39. Epilogue
Moonlight dripped from heaven and coated the Mississippi in silvery bands of beauty. Camilla breathed deeply, savoring the tranquility and the cool breeze. Moonlight on the Mississippi had to be one of God’s most beautiful paintings.
She stood alone in the front yard of Daniel’s house, seeking the familiar embrace of the river on such a special night. Running her hands over the smooth white fabric of her gown, she lifted the hem so as not to muddy its perfection and edged closer to the ravine.
Beams shimmered on the calm, dark waters below, their radiant glow a kiss from above. Fireflies twinkled along the riverbank, their flickering lights magical.
She clutched the pendant around her neck—a gift from Daniel in the shape of a miniature steamboat—overwhelmed with the fullness in her heart. Only a few months ago, grief had nearly drowned her. Now, even though the pain of Papa’s loss remained, joy seeped around the edges and smoothed away the hurt.
Meandering closer to the cliff’s edge, she admired the rippling water.
Life resembled the river in many ways. It rarely took a straight path. There were fast bends and turbulent waters, hidden dangers, and ever-changing unknowns. Yet like a skilled captain, God guided her along the journey and to the place he’d always planned for her. Purpose and contentment welled within her. Although the voyage wasn’t always smooth, God remained steadfast.
She tilted her face to the sky and closed her eyes, taking a moment to thank him for his unfailing goodness.
When she opened them, a hundred fireflies danced in the breeze around her. They filled the yard in front of Daniel’s house like stars brought down from heaven for her special night.
Grinning, she whispered, “Thank you, Lord. You’ve already done quite enough, but this special wedding decoration you’ve added is the perfect touch.”
She strolled along the path illuminated by dozens of paper lanterns, guiding the way to Daniel’s front porch, which Stella and Mabel had decorated with white roses. Guests would arrive soon, and she’d be chided for standing out here in the front yard in her wedding gown.
But this quiet settled her soul. So much had changed, and many challenges remained. The police still hadn’t caught Mr. Durkin, though Detective McCready had assured them he was building a solid case. Policemen had discovered the elder Mr. Gray’s wallet among the stash of personal possessions stored in the cave near the Devil’s Punchbowl, confirming their fears Daniel’s father had been lost to the bottom of the gorge.
There would be continued investigations and legal trials. But after tonight, she and Daniel would face all those challenges together, bound before God and family as a team no one could separate.
The front door cracked open, and Stella poked her head out. “There you are! Come inside before someone sees you.”
Camilla smirked. “I’m coming. Just making sure everything is ready.”
Hands on her hips, Stella glided onto the porch. “You did that two hours ago.” A crease formed between her brows. “Are you all right?”
“I’m doing splendidly, thank you.” Camilla dipped into a curtsy and elicited a chuckle.
“Then get on in here. Mabel will have a conniption if her brother sees you in that gown before he’s supposed to.”
“I’ll be right along.”
Stella hesitated, then slipped back inside, and closed the door with a soft click. Camilla adjusted a paper lantern on the porch steps, then paused to admire the fairy tale her groom had created.
In the weeks following their discovery of the treasure, Daniel had set to work on the neglected house with gusto, claiming he’d make it a perfect home for his bride. He’d had the floors polished, and the house gleamed with a fresh coat of white paint. She’d told him a life at his side and a home filled with friends and family was already perfect. But he’d enjoyed the project, so who was she to stop him?
Gardeners had tamed the wild foliage around the house, wresting overgrowth and neglect into the lush greenery now alive with fragrance. The breeze waltzed with the roses, teasing delicate scents from their petals. Mabel and Stella had questioned her judgment about a night wedding, but the flickering candles and shimmering lanterns made her feel as though she lived a fairy tale.
As soon as she stepped inside the house, Mabel whisked her away to the dining room, where she’d wait for her time to walk through the roses and to Daniel’s side to speak her vows. She didn’t complain since Stella had stocked the room with all manner of delicacies from Anna’s shop.
Dainty meat pies and fruit tarts, shrimp gumbo, fried frog’s legs, and her personal favorite—puff pastries stuffed with jam.
She snagged one and popped it into her mouth. Stella saw her but didn’t comment.
The rear door burst open, and Lucas bounced through, dressed in his precious little wedding suit with a smart green cravat. He cradled a wriggling Lula, who had left scores of white hairs all over his black jacket.
“Don’t you pick up that dog in that gown!” Mabel’s words stopped Camilla from bending her knees to collect her dog.
How had she managed to sneak in without notice? Especially wearing so many strands of beads around her neck?
Camilla and Lucas shared a look, and the boy snuggled the dog closer. He’d been enjoying playing with her since he and his mother had returned, and the pup hadn’t seemed to mind how busy Camilla had been with wedding preparations as long as she’d had her young playmate. Soon to be Camilla’s nephew. However, now Lula stared at Camilla with big eyes, likely nervous with all the bustle.
Camilla couldn’t resist at least giving a soft pat on the pup’s head. She shook her ears, jostling the tiny strand of pink beads around her neck.
Mabel let out a long breath, clearly relieved Camilla had not ruined the gown the two of them had spent hours altering. Well, Mabel had sewed while Camilla had learned the nuances of patience required for repeated fittings.
“It’s strange enough you’re letting that creature attend the ceremony. I don’t want her clawing the fabric.” Mabel frowned at a stray thread and plucked it from Camilla’s sleeve.
Mabel’s time with her aunt had done her a great deal of good, if the clear brightness in her eyes was any indication. According to Daniel, Mabel distanced herself from the alcohol she’d begun consuming with far too much frequency and had been spending time with her aunt in Bible study. The time of simple peace and healing had been smoothing the frayed edges of her heart.
Once Detective McCready concluded his investigation and Mr. Durkin and all his men were safely in jail, she and Lucas planned to return. Camilla and Daniel both wanted them to stay here. There’d be plenty of room now that Violet had secured a room at a boardinghouse with other young women and Daisy would be getting married next month.
Camilla caught her soon-to-be sister-in-law and wrapped her in a hug. “Thank you for all you’ve done getting this wedding ready. I know it’s trying on you, being here before…well, you know.”
Before all the criminals were safely in jail.
Mabel patted her back. “You’ve made my brother very happy, you know. I’m sorry I ever doubted you.” She stepped back before Camilla could respond. “Now. No more pastries. Can’t have jam on the dress. The guests have arrived. We’ll gather your bouquet, and then it’ll be time.”
Mabel pecked a kiss on Camilla’s cheek and slipped through the rear door. How had she known Camilla had snuck a pastry?
Their guest list consisted of the members of the household—Stella, Violet, Daisy, and Mabel and Lucas—plus a few dear friends. Hattie and Camilla’s old crewmen and Anna and Stella’s brothers.
A small gathering, but all Camilla wanted or needed.
The sweet strands of a violin wafted through the open window, and Camilla paused her pacing in front of the food trays. Had Daniel also hired a musician?
Solomon poked his head into the dining room and grinned at her. Then he gave her a low bow, dashing in his pressed suit, and extended his arm. She looped her hand through the crook of his elbow and allowed him to escort her to the receiving hall.
He opened the rear door onto a fairyland.
Dozens of candles topped golden stands placed around the rose garden, and glowing lanterns hung from the oak tree. Her friends gathered underneath the drooping branches, creating a horseshoe with her groom and the minister at the center by the thick trunk.
The young minister from the nearby church they’d started attending together beamed at the diverse gathering, his round face as genuine as the friendly personality they’d come to know.
Her groom wore a fine linen suit, his hair combed back at the temples and tamed with pomade. His cravat matched his nephew’s, and he seemed almost as fidgety as the little boy at his side.
Lula yipped, tail swaying as she strained against the rope holding her near Lucas’s feet.
Daniel’s eyes lit when Camilla stepped down into the rose garden, her long gown rustling down the steps behind her. Behind her short veil, she offered him her best smile—one filled with promise of their life to come.
As fireflies danced around them, she and Daniel professed their love and made their vows before God and those they held dear.
“I now give you Mr. and Mrs. Gray!” The pastor gave a joyous shout and thrust his Bible in the air.
Camilla laughed as Daniel gathered her in his arms, her heart full.
“May God bless my every adventure with you, Mrs. Gray,” he whispered in her ear. “And I’m sure there will be many.” The private smile gracing his lips had tingles shooting down her spine.
Teasing laced her tone. “Captain Mrs. Gray? Mrs. Captain Gray? Is that a thing?”
He cracked a laugh. “Your title can be whatever you desire, my bride.”
“As long as I’m yours, they can call me whatever they want.” Camilla kissed him soundly, which brought cheers from their onlookers. And maybe a gasp from Mabel and a round of giggles from Lucas.
As she looked into her husband’s deep-green eyes, one thing she knew for certain. She’d been blessed with a partner to weather any storm, rise with any tide, and navigate new waters. She could trust him with her heart, and together they would set out on life’s next great voyage.