Page 48 of Halloween with a Daddy
“I love you too.” A huge smile spreads across her face and a couple of happy tears roll down her cheeks. “Of course I’ll help you with it. We can start tomorrow!”
“I was serious when I said I have to go back to the city soon.” I kiss her forehead. “But that’s just so I can wrap things up and come back. It may take me a couple of weeks, and I’ll still be a consultant for my company through the end of the year, but…”
“I can wait a couple of weeks.” Bethany says quickly. “I’ll miss you, but I can wait.”
I pull her in close and we kiss. I never imagined my life taking this turn, but I couldn’t be happier. Bethany has gone from a stranger in a scandalous schoolgirl costume to my entire world.
I’m never letting her go.
Epilogue - Bethany
It’sbeenalmostayear since I met Edgar, and my life got spun in a whirlwind.
The mystery of the bones was never officially solved by the police. They did all the testing they could, investigated a few leads, but it went nowhere. If the missing woman’s descendants are still alive, we weren’t able to find them. She had a sister who married someone local, but they moved away, and there was no other information beyond that.
The trust was dissolved. Not that it mattered, since Edgar planned to keep Grimwillow Manor, regardless of his obligations.
Tonight, we’re opening the doors of Grimwillow Manor to the public for the first time in years. We worked ourselves to the point of exhaustion some nights getting this place ready, but we did it. Edgar hired a local contractor to help with some renovations. Amelia and my grandparents pitched in a well. They’re all here tonight, to help in case things get busy. I’m sure that they will, considering every room is booked up.
My grandmother is determined to make sure they all eat well, so she’s spent most of her time in the kitchen with Amelia. My grandfather has been busy checking all the secret passages to make sure they are sealed shut so that a guest doesn’t discover one of them by mistake.
“I want to talk to you before the guests arrive.” Edgar leans over and kisses my cheek. “Will you join me in the library?”
“Okay.” I smile and he takes my hand, leading the way up the stairs.
The library will be open to the public, so it’s undergone some renovations as well. Most of the older books were donated to the local library, and they’ve got an entire section on Grimwillow Manor for curious guests that may find their way there. The town itself has embraced our endeavors. The news story brought tourists to Willow Grove before the town was ready for them, but now every shop on Main Street has souvenirs they can buy. Our mayor is so thrilled with the economic boost to the town that he stopped by for whiskey and cigars with my grandfather and Edgar a few days ago.
“Wow.” I look around the library after we arrive. “This place looks a lot different now. I didn’t see your finishing touches.”
“Yeah, but I like it.” He walks over to the desk and points behind it. “I just put those on the wall.”
I look up and see that the old paddle, leather strap, and cane have been replaced with replicas that are brand new.
“Uh oh, I have a feeling I’m going to be the first one that gets to find out if those work as well as they should.” I flash him a devious grin.
“No, those are reserved for someone else.” He turns around to face me.
“Someone else?” I raise a brow.
“Yeah.” He nods. “Those are reserved for Bethany Grim.”
“What?” I blink in confusion.
Before I know what is happening, Edgar drops to one knee, pulls a wooden ring box out of his pocket, and opens it up. Inside, I see a ring that almost looks like an antique, but it’s gorgeous, with an oval diamond solitaire that sparkles.
“Edgar!” My hand goes to my mouth.
“Bethany Brooks.” He smiles lets out a soft exhale before continuing. “Will you marry me?”
“Yes!” I throw my arms around his neck and hold on tight as he stands up.
Somewhere between tears and joy, Edgar explains my ring was made the same year that Grimwillow Manor was built. Edgar spent months finding the right one and made a few modifications so it would be perfect.
“Bethany Grim.” I say, staring at my ring. “I like the sound of that.”
“I do too.” Edgar smiles and pulls me in for a kiss.
This feels right. I’ve already started making a life with Edgar and I hoped we would get married one day, but I wasn’t sure how long it would be before he popped the question.
