Page 61 of Wedding Cake Carnage

We head back, and I clean myself up for pictures. We enjoy an elegant dinner catered by the Honey Pot Diner and watch as Lainey and Forest feed one another pink champagne cake in an indelicate manner. It’s all in fun—all in love.

Everett and I enjoy the first dance with the lucky couple, and as soon as the Village People belt out their famous anthem, Everett whisks me away down a dark hall, into a small cubicle that has nothing more than a flimsy curtain dividing us from the roaming public. I get the feeling Everett likes a hint of danger with his desire.

And I give him all of the desire I have for him. We burn up that tiny glorified closet. We burn up the Evergreen Manor with our greedy need to fulfill our darkest desires.

And just like that, it’s a wedding to remember.

Chapter 21

The Honey Pot Diner is filled to the brim with just about everyone we know. That’s the beauty of Honey Hollow. It’s nearly impossible to go somewhere and not run into someone you grew up with, a family member, a friend. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

It’s several days after the wedding, and Lainey and Forest are up north, enjoying their special time as newlyweds at the gorgeous resort my new half-brother, Finn, runs.

Harlow was arraigned today. She pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity—and her father popped back into the picture, wagging documentation to prove it. Everett assured me she isn’t going anywhere—and I’m resting assured in his words.

Jackie, Pierce, and Steven will be arraigned tomorrow. Everett gave us the heads-up that they’re pleading guilty. Pierce agreed to tell them everything he knows about the crooked dealings of his company in hopes to get a lesser charge in the arena. Nevertheless, they should probably get comfortable behind bars. They’re going to be there a good long while.

It was my idea to take both Noah and Everett to dinner. Now that we’re all settled in our respective homes once again, it feels as if we hardly see each other. Lord knows I miss Toby, and so do Pancake and Waffles.

Keelie is the first to greet us as we walk through the door.

“Everyone is here!” She gifts me one of her gigantic hugs. “I’ll set a table up for the three of you. Just give me a second.” She steps away before bouncing back. “Oh, and Lottie? No stumbling upon any dead bodies tonight, okay? Bear is taking me to the overlook later, and we’re going to watch for shooting stars.”

“That’s so romantic! But don’t tell him I said so. I’d hate to ruin his mojo in that department.”

“Believe me, Lottie, nothing is going to ruin what we have.” She takes off, and a cold chill runs through me as I turn to Noah and Everett.

“I believed that once, too.” I shrug up at Noah, and he pulls me in for a partial hug.

“I’m betting everything works out in the end.”

“It will,” Everett assures as he takes up my hand. “I spoke to my mother today. She says she insists on giving both you and Noah the reward money. One hundred thousand dollars, split down the middle for ensuring my safe return. She wants to make the deposit into your bank accounts as soon as possible.”

My mouth falls open at the thought.

Noah shakes his head. “No way. Lottie can have it all.”

“No.” I’m quick to forfeit the funds. “I don’t want it. Please tell your mother that it was a very nice gesture, but I’m happy just having you here safe.”

“I’m afraid she won’t take no for an answer.”

“It’s true.” Noah chuckles. “Once she gets her mind set to something, there’s no stopping her. Come to think of it, she reminds me a lot of you.”

“Well, then, why don’t we have her donate the money?” My heart thumps hard just thinking of how much money that is. “To the hospital?”

“The children’s ward?” Noah suggests.

“Yes!” I turn to Everett. “The children’s ward would be perfect. If that’s all right with you, that would be my request.”

“That’s more than all right with me.” Everett lands a kiss to my forehead. “I’ll tell her first thing.”

The door chimes behind us and in stumble two bumbling blondes. Okay, so just one bumbling blonde. The other one is just maniacal.

“Cormack, Britney.” I nod their way.

Britney looks stunning tonight, and I hate to admit it, but perhaps the best I’ve ever seen her.

“I’m meeting with a friend.” She looks to Noah. “May I speak with you for a minute?”