The Librarian's Last Chapter (A River Valley Mystery, Book 3) Read online

  The limo stopped in front of the lake clubhouse. Leroy arrived behind us in his truck and took over carrying in the gowns, shoes, and makeup boxes while we strolled through the reception room and the area inside a glass room where the ceremony would take place. Some might say a December wedding in the Ozarks was too cold, but I loved the chill in the air. A few snowflakes drifted from the slate sky to add a magical feeling to the day. I prayed they’d continue throughout the ceremony and provide a pristine backdrop to the day.

  The reception hall was filled with tables draped with starched white tablecloths. In the center of each table, hurricane lamps waited to be lit. Surrounding them were white silk roses, tipped with an iridescent glitter. The whole room sparkled with white lights strung from the ceilings. It really did look like a winter wonderland.

  In the glass room, a simple arch adorned with the same lights and flowers of the reception hall waited for me and Duane. Tears pricked my eyes. It was so beautiful in its simplicity.

  “It’s time to get dressed.” Mom slipped her arm in mine. “It’s going to be the most beautiful wedding of the year.”

  I agreed, but then we might both be biased. We headed for a room set aside for the bride. The photographer, a woman from church, waited with a big grin. “I like to take candid shots of the wedding party getting ready,” she said. “Then, I’ll take all the pictures of the bride with her girls before meeting up with the guys.”

  Ingrid rushed into the room. “Sorry I’m late. I stopped by to see Mother.”

  I raised my eyebrows.

  “I know, I know, but she’s the only mother I’ve ever known, even if she is fruitier than a can of Del Monte.” Ingrid slipped out of the skirt and blouse she wore and into the bridesmaid gown. The rose color brightened her complexion.

  “The makeup lady is here to do all of our makeup,” I told her. “I hope you don’t mind.”

  “I’ve never worn makeup before.”

  “You’ll be gorgeous.” I sat at a vanity and turned myself over to the woman’s ministrations. There was nothing more soothing than someone doing your hair and makeup. No wonder it had become so popular for brides to hire someone. It helped relax them before the vows.

  “The men are here.” Lindsey rushed into the room and slammed the door. “Uncle Duane looks fine!”

  The rest of us giggled. She narrowed her eyes. “What? He does. Someday, I want to marry a man just like him.”

  I patted her hand. “He’s a fine example to hold your future husband up to. A godly man who puts the woman he loves first and doesn’t hold her back when she feels strongly about pursuing something.” Although Duane was most often less than thrilled about my latest crime solving spree, he’d chosen to support me rather than stifle. I loved him for it.

  An hour later, I stood behind two double doors, my arm linked with Leroy’s. His eyes glistened with tears. “Thank you for allowing me this honor.”

  I stood on tip toe and planted a kiss on his ruddy cheek. “The pleasure is all mine.”

  The strains of the wedding march reached us and the doors opened. First, a lovely, very feminine looking stranger named Ingrid, small stepped down the aisle, followed by Lindsey. Then the music increased in volume. I took a shaky breath and my first step down the aisle toward my handsome man.

  He was splendid in a dark tuxedo. His eyes shimmered and never left my face as Leroy slipped my hand into his. I heard very little of the ceremony, getting a nudge in the back from my daughter when it was time to repeat the vows the pastor said. I giggled and repeated them.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  No sweeter words ever reached my ears. Duane dipped me back and planted a heavy kiss on my lips, raising me back up to hoots and yells from most of his football team. He nuzzled my ear. “How does an Alaskan cruise sound for a honeymoon?”

  “I’d go to the barren dessert of Africa as long as I went with you.” I grinned. “But the cruise sounds much more wonderful.”

  He straightened me and we turned to face our family and friends for the first time as husband and wife.

  The End

  Be sure to check out the first two books in the River Valley mystery series:

  Book One: Deadly Neighbors

  Book Two: Advance Notice

  Also check out another series by Cynthia Hickey, The Summer Meadows Series

  Book One: Fudge-Laced Felonies

  Book Two: Candy-Coated Secrets

  Book Three: Chocolate-Covered Crime

  Book Four: Maui Macadamia Madness

  To see her books in other genres…visit her website at www.cynthiahickey.com

  About Spyglass Lane

  Spyglass Lane Mysteries is a collection of Christian cozy mysteries—modern-day whodunnits with colorful characters and plenty of wholesome romance.

  Discover other Spyglass Lane titles at Smashwords.com.