Chapter 23
23
The sun dipped low over the bay, casting a kaleidoscope of colors streaking across the sky. For Aaron, weddings were seldom on his agenda unless he was closely acquainted with the couple. But when he first became a deputy for North Heron County, Ron had been his partner for a few months. Aaron smiled as he looked at Ron's goofy, teary-eyed expression as his bride walked down the aisle.
Ron had been in love with Cindy since elementary school. Aaron wasn't sure how they managed to wait this long before getting married. But he had to admit, the look on Ron’s face gave no doubt that the young man knew he’d found the right one and had been lucky enough to find her when he was six years old.
While everyone else was focused on the bride, Aaron's attention was drawn to Belinda's flitting image as she moved silently around to capture the moments of the event.
When he arrived at the outdoor ceremony by the bay, he looked for her but then remembered that most photographers took pictures of the bride and her family as they were getting ready.
Now, Belinda was in full view. Her clothing was simple, perfect for blending into the background as she moved around to take pictures. Black pants, black low-heeled shoes, and a black silky blouse.
She squatted low while taking pictures and then moved with stealth to a new position. He knew most people wouldn’t be distracted by her, yet she was the only thing that filled his vision.
As the ceremony continued, his thoughts moved to when he’d first met Belinda at the bakery over a year ago, and memories flooded his mind. He’d flirted, and while he wasn’t overconfident, he hadn’t been surprised when she flirted in return. Back then, he’d hoped for someone to go out with and have some fun with. But then ended the burgeoning relationship before it became too serious. Christ, I was an idiot. He grimaced, planning to make up for last year’s Thanksgiving debacle this holiday season.
His mind was so filled with thoughts of Belinda that he missed most of the ceremony. Before he knew it, the minister pronounced the couple husband and wife, and Ron and Cindy were walking back down the aisle to the applause of the others around.
He’d lost sight of Belinda again but knew she’d be busy taking post-ceremony pictures. Under normal circumstances, he would probably have slipped away, but looking around, he knew the reception would be fun. If nothing else, he’d have plenty of people to talk to.
Since Ron was a member of the American Legion and part of law enforcement, Aaron knew most of the people in attendance. As he made his way over to the buffet line, he offered chin lift greetings to men and women from law enforcement all over the two counties from the Virginia Eastern Shore. He found his seat at the table with Sam, Hayley, Hunter and his wife Belle, and Colt and his wife Carrie.
Aaron had a feeling that sometime during the night, he, Sam, Hunter, Brad, and Colt would be talking about their murder investigation. Not exactly the best topic while at a wedding, but in a gathering predominantly of law enforcement colleagues, such topics found their way into the conversation as naturally as discussions about the weather.
The wedding ceremony was a success, and the bride and groom left the reception after thanking their guests and begging the gathering to stay longer to enjoy the rest of the food and the DJ. The flight the couple had booked to the Poconos had been canceled, and the alternate flight was leaving an hour earlier than they’d expected. It was too late to move the wedding to an earlier time, but the couple had made the most of their reception. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as guests reveled in the abundance of food, the rhythms of the music, and the camaraderie of friends.
Brad had brought a date in a dress that was a little too low at the top, a little too short at the bottom, and a little too tight all over. At least she wasn’t too loud… other than the huffs she kept expelling, obviously thinking she would have more fun at a wedding. And Aaron found amusement that Brad didn’t look all that happy with the woman he was with.
Aaron stifled a grin. Hell, he’d been down that road before, and if all went the way he hoped, he’d soon have the woman he wanted in his arms.
The strains of a timeless love song began, the melodic tune drifting over the gathering. Aaron could hear the sound of chairs scraping as couples stood, heading to the dance floor, but he was satisfied just to watch. The chair next to him shifted, and a camera was placed next to his now-empty plate. He turned, unable to take his eyes off the woman sitting next to him, her beautiful face only inches away.
They didn’t speak for a moment, letting the music flow over them and the twinkling lights sparkle in her blue eyes. The woman he’d spent the day observing made him wish he could turn back time. Thrilled for a chance to have her focus on him and not all the others, he smiled. “Hey, sweetheart.”
Her eyes closed slowly, and her lips curved. She inhaled deeply, opened her gorgeous eyes, and smiled. “Hey, handsome.”
Standing, he held out his hand, anticipation now firmly etched in his expression—and etched deeper inside his chest if he were truly honest. A hint of hope lingered in her blue eyes. Eyes he could easily drown in and never fear death.
Her pink lips curved into the most beautiful smile as she placed her hand in his. Wrapping his fingers around hers, he gave a gentle pull as she stood. Linking fingers, he guided her to the dance floor.
Once out on the wooden floor, he sucked in a deep breath. The outdoor wedding venue had been exceptional. The sunset over the Chesapeake Bay had created a one-of-a-kind panoramic view behind the couple as they exchanged their vows. The briny breeze had been gentle, and the vows had been accompanied by the call of gulls over the diamond-sparkling water.
The woman who held his attention had quietly moved around the venue and guests for hours as she photographed the event, capturing longing glances, smiles, kisses, and laughter. Aaron had no doubt that the couple would have a meaningful recording of their day. But now it was his time to have her all to himself.
With Belinda in his arms, he guided them to the edge of the dance floor closest to the water. The scattered wedding lights cast sparkling diamonds on the swells kissing the shore. The night bay was hidden in darkness except for the speckled lights of distant boats. The familiar song filled his ears, and his gaze was firmly settled on the woman in his arms who peered up at him. The feel of her body held close to his made his blood race and his pulse pound. She was different. She was perfect. He’d known it then. He knew it now.
“I couldn’t take my eyes off you today,” he said, holding her tightly, his mouth near her ear.
“I was supposed to be paying attention to the bride and groom, but I kept sneaking peeks at you,” she confessed, her breath whispering over his cheek.
His heart beat double time to the music, and he whirled her outward impulsively, then curled her back into his embrace. She threw her head back and laughed. The pure and unguarded sound cascaded around them, making him want to hear it again and again. In another bold move, he bent forward, dipped her, and she clutched his arms as a squeal flew from her lips. Holding the position for a few seconds, he then brought her up and pulled her close. A rosy hue graced her cheeks as their eyes locked. He wanted this moment to last in his memories forever.
As the music enveloped them in a new rhythm, Aaron once again allowed impulsivity to guide him and whirled her outward for a beat before he started to pull her back toward him.
A sound ricocheted over the water, and her body jerked. She lost her footing as she stumbled backward. She would have fallen to the floor had his hand not been holding hers firmly. He gripped her tighter, and his heart lurched at the sight of crimson blossoming across her upper chest. Her eyes widened as they held his, and then a guttural gasp left her lips. Or maybe it flew from his mouth.
For an instant, he couldn’t move, but as her body became limp, he lowered her to the floor. The world around them erupted into chaos. Ignoring the cacophony of screams and shouts from the gathering all around, he watched as her eyes fluttered closed.