Page 191 of Beneath the Blue Moon

“Your mother,” Casey says through her sobs.“She’s thereason I lost the only family I had left!”

I reach for her, and she shrugs me off, stepping away.

“Casey—”

“No!Don’t try to—”

She looks beyond me and freezes.I turn to see Helenadescending the steps.Returning my attention to Casey, I find her shaking withrage.

“How could you?Daddy… my babies, they were innocent!I didwhat you asked.I stayed away from him even though it killed me.But still…” Herknees give out, and I move to her side, catching her.She slides down my body,and I join her on the floor.“Maybe she was right.Maybe I can’t handle allthis.”

“Casey, don’t.”

“No, Ethan.What am I supposed to do about a mother-in-lawwho wants me dead?Everything we’ve been through….”

“All great loves are tested.Everything we’ve been throughjust shows how great our love is.”

“Or they’re signs that we shouldn’t be together, and we’rejust in denial.”

I cradle her face and force her to look into my eyes.“Ilove you… and no one is going to come between us.Understand?”She glancesnervously at my mother and then meets my eyes once more.“No one.”

***Casey***

I’m getting married.Tomorrow.Dear, sweet Jesus, I’mfinally going to be Mrs.Ethan McKenzie.I have to say, our wedding planner isawesome!She really pulled the whole thing together, and I can’t wait to seethe result.After trying on a million designer gowns that I hated, Madelainebroke down and showed me a dress by a local designer.I instantly fell in lovewith it.It’s the ultimate princess ball gown.The strapless, satin corset,complete with lace-up back is covered in crystals and beaded lace appliques.The same appliques dot the mass of tulle comprising the skirt.It has a chapeltrain, which makes it beautiful but not cumbersome.I can’t wait to walk downthe aisle in it.Ethan is going to flip when he sees me.

Maybe I should pay my future husband a visit.He’s beenworking too hard.Who works the day before their wedding?Ethan, that’s who.Ihave a picture on my phone I’ve been saving for an occasion just like this.Sandy’s taking a nap, so she won’t miss me.I reach for my phone and send him atext.

Casey: Wanna do lunch, Mr.McKenzie?

Ethan: Sure, Mrs.McKenzie.Where?

Casey: I’ll come to you.

Ethan: Ok.See you soon.

I grab my purse and head downstairs to find Brad.He’s mybabysitter today.

“Need to go somewhere?”he asks.

“Yup, to see my handsome fiancé.”He rolls his eyes as wehead to the door.“Man, I can’t wait for you and Sam to find your mates.I’mgoing to have a field day with the two of you.”

“I doubt we’ll be like you and Ethan.”

“Just wait and see.Take it from someone who knows.”

“I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.”

Right before I walk into the sheriff’s office, I send Ethanthe picture.It’s a result of a boring day at home alone when I set up thecamera and had myself a nude photo shoot.In this one, I’m on my hands andknees on the bed, facing away from the camera.My thighs are spread wide, assin the air, and my pussy is on display for him to see.I tell Brad to come backin a half hour and make my way inside.

Mary is not at her usual spot, but Charlie and Brick standas I enter.

“Hello, boys.You think you could give us a few minutes?Ineed to talk to him… in private.”

Charlie’s brows furrow.“You’re not calling off the wedding,are you?”

“Of course not.Don’t be silly.”

“Okay.We’ll make ourselves scarce.”