Pecan Pie Predicament (Murder in the Mix #27) - Addison Moore Page 0,78
over to Lainey and whispers something into her ear, and they both head for the fireplace where they congregate and giggle while looking my way.
Soon, Evie migrates in their direction, and they burst out laughing while sneaking glances over at me. Meg joins them as well, and it’s the very same story.
Noah, Everett, and I rise and moan in the process.
Everett pats his stomach with his good hand. “I’m going to have to roll back to Country Cottage Road.”
Noah grunts, “Yup. All the way to my place. If you would have told me a year ago that the two of you would be together and sleeping in my bed at night, I wouldn’t have believed it. In fact, I would have shot the messenger on site.”
Everett nods. “That’s because you were in a coma for most of the month of November.”
Noah winces. “Don’t remind me.”
Mom comes over with Carlotta by her side.
“Oh, Lottie”—Mom gives my hair a little fluff—“you’re just glowing tonight. Have you felt the baby kick yet? You know what they say, the first time you feel the baby move, you should take in your surroundings. It’s the universe’s way of giving you a glimpse into their future.”
“That’s right.” Carlotta slings an arm across my shoulders, the scruff on her face looks shocking, like a full beard and mustache, and yet no one has batted a lash. “I was standing in the Honey Pot Diner eating a slice of Nell’s famous pecan pie when I felt you twitching away.”
Mom coos, “Oh, that just proves my theory! And I was in the library when I felt Lainey move for the first time. And I’m pretty sure I was watching a wrestling match with your father when Meg gave me that first swift kick. You remember to keep an eye out, Lottie. A major hint as to your little one’s destiny is coming right around the corner.” She holds up a finger. “Reckless Destiny!”
I nod her way. “Now that sounds like a winning title.”
Mom takes off just as a spray of stars begins to appear, and I quickly take up Noah and Everett’s hands so they can hear the mysterious poltergeist that’s about to appear. And sure enough, Barry Honeycutt blinks to life, fully formed, still very much muscular, and wearing his signature red tank top.
“Barry,” I say, glad to see him. “Happy Thanksgiving. You’re in luck, there’s plenty of food.”
He chuckles while patting his stomach. “I just finished up a big plate with Greer and Winslow in the kitchen. Your mom may not have as many leftovers as she thinks. And for the record, those extra cheesecakes, pumpkin, and pecan pies? Lea and Thirteen went to town.”
Everett’s chest bounces. “I’m glad we’ve got a couple extra pies back at Noah’s cabin.” His brows narrow a notch. “We’ve got extra back at the cabin, right, Lemon?”
A laugh tickles my throat as I give his hand a squeeze.
“You know I’m taking care of us. And don’t worry, Noah. I’ve got two full platters of your favorite chocolate chip cookies, too. Those are going to taste especially good with a tall glass of milk at midnight. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
“It’s a date,” he’s quick to declare it.
Barry moans. “You’ve got me missing the planet already.”
“Oh no!” I look his way. “Are you leaving?”
“That’s why I came by. I wanted to say goodbye.” He offers a quick embrace. “Greer is pretty happy with Winslow, and I don’t want to rock the boat for them. Besides, Winslow said he could find a way to trap me in the walls forever. I sort of like my freedom. I think it’s time I head on up to paradise and see what Hannah is up to, not to mention my own soulmate. I thought I might have two soulmates like you, Lottie. But I guess it wasn’t meant to be with Greer and me.”
“Well”—I shrug—“we already know Hannah likes you. She thinks very highly of you, seeing that you were the soul chosen to come down and help solve her murder.”
“Hey—yeah.” His posture straightens. “I guess that means she’s pretty interested. It was nice meeting you all. Have a nice life, and I’ll see you on the other side. Don’t forget to enjoy the holidays!” His ghostly frame begins to dissipate. “Thanks for all the pie! Oh, I almost forgot. I was supposed to tell you that there are a couple of deputies—”
“Tell me what?” I call out and half the room looks this way.