My Guardian Knight (19 page)

Sebastian, carrying Matthew on his shoulders, smiled at Amanda while the children gazed down the street in awe.  The Halloween Parade was just about to begin, and all four of them were standing on the side of Second Street, anxiously awaiting the ghosts and goblins that they would surely encounter.  They huddled together, for the whether had finally turned colder, and there was the smell of snow in the air.  Amanda clutched Marissa's hand tightly, afraid the child would get lost in the crowd, but she needn't have worried because Marissa was rooted to the ground in anticipation.  When the first witches, ghosts, and demons began walking by, the little girl wrapped her hands in Amanda's skirts, but gave no other sign of fear.  She laughed gaily when a large man, who she knew to be Justin, dressed as a pumpkin, picked her up and swung her around.  

Matthew was talking at the top of his voice, describing everything to Sebastian as if he didn't have eyes to see it for himself.  Sebastian smiled down at Amanda and took her hand, laughing at Matthew's antics.

Amanda was overwhelmed with happiness.  She glanced down at her new wedding ring, remembering the very real wedding that had taken place in a small church in Alton with all their friends and relatives present.  How sweet, the townspeople all said, that the Knights had decided to renew their wedding vows so that their friends could participate.  How wonderful, the Knights said, that they didn't have to pretend anymore.  They were a real family now, and nothing or no one could take that away from them.  And now the children, especially Matthew, could feel safe in the knowledge that never again would they ever have to worry about either of their parents leaving.  Matthew happily gave up the care of his mother into his new father's capable hands when he walked her down the aisle and gave her away at the wedding, now having the time to pursue what five-year-old boys are supposed to-fun and mischief.  

Sebastian tugged on Amanda's hand, bringing her closer to him in the guise of trying to keep the cold wind at bay.  She smiled up at him, and the heat blazing in his bright blue eyes when he looked at her caused a matching fire to burn in her own.  He bent down, his lips on her ear, and whispered,

"I love you, Mrs. Knight."

Although My Guardian Knight is an entirely fictional work, Alton, Illinois is a real town.  Alton is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, to the east of St. Louis.  The town has been in existence since the 1830's, and many of the things I've mentioned in my book--
The Alton Telegraph
, the Confederate prison and cemetery--are still around today. 
The Alton Telegraph
still publishes a daily newspaper that serves many communities in the area.  One wall of the Confederate prison still stands today and may be visited by anyone so inclined.  This, to me, is really an intense experience.

Along with what I have written about, Alton sports many more historical and tourist attractions, such as the Piasa Bird, Pie Town, historical home tours, and the River Road, which is wedged between the Mississippi River and the beautiful, towering bluffs. 

The Halloween parade had not yet begun in 1870, but it is one of the oldest parades in the country, held every Halloween night, and no matter what the weather, it has never been cancelled.

Downtown you will find many antique shops, gift shops, and restaurants.  My personal favorite is The Meridian House coffee shop, which has the best coffee and latte I've ever encountered!  If you like Chinese food, there is no better place on this earth than Oriental Garden.  

I hope you've enjoyed my story and the small synopsis of Alton.

.