Well, Bessie urged him, what is it? Em, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. Is something bothering you? She held the baby up to rub its back. I can whip us up some peppermint tea, if you want. It’s good for upset stomachs, she quipped.
No, I’m alright, he said, trying to calm his nerves. He wanted to simply blurt out the thing that he was thinking. He also wanted to not say it ever, just keep living the comfortable, easy life he’d been living these past couple of years. Looking at Bessie’s tender face, he knew that he couldn’t do that. His only fear was that she wouldn’t understand him, that she wouldn’t understand the way that he felt at all.
Oh, for goodness sake, Em! Did you come in here to deliver bad news or something? She snapped at him and immediately reached out with an apology. I’m sorry. Didn’t sleep too well last night, if truth be told. Kept waking up to check on this little one—she slept like a rock, but I was too nervous, she admitted. Don’t you dare tell Annie, though. She thinks I’ve got this all under control.
Emmett relaxed a little and smiled at the woman across from him. Bessie Purdy, you do have this under control. In fact, you have everything under control, and that’s why I love you. He took a deep breath and twisted the ends of his mustache nervously. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately. I know we’ve only been dating a little while, but we’ve known each other for years.
I’ve known you since you were knee-high to a grasshopper, she confirmed.
And we’ve always been good friends, he added.
That we have, she agreed.
Bessie, I don’t know how to say this other than to just say it. Let’s get married.
Bessie chuckled lightly. Oh, Em, I’m far too busy this week. Maybe once our busy season is finished. Or next year, she added with a grin.
Emmett took her by the hand and dropped to one knee. Bessie, I am deathly serious.
Bessie’s face froze in between a smile and a grimace. What?
Let’s get married. We’re not getting any younger and I want to spend the rest of my life living, not just existing. He cleared his throat. I’ve been working with Cam Johnson. I think he’d make a great Chief of Police. It’s high time I retired but I don’t want to do it if it means spending the last part of my life sitting in an empty house. Bessie Mae Purdy, I’m asking—will you marry me?
Bessie’s face had gone several shades whiter than normal. She flipped the baby around and stuck the bottle back in its mouth. Well, I wasn’t expecting that, she admitted. She hesitated, then continued. Emmett Barnes, I love you, too, but I’m going to need some time, she admitted. I mean, I know we’re not getting any younger, but I hadn’t really thought about marriage until now. We have so much fun together, she smiled.
That’s exactly why you should say yes, he prodded.
Em, I have more than just me to think about, she said, shifting the baby in her arms. Don’t take this as a no, because it’s not. But I am going to need you to be patient. Give me a little time and you’ll get your answer. Hopefully, we’ll find this little one’s nearest relative soon and it will take a little off my plate, so to speak.
Emmett frowned. Was the stress of fostering the baby ruining his chances of getting Bessie to say yes? Had he asked too much of the woman he loved?
Bessie must have noticed the worry in his eyes. Don’t get me wrong, I’d foster this child again in a heartbeat, but I just wish we didn’t have to contend with an unsolved murder at the same time.
Emmett sighed. I know. I just spent too much time talking to people with too much money and not a lick of sense between them. And I’m sorry if it felt like I was pressuring you. You take as much time as you need. I’m not going anywhere. He reached out a hand and stroked the now-sleeping infant’s forehead. "And we’ll find the
person who killed her mother. This poor little thing didn’t ask for any of this, either, that’s for sure."
He wasn’t sure how, but somehow, Bessie had turned the conversation around and completely changed the mood in the kitchen. Now, instead of feeling nervous, he felt energized and maybe even optimistic. And he felt determined—determined to keep his word and find Kimberly Ashcroft’s killer, and determined to convince Bessie that she should marry him.
*****
Em? You in there? Annie’s voice drifted into the kitchen long before her face did. Oh, thank goodness you haven’t left yet. There’s someone who needs to speak with you regarding Kimberly Ashcroft.
A face appeared behind Annie. The dark-haired man pushed past her and rushed into the kitchen towards Bessie and the baby. Emmett instinctively put himself between them.
Hold up, Mister. What do you think you’re doing? Emmett put his hands on his hips. At well over six feet tall, he cut an imposing figure, even for someone in his seventies.
That’s my child, he explained. That’s Emma! Philip tried to go around Emmett but the older gentleman was having none of it.
Do you have proof that you are the baby’s father? Emmett asked him. I’m going to need to see your ID and a copy of this baby’s birth certificate. I don’t know you from Adam and I’m not letting you near this child until you can prove that you are who you say you are. Emmett’s mouth made a firm line. Now, I believe you and I need to have a little talk about your relationship to Miss Ashcroft. Would you mind stepping outside and answering a few questions for me?
Philip took a deep breath. Of course. I’m sorry if I worried you just now, but I haven’t seen Emma since I left for a business trip nearly a week ago. If I’d have known that Kim was going to try something so stupid, I never would have left. I’ll answer any questions you have.
Well, now, if you ask me, that’s a bit harsh. I mean, she didn’t mean to get herself killed, I’m sure, Bessie countered. And you shouldn’t talk bad about the baby’s mother like that in front of her. Babies hear everything, she assured him. I’m going to take Emma and put her down for a nap, she added, addressing Annie. You come and get me if you need me.
Annie nodded. I think I have it under control, she said with only a little hesitation in her voice. She put one finger to her lips while she tried to remember what she’d been doing before Philip’s arrival. The pain relievers, she murmured. I may have some in the kitchen, actually. Let me see if there are still some up here in the first aid box.
Annie opened a cupboard and pulled out a bright red tackle box. She opened it to reveal an assortment of bandages, alcohol cleansing wipes, bottles of over-the-counter pain medicine, and tubes of antiseptic ointment. We use this a lot around here, she said as she pulled out the Tylenol. Not that we have lots of injuries, mind you, but I’m a terrible klutz. I probably use more bandages than a grown woman my age should admit to, she laughed.
After doling out the pills, Annie returned the box to the cupboard and offered Everett a glass of water along with a question. Were you expecting to see that man, Philip? Did you know he was engaged to Kim?
Everett swallowed the pills and washed them down with water. No. In fact, I never would have pegged her as his type. He was always arrogant and hotheaded. I only worked with him once, but that was enough. He’s an architect, he sniffed.
Annie gave him a puzzled look, so he explained. Every architect I’ve ever met seems to think they’re smarter and better than everyone else. And his designs weren’t just impractical, they were ugly. Dad liked him, so I just sucked it up and helped with the project. It shouldn’t have been a big deal, but Philip made everything so overly complicated, we ended up going over budget and barely broke even when we sold the building.
So no love lost there, eh? she asked, raising one eyebrow.
None whatsoever, Everett replied. And I’d make him take a paternity test before I ever handed that baby to him, he added. I just don’t buy that he’s her father.
Annie wondered if Everett’s feelings for Kim were clouding his judgment about the man. Jealousy was a powerful thing and she couldn’t see any other reason why he wouldn’t want the baby reunited with her father.
; Did she ever mention him to you? Maybe they were dating secretly, Annie suggested.
Everett shook his head. No. Never. I just can’t see her with him, he stated firmly. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some phone calls to make.
Annie nodded. Please, let me know if you need anything at all. She watched Everett disappear into the foyer, listening to his footsteps on the slick wooden stairs. Annie sighed. She could tell that Everett still cared about Kimberly. It was such a shame that he was punishing himself by planning her funeral alone.
She felt bad for him—his family, for all their money and success, didn’t seem very happy at all. And she wondered just who Philip Hutchens really was. Was he the cocky, arrogant man that Everett claimed him to be, or was he a grieving man who only wanted to comfort his child?
As she found herself wandering towards Rory’s cozy little cottage, she decided that she’d have to find out more about Philip on her own. She wasn’t about to let just anyone near that sweet little baby, at least not until she’d figured out who murdered Emma’s mother.
11
Rory’s Invitation
I’m sorry, Mr. Hutchens, but I’m afraid you can’t stay at Rosewood Place. Annie was trying to be polite but firm. She worried that she sounded more firm than polite. The Marshalls have rented the entire inn and I’m afraid we don’t have room for you.
The last part was a lie—she still had several empty rooms—but she wasn’t about to let Philip and Everett stay under the same roof. Everett made it clear that he disliked Philip immensely and Annie couldn’t help but feel that Philip was being a little less than honest about his relationship with Kimberly and the baby.
Philip let out a low sigh. I drove from Atlanta to get here. That’s nearly three hours with traffic. Is there somewhere else I can stay for tonight? Ideally, I’d love to take Emma home, but I suppose I need to wait until Kim’s body is released.
I’m sorry, Mr. Hutchens, Emmett interjected. But I can’t let you take the baby anywhere until we verify your claims that you’re the father.
That’s ridiculous! Philip roared.
That’s police policy. It’s for Emma’s protection, but I can assure you that she’s in very good hands here. Emmett placed a hand on Philip’s shoulder. I can take you to a motel about ten miles down the road. It ain’t much, but it’s clean and there’s a little diner across the street that serves some of the best breakfast you’ll ever ask for.
Philip relaxed a little. I guess that will have to do. I didn’t mean to get upset, but I’ve just lost the woman I love and I don’t even have my daughter to comfort me. I suppose you could understand how I must be feeling.
Emmett nodded, then headed for the door. If you’ll just follow along behind my car, I’ll take you to the motel. Annie has your number if she needs to reach you, he added.
Philip followed Emmett reluctantly, leaving Annie alone in the sitting room. She sat in silence for a moment, embracing the quiet. It wasn’t often that she found herself in a quiet house. Her guests were usually far more sociable than the Marshalls, requiring Annie to entertain or act as tour guide. And if the guests weren’t demanding her attention, it often seemed that her mother would.
Annie stretched her legs out in front of her and yawned. The plump cushions on the couch looked tempting, but she wouldn’t dream of napping in the sitting room. And her growling stomach reminded her that she’d skipped lunch. She heard footsteps coming from the foyer and waited to see whose face appeared in the doorway of the sitting room.
Her fatigue vanished as soon as she saw Rory’s face. Is it safe to come in here yet? he asked. I don’t want the guests to have to mix with the hired help, he teased.
Annie grabbed the nearest cushion and threw it at him, missing him by a mile. Ha, ha. They’re not that bad, she began, then corrected herself. Okay, maybe they are that bad, but you’re not hired help, she added.
Rory raised one eyebrow. Wait, are you not paying me anymore? he asked. Because if you’re not, I guess I’ll have to find some other gorgeous woman with a big, fancy house to work for.
Annie tried not to laugh. I’m not sure what’s funnier, the gorgeous woman part or the big, fancy house thing. She and Rory both knew that the only reason the house was even still standing was because Rory had been willing to help her renovate it when no one else would. It certainly hadn’t looked very fancy when she’d first moved in, but she had to admit that Rosewood Place had reclaimed most of its glory under Rory’s skillful hands.
Rory crossed the room in a few strides and slid himself onto the seat beside Annie. Gorgeous woman, would you like to have dinner with me? He reached up and pushed a strand of wayward hair behind her ear. I thought it might be nice to get you out of here for a little while, you know, take you somewhere totally not fancy and feed you something not quite as good as your mother’s cooking. He grinned at her. Should I pick you up at six?"
Annie groaned. I’d love to, but I can’t leave Mama by herself with all these guests.
Rory’s grin remained. I promise it’s not far.
Oh, Rory I don’t know. Maybe if she didn’t have the baby…
Rory laughed out loud now. I meant my place. I thought I’d cook for you at my place, that way you’re literally a minute away if Bessie or one of the guests needs you, he explained.
Annie’s face lit up. Oh, in that case, yes, of course! She thought for a moment, then spoke again. "What if
Mama needs help cooking for the Marshalls? I’m sure they’re going to want to eat something."
Rory shook his head. Nope. Ran into that Gareth fellow a few minutes ago. He was asking me about the restaurants around here. I hated to tell him that there were no five star dining establishments in Coopersville. I pointed him in the direction of the new Italian place and told him it was that or barbecue.
Annie sighed. Barbecue sounds good right about now. Let’s stop talking about food—I’m starving!
Rory laughed. Well, I don’t have any barbecue, but I do have a couple of steaks and some salad. Might even have some French bread to go with it, he teased. But I’ll stop talking about food now. He leaned over and kissed her cheek gently. Bring your appetite, he said in a half-whisper.
Annie’s pulse quickened. She wasn’t sure if Rory was flirting or just teasing her about food, but she suddenly felt far less interested in her dinner and much more concerned about being alone with Rory and a different kind of hunger.
I’ll be there with bells on, she replied awkwardly. Annie watched as Rory disappeared through the doorway of the sitting room. She waited for the butterflies in her stomach to stop having their mad parade, and then she went to the kitchen and prepared herself a large mug of coffee. As she put the mug to her lips for her first sip she heard her mother’s voice in the foyer. It sounded like she was singing some sort of children’s song.
Annie followed the sound of her mother’s voice to the sitting room where Bessie and Emma were perched on the couch. The baby was sitting on Bessie’s lap, smiling contentedly. She tried to grab Bessie’s reading glasses which hung around her neck on a long cord, but the child missed and simply clapped her chubby little hands together instead. Bessie made a face of mock surprise, causing the infant to chuckle and coo.
Mama, you are too good at this, Annie proclaimed. She joined her mother and the baby on the sofa and sipped her coffee. Rory says the Marshalls are getting some food from town for dinner, she told Bessie. So you don’t have to cook tonight.
Well, what about you and Rory and Devon? You all still need to eat.
Annie blushed slightly. Rory’s cooking me dinner, she admitted. Why don’t you have Devon pick something up for you two after he finishes work? Tell him I’ll give him the money for it, she added.
Bessie grinned at her daughter. I think I can scrounge Devon and myself up something. Should I wait up for you, you know, after your dinner with Rory?
Annie’s blush went full-flame. It’s just dinner. And he lives next door, so I think I’ll be home a
t a reasonable time, she insisted.
Oh, that’s a shame, Bessie said. After all, you’re a grown woman who really does deserve to have some fun every now and then. And it’s very obvious that Rory still dotes on you the same as he did when you two were young. Of course, I’m not crazy about my unmarried daughter spending the night at her boyfriend’s house, but since you’re a grown woman, I really don’t think it’s my call.
Annie nearly choked on her coffee. Mother! I wasn’t planning on sleeping with Rory. I mean, I know we’ve been seeing a lot of each other but—
But what? Annie, what are you waiting for? Don’t put your life on hold forever. Don’t risk losing Rory again.
You think I’m putting my life on hold? What about you and Emmett? He’s been giving you puppy dog eyes for over a year now. And I don’t mean to sound horrible, but it’s not like either of you are getting any younger.
Bessie’s eyes grew large. Do you really think that?
Annie reached out and put her hand on her mother’s arm. Oh, Mama, I didn’t mean it like that. I just, well, I want to see you happy. Annie realized with some shock that this was true. She did want to see her mother happy, even if that meant Bessie remarried and moved out of Rosewood Place.
Bessie was silent for a long moment. When she finally spoke, it was in a voice that was smaller and more subdued than her usual one. Oh, Annie. Emmett asked me to marry him.
Annie’s coffee turned to glue in her mouth and she choked it down. What? Oh, Mama, what did you say? She wiped coffee drips from her chin and sat the treacherous mug down on the coffee table in front of her. Are you going to marry him?
Bessie’s mouth made a thin line. I told him I’d have to think about it.
What? Why? I mean, I thought you really like Emmett?
Oh, I do, I do, Bessie assured her. But I’m just not sure that marriage at my age is the right thing, you know.
Lullabies & Lies Page 6