A Second Chance for Murder (22 page)

In a flash, it came to Thora that her future with Garren would be different from other married couples. Her husband may have resigned from the Royal Guardians, but the instincts of an investigator would always live in him. Only now there was a difference. He had her, and just like in the legend of amethyst, she would be at his side ready to assist him.

Lady Lauryn turned to Thora. “You certainly had excitement on your wedding day! My wedding will pale in comparison.”

Thora took Lauryn’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before leaning over to assure her. “It will be wonderful.”

Mason Greenstreet who had been on the other side of the garden, too far to have lent his aid to Garren and Thora, approached carrying a tray bearing a number of brandy-filled glasses. “Anyone in need of a drink? Something a bit stronger than champagne?”

While Lauryn and Lord Flemington declined, Garren, Thora and Nyle joined Mason in taking a glass.

Wearing a grin, Garren turned to Mason. “You carried that tray quite well, Mason. Seems you learned a few things from your last assignment.”

“Because it’s your wedding day, Huntscliff, I’m going to ignore that comment,” Mason snapped, giving Garren a sneer, but seeing a smile tugging at Thora’s lips he soon found himself chuckling.

“Where are you going for your honeymoon?” Lady Lauryn questioned.

“We haven’t really discussed it,” Thora returned.

“Where would you like to go, dear wife? Paris, Italy, Spain?” Garren asked.

Thora thought for a moment before replying. “I’ve never taken a sea voyage. I think I’d like to take a take a long, quiet, leisurely trip aboard a ship.”

Garren’s eyes lit and he slowly rubbed his jaw before saying, “An excellent idea, Thora. Perhaps we can take in some fishing.” Gazing down into sea-colored eyes sparkling up at him, he said, “Now about that Nottingham Reel . . .”

Before he finished, Thora gave him a sly glance. “You might have won me, my lord, but you’ll still have to compete for the reel.”

“What do you have in mind, darling?” Garren queried, holding her close while the others around them snickered.

Thora’s face heated, then, as she looked deep into her husband’s eyes, everything and everyone melted away. She gave him a seductive smile and whispered, “You once told me that you’re very good at catching what you go after. Tonight I think I’ll let you prove it.”

Thora saw a smile dance on Garren’s lips, a smile that left her with little doubt that the Nottingham Reel would soon be his.