Jemma was still pale today and her dress was a bit looser than it had been at our final fitting, but there was a cheerfulness in her expression and genuine warmth in her eyes as she watched the back of the church for Tabitha’s entrance. She was glad to stand here and support her friend, glad, as we all were, to put the troubles of the past few weeks behind us.
The organ began to play and the door at the back of the church opened. I saw a flicker of white and then Tabitha stepped into the aisle. I had never had the opportunity to see her in her wedding dress, and I drew in a breath when I saw her. She looked absolutely magnificent, her tall, slim figure draped in a well-fitted gown of gleaming white satin with a long train. She wore the pearls her father had given her and a pearl bracelet I had lent her for her “something borrowed.” A fitted cap of Spanish lace sat atop her golden curls, a long veil flowing behind her, and even from this distance I could see the gleam in her eyes, the excitement that made her look impossibly young and pretty.
Mr. Alden looked younger, too, as though a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders. His pride in his daughter shone brightly in his eyes as they began to make their way down the aisle, the notes of the “Wedding March” swelling around us. I knew how relieved he must be that everything had gone off well, that the danger that had been hanging over his head for so long was no longer there. He could give his daughter away and know that the future held blessings for all of them as Tabitha and Tom’s family grew.
I glanced at Tom. His eyes were on Tabitha, and they were bright. He was clearly mesmerized by his beautiful bride, and I felt confident that he was going to make an excellent husband for Tabitha. I knew that his heart was in the right place and that he truly loved her. I trusted they would be very happy indeed.
I looked back at the bride. With every step, the joy in Tabitha’s face seemed to grow brighter. She was about to marry the man she loved. I remembered the feeling well, felt that surge of nostalgic emotion as I remembered seeing Milo standing at the altar waiting for me. I had been so certain that it meant a life of bliss.
It had not all been bliss, but it had indeed led us to a wonderful place. Milo, for all the times he had made me stunningly angry, was proving himself more with every day. Now that we had a child on the way, I was even more confident that he intended to be a committed husband and father.
I glanced to where he was standing on the other side of the aisle. He looked handsome in his dark suit, standing beside Rudy Elliot. It occurred to me how ironic it was that Milo had come to New York dreading this wedding and he had now been roped into taking part in the ceremony. He had been exceptionally good-natured about it all.
Tabitha met Tom at the altar, transferring from her father’s arm to her husband-to-be’s. Then they moved to stand before the minister.
I felt the sting of tears in my eyes at the swell of emotions that suddenly coursed through me. I was delighted to be standing here with Tabitha, to have Milo standing across from me, knowing that we had created a life together that would change our lives forever.
I looked over at him, expecting him to be watching the ceremony. However, his eyes met mine and held as Tabitha and Tom echoed their vows, and I felt caught in the depth of his gaze. The words echoed around us. For better or for worse. In sickness or in health. Forsaking all others. ’Til death do us part. Somehow, I felt as though the words were meant for us. Oh, we had said them before, but this felt like a renewal of sorts. As though we were standing on the threshold of a new era in our lives.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the minister said.
Tabitha and Tom embraced, and my eyes met Milo’s once again. He smiled at me, and my heart swelled as the soaring organ music filled the church with the promise of happiness to come.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Once again, I find myself reflecting on everyone who has contributed so much to my writing and my life, making them both richer. I would like to offer my profound appreciation:
To Ann Collette, a fantastic agent, an excellent conversationalist, and a gracious hostess.
To Catherine Richards, who is not only a top-notch editor but also an absolute pleasure to work with.
To Nettie Finn, for all she does and for her cheerful willingness to answer all my questions.
To the team at Minotaur, for their hard work in turning my words into this beautiful book.
To Stephanie Shultz, my friend and fellow night owl, for all the “Triumphant Bigs” over the years.
To my amazing family, who offer love, encouragement, and lots of laughs on a daily basis.
To my wonderful friends, who drink coffee, read, and travel with me.
And to the Allen Parish Libraries, for all their support.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart!
ALSO BY ASHLEY WEAVER
Death Wears a Mask
A Most Novel Revenge
Intrigue in Capri (ebook short)
The Essence of Malice
An Act of Villainy
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ASHLEY WEAVER is the technical services coordinator at the Allen Parish Libraries in Oberlin, Louisiana. Weaver has worked in libraries since she was fourteen; she was a page and then a clerk before obtaining her MLIS from Louisiana State University. The Amory Ames series includes Murder at the Brightwell, which was shortlisted for the Edgar Award, as well as Death Wears a Mask, A Most Novel Revenge, The Essence of Malice, and An Act of Villainy. You can sign up for email updates here.
Thank you for buying this
St. Martin's Press ebook.
To receive special offers, bonus content,
and info on new releases and other great reads,
sign up for our newsletters.
Or visit us online at
us.macmillan.com/newslettersignup
For email updates on the author, click here.
CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Acknowledgments
Also by Ashley Weaver
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
First published in the United States by Minotaur Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group
A DANGEROUS ENGAGEMENT. Copyright © 2019 by Ashley Weaver. All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Publishing Group, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
www.minotaurbooks.com
Cover design by Rowen Davis
Cover illustration by John Mattos
The Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available upon request.
ISBN (hardcover) 978-1-250-15977-9
ISBN (ebook) 978-1-250-15978-6
eISBN 9781250159786
Our ebooks may be purchased in bulk for promotional, educational, or business use. Please contact the Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department at 1-800-221-7945, extension 5442, or by email at MacmillanSpecialMarkets@macmillan.com.
First Edition: September 2019
>
Ashley Weaver, A Dangerous Engagement