by Annie Adams
CHAPTER NINE
I’d witnessed all the fireworks and excitement that I needed for a New Year’s Eve and it was only six o’clock at night.
Alex’s parents were going to the big First Night party in downtown Salt Lake and they’d be flying home the next day. Jerome and I went to Alex’s house to say our goodbyes. I thought after that, we might just drive to Bulgy Burger and get our regular, then go home and watch the ball drop on Times Square and call it a night. Alex had to work again. I tried not to think about all the drunks out on the roads this most dangerous night of the year.
I turned Zombie Sue up the long driveway and saw his car parked out front. My heart pounded in my chest and I tried to remain calm.
I tapped on the front door and his father opened it.
“Well if it isn’t the hero of the day,” Jack said. “C’mon in. We were just about to leave.”
We stepped inside. Eleanor was looking in the hall mirror fussing with her hair.
“You look fine, dear,” Jack said. “Look who’s here.”
“Quincy! I have to thank you again for pairing me up with Hen. This was such a fun trip. And you were terrific at the Jubilee today.”
“So were you,” I laughed. “Your Ninja skills kept Belinda from escaping.”
“What’s this?” I heard my favorite voice from around the corner. Alex came from the kitchen. “I guess your secret’s out, Mom.” He came over and stood next to me.
“Eleanor, what are they talking about?” Jack said.
“You didn’t tell them how you took Belinda down?” I said.
She waved it off, but I gave my accounting of events to give her the credit she deserved.
“So this woman poisoned people, injured them, destroyed property and almost killed her mother for what—a blue ribbon?” Jack said.
“While K.C. was wrestling her she was going on about her overbearing mother. She wanted the spotlight for once in her life. I remember from Girl Scouts and Young Women’s group at church, Vanessa Brown was always in charge and showing how anything was done. Belinda never participated in craft night or cooking badges. And here she is a Life Skills teacher at the school. She wanted to show off for once and she snapped.”
“That’s just crazy,” Jack said.
“She said she didn’t mean to hurt anyone. She just wanted to prevent them from winning. She tried to make everything look like accidents or the flu, in the case of the brownies. I guess she figured if she used different methods to keep people out of the competition, and if only certain people were targeted, nobody would connect the dots.”
“But you connected them,” Eleanor said. “You seem to be very good at that, from what I’ve seen.”
I waved her off this time.
“Sign her up, Alex,” Jack said. “Detective McKay is on the case.”
“She’ll be Detective Cooper,” Eleanor said. “In a few months—or—what date have you set for the wedding?”
“Shouldn’t you be going now?” Alex said. “You’ll be late for the party.”
His mother gave him the look. “Oh, alright.”
We said our goodbyes and I promised to come and visit soon, so I could meet Alex’s sister and her family in person.
As soon as Alex shut the door behind them, he rushed over and wrapped his arms around me.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Turns out all the overtime shifts were filled, so I didn’t have to work. I don’t want to spoil your plans, though.”
“Hmm, Bulgy Burger and falling asleep on the couch before I see the ball drop or—ringing in the New Year with you. Tough decision.”
He trailed kissed up my neck, stopping just before my mouth.
“Hey, no fair. That’s undue influence on the judge. What do you think, Jerome?”
Jerome went over and plopped down on the bed we kept in Alex’s living room.
“Decision made. I guess we’re staying.”
“Good.” He took me by the hand. “Close your eyes. And come with me.”
“Okay.” I giggled as he led me a few feet.
“Keep them closed.” We paused, then I felt a ring slide onto my finger.
I opened my eyes. We were in the kitchen. Alex was down on one knee. My engagement ring was on my finger.
“Will you marry me?” he said.
“Of course,” I said. And just like the last time he put that ring on my finger, I cried happy tears. “Where did you find it?”
“In my dinner last night at work. I took leftovers from our Christmas Eve party. I spooned it up out of the French Onion soup.”
I closed my eyes again. “I’m so sorry.”
“It all worked out, didn’t it?” He cupped my face in his hands. “I love you, Q. with or without the ring.” He kissed me softly, and then hugged me to him. He broke our embrace and looked down at me. “How should we start out the New Year?”
“I think we should make some more soup,” I said.
He broke out in a grin. “Fantastic idea.” He scooped me up, carried me into the bedroom and closed the door.
About the Author:
Annie Adams is the bestselling author of The Flower Shop Mystery Series
She lives in Northern Utah at the foot of the Wasatch with her husband, two dogs and two cats. She loves to hear from readers.
Remember, sign up for my newsletter so you won’t miss any new releases, special gifts or contests that I run only for my subscribers. AND TO GET FREE STUFF! Sign up at: Annie’s Newsletter Signup
Connect online:
Twitter/annieadamsauthr
Facebook/annieadamstheauthor
Pinterest/annieadamstheauthor
www.annieadamstheauthor.com
If you enjoyed Flowers, Food and Felonies, please spread the word. Tell your friends and book clubs. Write a review. Please email me at [email protected] when you write a review so I may thank you personally in an email.
Thank You!!
Annie
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
About the Author: