Death and Her Devotion (Rogue Vows #1)(29)

“Lord, me too. It’s been a long few days.”

“Has Toby said anything else about Chase?” Stevie asked.

“No. He’s been silent. Aiden is flying in a lawyer for him.”

“And the other guys?”

“They’re still stunned. Josh is crushed that his brother is sitting in jail for killing their friend. And there’s been no word on Cyndee. I’ve notified every agency in the state and Northern California to keep an eye out for her.” He stopped and turned toward her. “I don’t want to talk shop today.”

She smiled. “Agreed. No more. Let’s get to my mom’s and eat so we can get away earlier.” Her eyes were full of promise.

Excitement shot through him. “Sounds perfect to me.”





Stevie stared at the rows of cars parked in the field next to her mother’s house. What on earth? She looked at Zane. “Did you know about this?”

“Hell no.” He scowled, and she knew his plans for an early escape had just been put on hold.

A stream of people walked from the cars to the main house, all carrying covered dishes. “They brought food,” Stevie exclaimed. “It’s a potluck. How lovely!” Her chest filled with love for her enterprising mother. “Looks like our reception is going on as scheduled.”

Zane parked, and the vehicle was rushed by children who danced in circles around his truck, waving their arms. “They’re here! They’re here!” She spotted her nephews and Brianna in the crowd of two dozen children. She stepped out and was nearly knocked over by hugs. She met Zane’s gaze over the hood, her eyes filling with tears as children tugged at her hands. Zane loaded one boy onto his back and grinned back at her. “I guess these are our escorts to the party.”

They were hustled around to the back of the big house, where tables were scattered across the rear lawn and a temporary dance floor had been set up near the apple trees. Bruce’s band was warming up, and the notes of “Sweet Home Alabama” filled the air. Women fussed over a long table of food, and she saw her mother bustle out of the house, giving commands to a group of high-school girls with their arms full of paper plates and cups.

Stevie dashed up the deck steps to her mother and enveloped her in a hug. “Thank you so much. This is better than anything we could have done at the grange.”

Patsy pulled back and looked her in the eye. “My daughter deserved a reception. Today. I was up half the night making phone calls, and people were thrilled to help. I don’t think there’s ever been a wedding reception with more volunteers.” She leaned close. “Everyone loves you and Zane. They wanted to express their appreciation for the job the two of you do.”

Tears threatened. Out of the corner of her blurry eyes, something white caught her attention. “Is that my cake?” A four-tiered white cake garnished with fresh flowers graced the table at the far end of the deck.

“Of course,” said Patsy. “Your cake is the one thing that wasn’t already at the grange. I simply had them deliver it here.”

“I’d completely forgotten.”

Carly pushed past her mother and wrapped Stevie in a bear hug. Over her sister’s shoulder, Seth grinned at the two of them. “She had a hard time keeping this a secret all morning,” Seth said. Zane appeared, and Seth clapped him on the shoulder and shook his hand. “Congratulations again,” he told her husband.

My husband. She couldn’t pull her eyes away from her handsome man.

“Thanks for keeping an eye on Toby at the jail tonight so we can get out of town,” Zane told Seth.

“Not a problem. Your officers have been stretched too thin the last few days.”

“No work talk!” ordered Patsy. “Today is a celebration. My daughter finally coming to her senses.” She nodded triumphantly.

“Hey!” exclaimed Stevie. “Why does everyone act as though it’s taken ten years to get to this point?” She moved into Zane’s arms, loving the feel of his solid muscle wrapped around her. “The path we followed was perfect. Everything has happened as it was meant to happen, right?” She looked into his eyes.

“Everything is perfect,” he answered, pulling her in for a kiss.

“Good answer,” she said a moment later as she came up for air. “Unchained Melody” streamed across the yard, and Bruce started to sing, his rich voice shaming the Righteous Brothers.

“Would you like to dance, Mrs. Duncan?” Zane took her hand, moved toward the steps to the dance floor, and turned to look at her, his smile bigger than she’d ever seen it.

Happiness tumbled through her as she got lost in his brown eyes.

Why did I wait so long to marry him?

“For the rest of my life.”