Divine Wedding: A Divine Cozy Mystery Novel (Divine Mystery Series Book 7) by Hope Callaghan

Author:Hope Callaghan [Callaghan, Hope]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-03-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Jo wasn’t sure what she envisioned Aaron Beck to look like, but she wasn’t expecting him to look so young. And handsome with wavy dark locks that curled up around his neck. He sported a five o’clock shadow, and as he drew closer, his sultry eyes were almost mesmerizing.

“Good morning.” The man made his way around the car, slowing when Raylene stepped next to Jo. “Hello, Raylene.”

Jo could hear a faint tremor in Raylene’s voice as she greeted him. “Hello, Aaron. You’re right on time.”

“I…didn’t want to keep you waiting. I wasn’t sure how long the drive would take from Kansas City.”

Jo made her way down the steps and extended a hand. “I’m Joanna Pepperdine, the owner of this farm.”

“Aaron Beck. Thank you for allowing me to visit on such short notice.” His grip was firm, warm…confident.

Their eyes met, and Jo immediately got a good feeling about him. He wasn’t here to cause trouble for Raylene. She could feel it in her bones. “It’s a long drive. Please, come in.”

Raylene stepped back as Jo led their visitor into the house. “Can I get you a cup of coffee? Some water?”

“No, thanks. I won’t be staying long.”

“Then, I’ll show you where you and Raylene can have a private word.” They entered the hall leading past the half bath to Jo’s office at the end. She stepped aside to give him room as Raylene followed behind.

She gave her resident a small smile, hoping her look conveyed everything was going to be all right. “Raylene has asked me to sit in on your visit…meeting if that’s all right.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Aaron took a seat near the window, his eyes on Raylene as she perched on the edge of the chair, semi-facing him. “As I said in my letter, I asked one of Brock’s friends to track you down. I meant to do it last year after I heard you were released from prison.” An awkward silence ensued as he faltered. He lowered his head and stared down at his hands.

“Raylene has been living here since her release,” Jo explained.

“Your farm – your home is a halfway house for former convicts.”

“It is.”

“I’ve been rehearsing what I was going to say all the way here.” Aaron shifted uncomfortably. “The fact of the matter is I want to apologize for the awful things I said about you during your trial, Raylene.”

He continued. “I was angry, angry at the world, angry at you, angry at Brock for getting involved in that case. After he was…gone, you were the only one left to take my anger out on, and I’m sorry.”

Raylene sat motionless, staring at Aaron as a lone tear trickled down her cheek.

Jo placed her hand on the woman’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

His voice was raw when he spoke again. “I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me. I know you didn’t kill Brock. You loved him.”

“I did,” Raylene whispered. “His death haunts me every day.”

“Brock wouldn’t want you to blame yourself.

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