“Yeah, about that.” My lips twitched with the feelings I struggled to express. “I think I should take it easy in the dating arena as well.”
The disappointment in his eyes was obvious, but he recovered quickly. “I understand.”
“But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like to treat my hero to something special, like his own order of fried pickles.”
“You’re on.” Luke held out his hand. “As soon as you’re feeling better, we’ll go.”
I shook his hand but didn’t release it. “Seriously, though, I think you’re a great guy. You are a hero. I’m just really mixed up right now. Thanks for understanding.”
He nodded. “Before I leave, I want to give you one piece of advice, if that’s okay?”
“Shoot.”
“Don’t blame yourself. For anything. You’re a fantastic person, and you deserve to be loved.” He gave my hand a squeeze and backed away. “Just think about it. I’m worried for you.”
His forehead was creased with lines of concern. Those deep blue eyes were fixed on mine.
“Thank you. And thank you for saving my life.”
I felt tears threatening again as he walked toward the door. He lifted his hand as he exited and flashed me one more smile.
When Lorea returned, I wiped the wet sheen from my cheeks and swallowed a sob.
“Where’s Luke, and why are you crying?”
“He asked me out. I told him I couldn’t right now.”
Lorea opened her mouth to protest but then closed it. She set a cup of water on the table and gave me a gentle hug. “Whatever you need.”
There was a tap on the door, and Tony poked his head inside. “Would you like some help out to the car?”
Lorea smiled in his direction. “Yes, I’m taking her to my house so she can rest.”
“I hope you can keep her out of trouble,” he replied.
I closed my eyes and took a shallow breath, trying not to feel the pressure of my stitches. It was definitely time for a rest.
Chapter 28
I Heart You Refreshments
Freeze ice cream in a 9 x 13 pan, then use heart-shaped cookie cutters to create individual servings. Drizzle ice cream hearts with hot fudge and top with a selection of berries. Garnish with a chocolate cookie and a mint leaf.
Courtesy of www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com.
I found out later that Dallas had confessed his love for me in his irrational state as the police hauled him away. He also inadvertently confessed to Briette’s murder. Tony reported that he had kept saying how much he loved Briette and tried to save her and that he was trying to save me, too. After the police presented the evidence of his babbling confession, plus Briette’s engagement ring, the district attorney charged Dallas with theft, murder, and attempted homicide.
My parents arranged for new carpet to be installed in my bedroom. The blood from my knife wound and Dallas’s head injury had ruined mine. They scrubbed and cleaned and removed every trace of Dallas from my life, but my heart still felt damaged by the betrayal.
I found myself focusing daily on the memory of tingling warmth I felt in the hospital when Luke suggested that Briette was at peace. It comforted me, but it didn’t help me sort through my feelings about Luke.
Four days after Dallas tried to kill me, Lorea helped me move back to my home. A stunning bouquet of zinnias caught my attention.
“I want to meet your hero,” Mom said.
The flowers must have been from Luke. I admired the fuchsia-colored petals and plucked the card from the vase.
Adri,
Be happy. I like your smile.
Your hero,
Luke
“Mom, you’ve read it.”
“Just wanted to make sure it was for you.”
I frowned and stuck the card in my pocket. The flowers were beautiful, and I was touched by Luke’s thoughtfulness. We hadn’t gotten off to a great start, but I felt like we were at least getting to be friends now.
“So tell me about him.”
“His name is Luke Stetson.”
“I know, I know. It’s that divorce lawyer you’ve had a crush on but didn’t want to admit it, right?”
“Mom, I’m injured here. Can you give me a break?”
“You’ll get to meet him, Laurel. I’ll make sure it happens.” Lorea waggled her eyebrows in my direction.
I decided not to comment. I didn’t have the energy to reckon with my mom and Lorea’s combined persistence. I reclined on my sofa for about ten minutes before I was accosted again.
“Try these, Adri.” Mom handed me a plate with some kind of heart-shaped ice cream.
“Ice cream therapy?” I asked as I picked up the spoon.
“Yes, and a test run for your next bridal shower. I let the ice cream start to melt and then scooped it into a 9x13 pan and refroze it.” She motioned to the heart shape. “Then I used a cookie cutter. Aren’t they sweet?”
I scooped a bite of the strawberry-flavored ice cream into my mouth. Mom had drizzled the heart with chocolate sauce and accented it with chocolate cookies. “Yummy.”
“There’s more in the freezer.” Mom gave my shoulder a squeeze. She was trying her best to keep my mind off my worries.
“Thanks, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Her voice cracked a little, and she hurried into the kitchen to tidy up.
The ice cream soothed my parched throat, but my mind returned immediately to the memory of Briette.
The story of the wedding planner who solved her bride’s murder hit the Associated Press within the week. My cell phone rang constantly with reporters, brides-to-be, and every busybody in town. My parents helped field the calls and sift through requests. After only six days, Lorea reported that we had eleven potential clients for fall weddings.
Caleb called as soon as he heard the news about Dallas. His voice cracked as he struggled to speak. “Adri, are you okay? This is the craziest thing! I didn’t believe it when I first heard. I talked to your mom. She told me what happened.”
“I’m
