Page 61 of Donut Disaster
“It’s your birthday, Noah. Make a wish.”
He shakes his head. “It already came true.”
I land my lips to his, ever so chaste, and yet a spark swims from his mouth to mine so vibrant it could light up an entire electrical grid in New York City.
“Happy birthday, Noah,” I whisper just before I fall asleep in his arms.
* * *
After an early morning discharge,after being met at home with a house full of pink roses purchased and arranged by Judge Baxter himself, after a nice long bath and spending some quality time with my cats, I get ready and hightail it to my sister’s housewarming party with Everett.
Noah is in Ashford, but he promised he’d be by long before the party ended. Keelie and Bear helped deliver that three-foot tower of glazed donuts. I figure I couldn’t let it go to waste. And the entire house is decorated with streamers and balloons. It looks far more birthday party than it ever does housewarming. But then again, Lainey has received a houseplant from every guest who’s walked through that door so far.
Carlotta brought Harry Nash. My mother is here with Pastor Gaines. There are Keelie and Bear, Meg and Hook, Kelleth and Aspen—who come to find out have become fast friends with my sisters. I’m hoping we’ll follow suit soon as well. Britney and Finn, and, of course, Cormack tagged along with Amanda Wellington, the realtor who sold them their beautiful new home. Lily and Naomi are here and so is Alex. Forest’s brothers and sisters, their plus ones, and his parents are here as well. Along with what feels like the entire Honey Hollow Fire Department—Forest’s co-workers.
Lainey’s great room is thick with bodies as I inch my way to where Meg and Lainey are speaking with Amanda Wellington.
“Lottie!” Amanda pulls me in gently by the hand. Her red hair looks freshly dyed a rich shade of crimson. She’s donned a little white dress and hot pink heels and looks every bit a beauty queen. “I was just telling your sisters about a huge engagement party I scored that’s happening in a couple of weeks. It was all very last minute, and I’m in a panic to book a venue. Naomi said the Evergreen is already taken that weekend. Please tell me I can count on you for a cake and maybe something seasonal to go with it? It’s going have a fall theme.”
“Absolutely. Just tell me when and where. I’ll send you some snapshots of my cake portfolio, and if you want I can do miniature apple turnovers in keeping with the fall theme. In fact, I’ll get the apples fresh off the orchard right here in Honey Hollow.”
A hard groan expels from her as she pulls me in. “You are a lifesaver, Lottie Lemon!” She takes a step back. “Now if only I could find a venue on such short notice.”
Lainey yanks Mom into our small circle. “Amanda needs the conservatory in two weeks. Is it booked?”
Mom pats her chest as if that act alone helped spur her memory along. “Why no, it’s not. Whatever you need it for, it’s all yours.”
“Really?” She practically jumps out of her heels. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to step out and give my client the news. Whatever your fees are my client will gladly pay. Oh, the bride is going to be ecstatic.” She takes off, and we’re left with a trace of her honey sweet perfume.
Mom leans in my way, beady-eyed and feigning anger. “Are you all through with this finding bodies and killers nonsense? Because you almost shaved ten years off my life last night.”
“I’m all through.” I cross my fingers and hold up my hand where she can see.
“Oh, you.” She lands a sweet kiss to my cheek. “You never could stay out of trouble.” She zips back over to Pastor Gaines who’s speaking with Hook and Everett.
“So?” Lainey leans in just as Keelie joins us. “How about those kisses?”
Meg pumps out a laugh. “Yeah, Lot, has the Fox lost his touch?”
I’m quick to swat her. “Would you hush? Everett is standing less than ten feet away.” I make a face as I look to the three of them. “And not that it’s any of yournosybusiness, but, well…” My face heats ten shades, and the three of them belt out an annoying choir of catcalls. I spot Carlotta and Mayor Nash near the entry and am quick to excuse myself.
“Lottie!” Mayor Nash offers me a warm embrace, and his spiced cologne sadly reminds me of my father’s tried-and-true favorite scent. “You’ve captured another killer. That’s very impressive. I’m grateful you didn’t get yourself killed in the process.”
“Yes, well”—Carlotta makes a face—“there’s always next time.”
“Very funny,” I smart, glancing back at Everett who’s now heavily involved in a conversation with Forest.
My heart aches for him. I miss him. I miss us. This is insane. I need to get a grip. Nothing has happened to us. Noah and I simply shared a kiss for research purposes.
“Still undecided?” Mayor Nash follows my gaze. “They’re both great men. Remember what I said about letting some time go by. I wouldn’t make any rash moves if I were you.” He lifts his empty glass. “I’ll be right back.”
Carlotta scoots in tight. “See any spooks flying around? I’m in the mood for a good old-fashioned homicide. That’s a fun game, isn’t it, Lot?”
“Carlotta, that is a terrible thing to say. You do realize someone loses their life in that little ‘game’. No, thank you. In fact, I hope I never see another spook again—with the exception of Greer, Winslow, and Lea. Okay, Nell, too. My goodness, how I miss her. And my father. Did I ever mention he walked Lainey down the aisle?”
“You didn’t have to mention it. I’m supersensual, too, Lottie. I saw the whole spectral spectacle myself. It even put a couple of tears in my eyes.”
“There’s a rare occurrence. I didn’t think you were capable of tears.”