“Amen.” Davy’s eyes popped back open, and he smiled. “Thanks, Kade.”
“You’re welcome, big guy.” Kade squatted beside them.
“What is the commotion?” Anu stood in the doorway of the house. Lauri was behind her. “Oh!” A smile spread across her face when she saw them clustered around the dog. She clapped her hands. “Samson!”
Samson jumped up and ran to her. Bree thought he was going to wag his tail right off his body. Anu exclaimed over him, running her hands over his rough coat. “You need some food,” she said. “Davy?”
Davy rolled over on the grass and stood. “Okay, Grammy. Come on, boy. Let’s feed you.” Samson and his boy went inside.
They sat on the porch swing with Anu. Bree explained how they’d found Samson and Yancy’s role in the summer’s events.
“Does Naomi know about Marika yet?”
Bree shook her head then glanced at her watch. “We have to go. Kade and I heard Yancy’s confession, so Mason wants us to give a statement.”
Anu hugged her when they stood to go. “I’m proud of you, kulta. You have grown much in this past year. I see you strong and confident again. I see the glow on your face when you look at Kade. The future stretches before you so brightly. Put this all behind you now and get on with your life.”
“We’re going to do just that,” Kade said, slipping his arm around Bree’s waist
The promise in his gaze made Bree’s mouth go dry. She smiled. “We’d better go.”
Kade kept his hand at her back as he escorted her to the truck. “You nervous?”
“Not really. I just want Marika’s troublemaking days to be over.”
“She did more than cause trouble. I imagine she’ll be charged with attempted murder and child abuse. Cassie could have died. Timmy too.”
“Yes, I know. At least Naomi and Donovan won’t have to worry about her anymore. But I feel bad for her kids. What’s it going to do to Timmy to someday know his own mother altered his medicine to make him sick for her own purposes? And Emily . . .”
“Maybe they’ll never have to find out.”
“This is a small town. And it will come out in the trial. They’ll hear about it at school.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” He shook his head. “Poor kid.” He parked outside the jail.
Inside, they found Mason filling out paperwork at his desk. “I’m about ready; hang on a minute.” He scribbled a few more seconds then put the pen down and got up.
“You were right about Marika. She was up to her ears in debt too. She was home packing. Somehow she got wind of what was happening.”
“I just want to know why,” Bree said. “What would make her a willing party to murder?”
“I just interrogated her. She says she met Yancy in Las Vegas a couple of years ago. He knew she was a computer whiz and told her about the money they could make if they got rid of the rest of the researchers. And she really did want her kids back. She joined NAWG and used the organization as a cover to come back here.”
“She dumped stuff in the river to kill the fish, didn’t she?” Kade asked.
Mason nodded. “She admitted everything when I told her Yancy was singing. She wanted to make sure I knew he was the ringleader.”
He took their statement, and on the way out of the interrogation room, they passed Marika. She stopped in the middle of the hall.
“This is all your fault,” she spat. “You were determined to frame me and get me out of the way of your best friend. My lawyer will have me out in no time.”
In spite of Marika’s bravado, Bree thought she detected a trace of fear in the other woman’s eyes. “I had nothing to do with it,” Bree said. “I just wanted to find my dad and get my dog back. You brought this all on yourself. I want to know why you would want to hurt Timmy. He’s your own son.”
“He wasn’t hurt,” Marika said. “You’re all blowing it out of proportion.”
“Did you hate Donovan and Naomi so much it didn’t matter who got hurt as long as you got your way?”
“You make me sound like some kind of monster,” Marika said.
“Aren’t you?” Bree asked.
“It wasn’t like that!” Marika shouted after her.
Kade’s warm hand enveloped hers, and Bree walked on without responding. The courts would figure out all the whys and hows. Her family was safe now. And Naomi’s. She glanced up at Kade. “Can we go by and tell Naomi what’s happened? I don’t want her to hear it from the evening news.”
They had to awaken Naomi and Donovan to tell them what had happened. Naomi began to cry when she realized Samson was safe. Then her tears turned to anger, and it was all Donovan could do to keep her from going to the jail to confront Marika when she heard Timmy’s own mother had altered his medicine.
It was nearly midnight when Kade walked Bree to her door. “Can I come in a minute? I know it’s late, but there are some things I think need said.”
“Sure.” Samson met her at the door when they stepped inside.
“Looks like Lauri gave you a bath,” she told him, running her fingers through his clean coat. His nails clicked against the hardwood as he followed her and Kade to the living room. “Want a Pepsi or a cup of coffee?” she asked Kade.
“I’d take a soda,” he said. He sat on the sofa and patted his lap. Samson jumped beside him and sprawled on his lap.
Bree grinned and went to get the sodas. Kade’s head was back against the couch when she came back. His eyes were closed, and he was breathing deeply. She studied his face. This was the first opportunity she’d ever had to look at him when he was unaware and vulnerable. The strong jaw was relaxed with a dark stubble on his cheeks.
“Hey, sleepyhead,” she said softly, setting the sodas on the coffee table.
Samson whined and scrambled off Kade’s lap to throw himself on hers. Kade flinched, then rubbed his eyes.
“I was almost a goner,” he said.
“Almost?” she teased. “I’d say it was a done deal. Sorry I had to wake you. Your soda’s on the table.”
“Thanks.” He reached forward and grabbed it, swallowing half of it in one gulp. “Guess I need the caffeine to stay awake.”
“You want to stay here tonight? You can sleep on the couch. Lauri’s here too, so we’re safely chaperoned.”
“No, I’ll be fine in a minute.” He put his Pepsi back on the coffee table and studied her face.
“What? Do I have a smudge on my nose?” Bree laughed and rubbed the dog’s ears.
“It’s midnight, we’ve had a grueling day, and you look good enough to eat,” he said softly. “Good thing I’m not hungry or you’d be in trouble.”
She chuckled. “I feel like yesterday’s leftovers though.”
“I shouldn’t have asked to come in,” he said. “I wasn’t thinking. I just knew I had to say this before I lost my nerve.”
“Say what?” Her heart began to thump against her ribs at the look on his face. She wanted to look away but couldn’t tear her gaze from the soft expression in his eyes.
He took her hand, his callused fingers rubbing along her palm. “I don’t want to keep dropping you at your door. I hate only seeing you a few times a week. I want to marry you right away, Bree, not next year. I want to wake up to your green eyes every morning. I want us to give Davy a brother or sister, to build a life together. Now.”
“I already said I’d marry you.” She lifted her hand to let her ring catch the light.
“I know, but it’s one thing to say you’ll do it and another to say yes to saying our vows now. How long would it take to get a wedding ready?”
For the first time the thought of a secure future with Kade didn’t scare her and tempt her at the same time. Panic didn’t well in her stomach at the thought of marriage. Not to this man.
“You’re not saying anything,” he said. He put her palm against his cheek. “I’ll take care of you, baby. I can’t always promise I won’t be grumpy or that I’m perfect. But I can love you l
ike no one else. Can’t you say something? I can’t tell what you’re thinking.”
“I’m thinking you’re the most wonderful man I’ve ever met,” she said softly.
“Is there a ‘but’ in there?”
“Not this time,” she said. “I think my answer has to be yes in three weeks.”
Samson barked.
Kade took her in his arms. “I think his answer is yes too.”
EPILOGUE
Quit fussing with your hair. It’s perfect,” Naomi commanded. “I can’t help it,” Bree wailed. “I’m so nervous.”
“What’s to be nervous about? You’re marrying the man you love.” Cassie flicked a piece of lint from Bree’s creamy lace dress. “That tea length is great with your legs. You look beautiful. Kade is going to wig out when he sees you.”
“I hope so.” Bree stared in the mirror. Her hair had grown out a bit and was curling up on the ends. A dusting of freckles from the summer’s sun sprinkled her nose, but in spite of that, she decided she’d do.
“I have something for you, kulta,” Anu said. She pulled out a long box. “You wore these when you married my son. I would be honored if you’d wear them again today as a reminder that you are still the daughter of my heart.” She opened the box to reveal a lovely pearl and emerald necklace.
Bree’s vision blurred. “Drat, you’ve gone and made me cry,” she muttered. She grabbed the tissue Naomi handed her and dabbed at her eyes. “I was thinking about the pearls yesterday and wished I could wear them again.” She lifted the strand and fastened it around her neck.
“The perfect touch,” Naomi whispered in awe. “You look just like Princess Buttercup.”
“The hair’s wrong,” Bree reminded her.
“Okay, you look like a red-haired Princess Buttercup.”
Bree smiled. “Do you think Kade looks like Westley?”
“He’s better looking,” Cassie put in.
Naomi looked at her in surprise and Cassie shrugged. “Bree got me down and forced me to watch it. It was better than I expected.”
Someone pounded on the door. “It’s time,” Martha called.
“Be right there, Mom,” Naomi said. She adjusted Bree’s short veil. “Take a deep breath.”
“I’m okay. Let’s go.” Bree followed Naomi and Cassie to the door.
Davy and Samson were waiting at the entrance to the sanctuary. Bree watched while Martha got her son into position, then he and Samson walked down the aisle together. A ripple of laughter rustled through the church at the sight of the ring pillow strapped to Samson’s back. Bree knew she had to get it together or she’d ruin her makeup with crying. The day was turning out to be too perfect.
Bernard Hecko stepped forward. His bright, clear gaze told her it was a good day for him. “I’m here to escort my oldest daughter down the aisle,” he said.
“You’re nearly as handsome as my groom,” she said, her throat tight.
“Only almost?” He patted her hand. “But that’s the way it should be. Shall we go?” He pulled her in line behind Naomi and Cassie.
Naomi and Cassie grabbed their bouquets from Martha. Naomi winked at Bree then turned and faced the church and began the march to the altar. Bree admired her grace and poise in the periwinkle dress. Looking beautiful in something other than army fatigues, Cassie followed.
Then it was Bree’s turn. She clutched her bouquet, and she and her father stepped out to the melody of “The Wedding March.” Samson barked when he saw her.
“I feel like doing the same, boy,” Kade said, standing with Donovan and Steve. He placed his hand on Samson’s head.
The congregation laughed, but Bree couldn’t tear her gaze from the love and awe she saw on Kade’s face. She barely noticed the walk to the altar. All she saw was her family waiting for her at the end of the aisle.
Her father passed her hand to Kade and he gripped it with warm fingers. Samson growled and pushed between them. His muscular body pushed Bree away from Kade.
“I think he’s trying to rescue her from a fate worse than death,” Donovan said loudly.
The congregation roared with laughter. “It’s okay, Samson,” Bree whispered. She gripped Kade’s fingers. They turned and faced Pastor Alan. Bree knew she answered in all the right places, but the ceremony passed in a blur where she was conscious only of Kade beside her, promising to love, honor, and cherish her in his deep voice.
“The ring,” Pastor Alan said.
As Bree fumbled for the ring, it rolled off the pillow on Samson’s back. “Oh no!” She fell to her knees and ran her fingers over the carpet. Kade knelt to help her. Soon the whole wedding party was on its knees.
“I’ve heard of asking friends to pray for the new marriage, but this is going a bit too far,” the pastor joked.
The ring was nowhere to be found. After the stress of the day, Bree felt near tears. Then she spied the pillow on Samson’s back. Untying the pillow, she brought it around to Samson’s nose. “Find it, Samson, find the ring.”
He woofed and began to nose around the carpet. He began to bark at the communion table.
“It’s under the table,” Donovan said. The men moved it, and the ring sparkled up at them.
Bree scooped it up and turned to Kade. “You’re not getting off that easy.” She slipped the ring on his finger.
Kade lifted her veil. As his lips touched hers, Bree knew God was in the deep wells of their love as well. And she was finally home.
READING GROUP GUIDE
1. The title Into the Deep hints at the overarching theme of the book. In what ways did the characters “dive deep”?
2. Bree’s past hurts often hinder her from believing anyone could love her with an unconditional love. Have you ever felt that way? Did it make it hard to accept the fact that God loves you unconditionally?
3. Marika and her environmental activist friends believed right was on their side and that the end justified the means in some of their actions. Have you ever felt so strongly about something you were willing to fudge the means you used to get your own way? Was it worth it in the end?
4. Denise’s first reaction to hearing about her husband’s death was denial. Why do you think that’s our first response even when the news comes from a trustworthy source?
5. In what ways was Samson like God in the way he loved Davy?
6. Kade wouldn’t even talk to Bree when he thought she preferred Nick to him. Have you ever failed to fight for something you wanted because you were afraid of rejection or failure? Was it the right or the wrong thing to do?
7. Cassie was driven to find a cure for her father, so much so that she blocked out other important things in her life. Do you find it hard to maintain balance in your life? What things in your life take God’s place of being first? How do you find balance?
8. Salome and Cassie were roommates and friends, but they only shared surface things. Why would Cassie shield herself? What does it take for you to fully open up to friends?
9. Lauri was so certain she wanted Naomi to take her baby that she wouldn’t consider any other option. But God had a different plan. Has there been a time you were determined you knew what was best without consulting God? How did it turn out?
10. Bree tried hard to keep her priorities right, but sometimes she let Davy’s desires determine her actions. When is it right to put your children’s needs ahead of your own? What determines the right course of action for you?
11. Naomi was fearful of Donovan’s past life. Two families are sometimes hard to blend. How would you have handled Emily’s hostility? Have you experienced being part of a blended family?
12. This book sheds light on the issue of cruelty to animals. Often we find it easy to turn our eyes away from the suffering of others. Have you ever felt God’s prompting to make a difference in someone’s life and yet turned away? What difference does it make?
13. Hilary was sometimes hard to love because of what seemed to be her overwhelming self-assurance. Is there someone in your life
you have to work hard to love? How do you overcome that difficulty?
14. The villain had a score to settle and chose murder. How could he have gotten rid of the bitterness that ruined his life? Have you ever harbored an unforgiving spirit in your heart? How do you overcome that and move on?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It was a life-changing day at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference when I sat on the floor outside a workshop and first pitched the Rock Harbor series to editor Ami McConnell. She went back to her office, found the proposal in her stack, and bought that first book, Without a Trace. The rest is history, and here I am, still with my dream team at Thomas Nelson.
I can’t imagine writing without my editor, Ami. I crave her analytical eye and love her heart. Ames, you are truly like a daughter to me. Marketing and Publicity Director Katie Bond is a dear friend after all these years too, and I wouldn’t get far without her great ideas and constant support. Publisher Daisy Hutton is a dynamo who has taken the fiction team to a new high, and our souls were immediately knit together. Fabulous cover guru Kristen Vasgaard works hard to create the perfect cover—and does. You rock, Kristen! My entire fiction team has had a role in my career: Amanda Bostic, Becky Monds, Jodi Hughes, Ruthie Dean, Laura Dickerson, Kerrie Potts, Heather McCulloch, and Dean Arvidson. You are all such a big part of my life. I wish I could name all the great folks at Thomas Nelson who work on selling my books through different venues. I’m truly blessed!
Julee Schwarzburg is a dream editor to work with. She totally “gets” romantic suspense, and our partnership is a joy. Thanks for all your hard work to make this book so much better!
My agent, Karen Solem, has helped shape my career in many ways, and that includes kicking an idea to the curb when necessary. Thanks, Karen, you’re the best!
Writing can be a lonely business, but God has blessed me with great writing friends and critique partners. Hannah Alexander (Cheryl Hodde), Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter make up the Girls Write Out squad (www.GirlsWriteOut.blogspot.com). I couldn’t make it through a day without my peeps! Thanks to all of you for the work you do on my behalf and for your friendship.