Page 23 of Peach Cobbler Confessions

Lainey gives a husky laugh. “That boy isn’t going to deny you a thing.”

“Ooh!” Keelie waves her hand my way. “Ask for a platter of tacos from the Spicy Tortilla. I’ve been dying for some decent Mexican food. I’ll even give you one for the effort.”

I make a face. “I’ll make sure they find their way to you. Right after I text Bear to pick them up. And who knows? Taco time might just lead to sexy time. You’re welcome.”

Lainey swallows down a bite of cobbler. “You’d better text Forest, too. And then expect a call from me any day now. They say sexy time leads to baby time, and I’m not talking about how we got into this condition in the first place.”

Meg strides in through the shared walkway that leads into the Honey Pot and stalks on over.

“Well, if it isn’t three human incubators.”

“Meg,” I hiss. “You know I’m not incubating anything but anger toward Carlotta for starting this rumor.”

Meg barks out a laugh. “Enjoy the ride on the baby buggy express while you’ve got it. I hear both your boyfriend and your husband are bending over backward for you.”

Lainey snorts. “Carlotta says you’re getting breakfast in bed with two men.”

Keelie tosses down her fork. “Oh, for Pete’s sake, Lottie, get knocked up already. What in the world is better than breakfast in bed with two men?”

Lainey moans. “Think about it, Lottie. You’ve got a built-in pinch hitter. If I were you, I wouldn’t be so quick to toss Noah to the curb.”

A bubbly laugh expels from behind and I turn to find Cormack Featherby standing there, in her blonde irritating eminence with a cup of coffee in hand.

“You might be surprised to find out just who she tosses to the curb.” Cormack gives a little wink my way.

I suck in a quick breath and stand. “What is that supposed to mean? You know Everett’s big secret, don’t you?”

“Don’t worry, Laredo. All will be brought into the light soon enough.” She wiggles her fingers my way in lieu of a wave before heading over and taking a seat at the counter.

Keelie pulls me in by the arm. “What secret is she talking about?”

“I don’t know. But when Everett is ready I’m sure he’ll tell me.”

Lainey gasps. “Everett is the one with a secret? This must be serious.”

Meg growls, “I don’t like secrets, Lot.”

“I’m not worried about it. In fact, the only thing I want to think about is finding whoever killed Dane Gannon. I haven’t even begun the investigation, unless you count the fact I had dinner with Ridge Porter.”

“Ridge Porter!” Keelie, Lainey, and Meg all sing like a choir.

“Relax.” I pat my hand through the air, telling them to keep it down. “You can all meet him. He’s filming an episode ofUnsolved Mysteries Tonightat the B&B soon.”

A round of spontaneous applause breaks out among them.

Lainey nods over to me. “Who are the suspects for Dane’s murder? I’ve got nothing better to do. I can help with research if you want.”

“Me too,” Keelie volunteers her services while shoveling in another bite of cobbler.

“Let’s see. There’s Kent Noble, the guy who was helping Dane out of a pickle. I asked Ridge about it and he said it had something to do with a movie deal he wanted to back out of. Then there’s Jade Archibald, the angry ex. And there’s a woman by the name of Sammy Brewer.” I snap my fingers over at Meg and her eyes light up. “Ridge said she’s a dancer at Red Satin.”

Meg gives a dark laugh. “She works there, but she’s not one of the dancers. She works down in the Jungle Room. In fact, she’s on tonight.”

“Ooh.” I wiggle my fingers. “Sounds like I’m about to have one interesting night.”

“Not without me.” Keelie tosses down her fork like a threat.

“Or me.” Lainey warms her distended belly with her hands.