He gave a nod. “May I please have the rings.”
Miguel and Rose stepped forward and handed over the two gold bands.
“These rings are circles made of precious gold, representing the preciousness of your unending love. It is the seal of the vows you just made to each other.” He handed the smaller one to Pete.
Zoe offered her left hand.
Pete inhaled and slid the band on her finger. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment and undying love.”
Zoe accepted the larger band from the minister and repeated the pledge.
The minister took their hands in his. “Pete and Zoe, you have come to this place today of your own free will and have declared your love and commitment to each other in front of these witnesses. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He winked at Pete. “Chief Adams, you may kiss your bride.”
Zoe stood alone at the rear of the church’s social hall watching her guests finishing their slices of cake. The structured part of the day was over. Allison had caught the bouquet, much to Rose’s dismay. Kevin had come up with the garter. The traditional cookie table looked like starving vultures had attacked it, and the cake had been cut.
Most of the reception would be repeated in Florida next week, except with Kimberly running things, it would be much grander than a Ladies Aide luncheon in a church basement. And there would be no cookie table.
“Are you okay?”
Zoe turned to a concerned Rose. “I’m terrific. Just…drained.”
“I hear ya.” Rose had married Miguel last summer in an even smaller outdoor wedding. “There’s all this buildup to the big moment and then bam. It’s over.”
Zoe brought her gaze back to the folks seated in the hall. “Nope. It’s beginning.”
“That too.” Rose bumped Zoe’s shoulder. “What’s this I hear about you getting a big inheritance?”
Zoe snorted. “Maybe. Maybe not.” Franklin’s bequest promised to be tied up in litigation for the foreseeable future. His attorney assured Paulette and Zoe that, in time, they’d win the case, especially since he had personally drawn up the document and could attest to its legitimacy. Loretta, however, wasn’t giving up the financial windfall without a fight.
“I hope it works out,” Rose said. “You could use the money to finish fixing up your house.”
“Truth.”
Zoe spotted Pete, two cups of coffee in hand, heading their way.
“Hey.” Rose wrapped Zoe in a hug. “I’m really happy for you two. Love you, my friend.”
“Love you too.”
Rose walked away, pausing in front of Pete. “You better take care of her or I’ll kick your ass.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Pete closed the distance to Zoe and handed her one of the cups. She thanked him and took a sip.
“I want you wide awake for tonight,” he whispered, an impish twinkle in his clear blue eyes.
“I dunno,” she teased. “We have an early flight tomorrow. And with our luck, someone will get murdered tonight and we’ll both have to respond to the crime scene.”
“No way.” He shook his head adamantly. “Seth is officially in charge of Vance Township’s Police Department. And your new chief deputy coroner is gleefully running your office for you.”
She groaned. “Don’t remind me.” But she had to admit, for the next ten days, she was glad to have someone—even if it was Dr. Charles Davis—to hand the job over to. It was the day she returned that concerned her.
That, however, was eleven days away. For now, she was a newlywed with a handsome husband and their whole life together ahead of her. She had her stepdad back and a brother she was eager to get to know.
Zoe set down the coffee, slipped into Pete’s embrace, and sighed. “I’ve always heard that your wedding day is the happiest day of your life.”
He shook his head. “No.” He looked down at her with his crooked smile. “Every day we wake up in each other’s arms will be the happiest day.”
“I like that.” She smiled back. “I like that a lot.”
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Annette Dashofy has spent her entire life in rural Pennsylvania surrounded by cattle and horses. When she wasn’t roaming the family’s farm or playing in the barn, she could be found reading or writing. After high school, she spent five years as an EMT on the local ambulance service, dealing with everything from drunks passing out on the sidewalk to mangled bodies in car accidents. These days, she, her husband, and their spoiled cat, Kensi, live on property that was once part of her grandfather’s dairy.
Books in the Zoe Chambers Mystery Series
by Annette Dashofy
CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE (#1)
LOST LEGACY (#2)
BRIDGES BURNED (#3)
WITH A VENGEANCE (#4)
NO WAY HOME (#5)
UNEASY PREY (#6)
CRY WOLF (#7)
FAIR GAME (#8)
UNDER THE RADAR (#9)
TIL DEATH (#10)
Henery Press Mystery Books
And finally, before you go...
Here are a few other mysteries
you might enjoy:
BOARD STIFF
Kendel Lynn
An Elliott Lisbon Mystery (#1)
As director of the Ballantyne Foundation on Sea Pine Island, SC, Elliott Lisbon scratches her detective itch by performing discreet inquiries for Foundation donors. Usually nothing more serious than retrieving a pilfered Pomeranian. Until Jane Hatting, Ballantyne board chair, is accused of murder. The Ballantyne’s reputation tanks, Jane’s headed to a jail cell, and Elliott’s sexy ex is the new lieutenant in town.
Armed with moxie and her Mini Coop, Elliott uncovers a trail of blackmail schemes, gambling
