Aunt Rose
Grandma Bricken stepped into the warm morning sun. “My, what a glorious day for a drive!” She took a deep breath. “The air smells like a bouquet of flowers.”
“Yes, I can smell the sweetness of magnolias.” Letty sniffed. “I’d say some late blooming roses, too. She held out a wicker picnic basket to Alese. “For the trip.”
“Oh, Letty. You must have been up all night.”
“No such thing. Just some sandwiches and cookies to tide you over.”
Grandma pulled Letty into a hug. “See you when we return.”
“Let’s get a move on. I’d like to see my aunt before the day’s over,” Ken yelled toward the house.
“Thanks for keeping the dog and cat, too. They are a handful.”
“They’ll be fine. Safe travels.”
“So, here we are, together again,” Dayton said to Kat, Ken, Wendy, Bart, and Grandma Bricken.
“You just can’t get rid of good people,” Bart quipped.
“Or something.” Dayton wheeled onto the main highway and headed east from Hayden. Ahead on the horizon, the black asphalt shimmered like an ebony liquid waiting to swallow the car and all its occupants.
“Trees are so different here,” Grandma said.
“They sure are. Some of these trees are so thick around the middle, you’d need two people holding hands to get your arms around one,” Dayton answered.
“They seem almost melancholy,” Wendy said.
“Melancholy?”
“Yes. The way the moss reaches for the ground but doesn’t touch it. The weeping willows”—Wendy pointed—“seem the same. Yet, they also look like a place you could hide yourself away from the world.”
Kat searched Wendy’s sad eyes. “What has gotten into you, Winsome?”
“Don’t know. Maybe I’m homesick for Ravens Cove. You can hug a tree by yourself there.” She laughed. “Seriously, I’ve had a sad feeling all morning. Like something isn’t right. Or something sad is going to happen.”
“Don’t be silly.” Kat didn’t tell Wendy about the gloominess in her own heart. Or, how much stronger it was getting.
Ken turned and winked at Wendy. “My aunt will cheer you right up. Her sweet tea alone, with a touch of fresh mint, is a balm for anything that ails you.”
“Isn’t this mysterious-looking country? Just like out of some scary old movie,” Dayton said.
“What did you do with Detective Dayton?” Kat asked. “He’d never let his emotions show.” She tapped Dayton’s shoulder from the backseat. “Where is he?”
“Funny! I guess something about this place brings out the emotions.”
Bart leaned into the air conditioning vent. “I’d rather be in the Cove. I don’t feel like I’m going to melt there.”
“Tell me how you feel come winter, Bart. Bet you’ll be wishing for some of this heat.”
“Maybe. Never minded the cold, though.”
“You never knew anything else, Cuz.”
“Enough, you two!” Grandma chided. “We really don’t need you bickering at Ken’s aunt’s home.”
“Guess I should be on my best behavior, huh? Wouldn’t want her to disapprove of the bride-to-be.”
“She’s gonna love you no matter what, Kat. What isn’t to love?”
“Her tongue lashings for one,” Wendy mumbled.
“Can we take the smarty pants back to Storyville? Who knows what she’ll say to your Aunt Rose.”
“Little late, Kat. We’re here.”
The sedan veered onto a narrow dirt road, throwing a dust cloud in its wake. The road narrowed to a trail. Clumps of grass stubbornly stood like a makeshift median.
“Man, hope they don’t ding me for overworking the rental,” Dayton said.
“They’d be dinging me, remember?” Ken replied.
Dayton smiled. “Oh, yeah. Nothing to worry about.”
The narrow road gave way to grass. White rails fenced in a two-story, lap-sided home. Its tall, pitched housetop gave way to a flat tin roof covering the expansive front porch. An ancient screen door, trimmed in forest-green, let the afternoon breeze into the home’s interior.
“Just as I remember it.” Ken jumped out of the car and headed toward the house.
“Think he’s looking forward to seeing his aunt?”
“Seems so.”
“Aunt Rose. Aunt Rose!” Kat heard Ken calling from inside the house.
He popped back out. “Aunt Rose?”
“Out here!” A smooth southern accent floated from the back of the house.
“Come on, Kat!” Ken raced away like a small child.
Kat jogged up beside him. A tiny woman, barely five feet tall and thin as a sapling had Ken in a bear hug. Ken held her like he’d never let go again. Kat smiled.
Rose released Ken. Two black handprints stood out on Ken’s print shirt. She dusted the back of his shirt, making the wet earth smudge even deeper. “Darn. I’ll need to find a laundromat for sure.”
“I’ll get it clean,” Ken answered.
Rose patted Ken’s cheek and turned around. “You must be Kat.” Aunt Rose dragged her into a big hug. “I never thought I’d meet a girl who’d steal this wild boy’s heart. Good for you!”
Kat relaxed in the embrace, feeling like she’d known this woman all her life. “Well, I guess I’m just lucky.”
“I’ll have you know, Aunt Rose, I haven’t changed a bit. Just have my sights on one girl instead of several.”
Aunt Rose laughed. “Definitely a change for the better.” She turned to Kat. “Do you know one time I had three beautiful girls up at this house claiming this boy had wronged them. Seems he was going steady with all of them at the same time! Word got around school. He didn’t have a date for at least a year.” She laughed.
Kat looked at Ken. “I knew there was something you hadn’t told me.”
“Oh, that’s just a small part of it. This boy kept me hopping all his teen years. I was sure he’d end up in jail or dead. He didn’t know how to stay out of trouble.”
“Okay, Aunt Rose, I think Kat’s heard enough. I’d like to keep her as my fiancé.”
“Oh, she hasn’t said anything to make me shy away—yet. I’d love to hear more.”
She smiled.“That’s all I remember right now. Come on into the house. We’ll have a glass of tea.” Rose strolled over to the garden and snipped fresh mint with her pruners.
“Ken says your world-famous tea will chase away all sadness.”
Rose patted Ken on the cheek. “Such a silly boy. Still, I love the compliment.” Rose looked around. “Where are the others? Didn’t you say you were bringing more of Kat’s family?”
“Outside by the car.”
“Well go get them and bring them up to the porch.” She grabbed Kat by the arm. “We’ll be right out.”
Kat shot a ‘rescue me’ glance over her shoulder as she was whisked away by the older woman.
Ken waved the group to the house.
Kat reappeared through the front door carrying a tray full of crystal tumblers and a matching pitcher of golden brown liquid.Each glass had a deep green mint leaf atop ice cubes.
Rose said, “If you’re going to be part of the family, you need to learn how to serve this tea to your guests. Now fill the glasses as soon as our guests are seated.”
“Our guests?” Kat mouthed at Ken.
“Welcome to the family, Kat.”
“Never any doubt. I like this girl already, and I don’t even know her. Have a good feeling about her. You’d better treat her well.”
“Always have.”
“That is not the truth, FBI,” Wendy said.
“FBI? You back with them?” Aunt Rose asked.
“No. I’m still the police chief in Ravens Cove. Wendy won’t drop the title, especially when she’s angry with me or wants to make a point.”
“Once a duck, always a duck.” Wendy stuck out her hand. “Hi. I’m Wendy Hareling. Kat’s best friend in the world, right Kat?”
“Most days,” Kat answered.
Ken raised his tea glass to Kat. “Might you introduce the rest of our company?”
Kat glared at Ken. “Of course,” she said sweetly. She rattled off all the names.
“Glad to meet you all. Now let’s get comfy out here. Too hot in the house right now.”
“Aunt Rose doesn’t believe in air conditioning.”
“Oh…” Bart said, wiping his forehead.
“You’ll be fine, Bart. Heat takes a bit of getting used to. If you’re too uncomfortable, take that ice cold glass and put it against your wrist. It’ll cool you down in no time,” Aunt Rose offered.
“Couldn’t hurt.” Bart stuck the tea glass against his wrist. The cold was a welcome relief. “It works.”
“‘Course it works,” Aunt Rose answered.
“So, Rose, you live here all by yourself?” Grandma Bricken asked.
“I have since my sweet Edward passed.”
“You seem more isolated than some of our people in Ravens Cove.”
“Not as secluded as it seems. Millie lives right through that stand of trees.” Rose pointed to her left. “I can get to her house anytime I need. You remember Millie, don’t you, Kenneth?”
“I do. She must be eighty-five if she’s a day, Aunt Rose.”
“She is. Still healthier than a horse, though. Drives herself to town and everything.”
“There’s a town around here? I don’t remember seeing anything but trees and water on the way,” Kat said.
“There’s two. One is a bit farther up the highway. Not a big town to speak of. I go to the bigger one, Gator Way.”
“I remember that place,” Ken said. “What’s the name of the other town?
“Bordman’s Crossing. People are none too friendly there. So, I drive straight through to Gator Way.”
“Wait a minute, you still drive?”
“You bet. I wouldn’t be caught dead without my wheels.” Aunt Rose pointed to the back of her house. “It’s in the garage.”
“I thought they took your driver’s license.”
“Why’d you think that, Kenneth? Of course they didn’t. I’m still fit to drive.”
“Really?”
“Really. Want me to show you right now?” Rose stood and headed to the steps.
“No, Aunt Rose. I believe you.” Ken made a mental note to check her license when he got back to the Cove. “I have a question.”
“Shoot.”
“Are we related to the O’Brine character who supposedly ran away from New Orleans and lived in the swamps around here?”
Rose took a deep breath and blew it out. “I suppose it’s about time you heard the whole story, Ken.” She nodded her head as if making a decision. “I’ll be right back.”
Rose O’Brine disappeared into the house and reappeared with a white cardboard box. “Pictures of your ancestors.”
Ken took the box. “How come you didn’t ever show them to me before?”
“Your father was secretive about the family past. With good reason. Your great-grandfather was a scoundrel.”
“So we heard,” Kat quipped.
“It was all true, I’m afraid.”
Ken pulled out one of the photos. “Who’s this?”
“That’s him, your great-grandfather.”
Kat plucked the picture from Ken’s hand. “You look just like him!” She dropped the picture.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just remembered a dream I had before we left the Cove. Silly, really.”
“What was it?”
“We were in a swamp, you and me, but you were with two other guys and couldn’t hear me. I saw you make a deal with Iconoclast. He was taking your soul forever.” Tears leaked from Kat’s eyes. “I tried calling your name, tried to make you stop. Your soul, forever owned by the devil. I was so helpless. It was so horrible!” She wiped her tears.
Ken took Kat’s hand. “It was just a dream, Kat. I’d never do that.”
“I think you had a vision,” Aunt Rose said.
“Why?”
“That sounds like the day Shane O’Brine made the pact with the devil.”
“That can’t be.” Kat shot a pleading look to Ken. “It was just a silly dream, right?”
“More than likely,” Ken answered. His gut didn’t feel so sure.
“If you saw my grandfather’s actions, then you’ve seen the worst of our family.” Rose looked at Kat. “If you’re not scared off by that, I’d like to talk about something else.”
Kat’s stomach knotted up like a ball of twine. “Okay.”
“Kenneth is the closest thing I ever had to a son.” Rose turned to Alese. “Ed and I couldn’t have children.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“The Lord knows what he’s doing. The day Kenneth came to live with us—both a sad day and a joyous one—I was blessed. He gave us a run for our money but worth every minute.”
“Why a sad day?”
“Ken, do you mind?”
Kenneth shook his head. “Go ahead.”
“That was the same day his mama and daddy died.”
“Oh, Ken. You never told me.”
“Not something I share. Kat doesn’t even know the whole story.”
“Didn’t they have a car accident?” Kat asked.
“No one knows,” said Rose. “They were here visiting. My brother always visited once a year. They went into town to get some food for dinner. Never came back.”
“No one found them?”
“They found the car. No one inside. The police think they hit a tree, at least the car was hood-first into one, and then they tried to walk out, somehow got lost, and the swamp took them. It’s still a big mystery. They were closer to Bordman’s Crossing than Gator Way.” Rose said as an afterthought.
“Oh, that’s horrible. It’s hard enough when you know what happened to someone you love—even harder when they just disappear like that. Kenneth, I am so sorry,” Grandma said.
“Can’t change the past.”
Kat sent a shocked look to Ken. “You okay?”
“Fine. I’ll be right back.” Ken stood and walked down the porch to the back of the house.
“I’ll go after him.” Kat headed to the steps.
Aunt Rose placed a hand on Kat’s arm. “Let him be for a bit, Kat. He needs to get away and think. He’ll be back, right as rain.”
Kat hesitated, then sat down opposite Rose.
“I need to talk to y’all about something before Ken comes back. It affects you all.”
“I’m not sure how it could affect me. I’m an outsider to this group.”
“It will affect you, too, Mr. Dayton.”
“I’m curious now.”
“As I said, Ken is like a son and my only child.” Rose took a deep breath. “I’d very much like it if you’d consider having your wedding here.” She looked at Kat with pleading eyes. “I know it’s self-centered of me. Just want to see my boy get married.”
“Why don’t you come to Ravens Cove? You’d love our town.”
“That’s why I want to talk to you before Ken returns.”
“I don’t understand.”
“What I’m going to say, he doesn’t know yet. I need you to promise me you will not tell him, and let me tell him myself. When I’m alone with him.”
“I have a medical condition. I… well, they found a tumor in my brain. I will be going through treatment for a long time. The doctor doesn’t want me going anywhere right now—I did ask.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” said Kat
Alese reached out to touch Rose.
Bart leaned back in the chair and let out a long breath.
“I know I’m asking a lot. I took the liberty of checking how long it will take to get a license. Only seventy-two hours and you can get married here. I’m sure we can find a preacher to perform the ceremony.”
Kat’s mind roiled. “Pastor Lucas, our friend and pastor in Ravens Cove, was going to perform the ceremony,” she whispered.
Grandma Bricken had sat silently scrutinizing Rose and Kat. “He’d understand, Kat,” she interjected.
“You don’t look sick.”
“I don’t feel sick. Except for some blasted headaches and blurry vision every now and then. I feel great.”
“Oh.”
Kat thought about Jo, Amos and Andy, Mrs. Tellamoot. “All of our friends are in the Cove. They want to come.”
“They’d understand,” Gram repeated.
“I need to think, Aunt Rose. This is so unexpected.”
“I know. And I need to talk to Ken. He may not want to get married in Texas.” Rose slapped her arms on the porch chair rails. “No time like the present.” She stood and walked to the back of the house.
Kat turned to Gram. “What am I going to do?”
“Well, Katrina, what would you do if it were Wendy asking?”
“I’d change my plans.” Kat looked to Wendy. “What do you think, Winsome?”
“What are you going to do for a dress? What are you going to do for a reception?”
Grandma harrumphed.“Really, Wendy Hareling? That’s all you can think about?”
“A dress is important. And the reception is really important. That’s what I’m supposed to do!”
“You can have the reception when we get back to the Cove,” Bart offered.
Wendy chewed her lower lip, then turned to Bart. “That could work.”
“We’re supposed to be leaving for the Cove in two days.” Kat reminded everyone.
“The tickets can be changed.”
“What about your work, Bart? What about Ken’s?”
“Kat, think about this. Think if this was your mom. All that can wait a few days.”
Kat stood and paced the porch. She whirled on the small group. “How am I supposed to be ready to be Mrs. Kenneth Melbourne in three days?” Anxiety made her shake.
“You were going to marry him in two months. What’s the difference?” Wendy asked.
“The difference is two months—not three days.”
“This place is gorgeous. I can see you getting married right over there.” Wendy pointed at a massive oak tree, Spanish moss fluttering in the breeze. The dark green leaves shaded the area like an immense parasol.
Kat plopped back into the rocker. “This is all so fast.”
Grandma looked at Kat. “Do you love him, Katrina?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then, it doesn’t matter when you marry, or where. This will be a blessing to his Aunt Rose. It is right. And everything will be just fine. The family is all here. We could even have another ceremony in the Cove.”
“I know.” Kat caught hold of her grandmother’s hand. “What if I’m making a mistake? What if I can’t make him happy? What if he leaves me again?”
Gram patted Kat’s arm. “Now there are the real worries. Not when and where you marry. Those are all chances we take when we love someone and decide to live with them for the rest of our lives. Are you willing to take a risk, Katrina?”
Tears sprang to Kat’s eyes. “I’m so scared.”
“Second thoughts don’t mean marrying is wrong. It means you must find the courage to confront your fears and marry Kenneth anyway. The Bible tells us, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.’”
Kat nodded and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “If Ken really wants to get married here, I’ll do it.”
“I’m calling Jenny.” Bart hopped up and walked down the porch steps to the oak tree. “It’s nice over here, Kat. Smells like a bouquet of flowers. Much cooler, too—Jenny, listen, I’m gonna need a couple of more days here…” Bart listened. “Understand. I’ll call him right away. And you’ll take care of the tickets? Thanks.”
“Who are you calling now?” Kat yelled to Bart.
“Billings. Got the DNA results back on the skeleton.”
Kat jumped from the porch and scampered to Bart. “What’s he say?”
“He hasn’t answered yet. Be useful. Go find Ken.”
“Fine. Be that way.” Kat tromped to the side of the house to the backyard.
Aunt Rose intercepted her at the back door. “Kat, I want you to take a look at this.”
Kat scanned the large box in her hands. “What is it?”
Rose set the box on the concrete stoop and pulled off the lid. Fabric, the color and sheen of pearls, puffed up and over the box’s edge. “My mother’s wedding dress. I wore it. I’d be honored if you would consider wearing it on your special day.”
Kat touched the fabric with one finger. The satin shimmered in the sun’s light. Small rainbows of color darted back and forth off the hundreds of crystals that dotted the fitted bodice. A tear ran down her cheek. “It’s beautiful.”
“Pull it out.”
“Oh, I don’t know.”
“It’s fine. You can’t tell if you like something by looking at a small piece of it.”
Kat lifted the dress out of the carton. The bodice was fitted satin. Delicate lace bordered the skirt. Crystals circled the ankle-length hem. “It is perfect.”
Rose beamed, a huge smile brightened her face. “I hoped you’d say that. Hold it up.” Aunt Rose fussed with the sides and top. “It looks a bit big, though.”
“Nonsense. I can fix that, Darlin’. I’m one of the best seamstresses in the county.”
“I don’t want to ruin it. Besides, you must have other family who would want it.”
“No, my dear, no one else. But, even if there was, you’re the one who deserves the dress. It would bring me great joy to see you wearing it while you wed my sweet Kenneth.”
Ken sneaked up behind Kat and pulled her against his chest. “Sorry I left in such a hurry. Sometimes the pain is too much.”
Kat leaned her head against his chest, then pushed away. “Oh, feathers! I was supposed to get you. Bart’s on the phone with Doctor Billings. They have the DNA back on the skeleton.”
“Back in a minute. Then, you can tell me why you’re looking at Aunt Rose’s wedding dress.” Ken jogged toward the old oak tree.
“Wait for me.” Kat grabbed the box and ran after Ken.
“Be careful! You don’t want that full of dirt before you wed.” Aunt Rose called after her.
“I’m gonna drop it off with Gram on the porch,” Kat yelled over her shoulder.
Kat placed the dress on Grandma’s lap. “Look at this, Gram! I’ll be right back!”
“What am I looking at?” Gram raised her voice as Kat jumped down the steps.
“It’s a wedding dress,” Kat answered.
Gram shook her head. “God always provides.”
Wendy scurried over to Gram and pulled the dress from the box. “It’s gorgeous! Oh, it’s so beautiful!”
Kat joined Bart and Ken. “So, what did you find out?”
“As I was telling Ken, the DNA is Latrell’s.”
“That brings up a whole bunch of questions for Jo,” Ken said.
“You don’t honestly think Jo had anything to do with her late husband’s disappearance, do you?” Kat asked.
“We are all capable of murder in the right circumstances.”
“Not Jo. She loved him more than life itself.”
“You’re barking up the wrong tree, FBI,” Kat said angrily.
Ken shrugged and pulled the cellphone from his front pocket. “Rob? How’s it going there?”
“Who’s he calling?”
“His trooper friend.”
“Oh.” Kat mouthed.
“Thanks. He’ll get Jo into the station for an interview.”
“You’re going to let him just go get her? Really? The woman’s gonna go into horrible shock when she finds out that skeleton was her husband.”
“What do you suggest, Kat? We’re here, and she’s there.”
“Call Bernice Tellamoot. At least she can go along with Jo.”
Ken thought about it. “Got the number?”
“I’ll call her now. Hopefully she’ll get there before your trooper friend.”
“She should. Rob was cruising between Ravens Cove and Clayton. It’ll take him a while to get there. So, why were you looking at Aunt Rose’s dress?”
“She wants me to wear it,” Kat said, her cheeks reddening.
Ken stood silent for a few minutes. “For our wedding?”
“Seems so. Didn’t she talk to you it?”
“She did, but I wasn’t listening.”
“Well, let’s get back to Wendy and Gram. We have some decisions to make.”
Ken looked at Bart. “What’d I miss? Can’t let you people out of my sight for a minute.”
“Learn to listen up, Melbourne. Come on.”