Page 62 of Wedding Cake Carnage
“Sure.” Noah doesn’t hesitate to give his wife the attention she craves—as he should.
“Finally.” Everett watches as they head back out into the Honey Hollow night before turning my way. “Noah’s younger brother contacted me this morning.”
“Alex!” Cormack hops up and down, her head bouncing as if it’s on springs. “Oh, I just love that boy to death!”
Everett lifts his chin, amused. “Yes, well, that boy is an ex-Marine turned investment banker, and he’s coming out here in a couple of weeks. He wants to throw his brother a surprise birthday party.”
Cormack hops up and down again as she slowly makes the transformation from human to pogo stick. “A birthday party! A birthday party!”
“It’s asurpriseparty,” I say with my voice as low as a whisper, hoping she’ll follow suit. “Which usually means you don’t chant about it when you’re less than six feet from the guest of honor.” It’s true. Noah might have his back to us, but we can still see him. I turn to Everett. “That’s fantastic! When and where? Of course, I’ll bake the cake.”
“That’s just it. He left it up to me, and I was hoping you’d help out in that department. His only request was that it take place the first Saturday of August.”
“His birthday isn’t until almost the end of the month, but I can understand that. And this way it will be a total surprise. We can have it at my place,” I’m quick to volunteer my adorable rental.
“Your place?” Cormack shoves her tiny fists to her hips. “We’re not having some house party for my fiancé. Oh no, no, no. This shall be a grand soiree. I’m thinking the ballroom at the Evergreen Manor.”
I’m quick to frown at the idea. Noah is far more laid-back.
“How about Honey Lake?” I offer. “The Honey Festival lasts all next month. And every weekend there’s a band and lots of food. It’s practically begging for a birthday party.”
Cormack lifts her hands to her mouth as if she were praying.
“They have fireworks every Saturday night,” I add, trying to get her on board, and I’m not exactly sure why. “I’ll reserve an area for us with picnic tables.” I blink up at Everett. “What kind of cake do you think Noah would like?”
“He’s an officer of the law. I suspect donuts are in order.”
“A cake made entirely out of donuts! Perfect. Consider it done.”
The door chimes and in walks my mother, Mayor Nash, and Kelleth.
“Lottie!” Mom pulls me into a quick embrace. “Every time I think of you, I’m fearing for the worst. You really know how to give your poor mother a scare.”
“And your father.” Mayor Nash flashes his politician smile, but I’m not smiling along with him. He sobers up rather quickly. “If you don’t mind, Lottie, I would still love for us to get together sometime to chat. Sort of catch up on things, if you will.”
“I’d like that.” I glance to my mother, silently questioning what she’s still doing with him.
Mom leans in and whispers, “Carlotta and Pastor Gaines are on their way. It’s our first double date.” She squeezes her eyes shut with excitement, and I don’t bother asking who is dating who. “Oh, and before I forget, Lainey just told me their offer was accepted. They move in as soon as escrow closes in a couple of weeks!”
“That’s so great!” I say as she hugs Mayor Nash and they conduct their own private celebration. Awkward. It’s nice to see she’s fully over him.
Kelleth tosses her blonde mane back. “Steven was arrested. Are you satisfied?”
“I’m sorry.” I blink her way. “But I guess the sheriff’s department deemed that he was involved in something illegal.” And, seeing that he was an accessory to murder, I’d say he certainly was.
“Yes, well, I’m being investigated, too. Not only that, but I’m out of a job. I’ll have to resort to that treachery my sister subjects herself to.”
My lids flash wide open. I happen to remember that Aspen works for the Elite Entourage, which is essentially a high-class call girl service. Note to self: Have a little chat with your sisters regarding poor career choices and the consequences that can haunt them for a lifetime.
The three of them are quickly seated as Everett, Cormack, and I wait patiently for Noah.
Everett leans in and brushes a kiss over my ear. “Did you know we can see all the shooting stars we want off the widow’s walk on my rooftop?”
A dark laugh brews in my chest. “Oh honey, we don’t need to go that far. I can see all the stars I want, right there in your bedroom. In fact, I do believe you’ve shown me a few new constellations or two.”
The tips of his lips curl with devilish intent. “What do you say we wrap this up early and shoot for the stars?”
“I think this night is bound to end in an out-of-this-world experience.”