Temptation Trails - Page 169

She didn’t look up from the cake she was decorating. It was for a bridal shower and looking spectacular. It was rose gold with pink flowers and little white and gold pearls.

Pausing for a second, I gazed at it. So pretty. So… bridal.

Mila glanced up and pulled an earbud out of her ear. “Sorry. Did you say something?”

“Oh, nothing. Just asking how you’re doing. I forgot you had your earbuds in. True crime again?”

“Yes, always,” she said, her voice typically monotone. “I suppose you aren’t interested in hearing what it’s about.”

“You know, I could live without it.”

“Fair.” She put her earbud back in and continued with her work.

I heard a familiar voice up front. Aunt Doris. I was surprised she hadn’t come in through the kitchen. Beth poked her head in the back to get my attention.

“Yep, I’m coming.” My timer dinged—just in time, and I’d only set one. Was that lucky or just a coincidence? I took the batch of lemon cupcakes out of the oven and set them on the island to cool, then went out front to see my aunt.

Wearing a simple blue dress, Doris stood at the pastry case with Louise Haven, who wore a bright yellow tracksuit.

“Hi, ladies.”

I’d visited Aunt Doris a few days after the incident—that wasn’t the sort of story you could tell your slightly fragile aunt over the phone. She looked at me like she wanted to feed me chicken soup.

“Honey, how are you?” Doris reached across the counter to take my hands. “Are you sure you didn’t reopen too soon?”

“Oh, Doris, she’s fine.” Louise waved her hand, like she was batting away a fly. “Look at her. Tough as nails and sweet as sugar. Perfect for my Garrett.”

I smiled and squeezed Doris’s hands before letting go. “Thanks, Louise. Not so sure about the tough as nails part, but I appreciate the compliment.”

“I still can’t believe it,” Doris said. “That monster was living among us all those years.”

“I always thought he was shifty,” Louise said.

“Did you?” Doris asked. “I thought you said he was an asset to the community.”

“If I did, I was wrong. Besides, thanks to Garrett, he can’t hurt another soul. I’d put a check in the Haven column, but I guess we don’t keep score against the Baileys anymore.”

Doris rolled her eyes. “Oh, Louise.”

“Sorry, Doris. I’m glad the feud ended. But you can’t blame me for my family loyalty.”

“Of course not, dear,” Doris said. “And you’re right. If there’s ever another serial killer on the loose, Garrett Haven would be the one to call. But I will say, if the bakery catches fire, you know it’s the Baileys who’ll save the day.”

“Fair enough. We all have our place in this town. Anyway, Harper, dear, we’re here to place a special order.”

“Absolutely.” I grabbed a notepad and a pen. “What can I do for you?”

“The SPS is having a big meeting this Sunday. We’d like to surprise them with dessert. I’m open to your suggestions.”

“But they should have nuts,” Doris said.

That made me laugh a little. “Nuts would be appropriate. How many do you think will be there?”

“That’s a good question.” Louise tapped her chin. “Let’s just assume a hundred and that should be close enough.”

“Sounds about right,” Doris said.

“A hundred SPS members? Wow. They’ve really grown.”