Page 59 of Toxic Apple Turnovers
“Look at that,” I say as I pull Everett close. “I think she’s right back to having a good time.”
“How about you?” Everett wraps his arms around me as the music slows to something more our speed. “Are you having a good time?” He sways our bodies to the rhythm and looks deep into my eyes with a look of adoration that I could definitely get used to.
“I am. And thanks to you, it just keeps getting better and better.”
“Good.” He presses out a rare smile. “Because it only goes up from here, Lemon.”
“Life gets better?”
“We get better.”
He pulls me close, and we dance the night away.
Everything feels better already.
Chapter 19
Seasons change. Time waits for no one.
It’s a saying my father used to recite often. On the surface, those very words used to frighten me, and in a strange way, they now bring me comfort.
Every last one of those thugs has been apprehended. Noah and Ivy have been hailed as the town heroes. Noah tried to correct the press and include me in on the fun, but honestly, I want nothing more to do with any of it. Most of the money and all of the jewelry were recovered—including Everett’s family ring. He tried to give it back to me, but I couldn’t take it. The responsibility alone was far too much. I asked him to return it to his mother and he agreed, but not before he promised he’d land another one on my finger one day. My heart melted in a puddle over that one.
Connie never did admit to poisoning Amanda Wellington, but they found the Conium capsules in the glove compartment of one of Mark’s sports cars, just the way she and Chrissy discussed. They found a bottle of the toxin in Chrissy’s house and traces of it on the dress Connie wore to the party that night. I guess that right there is a good argument for getting your laundry done in a timely manner.
Everett says they’ll both be going to trial.
As for Pastor Gaines, Noah, Everett, and I are still keeping an eye on him. Noah is doing some digging, so am I, but neither of us has availed much. However, my mother and Pastor Whoever He Is are on the rocks, and nothing pleases me more.
It’s a chilly Saturday at the tail end of September, and Everett stopped by the bakery after running a few errands, so I grab a platter of apple turnovers and a couple of cups of coffee and join him in the café.
“What’s next on the agenda?” I ask as I set the goodies down.
“Dinner with you tonight, if you’re up for it?”
“I’m always up for dinner with you.”
The bell on the door chimes, and we turn to find Mom, Carlotta, and Mayor Nash heading in.
“Lottie!” Mom makes a beeline my way. “I just talked Mayor Nash into declaring all of October Haunted Honey Hollow month, and I managed to work both of our tours into the extravaganza. In fact, I’ll be having a haunted open house every weekend, and it’s going to be spectacular. I’ve already hired Hazel Wellington to oversee the festivities, and she’s determined that this will put Honey Hollow on the map. All of Main Street is about to get a haunted makeover. The tourists are going to eat it all up, I tell you. The big kickoff is next weekend. Why don’t you bake up a treat and we can give them to the passersby? It will be a great way to drum up business. I just know Mayor Nash will be fine with the expense.”
“That sounds great. How about cupcakes? They’re easy enough to pass out, and they’re irresistibly delicious, if I do say so myself.”
Everett reaches over and picks up my hand. “And I agree.”
Mom links arms with Mayor Nash as the two of them head for the counter where Lily is ready to greet them, but Carlotta lingers.
She frowns at the two of them. “Would you look at that? She’s making an open play for my man.”
“Carlotta, the two of you have been bouncing Mayor Nash around like a ping pong ball.”
She takes a breath and fluffs her caramel waves. “Nobody said it wasn’t fun.” She gives a sly wink. “May the bestghoulwin.” She starts to trot off, then backtracks. “Speaking of ghouls, Greer wanted me to let you know she’s back and none the worse for wear.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” For whatever reason, once the dead finish their task, they’re whisked away to paradise. But Greer has remained right here in Honey Hollow, happily haunting my mother’s B&B. “And just in time. It sounds like we’re going to need all haunted hands on deck to get through this next month.”
“October has always been my favorite.” She wrinkles her nose at Everett. “I was arrested once in October, and I had a heck of a good time with my defense lawyer. You legal eagles are pretty eager to please. He’s a keeper, Lot.”
Noah strides in just as Carlotta finishes singing Everett’s praises. “He’s a keeper, too. Do me a favor. Once you make a decision, chuck your leftovers my way.” She leans in toward the two of them. “I bet you boys can teach me a thing or two about crime and punishment.”