with the guys. She watched him for a few minutes, imagining how wonderful it would be when he moved back to Paradise Valley. They could have lots of get-togethers with their friends. They could be a real couple.
A niggling doubt pricked at her again. She was ready to give him her whole heart, but how could she until she knew for certain he could be trusted? In light of the warning Evan had written in his note, she had to be sure about Colin before she jumped in with both feet.
Emily spotted Ernie refilling his drink at the outdoor bar area. She wandered over to chat with him, thinking it would be an ideal opportunity to find out if Colin truly was who he said he was and put her suspicions to rest.
“Hey, Ernie,” she greeted, patting him on the shoulder. “Are you enjoying the party?”
“Can’t wait for the baby backs—my favorite.” He licked his lips and rubbed his hands together. “Not just that, though, Em. This party was a great idea, celebrating our putting the real killer behind bars and all. Uh, I mean with your help and Colin’s, of course.”
“You’ve been a good friend to Colin, almost like a father.” Emily rested her hand on Ernie’s forearm for a moment.
“Yeah, I’ve known Colin since he was a kid. His dad and I have been buddies for a long, long time.”
Having Ernie confirm their longtime relationship helped put Emily’s mind at ease. Now that he was being open with her, maybe she could get him to help her with one more thing. “Since you know our boy so well, Ernie, maybe you can answer something for me.”
“Shoot,” he said, taking a sip of his drink.
“Why does Colin come unglued when I’m in the throes of solving a case? Is it because of her? Because of Miranda?”
“I suppose it is. When that Gloria woman pulled the gun on you, he just about came out of his skin. I could see the horrified look in his eyes—he was reliving Miranda being gunned down in the line of duty all over again.”
Emily nodded her head.
Ernie shook his. “It’s going to be a long time before she’s out of his head.”
“What about his heart? Is Miranda still in his heart, too?”
“You can’t just forget someone you were so madly in love with that you were ready to commit your life to them. You should know that, Emily. Will Evan ever totally be out of your head—or out of your heart?”
She paused, thinking about her late husband. “No, you’re right.”
“It doesn’t mean you don’t eventually move on and find a new love.”
“Do you think Colin loves me?”
“I know he does. That knucklehead just needs time to find the words to say it.”
“Foods ready!” Camille shouted across the yard. “Everyone grab a plate and serve yourselves.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Ernie’s eyes glowed with anticipation as he bolted from Emily’s side.
The crowd was small, just twelve in all—Emily and Colin, Camille and Jonathan, Isabel and Alex, Sully and Carolyn, Ernie and his wife, Maggie, and the guest of honor, Josh.
Alex had set up a couple of long tables on his patio, parallel to each other, which Camille topped with white linens and centerpieces of chunky ivory candles and greenery.
It was a balmy July evening and the sun was beginning to set. Strands of tiny white lights twinkled in the shrubbery and lattice work that surrounded the patio and the yard.
Once everyone filled their plates and took their seats, Alex clinked the side of his wine glass to garner his guests’ attention.
“I would like to offer a toast to our guest of honor, Josh.” Alex lifted his glass. “We thank you for your brave service to our country, first of all—”
The friends interrupted his speech with a shower of spontaneous applause.
“We are here tonight to celebrate your freedom, Josh,” Alex acknowledged as he held his glass out toward Josh, “thanks to Emily, Colin, and Ernie.”
Another round of applause broke out.
“Lift your glasses, everyone.”
“Here! Here!” the crowd erupted, lifting their glasses and taking a drink.
Josh stood and sincerely thanked everyone for believing in him. “I’m not much for making speeches. My life was uncertain enough after making a couple bone-head decisions.” He looked at Maggie. “Sorry, Mom.”
She reached up with a sympathetic smile and gave her son’s hand a squeeze.
Josh’s eyes looked back at his friends. “Anyway, I just want to say I appreciate you all,” which drew more applause.