Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

I ’m about to head that way when I nearly bump right into Macy and Noel, each holding their own plate full of sweet treats.

“Watch it, Biz,” Macy growls while glancing down at my belly. “You’ve got enough on your plate, literally and figuratively.”

“I don’t have anything on me in the literal sense,” I’m quick to point out.

“I’m sorry, Fish.” She sighs at my sweet cat. “It seems your mother is already forgetting all about you. That’s what happens when the next child arrives. I speak from experience.”

“Ignore her,” I promptly tell Fish before taking a better gander at the saucy sibling before me.

That little red dress she’s wearing looks as if it’s been painted on, and I’ll admit, I wish I had one just like it.

“Don’t worry, Biz,” she says with a nod. “I know what you’re thinking, but you’ll be back in fighting shape in no time. Just don’t expect me to babysit while you do it.”

“I was just on my way to get a cookie,” I point out. Even if she was partially right. I can’t wait to borrow that dress. “Or maybe steal your cookies.”

“Now that’s where I draw the line,” Macy teases. “No one gets between me and my cookies.”

Noel laughs. “I’m the same way. In fact, I’ve taken that to the extreme a time or two. Cookies are my life.” And they were my father’s life, too. The smile glides off her face as she glances around at the crowd before settling back on me. “I guess you’ll be forced to share your cookies soon enough now that you’ll be a mom.”

“Oh, I don’t mind,” I say with a grin. “I’m more than willing to share. And good thing, too, because I have a feeling they’ll be just as cookie-obsessed as I am.”

We share a quick laugh and I can’t help but notice how Noel’s red hair shines like glass as it lays smoothly over her shoulders. She’s donned a black gown with a red sash and paired it with a stunning emerald necklace. Stunning doesn’t begin to describe her accouterments. But it doesn’t change the fact she’s still grieving.

“This must be a very hard holiday season for you,” I tell the poor woman. “For everyone at the Cider Cove Cookie Company.”

She nods. “Hard is an understatement. But lots of changes are underway for January and they will all be good ones. My father would have wanted it that way.” And for my father’s sake, I’ll make sure his company thrives under Brighton leadership, just the way he intended.

I nod along with her thought. I’m sure he’s smiling down on her. She really cares about the family business.

“Hey?” Macy pulls back to get a better look at her friend. “Did you ever get that puzzle open, the one that Santa gave you?”

“I did .” Noel’s entire countenance enlivens. “It turns out, the code was my father’s birthday. The mini miracle happened last night.” She bites down on her lip as if she were hesitating. “Oh, anyway, there was a key inside with a note telling me to head to Nick’s safe. So I went straight to his office this morning and opened it.”

My mouth falls open with surprise. “What did you find?”

“Pictures of Nick and my father at some event. And some paperwork on his share of stocks in the company.” She shrugs. “They were from back in the day when my father opened the cookie company.” And I’m going to frame them tonight as a gift to myself.

“That’s so nice,” I tell her. “They must be very special to you.”

“You have no idea.” She laughs to herself. “I guess I’ve been thinking more about family lately. It’s funny how certain events make you reassess what’s important. Like having a family of your own.”

“Careful, Noel,” Macy says, rolling her eyes. “Babies make you soft. I’m sticking to my plan—no kids, no mess, no stress.”

I can’t help but frown at her.

And why is stress suddenly a running theme in my life?

I offer an amicable smile to Noel. “I’m not worried about any baby-related stress coming my way. My husband has already committed to changing diapers right alongside me.”

Here’s hoping it lasts.

Macy balks, “I’d much rather have a man that can change my tires. But to each their own.”

Noel chuckles as she turns my way. “So how’s the case? Or I should say cases? I was hoping to ask your husband, but I don’t see him around.”

“Apparently, forensics is turning in their report tonight. I’m not sure if it will yield anything, though.”

I’d hate to get her hopes up.

“I wouldn’t worry about those cases,” Macy says to her friend. “It will be Detective Wilder who solves both cases but not the male Wilder in question—it’ll be Bizzy. And if I know my sister, she’ll have both cases cracked wide open before Santa slinks down my chimney tonight.” She takes a moment to scour the crowd. Now, which one of these lucky men can I get to don a red suit on short notice? Maybe he can help me with my own wish list? One that doesn’t involve diapers—and one that is very, very naughty.

I make a face at my saucy sister. She’s persistent, I’ll give her that.

“Wow,” Noel marvels. “Solving both cases tonight would truly be a Christmas miracle—and one both Virginia and I would very much appreciate.” Her gaze flits to the throngs of holiday revelers. Well, perhaps Virginia wouldn’t appreciate it all that much. I’m pretty sure spending the holiday in handcuffs isn’t her idea of a good time. But then, someone has to pay for what happened to those two men. And our employees can only hide Virginia’s hatred of both Nick and Chris for so long. Her time is running out. Speaking of which, I should find her and spend some time with her. Maybe have a little heart-to-heart chat.

My hand presses to my chest as I take in all that she’s said.

Virginia hated both of those men? It’s clear that Noel suspects Virginia did this. All of the evidence makes perfect sense. Poor Noel. She lost her mother at a young age, then her father, and now she’s about to lose her stepmother, too.

Macy and Noel take off to mingle with the masses, and just as I’m about to head for those cookies, I spot my prime suspect stepping out of the side exit that leads to the courtyard.

The cookies will have to wait.

Virginia Brighton may have slipped away the night Nick Bell was killed, but she’s not going anywhere this time.