“Found your brother babysitting the inheritance they planned to swindle. Never could understand people who put money before family,” Doug said.
Melanie stroked his arm. “Oh, Drew – you’re going to serve time for this. I don’t understand. You have plenty of money, and Chelsea’s not worth going to jail for.”
“I did it to protect her. She can so gullible and Alexander was just using her. I wouldn’t have let them hurt Chrissy – her sister would never forgive me. She’s really not the rock she pretends to be.”
“I recognized that,” Melanie said.
“But I love her, Mel. I got in too deep trying to shield her. Before I realized how far I’d crossed the line, you were kidnapped and nearly killed. At the onset, I had no idea how far these guys were willing to go. I’m so sorry.” Drew straightened and inhaled deeply. “My mess, little sister, and I’ll pay the price.” He attempted to lighten the mood. “You never made it to the Caribbean, I see?”
“Not a chance,” said Melanie. “Detective work is in my blood.”
“Guess I won’t be here for the wedding,” Drew said.
“What wedding?”
“One look at Trevor Knight and his willingness to protect his new girl tells the story. You two aren’t getting any younger. Maybe you can video it for me, huh?”
Melanie turned every shade of red but when she glanced back at Trevor, she saw the relief in his face that she was safe. The tiniest of grins worked at the corner of his lips and she knew, despite the horror of the night, the question was in the air. Would she say yes? Did she want to marry him? You bet she would.
Contentment, wherever life finds you, is key to success, and in the quietness of it, God unfolds a rich satisfying life.
Epilogue
It was in the spring of the following year when the judge pronounced his final sentencing to the kidnappers, murderers, thieves, and drug dealers.
Melanie and Trevor left the courtroom together.
“Are you all right?” Trevor asked.
“Yes. Justice is served. We can’t ask for more.”
“Would you like to join me for a scrumptious peach cobbler at Bessie’s Diner? She makes the best in all of Georgia.”
“And you’ve tasted peaches everywhere in Georgia?” Mel asked.
“My business gets me around.”
“If she warms it up and adds a scoop of ice cream – dripping the flavor of French vanilla all over it – then you have yourself a date.”
After they settled across from one another at an outside café table, and placed their order with the waitress, Trevor spoke. “Are you enjoying living back at the Baxter Estate with your father?”
“Enjoying is a debatable description. Father and I are reconciling and slowly accepting one another’s dreams and lifestyle. He didn’t do anything to my mother that she didn’t welcome or allow, so I have jumped off the suicide bandwagon and moved on. His heart grieves for Drew, so we have that in common.”
“But I did produce enough doubt with the jury to lead to a lighter sentence,” Trevor said.
“You did an excellent job. Thank you. Should I expect your bill in the mail, or is this one of your freebies?” she asked playfully.
“This will not be counted as a debt between us, my dear.” That mischievous sparkle came into his eyes again. “Although you are filthy rich and can afford my services.” He chuckled when she waved the diamond ring under his nose. “Ah, yes. Consider it one of your wedding presents from your soon-to-be husband.”
“I’ve lost count of your gifts to the bride.” She reached for his hand inched and grinned. “Whatever shall I give the groom in return?”
“Your presence is all the present I require,” he said. “And don’t leave me standing at the altar for all of Georgia to see.”
“Aha, is that a bit of pride I hear?”
“Possibly. And one more thing.”
“The list is growing.” The waitress set two mountains of dessert in front of the couple. “Oh, my. This is huge,” Melanie exclaimed.
“And delicious.” Trevor took his first bite. “Try it.”
She took a spoonful of the peach-fest he’d ordered and smiled. “Mmm…very good.”
His eyes clouded over with a love-mist that she was beginning to recognize as the onset of their relationship deepening into another level. Suddenly serious, he continued with his list. “The other thing I eluded to is that when you pledge your love to me, let it be for the rest of our lives. That is worth more than all the gold we own together, including what the bad guys didn’t get.”
She squeezed his hand. “Forever together, my love.” She scooped another bit of peach cobbler and held it high in the air. “If you keep feeding me like this, Mr. Knight, I won’t be able to fit into my wedding dress.”
“Ah, yes – the dress,” he smiled. “I don’t care what you wear. It’s enough that you will soon be all mine,” he said, his boyish grin playing with her heart. “Never suspected the Good Lord had such a fine woman as yourself included in His plans for me. You are well worth the wait.”
“If he hadn’t taught me the value of being content in all things, I probably would have fouled His game plan and doomed you to another year of lonesome bachelorhood.”
“Yes – a double victory indeed.” Trevor settled back in his chair. It’s nice to have Chrissy settled in her own place just down the street from us. And starting the Georgia School of Medicine was a bonus,” Trevor said.
“She is starting to find good places to use that money she so hated before,” Melanie said. “I am thrilled she is moving on. Climbing the ladder in the medical field is her calling, and Chrissy will
