Page 32

Perry

“Is the blindfold really necessary?” That was the third time I’d directly asked that question. I’d lost count of my indirect queries.

“We’re almost there.” That was the second time Gayle ignored me.

“I think you said that ten minutes ago,” I grumbled.

“Stop being so cranky. It’s your wedding day.”

“I’m not cranky. I’m frustrated. There’s a difference.”

“Not when you whine like a toddler.” Despite her words, Gayle’s tone remained light and teasing. She’d shown up at Nate’s house—our home, now—with a bounce in her step and a grin scrunching her eyes.

“This is so exciting,” Tiffany said from the backseat. Gayle and Tiffany still roomed together. Tiffany was Gayle’s plus one, not that they were together that way . From what I understood, Tiffany was still swearing off men after Keith’s wandering ways and ensuing murder. As for Gayle…she seemed content remaining a table of one with the occasional friendly dining companion. As long as Gayle was happy, that’s all I cared about.

“And romantic,” Tiffany added with a sigh. She was sitting in the passenger’s seat while I was crammed into the back of Gayle’s car. My tux would probably have wrinkles by the time we exited, not that it mattered much. All I cared about was getting hitched today. That was all I’d ever cared about, which was why I’d happily left all the planning up to Nate. My fiancé, soon-to-be husband, had proven time and again that he was a master when it came to pleasant surprises.

“It’s also been a bitch to keep quiet,” Gayle answered as I felt the car turn another corner. With all the stop-and-go driving she was doing, I figured we were downtown somewhere.

“Hey,” I said, defending myself. “I didn’t bug you.”

“True that,” Gayle agreed. “I’m saying that it was hard for me, personally, to keep my mouth shut. You don’t know how many times I’ve wanted to tell you what Nate has planned, just because I’m excited.”

Tiffany giggled. “She’s right. I had to talk her off the ledge half a dozen times.”

I was glad Tiffany was coming to the wedding. While I didn’t personally know her well, I felt like we were old friends from all the stories Gayle told me. Tiffany was a lot happier person now than she’d been nine months ago.

“The weather’s perfect,” Gayle said in between humming the lyrics of the song that was playing.

“Does that mean we’re going to be outside?” I asked.

“It just means it’s a nice day,” Gayle teased.

I gave a heavy sigh but was secretly glad for the blindfold. It would have been that or my dark sunglasses. The late-September sun was still bright when we left the house. And Gayle was right; the weather was absolutely perfect. If it weren’t for winter’s follow-up to fall, September would be my favorite month of the year.

Gayle’s car slowed even further, coming to a complete stop. “We’re here.”

“Thank God,” I whispered. I thought I’d feel nervous, but I didn’t, not really. Excited, a little anxious, and a lot blissed out and happy— those were the emotions fluttering around in my belly. My feet were as far from cold as could be, and my heart felt full to bursting. My only regret was that Delia wouldn’t be here. She would have been dressed to gorgeous perfection with a grin to match Gayle’s pushing up her cheeks.

“Stay there,” Gayle ordered before I heard the opening and shutting of the driver’s side door, followed by the passenger’s side door. I felt the breeze on my shoulder when Gayle opened my door. Her fingers wrapped around my bicep and guided me out.

“Can I take this off yet?”

“Nope,” Gayle answered while tugging me after her. “Nate’s rules, not mine.”

Tiffany’s heels clacked to my right while Gayle’s sang to my left. A beautiful woman on each side would be most men’s dream. But while I could appreciate Gayle and Tiffany’s physical beauty, I found the core inside much more attractive.

Cool, dry air hit my face, and the sounds of the outside were shuttered as we stepped into what felt like a cavernous room. Our footsteps were quieted by a layer of carpet that softened our strides.

I could hear music playing, the sound muffled. Murmured voices could also be heard.

“I’ll go let Nate know we’re here,” Tiffany said. The music and voices momentarily increased before shuttering again. Even blindfolded, I knew Gayle and I were alone.

Gayle’s hand remained on my arm, a steadying presence. “Thank you for doing this,” I said.

“Of course.” Gayle answered like there had never been a question where she’d be on my wedding day.

“You know, after the accident”—I still had a hard time calling it an attack—“I didn’t think this would be possible.”

“Getting married?”

“Getting married, living a normal life, leaving the house again, and feeling safe—all of it.” I’d laid there in that hospital bed wishing I’d never woken up from my coma, wondering what kind of life was waiting for me outside that bed.

“Like I would have allowed you to wallow,” Gayle quipped. My best friend had always gone with the theory that the best defense was a good offense. When I’d first woken, neither one of us knew if I’d ever walk well again, if the seizures plaguing my brain would lessen, or if I’d be able to live independently. I credited the woman standing by my side for my recovery as much as myself. I had no idea where I’d be without Gayle.

Well, that was actually easy. I’d be dead. Gayle was the one who’d run for help. She was the single friend who hadn’t abandoned me that night. There were a lot of accolades to go around, too many professionals to count who’d contributed to saving my life. But all that gratitude started with Gayle Ridley.

The music changed, its rhythm softer. The human murmuring lessened, leaving only the cadence of musical sound.

“Sounds like it’s almost time,” Gayle said. “Are you ready?”

“So ready.” It was one of the easiest questions I’d ever answered.

“He’s the one, isn’t he?” Gayle asked.

“The only one.” I was wrong. That was the easiest question I’d ever answered.

I jerked with surprise when Gayle’s lips pressed against my cheek. They were much softer than Nate’s, and I loved them for a completely different reason. “I can’t tell you how happy I am for you, Perry. Nate’s a good man. I couldn’t give you away to anyone worthier.”

I sucked in a sharp breath. Gayle’s fingers intertwined with mine, squeezing tight before letting go and looping through my elbow. I’d chosen Gayle to walk me down the aisle. She would also stand beside me at the altar.

“Come on, handsome. Let’s go meet your Prince Charming.” Gayle tugged me forward and I heard the sound of what felt like a larger door open. The music gained strength as we walked forward, and the door closed behind us. “You can take off the blindfold now,” Gayle said.

My blindfold was actually a sleeping mask with loops that went around my ears. Gayle had gotten it specially made so it wouldn’t mess up my hair. Frankly, I wasn’t sure how anyone could tell what my messy locks were supposed to be doing. Regardless, I slipped the mask from my eyes.

Habitually, I kept my lids squinted, afraid the overhead lighting might be too much. I should have known better. My mouth dropped open as my head twisted this way and that, arching back on my neck and lovingly gazing at the points of light covering the ceiling.

“The planetarium.” Those two words were hushed with the awe I felt. My sight grew sharper as tears filled my eyes. “We’re getting married at the planetarium.” God, could this be any more perfect?

A tear slid down my cheek as I brought my gaze back to the man standing a few feet away. Nate’s loving grin and smiling eyes stared back at me. He looked amazing in his black tux. He’d look even more amazing out of it later tonight.

Nat stood beside him, her navy blue wrap dress highlighting the beautiful woman beneath. Nate’s partner looked nearly as happy as him. It was difficult to take my eyes off Nate, but a quick scan of the area indicated a room filled with our friends who were more like family.

Gayle didn’t say a word. She simply gave a gentle tug, and we were on our way. When we reached Nate, Gayle lifted my hand and placed it in Nate’s. Going up on tiptoes, Gayle kissed Nate’s cheek. With her fingers gripping his ear, she kept him leaning forward and whispered “You hurt him, and Nat will have to arrest me. Clear?”

“Crystal,” Nate answered through a grunt of pain. “Can I have my ear back now?”

Gayle let him go, patting the offended ear before stepping back to my side and slightly behind me.

“I can’t believe you did all this,” I said.

“You like?”

“I love.”

A deep, clearing throat drew my attention, and I did a double take when I saw Captain Gerald Barrington standing before us. Leaning forward, he said, “Don’t worry, I’ve got my official license and everything. Your marriage will be legal.”

Over my initial shock, I answered, “I would expect nothing less of a police captain.”

Barrington winked before turning serious. Shoulders back and standing at full height, Barrington started the ceremony. “Ladies, gentlemen, and nonbinary, thank you for joining us today on this happy occasion. We are here to…”

“ O h my God, this is delicious.” I shoved another brownie in my mouth and hummed in appreciation. “Russ is a genius.” Nat’s husband Russ had catered the wedding. I knew he could cook. I had no idea he could bake too. Our wedding cake was several layers of chocolate brownies. It was divine. “I need to thank him personally.”

“You’ll get your chance, but maybe wait until he and Nat are done corralling their kiddos.”

I wasn’t the only one thrilled with the venue. Nat’s kids had gotten access to the planetarium controls, and we’d been treated with a shifting array of programs over the last five to ten minutes. We were currently back to a star-studded array of the horoscope constellations.

“I have no idea how you pulled this off or what strings you had to pull,” I said while leaning against Nate’s chest. I now had a second band complimenting the engagement ring Nate had given me the day of the solar eclipse last April. That day seemed like yesterday, and yet far away at the same time.

“I had some help,” Nate answered but didn’t elaborate. “In the end, it was easy and far less expensive than the other venues.”

“More fun also,” I ventured. “I can’t imagine anyone here has been to a wedding and reception venue like this before.” The ceremony and reception were in the same area. Tables had been set up along the walls with food and drink. People had to eat with their plates on their laps, but Russ hadn’t made anything too drippy.

“I thought about including Starbuck and Apollo. I could have gotten one of those strollers where they were enclosed. But I thought it might stress them out too much and that, ultimately, we’d pay for it later.”

“You’re not wrong.” I relaxed into Nate, using his larger bulk to keep me upright. Nate’s knee had healed remarkably well, especially considering he hadn’t exactly followed his surgeon’s orders. It was difficult keeping a man like Nate Harmon down.

Nate’s arms wrapped around me, holding me tight. When Nate and I were like this, I felt like nothing could ever harm us again. Intellectually, I knew it wasn’t true. But right now, I didn’t give two shits about intellect. I only cared what I felt in my heart.

The door to the planetarium opened, a sliver of lobby light filtering in. Barrington greeted the person who’d opened the door. I couldn’t see who it was, but when the captain turned, he was holding a wrapped box. Head lifting, Barrington slowly walked toward Nate and me.

Nate’s body stiffened, but he didn’t let go of me. “What do you have, Captain?” Nate asked, his voice nearly toneless. Done corralling her children, Nat joined our little trio, making it a quartet.

“I’m not sure. There’s no return address. The delivery guy was from a legit company and didn’t have a clue either. It’s lightweight.” Barrington brought his ear to the package and said, “I don’t hear anything ticking, but that means shit these days.”

I thought back on the letter Malcom had sent me. “I don’t think it will be bad. Or at least, I don’t think it’s harmful. Besides, we don’t even know if it’s from my previous employer.”

“True,” Barrington agreed. “What do you want to do?”

I grabbed the box and asked Nate for his pocketknife. Nate’s knife slid through the packaging like butter. Inside, there was another box, this one wrapped in paper with little cats in wedding apparel. I had no idea such a thing existed and chuckled. This box was smaller and there was a card attached. Opening the envelope, I slid the card out. Sparkly flowers glittered on the front, casting a shower of glitter on my hands and the floor. Opening the card, I read its contents out loud.

“Perry, best wishes on your big day. Know that we are thinking of you and miss you greatly. Take care and enjoy your day. It’s signed by Malcom, Delia, Gabe, and…I think maybe everyone else.” I looked into Nate’s eyes before handing him the card.

“What’s the present?” Nat asked, peeking over Nate’s shoulder and reading the card as she spoke.

“I’m not sure,” I answered. “It’s very light, whatever it is.” Very carefully, I unwrapped the package. Inside was a cat with a long tail standing in a flat dish. There was a large, gaudy, masculine ring dangling on the cat’s tail.

I held the present up and raised an eyebrow. “A jewelry holder? For rings?” I’d seen something like this before but couldn’t fathom why Malcom would send this or what the, quite frankly, ugly ring was on the cat’s tail. While not to my taste, the ring looked expensive.

Pulling out a clean hanky, Captain Barrington used it to lift the ring off the cat’s tail. His face paled when he said, “I think this might be blood.”

I nearly dropped the cat. “B-blood?” My gaze flicked from Nate, to Nat, finally settling on Captain Barrington.

“There’s a note,” Nate said, taking the box from my hand but leaving the cat figurine for me to hold. His eyes scanned the note, and his cheeks flushed. Jaw flexing, I knew whatever the note said irritated Nate. I didn’t think he was pissed, but definitely annoyed. Without a word, Nate handed the note to Nat. She read it and grunted.

“What does it say?” I asked.

Nat’s eyes caught mine, and after clearing her throat, she read the note. “Dear Detective Harmon. I wasn’t sure what to get you for a wedding present. Assured safety seemed the kindest gift and so I’m sending you the previous Company chairman’s ring. You’ll be happy to know I fired him. Personally.”

“ Fired him ? He’s dead then.” I stared at the ring and the dried blood coating the gold surface. “I think I might be sick.” I was suddenly regretting the numerous brownies I’d shoved down my throat.

Barrington quirked an eyebrow. “An oddly…thoughtful gift.” He slid the ring back on the cat’s tail and tucked his handkerchief back in his pocket.

Thoughtful ? That wasn’t the first word that came to my mind.

“Looks like Malcom really did clean house,” Nat said as she stuffed the note back in the box. I followed suit with the cat figurine and disturbing ring.

Nate sighed, running his hand over his face. “Why do I get the feeling Malcom Johnson will keep popping in and out of our lives at random times?”

“Because you’re a halfway decent detective,” Nat answered with an elbow to Nate’s side.

I stared at the box and asked, “What do I do with this?”

Barrington shrugged. “Whatever you want, Perry. I’m not inclined to spin my wheels on this one. How about you, Harmon? Jones?”

Nat and Nate answered in unison “Nope.” Nat added “I do enough wheel spinning as is.” With a slap to Nate’s shoulder, Nat walked off in search of some of those spinning wheels masquerading as her children.

Laying his palm on Nate’s arm, Barrington said, “I know it’s weird, but oddly comforting too. Take it for the win it is. Perry’s out of the Company’s crosshairs. Let it go and keep fighting the battles you can win.”

Captain Barrington offered me a sympathetic smile before walking away, leaving Nate and me alone with the disturbing box.

“Could have been worse,” Nate said. When I gave him a questioning look, he said, “There could have been a finger attached.”

I tossed the box on a nearby table. “Not funny.”

Nate scooped me up, my tiptoes barely hitting the ground as his mouth landed on mine. I loved the way Nate kissed. It wasn’t always the same, but his kisses conveyed his feelings better than any words could. Sometimes, Nate kissed me slow and deep, savoring my lips. Sometimes, it was a gentle peck, promising more later. And sometimes, it was filled with raw, unfiltered desire. That was the type of kiss Nate laid on me now.

Breaking apart, our panting breaths mingled. “You ready to get out of here?”

“Would that be rude? Leaving the guests?”

“I think they’ll understand.” He waggled his eyebrows in a comically suggestive way. “I’ve booked us a room nearby.”

It was my turn to give a questioning glance. “Please tell me it’s not at the Bellamy Hotel. It’s beautiful, but…” I still woke up sweating some nights from dreaming I was covered in blood, lying on the floor of the conference room.

“Nope, somewhere we haven’t been before. Somewhere swanky.” Again, with the eyebrow waggle. “Somewhere with fantastic room service.” Nate’s grin was salacious.

My laughter burst through my mouth with the weight of bubbles. Head thrown back, I stared at the starry ceiling and said, “Lead on, husband. I’ll follow you anywhere.”

Nate didn’t need telling twice. With a significant nod in Nat’s direction, Nate snagged the box Malcom sent with one hand and me with the other. I followed eagerly. There was a time in my life when the future was marred with uncertainty. Striding happily next to the man I’d just married, nothing could be further from the truth. The future had never been filled with so many possibilities, or with so much light, laughter, and hope.

Karma really could be a bitch. She could also be kind and giving. I wasn’t sure when she decided to flip the switch on my life. I was simply happy she had and could only hope and pray karma didn’t see the need to switch things up again. Either way, I’d take what I’d been given and run with it. Hell, I’d fly if I could.