Death by Engagement (Caribbean Murder Series, Book 12)

*

Even though Cindy’s mother and Frank were going to stay at the same hotel, the plan was to meet them at the Flanders that night for dinner. Her mother and Frank wanted to go out shopping almost as soon as they got to Aruba and said it would be more convenient to meet there.

Before Cindy dressed for the Flanders, she and Mattheus decided to go to the beach in the late afternoon and take a long swim together. It was soothing and wonderful to be relaxing alone with him and even more fun to be swimming together in the ocean, playing in the waves. As Cindy and Mattheus splashed together in the warm, rippling water, all kinds of thoughts tumbled through her mind. Cindy appreciated Mattheus’s sharing his insecurities about their relationship with her. She wanted to let him know she’d heard him and give him what he needed. He obviously needed to know that he was the most important thing in Cindy’s life. That was a tall order, Cindy thought, as she turned and floated on a rolling wave. Of course Mattheus was deeply important to her, she loved and cherished him, but was he the most important thing in her life? Was he supposed to be? That was actually a fascinating question that Cindy had not given much thought to before. Why couldn’t several things be deeply important, like work, values, friends and family? Did your life have to revolve around one person, was that realistic? Would it stay that way their whole life long?

A large wave came from behind suddenly, lifting both Cindy and Mattheus with it. Mattheus swam closer, caught Cindy in his arms, pulled her to him, and as the wave tossed them to and fro, kissed her for a long while. When they parted, as if he’d been reading her thoughts, Mattheus whispered, “You’re the most important thing in the world to me, Cindy. And you always will be, as long as we live.”

Cindy trembled as another wave swirled around them. She wished she could say the same back to him, but all she could answer was, “I love you, too.”

*

Cindy dressed for the evening at the Flanders club carefully. Not only was it a high-end spot, with glittering lights, gorgeous décor and wonderful food, but her mother and Frank would look her over carefully. As she stepped out of the bathroom in a tight silver macramé dress, Mattheus stepped back and whistled.

“Am I really this lucky to have someone like you?” He grinned broadly.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” Cindy played along. And, actually, he did look gorgeous, suntanned and toned, dressed in an expensive dinner suit. “In fact, we could be going to our wedding dressed like this,” Cindy went on.

“Might not be such a bad idea,” said Mattheus. “Just go and get it done with.”

“That’s a good way to bypass the jitters,” Cindy joked along.

“Are you up for it?” Mattheus suddenly became excited. “Your family’s here now, and we could take a day to get the papers, and then have the ceremony on the beach.”

Cindy was totally taken aback, not sure he was kidding.

“I thought you wanted a big, fancy wedding,” she replied. “You said that over and over, told me you wanted to invite everyone you knew.”

“Yes, I do,” Mattheus grinned. “But I also want to make sure my bride shows up at it.”

Cindy shivered unexpectedly. “What makes you think I won’t show up?” She felt irritated.

“How do I know another big case won’t come along just as our guests are starting the cocktail hour?” Mattheus was playing with her. “A body found at the wedding site and you’re off chasing the killer.”

None of this was really funny by now, and Cindy didn’t respond.

“Are you up for getting married fast?” Mattheus pushed the idea once again.

“Definitely not,” Cindy spoke emphatically. “I want you to have the wedding of your dreams, Mattheus. And I want you to let go of the idea that I’m not fully on board.”

“Okay, okay, just joking,” Mattheus quipped.

But there were too many jokes about it by now and they made Cindy uneasy.

*

When Cindy and Mattheus arrived at the star-studded club situated on the edge of the water, music was playing, posh crowds were circulating and they felt fortunate to have gotten a table right up near the front. As they walked to their table, Cindy saw her mother and Frank seated already. Her mother was dressed in a stunning black dress, with her beautiful hair pulled back severely. Perfectly groomed, as always, she sat tall and straight with an air of defiance about her. Frank looked the same as usual, except for a sense of sadness he now carried with him.

“Mom, Frank.” Cindy smiled and reached out for them as they got to the table.

Frank stood up and gave Cindy a hug and her mother looked up at her, blankly. Cindy realized how hard it must be for her mother to be in such a festive setting so soon after Ann had died.

Cindy leaned down to her mother and gave her a quick hug.