I nodded and kissed him again. “Be careful. Scrumbly might have a partner. I still don’t trust the mayor.”
“I’ll be fine. Go inside. I think Laci’s waiting for you.”
He was right. When I walked back into the house, Laci had two large plated slices of cake sitting on the dining room table. “We need something good after that loud wake-up call. Do you want some tea?”
“No, how about we share the malt I placed in the freezer last night.” I smiled at the cake with thoughts of eating it along with a malt.
“Great idea” She returned in a few minutes with two long handled spoons. “It’s frozen. We need spoons.”
My daughter and I sat and enjoyed a cake and malt breakfast and laughed more than we have in months.
She said she’d be happy to help me take care of some details at the store before the wedding and I think I made her month when I told her we’d have dinner with her Grandma and Grandpa Ryan and Claudine and her family. I still don’t understand the connection between Laci and Claudine, but I suspect the loss of Laci’s dad has a lot to do with it. Claudine looks a lot like Steve and Laci resembles her dad in many ways. I hope Claudine has changed and her therapy helped her because I don’t want them kept apart forever.
Laci picked up our plates, and I heard her place them in the dishwasher. She returned with a big smile on her face. “Come on, Mom. We need more sleep before your doctor’s appointment. I’m coming in to see the doctor with you, okay? I need to know you are really all right after yesterday.” I hugged her tight.
It appears my romp with near disaster has brought us closer. Yesterday’s emotion wasn’t a fluke; she’s worried about me. I said a small prayer asking that our relationship continues to mend. She’s more like the Laci she was before heading off to college. I’ll try to be the mom I was, too.
Chapter Sixteen
The days flew by faster than a kite on a blustery day and before I realized it, the dreaded day of the dinner with Claudine was upon me. Lying in bed wondering if I wanted to get up or sleep until tomorrow, I decided I couldn’t hide from it. Half-heartedly, I wished something would come up to spoil the dinner plans.
My doctor assured me, at my appointment, that my medical emergency had resolved. The splotches were gone, and the remaining scratches would cover nicely under a bit of concealer. My final fitting yesterday went well. My skin was clear, and since the itching had stopped, the fabric didn’t affect me at all. Laci was a big help at the bookstore. Glory stepped in, and with Georgie’s approval, the plans for the wedding are set. Clark was right. I needed to let someone care for me for a change. Everything went along well, and I couldn’t think of a single reason not to attend the dinner at Mom Ryan’s. Aunt Irene was thrilled when I asked if she and Uncle Lyle would pick up mom and dad at the airport tomorrow afternoon. I suppose she misses her brother and it will give all of them a chance to talk.
Laci and I are getting along wonderfully, and that’s a blessing. Even if I could find a reason not to attend the dinner, I can’t do it to Laci, and I certainly won’t let her go alone. My heart forgave Claudine, but my head says yes forgive but watch your back.
The police charged Skip Scrumbly with my abduction and two counts of murder. The judge refused him bail, and he’s sitting in the county jail. That’s one problem taken care of, at least.
Laci knocked on my bedroom door and asked if I was awake. I told her to come in, and she dropped on my bed.
“Mom,” she said giving me that look that says she wants something but isn’t sure if she should ask.
“Yes?”
“May I bring a date to your wedding?” Her brown eyes pleaded.
“Of course, it'd be good for you to have someone to enjoy the wedding with you. Tell Beth Ann she’s welcome to bring someone, too.”
“I will, Mom, thanks.” She rolled over onto her back and stared at the ceiling.
“Who are you bringing,” I asked leaning over and smiling at her.
“Tyler.”
Oh, my goodness gracious. It can’t be the same Tyler. Certainly, there’s more than one Tyler around here.
“Officer Tyler? The one who lives above the bookstore?”
“Yes, he’s so sweet and dreamy. He comes into the diner every night a little before closing for pie or cake. Tyler’s a hero; he saved us from that killer you know. He has Sunday off and wanted to see a movie, but I told him you were getting married. He forgot, but I told him I’d ask if I can bring him along. This is great, thanks so much, Mom.” She jumped off the bed, ran around to my side, hugged me, and ran back to her room.
I grabbed my cell phone and texted Georgie:
Dinner with Claudine tonight.
Laci thinks Officer Jakes is dreamy.
She’s bringing him to the wedding.
She replied a few minutes later with a row of laughing faces and the words “Stay Strong.”
Four more days to get through and then the wedding. Maybe Clark and I should’ve eloped.
~ * ~
I pulled into the drive at Mom and Dad Ryan’s house. I haven’t been here since before the incident with Claudine. I prefer to call it an incident rather than attempted murder. I know the judge ruled she couldn’t own any guns, but what if she borrows one? I can’t let her scare me for the rest of my life although she scared me back in high school before she pulled a gun on me. I suppose I need to stay strong the way Georgie advised.
Laci reached for my hand. “It’s okay to feel a little scared, Mom, but Grandma Ryan told me Aunt Claudine changed completely. She’s better.”
I tried to hide my fear when I looked at her and smiled.
“Honestly, Mom, it’s going to be all right. Come on.”
I drew in a deep breath and followed Laci to the door. I didn’t see Claudine or Jerry’s cars, so maybe she changed her mind and isn’t coming.
Mom Ryan met us on her porch and embraced me. “I asked you to come a half-hour early to catch up a bit and assure you Claudine will not try and harm you again.” Her face appeared older than just a few months ago. Her eyes lost some of their sparkle. I saw her go through a similar transition when Steve died. I wanted to leave but more than anything I wanted to see the sparkle return to her eyes. Laci can help her do that. She’s her only granddaughter and I know Mom Ryan loves her more than life.
Laci slipped her arm around her grandma, and I followed my daughter and the sweet silver haired lady into the house. Dad Ryan greeted us warmly. For some reason, the stress of life took less of a toll on him. He still has a full head of jet black hair. Maybe he uses something, but he’s still built like the Marine he was in his youth.
We chatted about the wedding, Laci’s summer, and what her plans are for the future. I began to relax until I heard a car pull into the drive. I steeled myself for Claudine’s entrance. She usually storms into a room first like a tornado on the move. The door opened and Jerry, Claudine’s husband, walked in followed by my nephews. I stared at the door wondering if Claudine would come in when she stepped in slowly clutching her purse tightly in front of her.
Laci’s squeal of, “Aunt Claudine, I’m so happy to see you,” brought a smile to Claudine’s face. Maybe I can get through this dinner after all.
My nephews plopped onto the sofa next to me and regaled me with their sports activities and the ups and downs of college life. Laci occupied Claudine with similar stories across the room. The kids continued to entertain us through dinner. Claudine’s unsmiling stare through dinner unnerved me, and I was happy to help Mom Ryan with dessert. I breathed a sigh of relief when I entered the kitchen.
Mom Ryan gushed, “This dinner was a wonderful idea. I love having you all here, and Laci and Claudine are happy. Things are going well, Annie. Thanks for coming. Could you cut this pie while I take the coffee out?”
“Of course,” I answered. When I heard footsteps behind me, I said, “The pie is almost ready.”
“That’s nice, I came to get the cream and sugar,” Claudine’s
voice crawled down my back.
Who let that woman come in here with me? Don’t panic. Cut the pie and go back to the dining room.
I turned with the pie in my hands, and Claudine whispered, “You have them all fooled, but I know if Steve hadn’t been on that icy road coming home late from his job, he wouldn’t have died. He worked to take care of you. You killed him. Your ridiculous mysteries also drew Barbara to her death. You’re a killer twice over. You will pay.”
I took a step back. “You can’t talk to me that way. I still have the restraining order against you. You threatened me. I want you to stay away from Laci and me.”
“That won’t be possible. I believe after your dead; Laci will want to live with me,” Claudine hissed as she waltzed past me and into the dining room.
I did my best to calm my nerves and stop my shaking hands. We need to have dessert as quickly as possible. Laci and I need to go home, and Clark needs to know what Claudine said. I know she’s still grieving and in pain, but she can’t threaten people.
~ * ~
Laci spoke non-stop on the way home about the wonderful visit with her aunt and grandparents. Claudine needs more help but I still don’t want to see her in prison. Clark will know what to do, and I still have a lot to do. My parents arrive tomorrow, and I can’t wait to see them.
Laci raced to her room as soon as we arrived home and I texted Clark and asked him to call me when he had time.
A few minutes later, my phone rang. “Hi beautiful, how was dinner?”
I explained what occurred and Clark promised he’d take care of it. He assured me she wouldn’t be arrested unless I pressed more charges. I can’t do that unless she threatens me again. One more problem behind me.
I’m exhausted. All I did today was clean the guest room for my parents and have dinner. My exhaustion must be stress. I texted Georgie, and she texted back that I shouldn’t worry. I hope tomorrow will be fun and not stressful.
~ * ~
I overslept. The cloudy skies kept my bedroom dark. I bolted out of bed until I realized I don’t have to go to the bookstore. My triplet employees took over the store yesterday. I dropped back on my pillow, and Yummy yipped at me.
“Sorry, little guy. I may be on wedding vacation, but I still have you. Come on before it starts to rain.” While Yummy ran around the backyard, I checked the weather app on my phone. The clouds should clear up later today, and Sunday promises to be bright and sunny. At least that’s in my favor. Georgie assured me the wedding would be perfect and I trust her.
Aunt Irene was outside with Peanut and waved at me frantically.
I pulled the patio door open, “What is it, Aunt Irene?”
“Nothing, I’m excited to see my brother. I can’t wait for David and Sharon to arrive. It’s been a long year since I’ve seen them.” She danced a little dance with Peanut in her arms.
“Calm down, Aunt Irene. Their plane hasn’t even left Arizona yet.”
“Oh, I know. I texted Sharon a few minutes ago. She can’t wait to see you, and your dad is barking orders afraid they’ll forget something.” She smiled at me like a child on Christmas morning.
“That sounds just like dad,” I said laughing along with her. “He’s texted me each day this past week asking if I need anything. I just told him to remember his new suit, and we’re all set.”
“Then you decided to forgo tuxes?”
“Yes, Clark and I thought dark blue suits were a good idea. We want casual elegance and Clark didn’t want to wear a tux. He thought since we plan on getting married on the beach that he could wear shorts and a t-shirt.”
Aunt Irene smiled at me. “Why are men so difficult when it comes to wearing formal clothes?”
“I don’t know, but Clark’s son, Zach, is his best man and he’s happy with a suit instead of the tux. He’s flying in Saturday, and I hope the suit fits well.”
“What about Claudine’s boys? They’re standing up with Laci and Beth Ann. Did you have any trouble with her over that?”
“No, Clark spoke with Jerry and Jerry bought the boys suits. It’ll all work out. I worried a bit because Claudine might want to come to the wedding since her boys are in the wedding party, but Jerry told Clark he’s taking Claudine out to a nice dinner and movie Sunday night so no worries, I hope
“Sounds as if everything is working out just the way you want.”
“Thanks to Georgie and Glory. After my ordeal with the thistle plants, I wasn’t sure there’d be a wedding. We’re down to three days. I still feel the other shoe might drop.”
Aunt Irene patted my arm, “You worry too much. I need to get ready to pick up David and Sharon.”
“Plan on having dinner with us. I want Clark to meet mom and dad right away, so I invited Clark and his parents for dinner tonight. I have a huge roast in my slow cooker, and we’ll have pot roast.”
“We’ll be there,” she called as she hurried back to the cottage.
~ * ~
Dinner with my parents and the Cavanaugh’s went better than I expected. Dad and Clark spoke privately for a while no doubt concerning me and my dad’s overprotective nature toward me. They laughed a lot, and I assume all is well. Laci and Clark spoke throughout the meal, and Laci smiled quite a bit. Everyone stayed late, and if the wedding goes off as well as this dinner, I’ll be more than pleased.
Clark explained he worked tomorrow and some of the guys wanted to take him out for a few beers tomorrow night. He promised there wouldn’t be any dancing girls and that he’d see me Saturday after he picked up Zach. Beth Ann told Laci about a party one of their friends was throwing tomorrow night and the girls planned to attend. When my folks said they were having dinner with old friends tomorrow night, I realized I’d have a night alone. I looked forward to the peace and quiet. I can’t remember the last time I had a quiet night. Now that Skip is safely locked in the county jail, I’m not worried about being alone.
I sent mom and dad up to bed since they both looked exhausted. Laci and I loaded the dishwasher and put away the leftovers. We laughed and talked about the wedding. She’s the girl she was before all our disagreements, and I’m thrilled.
~ * ~
Everyone slept late the following morning. Mom and I planned to visit all the shops downtown, and she could see many of her old friends. Dad had plans of his own. I have a feeling they include a visit to the bowling alley and Corners Bar. Laci joined mom and me on our visit downtown.
Lou was over the moon when we walked in the diner. “Sharon,” he called out. “I hoped you’d stop and see me before the wedding. Sit, sit, let me get you some coffee and pie.”
We sat at a table near the window and mom said, “Some things don’t change. Lou is still the same, and the town doesn’t look any different than when we left for Arizona last year.”
“I hope it never changes, Mom. I love it here.”
Laci added, “I want to live in a big city. Maybe after college, I’ll move to New York or Los Angeles.”
Be still my heart. It’s three years until then, and I hope she lives closer to home. I think I’m a small-town girl at heart and can’t imagine life in a big city.
Lou placed cups of coffee and plates of pie in front of us, and we thanked him. “If I keep eating like this, I’ll never fit in my dress on Sunday.”
Mom and Laci laughed at me. Laci said, “Mom, you work off the calories with your hectic lifestyle. I bet you worked off the calories in that pie when you ran through the woods away from that maniac.”
“Maniac?” Mom went pale, and her eyes grew large.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I thought you told Grandma about the body and murders.”
“What murders and body,” mom inquired.
My shoulders slumped, and I took a deep breath. I didn’t want mom to worry and hadn’t told her a thing about the Scrumbly mystery. I quickly gave her the condensed version.
“You know, Annie, you’re going to get hurt one of these days.”
I nodded and took a bite of p
ie. She’s right, but what’s a girl to do when a mystery drops into her lap or cellar?
~ * ~
Laci yelled, “I’m leaving, Mom. Don’t wait up.” I heard the door close and leaned back against the pillow on the sofa. Quiet. Blissful quiet. It’s what I need. I picked up the remote and searched for a movie to watch. Most of them were mysteries, adventure, or thrillers. I had enough of that in my real life. I found a romantic comedy and changed the channel. I settled back to enjoy the movie when the doorbell rang. Who could it be?
I peeked out the front drapes and saw my Mom, Laci, Aunt Irene, and all my friends on the porch. Now what?
I opened the door, and Lizzy entered first placing a ring of flowers on my head. “A crown for the bride,” she said.
Betsy followed handing me a large bakery box. “Treats for the bride.”
Georgie followed handing me a bottle of wine. “A drink for the bride.”
Mom walked in handing me a wrapped box. “Something beautiful for the bride.”
Beth Ann and Laci entered giggling. “We bought this for your first argument.”
Aunt Irene handed me another box. “Something to wear.” She winked at me.
Carolyn brought up the rear. “I’m here to keep the peace or at least explain to anyone complaining that I have it all under control. I brought my badge, don’t worry.”
I stood there wearing a floral crown, holding a box of treats, a bottle of wine, and two boxes knowing I have the best friends in the world. I set everything on the coffee table and sat down with my friends.
Betsy opened the box of wedding themed cookies, and Georgie poured the wine. My mom told me to open the box she gave me. Inside were two beautiful pearl hair combs. “You said you didn’t want to wear a veil, but these will look lovely in your hair.”
“Thank you, Mom. They’re beautiful.” I set the box back on the table and saw my mom wipe a tear from her eye.
Aunt Irene handed me her gift. I looked at her, and she winked again. I opened the box and found a beautiful blue lace garter. Aunt Irene laughed. “It’s your ‘something blue’ for the wedding. From the look on your face, I think you expected something wilder.”
Bones, Booze & Bouquets Page 16