by Ava Mallory
“Mercedes, we're not getting any younger.” Margie scolded. I noticed her hand was on top of Nubbins. He didn't seem to mind.
Stifling a laugh, I said, “Okay, I don't have anything against Halloween. I like candy.”
Ruby nudged my elbow to keep me focused.
I looked at Charlie, knowing he was the reason for my hesitation.
Face your fear, Mercy, I thought to myself.
“James handed me divorce papers on Halloween night. There, I said it.” I closed my eyes, expecting laughter or taunting from the group.
When they didn't respond after a moment, I opened my eyes to see them sitting patiently.
“Okay, the very next year and every year after that, he had Diana and I was left home alone. I'd eat bags – I mean, bags of candy – to get through it. It hurt.” I said, my voice shaking.
Ruby squeezed me to her. “Honey, things worked out. James loves you. He always will. You two were talking divorce way before Halloween, remember? You're still friends. That has to count for something.”
“I know. I told you it was silly, but I can't help it. Every fall, I dread Halloween. Don't tell James, okay, everyone.” I urged them.
Charlie sat motionless, watching me with a look in his eyes I'd never seen before.
I swallowed hard, willing myself to go on to the next item on my 'Mercy is disturbed' list.
“So, the thing with Diana and the daughter thief, well, that's important to me. If someone wants to spend his life with my child, he should be man enough to introduce himself to me. I don't want to say I met the man who would father, my grandchildren via a text message.” I shuddered at the thought of it.
This time, everyone erupted in laughter. The comments came from everyone.
“Get over it.”
“You're living in the Ice Ages.”
“She's a grown woman.”
I drowned out their words with my thoughts. She was my child. No one could tell me to think any differently.
“Mercy!” Ruby raised her voice to pull me back to reality. “What about the other thing?”
I furrowed my brow at her. “What other thing?”
She nodded to Charlie. “Him!”
Charlie finally spoke up. “Yeah, what about the other thing?” He smiled that bright smile that could make women faint.
“I don't know what you mean.” I looked at Hank to ensure he'd keep his trap shut.
Thankfully, he obliged.
“Oh, give it a rest! She loves you. You love her. Enough said!” Nubbin groaned as the server brought our food to the table.
Epilogue
I closed my eyes, glad that it was over. The house was surprisingly quiet. I didn't know whether I was all that comfortable with that or not, but I'd accept it for now. Soon, the house would be filled with commotion. Tina and Noah would be back. I couldn't wait to tell them about all that they'd missed. I'm sure Tina would get a kick out of it.
My thoughts were racing. As much as I hated to admit it, I needed to get some exercise. I sat up, looked down at Barney, laying by my feet and said, “Let's go for a run.”
He didn't acknowledge that he heard me, but it didn't matter. I needed to get out of the house and get some fresh air. Things were about to take a drastic turn in my life and I was going to need the energy to deal with everything.
When I stepped outside, Margie was standing in her yard doing her pre-run stretches.
“Good morning, sunshine. Ready for the day? I say, we should do three miles today. How do you feel about that?” Margie asked.
I sighed. I said exercise, but not that much exercise.
“Hey, stop waffling. You have a wedding to prepare for and, not to mention, a man getting ready to make it official and move to our friendly little town. Exercise will do you some good.” Margie hopped over the two foot fence that separated our yards and gave me a hug.
“Yeah, a lot of changes are happening.” I said.
Margie started to jog in place. “Can you believe he bought that house?”
I knew exactly who she was referring to. It had been the main topic of conversation since Charlie and Nubbin left town. In fact, everyone in town had something to say about the matter.
It wasn't often that the city of Lake Villa sold houses for a dollar, but it was only fitting that if they were going to do that, it would be for their new Chief of Police.
“You think Nubbin's daughter will go for it?” Margie asked.
I laughed, remembering what that woman was like. Donna Lee was a tough nut to crack, just like her father.
“Wouldn't it be funny if Nubbin moved into the old Anderson Manor with Charlie? Now, that would be a hoot!” Margie laughed.
“Yeah, that would be a real interesting turn of events.” I said.
“Hey, maybe you could convince Diana and her beau to get married there?” Margie suggested.
“I don't think getting married on the same site that a man was killed on is such a good idea. Call me crazy, but I think that's bad karma.” I said.
Margie considered for a moment. “Well, then, maybe we could have the wedding here in our little neighborhood.”
I looked around my quaint modular home neighborhood. I loved it, but something told me, Diana would never agree to that and, since old what's his name, still hadn't worked up the courage to ask for my daughter's hand, I wasn't so inclined to offer up my little neck of the woods for the occasion.
“Who knows, one day you and Charlie may just get hitched here!” Margie giggled her trademark school girl giggle.
“Who knows?” I whispered, wondering what all the changes would do to my life.
The End
Note From Ava Mallory
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this book and any of my other books. It truly means the world to me.
As many of you may already know, publishing houses support their authors with marketing and have access to millions of dollars authors like myself will never have or see. I would be eternally grateful if you would please take a moment to leave an honest review on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/1JMX4db
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Thank you all for reading!
Ava Mallory
More Titles By Ava Mallory
Mercy & Mayhem: A Mercy Mares Cozy Mystery (Book One): http://amzn.to/1MTaYz1
Coughing & Donuts: A Mercy Mares Cozy Mystery (Book Two): http://amzn.to/1JxrPX1
Fever Rich: A Mercy Mares Cozy Mystery (Book Three): http://amzn.to/1PHfMrq
Along Came A Needle: A Mercy Mares Cozy Mystery (Book Four): http://amzn.to/1PHfMYA
Nubbin But Trouble: A Mercy Mares Cozy Mystery (Book Five): http://amzn.to/1JxshV8
'Tis The Sneezin': A Mercy Mares Cozy Mystery Novella – Available for pre-order now. Releases on 12/12/15 http://amzn.to/1FC95Ho
NEW Mercy Mares Collections:
Prescription for Mercy: A Mercy Mares Collection (Books 1 – 3): http://amzn.to/1jI9r5q
Spoonful of Mercy: A Mercy Mares Collection (Books 4 – 6): http://amzn.to/1jI9yxY
All titles available here for Kindle Unlimited: http://amzn.to/1PHfS2s
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About Ava Mallory
Ava Mallory is a slave to the written word. While some authors have trouble keeping up with one persona, Ava greedily gathers many personas and they converge into what she likes to call her "World Domination Posse".
Ava writes any and everything from Cozy Mysteries to Psychological Thrillers to Gothic Romance, Paranormal Romance & Romantic Suspense. Never a day goes by when there isn't a new project in the works. Her alter egos are the stuff legends are made of or so she'd like to think.
Currently, when not catering to the needs of her four children or not actively collecting hoards of books to read, Ava is writing the next few books in her new A Mercy Mares Cozy Mystery series and developing two new Cozy Mystery series' for her readers.
You can find Ava's books on Amazon (FREE with Kindle Unlimited!).
Acknowledgements
First and foremost, I'd like to thank my readers for taking the time to read my books. If I can make one person laugh, giggle or smile, I've done my job. Thank you all!
For my children, the four loves of my life, although you're all 'too cool' to read Mom's books, you are most definitely my inspiration for everything. I love you all with all of my heart and soul. Our journey has never been easy, but every single moment has been worth it.
To my reader's group members, my Street Team members, my mailing list subscribers, I thank each and every one of you for joining me on this journey and for helping me celebrate, giving me a reason to smile, lifting me up when life throws curveballs my way and for always making me feel loved. Know that each and every one of you is loved right back!
I want to say a special thank you to my BAPS. I love you girls to the moon and back. Always!
And, a very big thank you to Sonya Steele & Jo Anne Potter Vincenti for being my ARC readers extraordinaire! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I'm so honored to have you on my team and to call you my friends!