Part 3

After searching for a little while, Trixie returned to the diner. She was frustrated that she had lost the chance to confront Laura and find out the truth. As she stepped into the diner, she saw Jim was still seated in the booth they had occupied before she had bolted. She moved to the booth and slid in across from Jim.

He finished chewing and asked, “What were you after?”

“I saw Laura.”

Jim stopped chewing and stared at her. He finally swallowed. “What?”

Trixie nodded her head. “I followed her, but in the end, I lost her when she went around a corner.”

“Are you sure it was her?” Jim asked slowly.

“It was her.”

“Then it’s possible she’s involved with the phone calls.”

“It’s possible, but we need proof.”

“How do we get the proof?”

“I’m not sure, but the Chief did have a point.”

“About what?”

“If she keeps leaving messages, there really isn’t anything she can be charged with unless she specifically threatens to do something in particular.”

“So, we’ll just have to be on our guard.”

“Absolutely. Maybe she’s just trying to make us doubt our love for one another.”

“It’s not working.” Jim reached across the table and took her hand in his. He gave it a squeeze. “Every day we’re together, I love you more.”

Trixie smiled. “I feel the same way.”

“Come on,” Jim said. “Finish your lunch and then we can head on home.”

“Good idea.”

* * * * *

Later that afternoon, Trixie was in her room packing the last of her clothes, leaving enough for her last 48 hours at Crabapple Farm. Part of her was sad that she was leaving, but the other part of her was anxious to start her life with Jim.

At that moment, the phone rang. She quickly grabbed the nearest extension. “Hello?”

“Hi, Trixie. It’s Honey.”

“Hey, Honey. How are you doing?”

“Pretty good. I was wondering if you would like to spend the evening at Manor House for a night of girl talk before the ceremony.”

“That sounds like fun. It’ll probably be a while before we can do it again.”

“So you’ll come?”

“Absolutely.” Trixie looked at her watch. “Give me an hour and I’ll be there.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

Trixie smiled as she put the phone down. She was looking forward to it being just the two of them.

* * * * *

An hour later, Trixie made her way up to the Manor House. She had talked to Jim, and he agreed it was a good idea for her to hang out with Honey. He said he planned to hang out with Hans and Juliana.

When she reached the Manor House, she knocked on the front door. A moment later, the door was opened by Honey.

“Come on in, Trixie.”

Trixie stepped inside and saw Honey was wearing a big smile. She looked quizzically at her. “You seem really happy about this.”

“I’m looking forward to tonight.”

Trixie looked closely at her best friend. She had a feeling that Honey was up to something, and it wasn’t good.

Honey took her by the arm and pulled her toward the library.

“Honey, what’s going on?”

Honey remained silent. She pushed the library doors open and pulled Trixie inside. The lights were clicked on, revealing a room filled with balloons.

“SURPRISE!”

Trixie looked around and saw that not only was Honey there, but Di, Moms, Madeleine Wheeler, Juliana and her cousin, Hallie. Trixie crossed her arms in front of her chest as she stared at her best friend. “What is going on?”

“This is your bachelorette party,” Di explained.

“Let the fun begin,” Hallie said as she turned the music on.

Trixie looked at her mother as she moved toward her daughter. Trixie asked, “You knew about this?”

“Of course,” Helen said, giving her a hug. “You need to enjoy this night. Soon you’ll be a married woman. So enjoy.”

Trixie looked around the room. She had heard of these parties getting out of hand, but she didn’t see how this one could since it was at the Manor House. She knew she would have fun.

* * * * *

Several hours later, after lots of laughing and talking, Honey turned off the music and moved toward them. She said, “I think it’s time we moved this party to another location.”

“I don’t see a reason to move,” Trixie said, leaning back in the leather recliner. “I’m quite comfortable right here.”

“Well, you’re going to have to move,” Di said, getting to her feet. “We have a surprise for you.”

“We need to get going,” Hallie said. “It won’t be held forever.”

“What do you have planned?” Trixie asked cautiously.

“You’ll have to wait to find out,” Honey said, pulling a bandana off the table. “Blindfold her and we’ll be off.”

Trixie looked at her mother who had her hands in the air. “Trixie, I have no idea what they’re planning. Just go and have a good time.”

“All right,” Trixie said reluctantly and allowed Hallie to blindfold her.

Trixie was helped to her feet and led out of the room. A few minutes later, she was seated in a limousine. When she felt the limousine move, she asked, “Was it really necessary to blindfold me?”

“When we get to our destination, you’ll understand the secrecy,” Honey said.

“So, just sit back and relax,” Di said.

Trixie was unsure how much time had passed when the limousine finally stopped and the engine was turned off. She had tried to figure out where they were going by the turns in the road, but she had lost track after a little while.

“Here we are,” Di said.

“And where is that?” Trixie asked, hoping someone would give her a clue.

“Forget trying to be a detective tonight,” Honey said. “Just focus on having fun.”

Trixie felt two hands take hers and guide her out of the limousine. She felt cement under feet as she was led somewhere. She listened for some clue to her whereabouts, but it was quiet, except from the occasional giggle from Honey and Di. She made several turns along the way confusing her even more.

They finally stopped, and she strained to listen for something.

“Trixie, your surprise will be revealed in a moment, but you have to be quiet and not say a word,” Honey said.

Trixie nodded her head and felt her hands get released. She heard soft whispers and figured the others were plotting the next part of the party. She hoped that whatever they had planned would be over with soon.

The sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention. She turned toward the sound and waited. She felt someone standing close by, but she had no idea who it was.

Suddenly, music began to play. She felt herself being turned and a pair of arms were wrapped around her waist. She felt someone messing with the knot on the blindfold. A moment later, the blindfold was off and she blinked against the lights. After a couple seconds, she realized she was in Jim’s arms. She could see he was also getting his bearings.

Jim caught her gaze. He smiled before leaning down and giving her a kiss.

“I think they both enjoyed the surprise,” Honey said, interrupting the kiss.

Trixie turned to Honey and saw Brian standing with his arm around her shoulder. Besides them were Mart and Di, Dan, Hans and Juliana, Hallie, Knut and Cap.

“You did this on purpose,” Trixie scolded.

“We thought that individual parties would be boring, so we decided to have one together.”

Trixie felt Jim pull her close to him. He said, “I think it was a great idea.”

“Let the fun begin,” Mart said, and the music was turned up.

Trixie turned to Jim and they slow-danced even though a fast song was playing. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she said, “I guess they tricked you too.”

Jim nodded. “Brian called and asked me to come over. When I got there, the party started.”

“That’s how mine was.”

“Then they said the party had another destination and they blindfolded me.”

“They definitely surprised us.”

“I think it’s a good surprise and we’re all together,” Jim said.

“That’s the best part of the evening.”

“You mean I’m not the best?” Jim asked, shocked.

“You are more than the best. You are truly amazing.”

“I like the sound of that.” Jim leaned in and gave her a kiss.

As they kissed, Trixie felt that the evening was perfect.

A while later, Trixie and Jim were dancing to a slow song when a door was slammed shut, and the music was turned off.

“We’re looking for James Frayne and Beatrix Belden.”

Trixie opened her eyes as she lifted her head off Jim’s chest. She saw two police officers she had never seen before.

“That’s us, officer,” Jim said. “Is there a problem?”

The two officers approached them. Trixie looked at the others and saw the same shocked expression that must have matched her own.

The female officer stopped right in front of them and said, “You’re both under arrest.”

Trixie stared at the officers as handcuffs were slipped around her wrists. She was shocked. She tuned out Jim’s protests, unable to believe this was happening.

“You can’t arrest them!” Brian protested, coming over to them.

“What are the charges?” Honey asked.

Trixie looked at Jim. His face was red and knew he was angry. She could see he was trying to break his wrists free from behind his back.

“You have no reason to arrest us!” Jim yelled. “You have to let us go!”

“I don’t think so.”

Trixie watched the female officer move over to the music and turn it on. As the female officer turned back to them, she pulled off her cap and threw it at Jim. She started strutting toward them as she unbuttoned her shirt.

“No,” Jim said, trying to back away. “No way.”

Trixie glanced at her brothers and saw they were laughing hard. They had set Jim up.

Trixie felt a hand on her chin turning her face. She saw it was the male officer. He had already removed his shirt and was dancing to the music. She backed away from him. She couldn’t believe this was happening.

Glancing quickly at the girls, she saw them laughing and smiling, and knew she had been set up as well.

When the song was over, the officers moved together and said, “Congratulations and enjoy your wedding.”

After releasing them from the handcuffs, the officers left the room.

Trixie turned to Honey and Di, who were still laughing uncontrollably.

“How could you do this?” Trixie asked angrily.

The laughter in the room subsided.

“Trixie,” Honey began.

“How could you? I have never felt this humiliated.”

“Trixie, it was just for fun,” Brian said.

“I don’t think it was fun. It was embarrassing.”

“Trixie,” Mart began.

“I never expected any of you to do this.”

The others looked at her. Jim put his arm around her shoulder. He said softly, “They didn’t mean any harm.”

Trixie looked at her husband-to-be. She was shocked he accepted their behavior. She pulled away and stared at him. “Jim, they set it up so I could see a strange woman dancing for you. I’ve never felt so insulted.”

“All they did was dance, Trixie. They didn’t do anything else.”

“I guess I see it differently,” Trixie said.

“Honestly, Trix,” Mart said. “We just wanted to have some fun.”

“Yeah,” Di said. “But, maybe it was inappropriate. We should have thought it through a bit more.”

“We’re sorry,” Honey said sadly, looking at the floor.

Trixie looked at each one in turn and realized they did feel bad for this.

“Gotcha,” Trixie said smiling.

“You, you,” Mart stuttered.

“You made him speechless,” Di said. “Amazing.”

“You’re really not mad?” Honey asked hopefully.

Trixie shook her head. “I figured they’d dance when they walked through the door. Besides, I assumed you would do this, especially since our parents are at home.”

“What a relief,” Honey sighed.

“Let the party continue,” Hallie said and the music was turned on once again.

Jim pulled Trixie into his arms and held her close. “That was a nice little show you put on there.”

“I couldn’t let them think it was fun,” Trixie said with a grin.

“At least it’s over now.”

“I agree.”

Jim pulled her closer. He whispered into her ear, “I know this party is for us, but let’s get out of here.”

“And abandon our friends and families?”

Jim leaned back and looked at her. “You don’t want to?”

Trixie smiled. “I never said that.”

“Good. Then let’s go.”

They moved toward the door, stopping by Brian for a moment so Jim could tell him they would be back, then they were gone. As soon as the door closed behind them, Jim turned Trixie around and gave her a kiss.

“I love kissing you so much, but whenever I’m around your brothers, they seem to keep an eagle eye on you.”

Trixie wrapped her arms around Jim’s neck. “They’re just looking out for their little sister.” She gave Jim a kiss. “So, where are we going?”

“Any suggestions?”

Trixie glanced over her shoulder and saw the park across the street. She looked at Jim. Before Jim could say anything, she released her hold and started across the street without looking in either direction.

All of a sudden, Jim yelled, “Trixie!”

She looked and saw a car coming right at her. The headlights were bright. She knew she was in danger. The car was coming closer. She knew she was going to be hit.

At the last moment, Trixie dove for the curb and hit the ground hard, rolling away from the road. She rolled onto her stomach as the car roared by. She put her head on her arms, trying to catch her breath.

“TRIXIE!”

She wanted to answer, but she had to calm down first.

A moment later, she felt a pair of strong hands touch her back. “Trix?”

She slowly lifted her head and turned to the right. She saw Jim crouched down beside her. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. She could feel him trembling.

“Are you all right?” he asked shakily.

“I think so.” Trixie moved her legs, one at a time, then her arms, and realized she hadn’t been hurt.

Jim kissed the top of her head. “Trix, I...”

“Don’t say it.” She reached over and tightened her hold on Jim, closing her eyes. She tried to lighten the mood. “I’m getting a sense of dé jà vu.”

“Oh, Trix.”

“Trixie!” a voice yelled. “Jim!”

Trixie immediately recognized the voice as Honey’s.

“They’re coming over,” Jim mumbled into her hair.

Trixie opened her eyes as Brian kneeled down beside them. “Are you both all right?”

“Yeah,” Jim said, but didn’t let go.

“Trixie?”

“I’m okay, Brian.”

“What happened?” Honey asked.

Trixie closed her eyes and turned her head against Jim’s chest. She didn’t want to get into it.

“Can we discuss this later?” Jim asked. “We just want to get out of here.”

“Fine,” Brian said.

Trixie opened her eyes and slowly got to her feet with some help from Jim. He kept his arm around her waist, offering her support. Trixie realized then that only Brian and Honey were outside.

“Where are the others?” she asked.

“Still inside,” Honey said. “We came out for some fresh air. That’s when we saw the two of you sitting here.”

“How about you gather everyone and we meet at Ten Acres?” Jim suggested. “I don’t think Trixie should go back to the farm yet.”

“We’ll be there in an hour,” Brian said.

“We’ll see you there.”

As Brian and Honey headed back inside, Jim led Trixie to one of the waiting limousines and helped her inside. Trixie focused on getting in. Jim slid into the seat beside her. He wrapped his arm around her as she leaned against his shoulder.

“You’re all right,” he said, rubbing her arm.

“Did you get a good look at the car?”

“Yeah,” Jim said.

Trixie waited a moment. “And?”

“It was the same car.”

Trixie closed her eyes and tried not to shiver. That’s not what she wanted to hear. “Did you see who was driving?”

“I couldn’t tell.”

“We need to call the Chief.”

“Maybe he can meet us at Ten Acres so we only have to do this once.”

“Would you call him?” Trixie asked.

“Of course.” Jim kissed the top of her head.

As Jim made the call, Trixie thought, she’s going to keep trying until she ruins our lives. She’s got to be stopped, but how do we do that? Is there a way to stop her? Or is she going to haunt us for the rest of our lives?

* * * * *

An hour later, Trixie and Jim were seated on the couch in the living room at Ten Acres. They each had a mug in their hands as they waited for Chief Molinson to arrive. The others had arrived a few minutes earlier.

When they had stepped inside, Brian immediately came over and checked Trixie for injuries even though she insisted she was fine. She was injured badly, just a few bruises.

Ten minutes later, Chief Molinson arrived, and the explaining began. As everyone listened, Trixie and Jim explained about the phone calls, the car bumping the previous night before dinner, and then going in search of the car that had supposedly rammed Jim off the road.

“We looked for a car that had front-end damage and we did find it,” Jim said.

“Where?” Chief Molinson asked.

“In White Plains,” Jim said.

“And we also know the owner,” Trixie said.

“Who is it?” Chief Molinson asked.

“Laura Ramsey,” Trixie said.

“What?” “You’re kidding, right?” “I thought she was in prison,” were the responses from the others.

Chief Molinson got everyone’s attention. “Wait a second. Why does that name sound familiar?”

“She was impersonating Juliana 10 years ago,” Jim said. “She is related to my stepfather, Derek Jones, and was trying to steal Juliana’s money.”

“And Trixie figured out the difference between them,” Chief Molinson finished.

Jim nodded his head.

“But why would she be coming after Jim and Trixie?” Brian asked. “It doesn’t make sense.”

“It does,” Honey said. Everyone looked at her and she continued, “Think about it. Ten years ago, Trixie ruined Laura’s plan to get lots of money, and Laura ended up in jail. She probably feels Trixie is responsible and that she has to make Trixie pay.”

“Trixie, Jim, you two need to be on your guard,” Chief Molinson said. “I’ll have the officers keep a lookout for her and the car. But if you do spot her, call us right away. We have the grounds to detain her because of the accident. Checking her car to see the damage may be her downfall.”

“Do you really think Laura will try something before the wedding?” Di asked.

“We can’t take the chance of being unprepared,” Jim said. “Expecting her to do something will keep us on our guard.”

Chief Molinson got to his feet. “You do that. I’ll talk to the officers and keep you posted.”

“We appreciate it,” Trixie said.

Chief Molinson nodded, then left Ten Acres.

Once they were alone, Trixie saw Honey was staring at Jim and her. Honey asked, “Why didn’t you two say something? Why did you keep it a secret?”

“We didn’t want to worry anyone,” Trixie said.

“We’re family,” Brian said. “All of us. You two should have said something.”

“We didn’t plan to keep it a secret,” Jim said. “We were just trying to take care of it before something serious happened.”

“I think it came pretty close to happening tonight,” Brian said.

“We know now, so let’s just move forward instead of backward,” Mart said. “We all can keep our eyes open in case Laura decides to try something again.”

Trixie smiled at Mart, but knew he was worried.

“It’s getting late,” Di said. “I think we should call it a night.”

“Good idea,” Brian said, then looked at Trixie. “We’ll drop you off at the farm on the way to the Manor House.”

Trixie knew there was no arguing with Brian. “All right. Let me say good night to Jim and then we can go.”

The others headed out to the limousine as Hans and Juliana went up to their room.

Trixie got to her feet and Jim helped her slip her jacket on. She turned to Jim, wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss.

“I think it’s good the others know now,” Trixie said when they broke apart.

“I agree. The more people keeping an eye out for her, the better I feel.”

“So do I.” She kissed Jim again. “I hope you sleep well.”

“You too.” Jim returned the kiss. “I love you, Trixie.”

“I love you.”

They kissed again. A horn was heard outside.

“I better go before Brian comes back in.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Jim said.

Once on the way home, Trixie felt they would catch Laura and their wedding would be perfect.

* * * * *

Trixie woke from a dreamless sleep late the next morning. She rolled onto her back, realizing she would only be in her room one more night before she married Jim. She couldn’t believe her dream of marrying Jim was finally coming true.

As she stretched, she felt a dull throb in her arm and knew it was from diving away from the oncoming car the previous night. Pulling herself to a sitting position, she wondered why Laura waited so long to come after them.

It doesn’t make sense, she thought. Laura went to jail for impersonating Juliana. I may have been the one to realize there was something wrong, but I wasn’t the one doing something illegal. With all her time in prison, she probably planned this out to try and hurt us. But she is wrong. This is only driving the two of us closer together. She’s not going to make me stop loving him ever.

“Trixie, are you awake?” a voice asked outside her room, interrupting her thoughts.

“I’m awake, Moms. Come on in.”

The door opened and Helen walked into the room. “Good morning, dear. How did you sleep?”

“Really well.”

Helen sat down on the edge of the bed. “How was the party last night?”

“It had a lot of interesting surprises,” Trixie said, realizing how true it was.

“I’m glad you had a good time,” Helen said. “But the reason I came up was because Honey called.”

“Is everything all right?”

“Everything’s fine. She just wanted to know if you’d like some company for your dress fitting.”

“That would be great.” Trixie looked at the clock and knew she had to get going. “Could you call Honey and let her know I’ll pick her up in an hour?”

“Of course,” Helen said.

* * * * *

Three hours later, Trixie and Honey were at a small diner having a snack before the wedding rehearsal. They were talking about opening their agency in a few months time after Honey had her baby. Talk then turned to the men in both their lives.

“Honey, do you think I make Jim happy?”

“Of course.” Honey then noticed her friend was serious. “Do you doubt it?”

“At times I wonder,” Trixie admitted.

“Why?”

“We spent five years apart. Maybe he just proposed because he felt guilty I had been injured on Halloween.”

“He didn’t propose out of guilt. I can guarantee that.”

“How do you know, Honey?”

“Well,” Honey began. Trixie wondered if Honey was keeping a secret. “Jim will probably kill me, but you should know something.”

“Know what?” Trixie asked quickly. “That he doesn’t love me?”

“Jim loves you more than anything else in this world.”

“Then what is it?”

“You remember the Halloween party, right?” Trixie nodded. “And how Jim asked to talk to you after the party?” She nodded her head again. “Well, he planned to propose to you then, but with all the excitement and the search for the boys...”

“He couldn’t,” Trixie finished. She looked at Honey. “Why didn’t he say something?”

“Does it really matter?”

Trixie thought for a moment and knew Honey was right; it didn’t matter. “You’re right. It doesn’t.”

“Trix, don’t ever doubt Jim’s love for you. He would do anything for you to be happy.”

Trixie smiled. “I know.”

“Good.” Honey looked at her watch. “We better get going so we’re ready for the rehearsal.”

“You’re right. Moms would flip if we were late.”

“Let’s go.”

* * * * *

As Trixie changed her clothes for the rehearsal, she thought about what Honey had said. She knew Jim loved her unconditionally, but part of her wished their lives had been different during those five years.

The decision to go away to school was mine, she thought, but I wish our friendship would have held up during that time. We did find each other again, but there’s no way to make up for the time that we lost. We’ll just have to build on what we have now. I just hope I can make Jim happy.

“Trixie!” Peter called out from downstairs. “Jim’s here!”

“I’ll be down in a minute!” Trixie answered.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror and realized the light blue dress that went down to her knees and had short sleeves was the perfect fit for the evening. After slipping on her shoes, she made her way downstairs. She was halfway down when she spotted Jim waiting for her. He looked at her and smiled.

When she reached Jim, he took her hand and gave it a kiss. “You look beautiful.”

“You look handsome,” Trixie said, taking in Jim’s appearance.

He was dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and blue tie that matched her dress perfectly.

He helped her off the stairs, and they made their way into the living room. Trixie’s parents, brothers and their wives, along with Jim’s parents, were talking with the minister.

“This must be the bride,” Pastor Marcus said getting to his feet.

“Thank you for performing the ceremony for us,” Trixie said.

“It’s my pleasure.” He looked at everyone. “Should we get started?”

The rehearsal went without a problem. When they got to Jim and Trixie reciting their vows, they asked to skip that part so the words they spoke would be a surprise to everyone. Pastor Marcus readily agreed and they finished the ceremony.

“Since there are no questions, I guess I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

“Thanks again, Pastor Marcus.”

The minister left as everyone gathered his or her things to go to dinner.

“We’ll meet you at the restaurant,” Jim said.

Trixie looked at Jim and knew he wanted them to spend some time alone.

“Don’t be late,” Helen said. “We don’t want a repeat of the other night.”

“We’ll be there.”

Jim helped Trixie slip her coat on. They made their way out to his Jeep and got in. As soon as Jim got in, she leaned over and gave him a kiss.

“I never thought we would be alone,” Jim said.

“It won’t last,” Trixie said. “Soon we’ll be surrounded by our families.”

“We won’t get a minute of peace then.”

“Since I did bring up families, where were Hans and Juliana?”

“They were having trouble getting the twins ready. They’re going to meet us at the restaurant.”

“We should probably go then.”

“You’re right. If we don’t, they’ll send out a search party.”

“Or they’ll send Brian and Mart,” Trixie said. “I don’t know which is worse.”

Jim started the engine and they were on their way. Trixie reached over and took Jim’s hand in hers.

“You know, I can’t believe in less than 24 hours, we’ll be married. I can’t believe it.”

“I can’t wait.” Jim lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I love you so much that I am anxious to start our lives together.”

“I’m excited too.”

“Tomorrow at this time, you and I will be husband and wife.”

“A dream come true.”

* * * * *

Hours later after dinner, Trixie and Jim were in each other’s arms swaying to the music. They were enjoying each moment of the other’s company, knowing that in a matter of minutes, they would be going their separate ways until the wedding.

“I wish the wedding was over with,” Trixie said softly.

“We’ve only got a few more hours to go.”

“It’s going to seem like an eternity.”

“But at least we’ll be spending it together.” Jim kissed her.

“I don’t know how I’m going to make it.”

“You will.” Jim brushed a stray curl out of her face. “Just remember that we will meet in front of Pastor Marcus just after one tomorrow. I will be standing there, waiting for you to become my wife.”

“I can’t wait for you to become my husband.” Trixie kissed Jim.

“Trixie, Jim,” Helen said. “You have a few more minutes.”

“Yes, Moms,” Trixie said, letting out a sigh. “I guess this is it.”

Jim kissed her again. “Just for now.”

Trixie wrapped her arms around Jim’s neck. “Maybe we can run away and elope.”

Jim laughed. “I don’t think so. You and I can handle a few more hours. Just keep reminding yourself how much I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Trixie, come on. You don’t want any bad luck on your wedding day,” Helen said.

“All right.” Trixie kissed Jim again. “I love you.”

“I love you too. I‘ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

Trixie made her way out to her parent’s car and looked back at Jim as he stood by the door. She waved to him and got in her parent’s car. Within minutes, she was on her way to Crabapple Farm.

* * * * *

The next morning, Trixie woke with a smile on her face. She thought, Today, I become Mrs. James Winthrop Frayne.

Quickly glancing at the clock, she realized she had several hours until she needed to get ready for the ceremony. She had one place to go before she got ready. She got dressed and made her way downstairs. She stopped short when she saw her mother sitting at the kitchen table.

“You’re up early,” Helen said.

“I know,” Trixie said, heading for the door.

“Where are you going?”

“I have to take care of something,” she responded.

“You better not go to Ten Acres. You’ll jinx the wedding.”

“I’m not going to see Jim. I have to take care of something and I’ll be back in plenty of time for the wedding.”

“All right.”

Trixie hurried out to her Jeep, got in, started the engine and backed out of the driveway. As he headed toward town, she thought about her errand. I think this is the right thing for me to do. I have been mulling this idea in my head for a while. Going to the cemetery is the only way to do this.

If old Mr. Frayne hadn’t lived at Ten Acres, then Jim and I would have never met, never fallen in love and wouldn’t be counting down the hours to be married. It also wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been so determined to make sure the house was secure after Dad had taken Mr. Frayne to the hospital.

Each part of our lives has led us to this day, and I know that Jim was to be part of my future. Maybe that’s what made me so determined to find Jim after he ran away. We were meant to be together, and now it’s happening. We’ll finally be husband and wife.

She finally arrived at the cemetery. After purchasing some flowers, she made her way through the tombstones, looking for one in particular. Spotting the tombstone under an oak tree, she made her way toward it. Setting the flowers down, she crouched down in front of the tombstone.

Trixie looked at the engraving. “James Frayne.” She fingered it and took a breath.

She spoke softly. “Mr. Frayne, you may remember me, and I hope you do. I know you never really talked to me, but I hope you are listening.” She took a breath. “I want to thank you and you may be wondering why. If you hadn’t been living at Ten Acres, I may have never met Jim.” She looked at the ground. “Because you lived there, and Jim knew that, our paths crossed and we will be married. Part of me wished Jim had arrived a few days sooner so that he could have been there for you, but I guess that can’t be changed now.” She looked back at the tombstone. “You should know that Jim is honorable, understanding and kind. You would be proud of your namesake.”

“He was always so honorable,” a voice said behind her.

Turning quickly, Trixie saw Laura Ramsey standing a few feet away with her arms crossed in front of her.

Continue to Part 4