“Oh!” Her exclamation came out in a hush of amazement as she took in the setting.

Candle groupings of various heights were placed around the room, the flickering flames casting a glow over the new comforter and linens she’d purchased while decorating the space. A vintage recording of Nat King Cole singing “Our Love Is Here to Stay” played softly in the background. The comforter had been folded back, and rose petals were sprinkled across the sheet and pillows. An overflowing vase of red roses and baby’s breath stood on the nightstand, the sweet scent permeating the air.

It was magic.

“How in the world . . . When did you . . . I can’t believe . . .” She exhaled and looked up at her new husband.

“I recruited Kathleen to help. My most excellent sister-in-law snuck away from the reception early to take care of this, watched for us from inside, and slipped out the back door when we arrived.”

“I wondered why I didn’t see her before we left. Your excuse that she must be on the deck enjoying the view of the lake seemed a bit lame, given the cold weather.”

“I don’t know. We went out to stand under the twinkle lights for a minute and watch the reflection of the moon on the water—for old times’ sake. As first dates went, ours definitely fell into the memorable category.”

“Making the lakeside restaurant a perfect choice for our reception.” She waved a hand around the room as she continued. “This is perfect too.”

“If you wouldn’t let me take you to the Ritz for the night, I wanted to replicate the experience as best I could. I’m happy to see Kathleen followed my instructions to a T—and added a touch of her own.” He nodded to a small, linen-draped table with a bottle chilling in a cooler, two stemmed glasses, and a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries.

“For the record, the Ritz would pale in comparison. This is every woman’s fantasy of how to launch a honeymoon.” Or hers, at least.

“I’m glad you like it.” Slowly he lowered her feet to the floor. Lifted the stole from her shoulders and set it aside. “I’m glad you’re here to like it. I still wake up once in a while in a cold sweat, thinking how close I came to losing you.”

At his hoarse admission, she traced along the edge of his chin, her fingertip grazing the faint hint of evening stubble that was beginning to darken his jaw. “But you didn’t, and all’s well that ends well. I’m fine—no thanks to Eleanor.”

A muscle in his cheek ticced. “She’ll pay for what she did. I don’t care how high-priced her lawyer is.”

“I know. That soup alone is hard evidence of intent to kill.”

“The autopsy samples that tested positive for yew from the suspicious deaths will also work against her, even if we never did find any traces of English yew in her house.”