Page 32 of A Jingle of Justice

“He can?” My gaze swung from him, to Wanda, to Fiona, and back to him. “You can?”

“There she is.” Dad pointed in Fiona’s direction.

Was he kidding? To test him, I said, “Orange wings?”

“More like gossamer, and her dress is blue.”

Tears misted my eyes. He could see fairies and he was going to marry a wonderful woman. Hooray! I rushed to him and embraced him. “I’m so happy for you. Mom would be, too.” I pulled away, horror-struck with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, Wanda. The sentiment popped out.”

She swatted the air. “Not to worry. Having a true love is a blessing. I never want your father to forget your mother. I only hope to make him as happy. And now that we can both see the magical creatures who dwell in Carmel . . .” She batted her eyelashes at my father.

“We will be happy.” He bussed her cheek and gave her an affectionate squeeze.

“What’s with all the partying?” Brady swaggered through the door and closed it with a clack. “Are you serving hot spiced tea or something? If so, I’d like a cup.”

I rushed to him and clasped his hand. “Dad has . . . I’ll let him tell you.”

My father’s cheeks bloomed pink. Was he embarrassed to admit his newfound gift? He swallowed hard, squared his shoulders, and in a very gruff voice said, “I can see fairies.”

Wanda clapped him on the back. “There, macho man. Was that so hard to utter aloud to a person of the male persuasion?”

Brady released me and shook my father’s hand. “Congratulations. I’m hoping to see one myself someday.”

“You are?”

“I believe. I just can’t see. Soon.” He winked over his shoulder at me. “In the meantime, Courtney, I came to ask you a question.”

I joined him. “What’s up?”

He worked his tongue around his mouth as if he’d suddenly gone dry. His eyes misted over. With anxiety? “This is not an official proposal, Courtney, but it is an offer.”

“An offer?” I tilted my head.

“To begin talking about our future. In very serious terms.”

“How serious?” I tamped down a grin.

“I think we should shop for an engagement ring. Are you game?”

I threw my arms around him. “Yes.”

Dad and Wanda whooped. Fiona soared around the shop cheering.

As for me? I felt as grounded as I ever had. The love of my life was my best friend, and soon we might make a commitment to be together forever. How lucky could one girl get?

EPILOGUE

A weeklater Idris revealed to the police via her attorney that she had hidden the treasure—silver coins valued at fifty thousand dollars—in a suitcase in her closet. Reddick invited me to accompany him to recover it. Together we delivered the money to Logan Langford. To his credit, Logan then donated all of it to the Pedaling Pioneers Ride for the Children Charity, which supplied toys to needy children. I was pretty sure there would be some very happy faces this holiday season.