Page 151 of The One With the Mountain Man
It was like they were holding all my insecurities and crushing them into dust. "Almost."
They all shuffled in tighter and I laughed because it was ridiculous but it was also just what I needed.
"That's better," Aviana sighed. "Group cuddles are the best."
That earned her a snicker or two. Why, I didn't know, but I was sure I would be let in on the secret sooner than later. Not because I hadn't earned it, but because it was impossible for them to tell me everything at once.
Besides, it was more fun that way. It was nice knowing I had a lot of surprises still to find in this small town.
Before we got to talking murder, we took turns modeling the new merchandise. There were tons of t-shirts, sweaters and hoodies, sweatpants, and hats. Then there were the stickers, buttons, and bags. I was in the middle of modeling bookish friendship bracelets when Sharon suddenly asked a question.
"Oh my, willyouever write a murder book?"
"Me?" I'd written a mystery, but never a murder book.
"Yes you! I know you have dozens of different stories simmering up in that brain of yours. What if one day we're reading your book? Meeting right here to pick it apart and gush all over it?"
Scottie would probably kill me for this but, "Why don't we write one together? After I finish this book, of course."
Sharon's hand came to her throat. "Me?"
"Yes you." I tossed back at her. "Your Sammy days may be past you, but no one loves murder books like you do. Let's partner up." She could weave the tale of her dreams and I'd craft the narrative. It would be fun.
Her mouth was already gaping open like a fish when Jackson came barreling into the saloon.
"Wife! We have a problem!"
I rolled my eyes. Jackson had skipped right past fiancée and was trying out all sorts of different versions ofwifeon me.
"Wife?" Maeve whispered.
Liam smirked. Mack, Aviana, and the rest all tried to hide their smiles.
"Are youmarried?" Sharon shrieked.
Jackson threw his hands on his hips. "Mrs. Tranquill-Finn, get your sweet ass over here."
"What is happening?" Maeve cried.
It was glorious. "We're not married. Just engaged." I gently removed the bracelets. "What's wrong?"
"Charley is here and she brought a goddamned camper with her. Where are we putting a camper?"
"You'reengaged?" Sharon muttered over and over to herself. "But when? How?"
"A camper? Wait, Charley isn't supposed to be here until next week." Or at least a couple more days. Her itinerary was very loose.
"Mrs. Finn-Tranquill, I'll explain on the way. But we need to get a move on because I think Charley is just crazy enough to try to park that thing by the barn. That tricked out Bronco she's driving will not get it up the hill and you know it." He smacked my ass lightly as I grabbed my bag.
"Wait," Sharon turned a circle. "Why are none of you surprised? You allknew?"
It was really satisfying to hear every last word turn into a shriek.
Jackson began steering me out of the bar. "Everyone but you two knows." He shot Maeve and Sharon very intentional glares. "Now you know how it feels." Then he marched me to his truck and opened my door. "Up you go, wifey."
"What can I do to get you to stop with the names?"
He grabbed me by the hips and lifted me up and in. "Never, Lee. Never."
