“Bizzy!” a friendly voice calls from the right, and it’s McKenna holding the world’s most adorable fluffy gray kitten. Well, the world’s next most adorable kitten, considering I’ve got Fish, but the closer they get, it’s obvious Fish and this sweet kitty tie for first.
“Hey, McKenna! Hello, Misty,” I say just as the irate blonde whizzes by, and McKenna catches her by the wrist, almost sending the kitten flying out of her arms.
“Whoa,” McKenna pulls the girl in, and I can see the strong family resemblance right away. “Bizzy, this is my baby sister, Michaela.”
“Nice to meet you, Michaela,” I say, and I can’t help but note the frustration still lingering on her features. “Is everything okay?” I glance back to where Julian was standing, but he’s nowhere to be found.
Michaela swallows hard. “It’s just great. My big sister is getting married.” She takes a breath as if forcing herself to cool off. “If you don’t mind, I need to catch a breath of fresh air before the lights go out in here.” She stalks off before McKenna can stop her.
“Sorry.” McKenna shrugs. “She’s been a bit moody all week. My aunt thinks she’s jealous of all the attention I’m getting.” She laughs as if it were silly. “How’s your sister, Macy, doing? I can’t wait to see her again.”
“She’s here somewhere. Or at least she should be. And she’s as cheeky as ever. She’s thrilled I’m getting married because that means more men for her. And that’s a direct quote.” True as gospel. “She’s still a bona fide man-eater, even though she’s got a quasi-boyfriend out in Vermont—a place called Honey Hollow. Considering they both like to play the field, that whole distance thing is working out for them.”
McKenna laughs at the thought. “You know what they say, every pot has a lid.” Something catches her attention. “Ooh, speaking of which.” She plucks someone over by the sleeve, and soon a tall, barrel-chested man with dark red hair and smiling eyes joins us. And by his side is a drop-dead gorgeous Siberian husky. “Bizzy, this is my fiancé, Caleb Reed, and his boy, Lucky.”
“Aw! Hello, Caleb. So nice to finally meet you. And nice to meet you, too,” I say, giving the happy looking pup a quick pat and he vocalizes a contented groan. He’s a bit taller than Sherlock, stockier and fluffier, too, and his blue eyes look as if someone colored them in with a crayon—they’re just that bright.
Pretty people. I love pretty people. He gives Fish a quick sniff. Pretty kitty. Let’s play. I bet I can fit you right inside my mouth. He barks right at her and she gives a tiny hiss.
Back off, Jacko. She swipes his way. I’ve got a Sherlock Bones around here somewhere—and he’s willing to protect me. I think.
Jacko?
I shake my head as I look to my old friend. “Well, I think you’re the lucky one, McKenna. You scored not one handsome man but two. You’ve got quite a turnout here.”
Caleb gives a wishful shake of the head. “I’m afraid they’re all not here for us. Julian has quite the following. He’s a bit of a celebrity in whatever enchanted realm it is he’s living in.”
We laugh at the thought just as Caleb waves over a couple of men.
“Bizzy, I’d love for you to meet a few of my groomsmen,” Caleb says as he holds out a hand to the men before us. “This is my brother, Zeke.” He points to the one who shares his sharp features and dark crimson hair.
Zeke holds out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Bizzy. I apologize for everything that’s about to take place from this moment until after the cleanup committee goes home the day after the wedding.”
A laugh bounces from me. “Don’t apologize. McKenna is one of my oldest friends, and I won’t hold a thing against her.”
Caleb points to the dark-haired gentleman on the end.
“And this is my old college buddy, Archie Alden.” Caleb shoots the tall man with a crooked nose with his fingers. He has olive skin and an overall handsome appeal. I’m betting Macy zeros in on him sooner than later. “Arch knows where all the bodies are buried.”
Another burst of laughter erupts from our small circle.
Archie lifts his hands as if he were being held at gunpoint. “Not true. These two have never included me in their homicidal shenanigans. Besides, it’s Julian who’s the troublemaker.”
Speak of the devil. Julian pokes his head between the men I just met.
“Did someone call my name?” He breaks out into a giant grin, and he’s all teeth and a leftover summer tan.
“Ah, here he is”—Zeke loses the jovial expression on his face—“anyone in need of a charlatan? We’ve got one at a discount.”
Julian’s smile dissipates as well. “Zeke. Always a pleasure.”
Archie chuckles. “Everything’s a pleasure when you don’t mind mowing others down in life.”
Julian nods his way. Spoken like the true two-bit magician he is.
“Is everyone ready to take their seats?” Julian takes a deep breath, his eyes hardening over our small circle. “I hear the water is getting cold. I’d hate to meet with an icy death.” He winks my way before elbowing Zeke and Archie in the ribs. “Help me with the last-minute details, would you?”
They take off and McKenna touches Misty’s pink nose to Fish’s.
“We’d better get to our seats,” she says as they take off with Lucky hopping along behind them.
Jasper steps in and heads my way just as the lights begin to dim.
“Where were you?” I say as he lands a kiss to my lips.
“I got a call from the station. I thought they might have had a break in the Anita Dolman case, but no such luck.”
“I’m sorry to hear it. Hopefully this show will help lighten your mood, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll take you back to my place and give it my best shot.”
His lips curve with dangerous intent—and it’s my favorite look on him.
“Expect me at your place regardless.”
