Deadly Neighbors (21 page)

Chapter Forty

The wedding march played over the stereo speakers set up in the back yard. With a deep breath, I smoothed the skirt of the
embroidered floral dress I wore then stepped into the early evening light. Crickets sang while bull frogs provided the bass. We’d never taken down the decorations from Mom’s party and twinkling lights gave a cheery glow to the faces of wedding guests. A light breeze stirred my curls.

Lindsey followed, the hem of her skirt rasping against the pebble walkway.
She hadn’t even balked at wearing a gown. Dressed in a summer suit of baby blue, Mom beamed at me when I glanced at her over my shoulder. I told her she looked beautiful. Her happiness almost made me forget the twinge still left in my thigh from Stephanie’s bullet. I took another step and focused on Duane’s face.

H
e and Leroy waited beneath a rose threaded arch. Leroy’s ruddy face glowed brighter then the moon that would rise later that night. I couldn’t think of a better man for a stepfather or a grandfather to my daughter.

Duane had said yes to my hospital proposal. All we needed now was a date. Mom had suggested we have a double wedding, but I’d said no, not wanting to infringe on her day. She deserved it
, and I wanted time to revel in the fact I’d be marrying the man of my dreams.

I took my position across from Duane. He mouthed, “I love you.” My face heated and I glanced heavenward. What a gift I’d been given.

Mom took her place beside Leroy and handed me her bouquet.

“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here together to join
Leroy Bohan and Gertie Calloway in holy matrimony.”

I lifted a hand to wipe away my happy tears
and met Duane’s gaze across the rose petal strewn aisle runner.

About Spyglass Lane

Spyglass Lane Mysteries is a collection of Christian cozy mysteries—modern-day whodunnits with colorful characters and plenty of wholesome romance.

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Other mysteries by Cynthia Hickey can be found at
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