Eggnog Trifle Trouble (Murder in the Mix #28) - Addison Moore Page 0,88

the refreshment table.

Everett lands a tender kiss to my ear. “I’ll go get Evie, and we can give that gift we got for her.”

Noah nods. “And I think I see my mother chewing out my father. I’d better put that fire out.”

They take off just as Keelie and Lainey swoop this way with their tiny tots in tow. Little Josie looks like a fairy in her red frilly dress, with her large curious eyes and glossy smile. And baby Bear looks every bit like the little man he is in a green flannel and jeans.

“Oh, Lottie.” Keelie butts her shoulder up against mine. “I just can’t wait to find out if you’re having a boy or a girl. I’m saving all my baby clothes for you just in case.”

“Me too,” Lainey is quick to add. “But don’t worry. I’m so addicted to shopping for little girl clothes I’ll scoop up a few new ones for you as well.”

Forest leans in, looking every bit like Lainey’s handsome plus one. “And that’s a threat she’s willing to make good on.”

We share a laugh just as Carlotta comes over with Meg and my mother.

“Great news.” Carlotta shimmers in a dress that looks as if it’s solely comprised of tinsel. “It’s all a go for my book. Wiley’s agreed to publish it.”

My mother’s lips twitch, and dare I say, I note a twinge of jealousy?

“What’s your book about, Carlotta? Is it really on how to snag a man?” I ask as I let baby Josie squeeze the life out of my finger.

“It’s a book on love. You know what they say—write what you know. I am writing a how-to novel on how to snag a man.”

Meg belts out a laugh. “And she’s been doing plenty of research at Red Satin.”

“Underground,” Carlotta corrects. “I’m doing the right kind of research.”

Red Satin Gentlemen’s Club happens to have an underground casino and other nefarious clubs quite literally underneath it. It’s pretty much mob central, but Carlotta has never shied away from bad boys.

Mayor Nash pops up behind Carlotta and wraps his arms around her. “And I’ll be there spurring her along.”

I shake my head at the two of them. I still can’t quite figure out how their relationship works, but it seems to, oddly enough.

I spot Noah glaring at Suze, and I excuse myself as I head on over. Suze is sporting her signature boy band hairdo, with her bangs swooping low over her forehead. She’s dressed in a green suit and looks as stiff and sour as usual.

“Merry Christmas, Suze.” I nod her way. She was late to dinner, so I didn’t have a chance to greet her individually. “I’m sure you’re relieved to be off the hook for Gloria’s murder.”

She smacks her lips my way. “I’m just thrilled that my son put another case to rest.”

A dull laugh thumps through Noah.

Noah looks comely tonight in his tweed jacket and dark corduroys. His hair is slicked back and his dimples are on point. As much as I might try to deny it, there’s still a twinge that goes off in my solar plexus whenever I look at him.

“That was all Lottie’s doing, Mom.” Noah nods as he offers up the accolade.

She offers a disconcerting look my way. “You give her far too much credit, Noah.” She glances to my bulging belly. “In fact, I fear you’ve given her entirely too much of everything.” She stalks off just as Everett and Evie appear.

Suze might be pouting now, but I’m pretty sure she’ll be amused in the least come tomorrow morning. I managed to convince Carlotta to gift Suze that painting of Ethan Markus. I know for a fact it’s no longer haunted because his purpose was to help his daughter through a trying time. And who knows? Suze might actually enjoy the company of a man who never talks back. I think it’s a match made in heaven, or in the least at the B&B where her room resides.

“Where’s my gift?” Evie gives a little hop and her long, dark hair bounces right along with her. She’s wearing a dress we picked out together last week, a navy velvet number that falls just above her knees and brings out the mischief in her blue eyes. “I can’t believe I get to open a gift early.”

Carlotta scuttles over. “Not yet, kiddo. I bet there’s something in it for me, too.”

“It’s a big enough gift for all of us.” Everett drops a kiss over our baby girl’s head. “Noah?