Amazing Grace (The American Soldier Collection 3)

“Until you have the test results from the lab as concrete evidence, it’s only your gut that you’re going on, Sandman. We need more than that even though your gut has never been wrong. Question those involved in the Thompson case then head to New York and talk to the detectives about their latest victim,” Detective Masterson said then left the room.

“Well get your suitcase ready, partner. It looks like we’re headed to New York and then back here to Houston,” Jim stated.

“Shit, Jim…I haven’t unpacked from the last trip.”

Jim shook his head. Sandman had just finished wrapping up a case in Pennsylvania two days ago.

“I need you on this one.”

“I wouldn’t let you down, Jim. I’ll meet you at the airport.”

* * * *

Grace looked at herself in the mirror one last time. She wore a stunning, long red Vera Wang dress. There was a high slit up one side, which revealed her long tan leg. The pedicure she’d received in the downstairs salon was showing through her high-heeled, strappy red sandals. The red fitted dress lay snugly against her perfect figure, causing just the slightest bit of cleavage. Her hair was all pulled up in a fancy style one of the models had shown her to create so simply. A few tiny curls scattered here and there along the bottom of her neck. She looked spectacular as she headed downstairs to the limo Peter had waiting for her.

She arrived at the wedding venue and was escorted by Peter to a side door. She wished she could have watched the wedding in the church, but she didn’t want to take the spotlight away from Jamie. As she walked down a side hallway, she saw through the widows on the terrace family members and friends arriving from the church. Everyone was laughing and enjoying the celebration. Grace told Peter that she would wait until after the couple arrived, so that she wouldn’t take away any special moments for them.

The bright golden sun shined down over the gazebo as a warm May breeze gently traveled through the crowd of wedding guests. Jamie and Tod stood kissing one another for the first time as husband and wife.

The large crowd of family and friends stood clapping and smiling with joy at the sight. It was a day of celebration, rejoicing, and it was so uplifting.

The band began to play the couple’s wedding song as Tod led his lovely bride to the dance floor. They danced with one another as if they were in another place, lost in each other’s eyes, caught up in the moment. Tod kissed Jamie again and the guys in the crowd hooted and hollered and the women smiled in envy.

Grace peeked through the door with tears in her eyes as she saw the happiness on Jamie’s face and the glow that surrounded her.

* * * *

“The ceremony was beautiful, Jamie. You look gorgeous today,” Sarah stated then kissed Jamie softly on the cheek.

Sarah couldn’t help but wonder if her daughter Grace would ever come home or get married some day. She wondered if they would all be a family once again. It saddened her still, to not have Grace here, being part of this celebration. As she looked around at the family and friends, she spotted Donald. She felt that little flutter of excitement she always got whenever she saw him. He looked especially handsome today. He was a good man, a great friend. At the thought, her heart sank and her belly quivered with regret.

Looking up, she caught Donald watching her. He winked and she smiled. If only her own marriage to Eric was better. Instead, he focused on his political ties, his investment deals and the value of the land around their community, instead of on her.

Sighing, she tried to push those thoughts from her mind as well as her feelings toward Donald. Nothing could ever come of that.

There were nearly three hundred people attending the wedding. All family and friends who had not seen one another for such a happy occasion in years. It was a magnificent day outside, perfect for an outdoor wedding. Everyone was enjoying the party, dancing and talking. The band was playing wonderful music—country, classic, and old rock and roll—and the best man finished giving his toast.

Sarah sighed. Oh how I wish you were here, Grace. I miss you so much.

* * * *

Grace was inside waiting for Peter to come get her. He had told the band announcer to introduce a special guest and the time was coming for her to appear. It was well past the couple’s first dance together as husband and wife and Grace knew that her surprise appearance wouldn’t take away any spotlight on the bride. Perhaps most people wouldn’t be so happy to see her, because she may remind them of a time of sadness and loss.

The band stopped playing and the crowd became silent as the announcer began to speak.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. Tod and Jamie, can you please come up here by the stage. Your cousin Peter has a very special surprise for you.”

The announcer had everyone’s attention and they all watched Jamie and Tod walk toward the front of the dance floor. The crowd gathered around waiting for the surprise.

“I’d like to draw everyone’s attention toward the main patio entrance as your surprise emerges.” The announcer directed his hand toward the curtain.

As the doors opened, Peter and Grace stood arm in arm and Jamie began to cry. The crowd roared in excitement, some gasping with joy as Peter and Grace walked toward everyone.

Instantly Jamie was in Grace’s arms, hugging her and crying hysterically.

“You made it. I can’t believe you’re here. Oh God, Grace, I’ve missed you so much. “

Grace’s brothers, John and Frank, made their way through the crowd escorting their mother Sarah.