Page 53 of The Mistletoe Kisser

“Yes,” Mason said, with a shy head bob.

He was a man of few words.

Ellery beamed at her husband with abject adoration.

“Mason and I used to date when I lived on the West Coast,” Emma explained to Ryan. “There’s a few of us transplants here in town.”

“You must miss it,” Ryan guessed.

Mason and Emma exchanged a grin. “Not really,” the accountant said.

“Blue Moon has its own special appeal,” Emma agreed.

“What are you guys up to?” Sammy asked, crossing her arms.

“Up to? I’m just enjoying lunch with my handsome hubby,” Ellery said innocently.

“And I’m just greeting my dad’s patrons,” Emma promised, looking at Sammy likeshewas the crazy one. “I wasn’t even supposed to be here today.”

“I don’t like what this smells like,” Sammy insisted.

“What does it smell like?” Ryan interjected, sniffing the last mushroom cap.

“Are you feeling okay, Sammy?” Ellery asked. “You’ve had a busy couple of days. Do you need help with your wreaths? We’re all so excited about supporting Down on the Farm.”

“Thanks, but I’m fine,” Sammy said. She didn’t need help. She could still do it all. As long as she got rid of Ryan and double-timed her errands, she could get back on track in time for the Solstice.Probably.

“Lunchtime,” Fennel announced, arriving with a tray of steaming hot entrees.

“We’ll let you two get back to your meal,” Emma said.

“Don’t forget! We want a wreath with cute little skulls on the bow,” Ellery said, blowing them a kiss as she and Mason headed for the door.

Blue Moon CommunityFacebook Gossip Group

This month’s meeting of the Blue Moon Astrologers Group has been postponed until next month’s full moon. This is not to be confused with the Blue Moon Astronomers Pot Luck, which will still occur at Destiny Wheedlemeyer’s house on the 27th.

14

Muttering something about running an errand, Sammy dumped Ryan at the curb half a block down from the crowd of people. The woman was clearly not over the thing they weren’t going to mention ever again.

He’d tried to explain, but she’d shot him down. As far as he was concerned, it was her own fault for being pissed off.

His conscience was clear.Mostly. Besides. He had more important things than a pissed off veterinarian to worry about.

Assuming he’d find the elusive Rainbow Berkowicz with the small crowd of outdoorsy folk down the block, he headed in that direction.

Ryan’s New List

1. Stop thinking about Sammy’s now-rescinded offer.

2. Find Rainbow Berkowicz.

3. Get his hands on all pertinent paperwork.

4. Figure out the solution or loophole and exploit the hell out of it.

5. Be on a plane by midnight tonight.