Waffles at the Wake (Murder in the Mix #29) - Addison Moore Page 0,21
summer. Which is quick,” he’s ironically quick to add, but I slump in my seat regardless.
“Why do I feel a but coming on?”
“No but. Just that one of the contractors made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
“Was she a leggy redhead whose figure hasn’t been transformed within an inch of a beach ball? Because if so, the deal is off the table.”
“Nope. It was a burly man with a barrel chest who happens to be married to your best friend.”
“Oh no,” I moan. “No, no, no. We can’t hire Bear. He still hasn’t finished Grandma Nell’s house, and it’s been over a year now. We’ll never move into our dream home. Evie will be married and have kids of her own, and Sugar Cookie here will be leaving for college by the time we get the keys. That is, if they still use keys that far off into the future.”
“I don’t know if I should spoil the surprise, but Bear told me he’s putting the finishing touches on Nell’s place and that he might be done as soon as next week. Although I’m not entirely sure he was telling the truth.”
“Wow, that means Carlotta could be out of our hair in a week. Is it bad that I’m kind of missing her already? But not too much. Carlotta doesn’t stray too far.”
His brow hikes as he nods in agreement. “He says he can have our house done by the date the others were quoting. But—”
“Here we go.”
“He said if I hired him he’d do all the repairs on the house for free for life.”
A dull moan comes from me.
“Everett, what kind of repairs is a new home going to need? Never mind. Don’t answer that. If Bear is building it, we’re looking at a repair a week.”
Everett sighs. “I can tell you’re not too keen on the idea of using him. Don’t worry. It’s not set in stone.” He exits the highway, and I can already see the tall white stately building we’re headed to. “There was one more thing Bear mentioned, but he did ask that I don’t share it with you.”
“Judge Baxter, I demand you tell me the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Fess up.”
“He said he and Keelie were tight right now, and they could really use the money. He says they’re looking to buy a house themselves, and they’re barely eking by. And a job like this doesn’t come along all that often in Honey Hollow.”
Another moan works its way up my throat. “I guess I could give Keelie a raise at the Honey Pot, but the place is barely making ends meet as it is. This winter has been really brutal. People want to stay in and curl up by the fire. No one is going out to eat anymore.” I sigh. “Fine. Give it to Bear. As long as I find you in my bed at the end of the day, all is right with the world.” The baby kicks in agreement.
Everett pulls into a secured lot and parks in the underground garage in the spot marked number seven, his very own private parking space.
He reaches over and brushes his thumb over my cheek.
“You’re going to do great in there, Lemon. Whether or not you’re chosen to participate, I want you to know I’m proud of you. Text me and let me know when it all shakes out. And let me know the name of the judge. I’ll tell him to go easy on you.” He gives a little wink.
“Hopefully, I’ll be out of here by noon. Noah promised me a pizza at Mangias to celebrate, and believe me, I’m already craving the anchovies.”
Everett helps me out of the car. “I take it the anchovies are a new craving?”
I give a little nod as I wrap my arms around my handsome husband. “I’ve also got a very serious hankering to get inside of your robe. Don’t think for a minute I came all the way down here without paying a visit to your chambers. This day ends well for both of us.”
“Now that’s something I’m going to hold you to.”
“Oh, I’ll keep my word, Judge Baxter.” I give his buns of steel a quick squeeze, and a dangerous smile curves on his lips. “I wouldn’t want to be found in contempt.” A thought hits me. “Hey, does the judge have the ability to dismiss me?”
He tips his head to the side. “Yes, but only if he found valid grounds.”