Page 33 of Wedding Cake Carnage
Mom rushes to his side. “Oh, thank God, you’re safe! We were just at the Honey Pot having dinner when we got the news.”
Mayor Nash steps up and shakes Everett’s hand. “Glad to have you back, son. I’m going to do a press release in conjunction with the Ashford Sheriff’s Department. I want the entire world to know what a top-notch job they’ve done.” He looks to Noah. “Detective, expect a raise.”
I can’t help but bite down on a smile. Noah deserves the very best, and a raise is just the tip of the iceberg.
Lainey takes in a quivering breath. “Believe me, we’re all so glad you’re back and safe. And I, for one, cannot wait to have you as a guest at our wedding. You too, Noah.”
Meg belts out a laugh. “Hear that, Lot? It looks like you got your invite back.”
“It must be true.” I wink over at Lainey. “I heard it with my own two ears. Second best news I’ve got all night.”
Forest purses his lips. “Any news on Jana March’s killer?”
“What?” Everett growls it out low.
“That’s right,” Meg is quick to offer. “Someone shot her at the bridal convention. I bet it was a bridezilla gone ballistic.” She smirks at Lainey. “It’s been known to happen.”
Hook gives Meg’s shoulders a quick massage. “But don’t anyone worry. I have full faith that the killer will be apprehended long before the wedding. In fact, let’s not think about it. Meg says we’ve got a dance class tomorrow night.”
“That’s right.” Lainey hugs herself as if she’s trying not to think about the fact there’s a killer on the loose, but it’s not quite working. “The Underwood Ballroom at seven sharp. The class isn’t exclusively for us, but Tracy is the best.” My sister’s chest bucks. “Jana highly recommended her.”
Forest pulls her in. “Tracy is Pierce Underwood’s sister. Pierce is—was—Jana’s fiancé.”
Hook nods. “Underwood Investments. That’s right.” He ticks his head to the side as if he still can’t believe it.
“I’ll be there,” I say to Lainey. “Not only do I want to learn to two-step with the best of them for your big day, but I’ve been meaning to question Tracy.”
Mayor Nash lets out something between a growl and a laugh. “That’s our Lottie. She’s quite the investigator, isn’t she, detective?”
“Hear, hear.” Noah grins my way.
Eliza picks up my left hand and runs her thumb over her mother’s ring snug on my finger. “Well I, for one, encourage you to take all the ballroom dancing classes you want. With your own impending wedding at hand, you’ll want to be sparkling in every facet on that glorious day.”
“Yes,” Meghan is quick to concur. “And when are we going to get a date out of you two?”
My lips part as I look to Everett for help. He’s quite comfortable with his poor mother and sister believing the fact we’re engaged. Everyone in here is in on it, with the exception of Mayor Nash. And come to think of it, my mother likes the idea of it so much—deep down, I think she believes it, too.
“We’ll get back to you on that.” Everett’s eyes lock with mine as they offer up an apology all their own.
Noah chuckles. “Yes, well, I will be glad to help Lottie out tomorrow night. You just rest up, Everett, and get your strength back.”
Eliza coos as she pinches Noah’s cheek. “Aren’t you just the best stepbrother anyone has ever had?”
“Yes, he is.” Everett doesn’t look amused. “Just the best.”
The room breaks out into a dozen conversations at once, and just as quick as everyone showed up, one by one they say goodnight to Everett. It’s just Noah and me left in the room with him, and neither of us looks as if we’re in a hurry to leave.
“So now what?” I brush Everett’s hair back with my fingers.
“Doctor says I’m cleared to go. Take me home, Lemon,” he says as he winces his way to the edge of the bed.
Noah holds up a hand. “Not so fast. It’s too dangerous for you to go back to your place. It’s too easy. You’d be a sitting duck.”
“Then he’ll come to my place,” I’m quick to volunteer. I like that idea much better anyhow.
Noah flinches as if I struck him, and I hate that he truly does feel that way.
“No way.” Noah shoots the idea down without giving it a second thought. “There’s no doubt in my mind she’s already looking for you. Ivy texted a few minutes ago. The deputies are combing through the cabin as we speak. No sign of the woman who abducted you. She’s already in hiding—or already back to stalking her prey. Everett, you’ll stay at my place until we get a better read on the situation.”