Pecan Pie Predicament (Murder in the Mix #27) - Addison Moore Page 0,59
on taking a page out of her playbook.” She takes off down the hall with Toby by her side, and it doesn’t take five seconds before both Pancake and Waffles bolt from Carlotta’s psychotic hold on them.
“It was an accident,” Noah calls out after Evie before turning my way. “It was an accident, wasn’t it, Lot?”
I pull him in and land a kiss over his cheek. “I swear on everything that is holy and right, it was an accident.”
Everett sits next to me and slings an arm around my shoulders.
“Don’t worry, Lemon. You keep up the story, I’ll make sure it holds water in court.”
Noah growls over at him, “I’ve got a surprise for you, Lottie.” He brandishes his small paper bag.
Everett holds up an identical bag. “So do I.”
Carlotta clucks her tongue. “What am I? Chopped transmundane liver? The two of you would benefit from doing a little kissing up my way. Everyone knows a girl loves it when people are good to her mama.”
Noah nods. “And that’s exactly why you live under my roof.”
Everett tips his head her way. “And that’s why I paid for your minivan.”
“Speaking of which.” Carlotta jumps to her feet. “I’ve got to order me some more of that rubbing oil. If you want in on it, Lot, just say so. You’ve got about as many men to rub down as I do.”
I shoot her a look. “I’ll pass.”
She takes off and Noah rattles that bag my way once again, and Everett does the same.
Noah glowers a moment. “She’ll like mine better.”
“Mine’s probably bigger.” He winks over at Noah, and I shake my head at him.
They pull out their treats at the very same time, and a laugh gets caught in my throat.
“If the Moon was a Cookie!” I sing. “Two copies!” I pat both Noah and Everett on the knee. “Hey? Great minds and all that stuff, right?”
Everett grunts, “I’ve got my receipt. Let’s see who bought their copy first.”
“Everett,” I say his name in my lower register.
Noah sighs. “I was hoping to read to the baby tonight.” He glances down to where Everett has his hand on my belly.
Everett pulls back and sighs as he stares Noah down a good long while. “I think that’s a good idea.” He gives a long blink Noah’s way. “I’ve got a few emails I need to respond to.” He pats my knee. “Take your time.” He takes off, and Noah purses his lips my way.
Noah shakes his head. “I guess that makes him the bigger man.”
“If it means anything, you’re both equal in my eyes.”
Noah’s dimples press in. “It means everything to me, Lot.”
“Good.” I take a sip from my cider and cozy up next to Noah. “Now let’s get reading.”
And he does. Noah reads the story with such tender conviction, tears stream from me by the time he gets to the last page.
“Whoa.” He wipes my cheeks down quickly. “That was not meant to upset you.”
“You didn’t,” the words croak from me lower than a breath. “You’re going to make a wonderful father, Noah. I never doubted that, but tonight you simply confirmed my suspicions.”
“Thank you,” he whispers. “You don’t know how much that means to me to hear that.” He touches his head to mine. “We already know Everett’s got this father thing on lock. He’s great with Evie. I have no doubt he’ll be great with the baby.” He pulls back, and his gaze presses into mine. “My dad isn’t going to win any awards for his parenting skills. I’ve already followed in his footsteps as far as screwing up relationships.” His lips turn down. “But I will be damned if I follow in his footsteps when it comes to being a father. If that baby is mine, Lot, I’m going to try to be the best father that child could ask for.”
“You won’t have to try, Noah. It’s obvious it comes naturally to you. You’re already a great father.” I pick up his hand and give it a squeeze. “You will never be your father. What happened between us was far different than any of the scams Wiley has pulled. Unless, of course, you’re planning a financial coup that I don’t see coming.”
“Nope, I can assure you I wouldn’t hurt a hair on your head, nor glance twice at a dollar in your bank account.”
“I don’t doubt that, Noah Fox.”
His lips twitch side to side. “Have you thought about surnames for the baby? I mean, I’m okay with whatever you deicide.”