First thing this morning, Jasper contacted the Morgan Capital Management company and tried to get information on account 1505, but they were stealth in protecting their clients’ personal information, even if their client is no longer with us.
Emmie tried to help me find all the local addresses marked 1505, but there weren’t any, so that proved to be a dead end. And at the moment, Jasper is trying his best to track down the details of that life insurance policy.
“Bizzy Baker Wilder,” a cheery voice sings from behind, and I turn to see Emmie with her dark hair swept up, in a little pink dress that hugs her curves, and by her side is Leo Granger in a suit and tie, looking perfectly polished for the romantic evening at hand. They both land a couple of platters brimming with Emmie’s red velvet Valentine-inspired cookies onto the table, and in less than a few seconds half of the cookies disappear. “You look amazing, Bizzy. In fact, everything looks amazing.” Her eyes narrow over mine. “What’s the matter?”
“She’s thinking about the case.” Leo offers a short-lived smile my way. “I didn’t have to read your mind, Bizzy. I just know you’re wired that way. You and Jasper are eerily alike, you know that?”
“So much alike we don’t know a thing about one another,” I tease.
That couple’s game we played at the Match Box may have thrown us a curveball, but I won’t lie, it’s been working in our favor. Since then, we’ve found far more creative ways to communicate. My body is just itching to have a conversation with Jasper’s as soon as he gets here. And I plan to kick off the conversation with a slow dance.
Leo winces. “Unfortunately, I just did read your mind, and I’m regretting it, too.”
Emmie snaps her fingers. “I always miss the good stuff. So who do you think the killer is, Biz?”
I shake my head. “It’s your first Valentine’s Day as a couple. I’m not ruining it by talking about a murder investigation. It’s too soon for the two of you to want to kill each other,” I tease before leaning her way. “Just let me know when and I’ll have a foolproof homicide plotted out that will leave the authorities stumped until well after we’re dead and gone.”
“Easy.” Leo frowns. “But I agree, we should change the subject.”
“Exactly,” I say. “I’d much rather talk about the two of you. So when’s the big day? I mean, we are about to witness a double wedding. You must be thinking about your own big day.”
Emmie nods. “We’re thinking this summer. Last Saturday in June.”
“You picked a date!” I squeal while pulling my bestie in for a firm embrace. “Oh, I’m so happy for you. That doesn’t give us much time. We’re going to have to put everything into overdrive. We have so much to talk about—the dress, the flowers, the cake.”
“And I’m looking forward to planning it all out with you, my maid of honor. That is, if you’re up for the gig.” She gives a coy wink.
“I wouldn’t let you get married without me right there by your side. We’ve wanted this forever. I’m so glad you’re finally going to make all of your bridal dreams come true. Have you thought about where you’re going to do the deed?”
She glances to Leo. “Right here at the inn. I’m taking a cue from you and getting married at the gazebo with the reception at the cove.”
“That’s perfect,” I beam. “Now if we play our cards right, we can have kids at the very same time.”
“They’re going to be besties,” she squeals with tears in her eyes.
“And who knows?” I give her hands a squeeze. “We might have a boy and girl, and they might even get married.”
“All right”—Leo’s chest bounces with a laugh as he pulls Emmie to himself—“let’s enjoy the night, before she plans my funeral.”
“Very funny,” I say as he floats his future bride to the dance floor. And I float myself right over to those red velvet white chocolate chip wonders and snap up a couple.
A trio of women step into the ballroom, each one of them accompanied with a date and my mouth falls open at the sight.
Georgie, Juni, and my mother each have a man by their side.
Georgie has her arms wrapped around the blond man we met at the hospital, Buck. She’s donned a sparkling red kaftan, and he’s donned a red sweatshirt that reads I’m with Cutie.
Funny, and yet accurate.
Next to Juni is the barrel-chested man from the train, with his requisite leather vest and a leather jacket to go with it.
And my mother just may have pulled off the biggest medical coo of the night. Standing by her side is Dr. Bernstein, the chief of surgery at Cider Cove General Hospital.
“Cookies!” Buck practically knocks Georgie over as he dives into those platters.
“Welcome to the Country Cottage Inn,” I say to the seemingly happy couples.
Both the man in leather and Dr. Bernstein offer polite hellos before heading over to the refreshment table themselves.
“Would you look at us?” Georgie elbows my mother. “Two old broads who have still got it going on. Our milkshakes brought those old dudes to the yard.”
Mom huffs as she straightens in her cherry red power suit. “If by it, you mean the ability to swipe someone else’s date, then you’d be correct. Georgie, all three of those men showed up for Juni.”
Juni grunts, “And contrary to popular opinion”—she takes a moment to glare at her mother—“I was taught to share.” She tugs her short leather mini skirt up a notch. Juni’s motto seems to be less is more, at least in the clothing department.
Georgie gives my mother the stink eye. “Well, I’m happy about the way things worked out. And
