Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

Andrea got up as well then, and brushed her hair off the edge of her forehead.

“That does seem like wild speculation,” she concurred. “But, as I recall, Doug did mention to me that Shari’s father was prone to being suspicious of every little thing. Isn’t that so, Doug?”

“Yes, that’s exactly right,” Doug replied.

“Don’t worry about it.” Mattheus got up and stood beside Andrea then. “We’re spending a little time going over things to help Shari’s father accept the loss of his daughter.”

“You don’t actually believe a murder took place, do you?” Doug’s father swiftly intercepted.

“No, of course, I don’t,” said Mattheus quietly, calming all of them down.

“But I’m not so sure,” Cindy piped up, determined to hold to her reality and not get involved in a whitewash of any kind.

“Not so sure?” Kate’s eyes shot open. “Tell me more, I’m fascinated.”

“Kate, it’s enough!” her father demanded.

“Tell me later, then,” Kate whispered to Cindy as the little group moved away from one another and started to disband.





Chapter 11


“Lovely family,” Mattheus commented after they’d all gone and he and Cindy were headed back to their room. “Except for Kate, who’s a little rough around the edges, if you ask me. But otherwise they’re a great support for Doug. It’s good to see that.”

Cindy didn’t agree. Except for Kate, she actually didn’t much like any of them, Doug included.

“I think they’re basically stiff and formal,” Cindy replied. “I can’t warm up to any of them, except for Kate, that is. “

“Really?” Mattheus was surprised. “Can’t warm up to Doug? He’s a good person.”

“I’m sure he is,” Cindy agreed, “there’s just something cold about him.”

“I don’t see that at all,” Mattheus countered, “and what do you like about Kate?”

“She’s spirited,” said Cindy. “She’ll say what she feels, no matter what her family thinks.”

Mattheus smiled. “You always like the rebels, Cindy, I knew that from the first day I met you.”

“I like all different kinds of people,” said Cindy, “but mostly the straightforward ones!”

Mattheus put his arms around Cindy’s shoulders and pulled her to him then. “I hope that includes me? I hope I’m straightforward enough for you.”

Cindy laughed. “Why in the world would you ever doubt that?” she said.

“I don’t know,” he grumbled playfully, “sometimes I doubt everything. Sometimes I even wonder what an incredible, gorgeous woman like you could possibly see in me?”

Cindy was stopped short. Mattheus wasn’t joking, he meant it.

“I see the whole world in you, Mattheus,” Cindy responded. “I see a fantastic man with high principles, a real friend, a great lover, a loyal and deep partner, an adventurer. I see a happy life for us together.”

Mattheus closed his eyes. “Thank God,” he murmured slowly.

Cindy shook him by the shoulders. “What do you mean, thank God? Do you truly doubt that I love you, and want us to have a life together?”

Mattheus opened his eyes slowly. “Sometimes doubts do arise,” he confessed. “There are so many other things that take you away from me, grab your attention, and you’re off.”

Cindy was amazed. “Like what?”

“Like work,” Mattheus repeated. “Sometimes I feel I’m actually competing with your investigations. They engage you so completely. You jump right in, you adore it.”

“I adore you, too,” said Cindy.

“Not as much as work,” he joked.

“Do I have to choose between the two?” Cindy felt uneasy. “It was the work that brought us together, Mattheus. It’s the work we both love to do. We’re partners in it. What more could we ask?”

“Yes, of course,” Mattheus relented. “But I’m human, after all.” Then his nose crinkled as he smiled the smile that always melted Cindy’s heart. ‘“Do you want to take time together or alone when we get back?” Cindy asked. “I’ll leave the plans for the rest of the day to you.”

“Did you forget already?” Mattheus was surprised. “Your mother and Frank will be down this afternoon. We’re taking them to the Flanders, for an early dinner and then an evening sail.”

“We are?” Cindy was flabbergasted. The fact that her family was coming had completely escaped her mind. “I guess I knew they were coming,” she mumbled, “just not when exactly.” Then she turned to Mattheus, who was grinning. “And when did we make those plans?”

“We didn’t,” Mattheus laughed, “I made them as a surprise for you. Do you like the idea of the Flanders for dinner and then a moonlight sail?”

The Flanders was one of the most expensive and exotic clubs on the island. Cindy and Mattheus had planned to go to it together to celebrate after they’d found their wedding venue.

“It’s a wonderful plan,” said Cindy. “It’s kind of you to want to share that place with them.”

“Kind? They’re your family,” Mattheus responded. “And now, any family of yours is also a family of mine.”