Her Christmas Detective - Laura Ann Page 0,47

his grip on his keys, he climbed into his car and headed back up the hill. It only took minutes to arrive. The mansion looked much less busy than last night. The grounds were misty with a low-lying fog and the house was still lit up with Christmas lights. A large wreath on the door offered a much-needed splash of color that beckoned him inside.

“Maybe Emory has something on the stove that’ll keep me awake,” he muttered to himself as he climbed the front steps. His legs felt like lead and his head could barely think clearly. He gave a sharp rap on the door and waited.

“Well, if it isn’t our very own Sherlock.”

Hank grinned at the petite ball of sass in front of him. She looked radiant. Her skin practically glowed and her eyes were warm and welcoming. She’d obviously recovered from her experience the night before. Her toes, as usual, were tapping out a rhythm that no one could hear but her, and it was enough to let him know he had come to the right place. “I needed to see that you were okay.”

Bella grinned and grabbed his hand, dragging him inside. “Come on, handsome. Emory has some warm cider and donuts that’ll cure all your woes.”

Once inside, he tugged her back into his hold. “I thought that was your job,” he whispered, bringing their noses together.

“Well, duh,” Bella drawled. “But even a woman like me can’t cure hangry, and if we don’t get you fed, I’m pretty sure that’s what I’m going to have on my hands in a few minutes.”

Hank frowned. “I don’t get hangry.”

Bella began tugging him toward the large sitting room. “Says the man who’s frowning at me.”

Choosing to let the argument go, since his brain couldn’t keep up, Hank let himself be pulled to the couch. Exclamations and questions rang through the room at his arrival, but he couldn’t process any of it. All he seemed to be able to focus on was Bella.

“Give him a moment to breathe,” Bella scolded the group. She had him sit on the couch, then smiled sweetly. “I think you need a nap.”

“I think I need you.”

She laughed. “That can be arranged.”

Hank reached out and pulled her onto his lap. “Forever?”

Bella wrapped her arms around his neck. “If that’s what you want.”

“It is.”

“Then it’s done. But I’m warning you now...I want a ring.”

Hank nodded, realizing his eyes were closed. When did that happen? His head fell forward and landed on her shoulder. “Just as soon as I can get to the jewlers,” he slurred.

Bella’s warm chuckle was the last thing he heard before he slipped into sweet oblivion, dreaming of Bella in his arms, his home and his life until the end of time.

EPILOGUE

“NOT HAPPENING,” HENRY said with a decisive snap. “I want cake, not a donut tower, or whatever the heck it is you’re talking about.”

Bella pursed her lips and she set her jaw. “I saw it on Pinterest and it’s the only thing that I want.”

Henry’s eyebrows raised and his eyes went to the large solitaire on her left hand, which was currently resting on his arm as they danced. “The only thing?”

“What? Every girl wants a diamond,” she defended.

“But not every girl gets one,” he shot back.

Bella decided to change tactics. “Sherlock, honey, you don’t really mind, do you? Emory will make them all from scratch for us! You love her donuts.”

Henry sighed and Bella knew she had him. “You know, this would be a lot more effective if you weren’t always offering your cousin’s services.”

Bella laughed and stepped in closer as they continued to rotate to the slow song. “Don’t worry,” she purred, threading her fingers through the sides of his hair. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

His grip on her back tightened and suddenly there wasn’t an ounce of space between them. “Promise?”

“Always,” she whispered, eyeing his lips.

“Hey, you two,” Emory scolded. “Only the bride and groom are allowed to kiss on the dance floor.”

Henry’s eyes were still intense and Bella was filled with disappointment herself at the interruption. “Later,” she mouthed, making Emory groan.

“Oh my word! You two are horrible!”

Bella laughed and looked over at her cousin as she danced with Tony. “Worse than you two?” Her grin widened when Emory turned pink and Tony smirked. “Or worse than Grandma and our new grandpa? I thought he was going to kiss her until she fainted when the priest gave him permission.”

Henry choked on a laugh. “You’re unbelievable,” he stammered.

“And yet