legs.

Fiona joined them inside the mausoleum, where Jane had chosen to get ready. And how fitting. Before Conrad, her heart was nothing but withered remains. With Conrad, she had new life.

"It's time, hon." Fiona handed Jane a beautiful bouquet of pink roses and matching ribbon, symbolizing joy and happiness.

Jane's heart fluttered, and her stomach churned with nerves. Gah! This was her wedding day!

Suck it, curse!

One by one, her bridesmaids hugged her before leaving the structure to walk down a makeshift aisle created with a row of flowery arches. Soft music wafted through the air, played by Lucy, who'd had piano lessons as a child.

Finally, it was Fiona and Jane's turn. "I know your Grandma Lily and Pops are smiling down on you right now, proud of how much you've grown and all you've overcome."

Jane squeezed her hand. "You have helped me every step of the way, and I will be forever grateful."

"Just make lots of babies, and we'll call it even."

What! She nearly choked on her tongue as her beloved Fiona chuckled. Babies. Cherished additions to her family. Children who would forever know how much Mommy and Daddy loved them. Longing threatened to overwhelm Jane.

"Any fears we need to kill before we head out there?" her friend asked.

"No. I'm good." And she was. Truly. The churning was already fading. Had the curse attempted to invade her mind today? Yes. Oh, yes. But it was no match for her joy.

"Then let's go make you Mrs. Jane Ryan." Fiona linked their arms and led her into the sunlight. Her future awaited her in the gathering area. They walked along the cobblestone path amongst her beloved trees and manicured hedgerow. Wildflowers popped up here and there and big white bows adorned the tree trunks lining the way. Birdsong added to Lucy's playing.

Only their closest friends and family were invited, and everyone had a job. Wyatt, Susan, and Conrad's former partner at GBH, Georgia Bureau of Homicide, Tim Barrow acted as groomsmen. Holden guarded the food from insects, and a perfectly recovered Cartier sat at Lucy's feet, resplendent in a tiny white dress, watching to ensure Rolex behaved. Isaac, it turned out, was ordained. He stood with Conrad at the end of the aisle.

Jane's breath caught. Conrad held Cheddar's leash, and he looked magnificent. Like Rolex, the pup wore a bow tie. But back to Conrad. He wowed! He, too, wore a tux, though he'd added a vest and his boutonniere was a pink rose, matching Jane's bouquet. His customary Rolex watch hugged his wrist.

Jane's chest squeezed as their gazes locked. Adoration glowed in his amber eyes.

Fiona offered Jane's hand to Conrad, and he accepted, drawing his soon-to-be wife closer. She peered up at him, and he peered down at her. Here he was, the love of her life. The man who'd had little joy in his life until he'd met Jane. He considered her a slice of Heaven on Earth. She considered him the soothing balm she hadn't known she'd needed. He'd fought a dragon of a curse with every ounce of his being to prove she was worth any hardship. He enjoyed her quirks while she made him feel as if he were part of a family again. They were imperfectly perfect together.

Isaac began. "Dearly beloved…"

But honestly, she didn't hear him, her attention riveted on her soon-to-be husband.

"I love you," Conrad rasped. "So much."

"I love you, too."

"I expect casseroles. Daily."

"And I expect to be hired as your assistant," she said. "Co-sheriff has a nice ring to it."

The audience laughed.

"I guess we're gonna get to the vows now?" Isaac asked, earning snickers from everyone. "All right. Go for it. Jane, you first."

As her joy overflowed, she told Conrad, "I fell for you at first sight. And first sniff. Then you suspected me of murder, and I knew deep down I had to have you." Chuckles swept through the onlookers. "You are strong. Loyal. Smart. Brilliant, really. And brave. So brave. You have loved my fur-son as if he were your own. And you trusted an offbeat cemetery girl with your battered heart. I like to think I've taken good care of it. But I promise you this. I will cherish your gift for the rest of my life. I give you all that I am, all that I have, and all that I will be."

A slow grin bloomed on Conrad's face. He cupped her cheeks and stepped closer to her. "Before I met you, I knew nothing of peace. Then our eyes locked, and I've burned without cease."

Her breath caught. "Am I about to get a love poem?"

His irises literally twinkled. "You broke through my walls and shredded my control, but with your sweetness and wit, you quickly made my heart whole. Here, now, in front of our friends, allow me to tell you how our story ends. We'll be together today and forever. But live without you once again? No. Never."

Tears welled in her eyes, and a lump grew in her throat. Had lovelier words ever been spoken? "We're both best sellers in the making, and I've never been so happy."

With the tenderest of strokes, Conrad wiped the moisture from her cheeks.

"Rings," Isaac shouted, as if he'd just remembered.

Right. Conrad dug a band from his pocket, and Jane collected the one Beau stretched her way. They exchanged rings, each fitting it on the other's finger. Before Isaac could tell them to kiss, Conrad cupped her face again and pressed his lips to hers. She wound her arms around him and melted.

"Ladies and gentleman," Isaac called, "I present to you Conrad and Jane Ryan."

Applause rang out, and the kiss ended. Jane laughed as Conrad swung her around.

Life was good. She had a feeling it was only going to get better.