Here Comes the Fudge

by Nancy CoCo

  “But she hasn’t left the island,” I pointed out. “I hear she’s renting a room from the Fastwells. You know, in their carriage house.”

  “What does that have to do with us? I promise you, I’m a free man. You’re free right now. We should continue to be free together.” He sent me a look that warmed my heart.

  “Just checking to see if that’s over. I don’t take other women’s men. It’s a thing with me,” I said. “Also, lying. I’m not a fan of lying or hedging.”

  “I couldn’t tell from the way you manage your little investigations,” he said, his right eyebrow cocked, sipping his whiskey.

  “Okay,” I said. “As we’re dating, I’ll tell you anything you ask me,” I teased. “But it doesn’t mean I’ll do what you want and not what I deem necessary.”

  “You are a hard woman,” Rex said. “Complicated and whip smart as you are beautiful.”

  “Is that a problem?”

  “Not for me,” he said.

  “Good.”

  The rest of the evening was filled with talk of the people on the island, how we grew up, where we want to be in the future, and maybe some hot snuggling.

  We took Mal out for her late-night walk under the clear sky. Stars sparkled above. We wandered by Jenn and Shane’s fixer-upper, but the lights were off, so we didn’t knock. Rex left me at my back door with a promising kiss that curled my toes.

  “How’m I doing?” he asked, his voice low and husky. “Are you ready to be exclusive?”

  “After one and a half dates? A girl would be crazy to commit so early,” I whispered back.

  “Challenge accepted,” he said. “The next date is on me.”

  “No, the next date is the wedding,” I reminded him.

  “Good night, Allie.”

  “Good night.”

  * * *

  Jenn was back at the McMurphy by Wednesday, drumming up business for her next wedding planning event. She worked half days and worried over Shane the other half. Shane grew stronger every day.

  The Wilkins wedding went off without a hitch. Everyone gushed at how great the rooftop deck was for the views and an outdoor reception. We were able to reschedule the people who had booked the McMurphy for the following weekend and Jenn’s family and friends returned. This time we didn’t have a bachelorette party, or a tea, but we did get in the rehearsal out at Arch Rock Park on Friday night.

  Carriages took us all to the park, and Jenn had timed it so that they brought us around the island and back to the McMurphy in time to watch the sun set from the rooftop deck.

  The rehearsal dinner was full of joy and stories exchanged about the happy couple. Shane was mostly recovered and would go back to work after their honeymoon.

  I woke up the day of the wedding to a bright sunny sky. Jenn had stayed with me the night before and her dress hung in the closet of my spare room. I took Mal for a short walk—no farther than the end of the alley and back. Poor pup missed our long walks, but until my arm was better and Rex deemed it safe, our walks were short.

  Mella greeted us as we entered the apartment. She was not happy with the full hotel and all the hustle and bustle, and spent most of her time in her box in the closet. As I fed my fur babies breakfast, I was amazed at how well I was getting along using only my left hand.

  We had a bridesmaids brunch planned for ten a.m. That was when Liz was coming over for the day. We planned on pampering Jenn all day. Frances and our moms were also invited. I was going to cook, but Liz thought it was better if she did.

  I poured myself a cup of coffee, added cream, and sipped it to enjoy the last few minutes of quiet. Jenn came in dressed in a slip and a robe.

  “Good morning,” I said. “Happy wedding day!”

  “Finally,” she said with sleep still in her voice. She poured herself coffee. “How’s the weather looking? Are we going to need canopies?”

  I checked my phone, which was sitting on the countertop. “According to the Weather Channel, it’s supposed to be clear skies all day, sunny with a high of seventy-eight. Perfect day for a wedding.”

  “Thank goodness,” she said, sipping her coffee and sighing as she leaned on the counter. “I think there’s been enough drama where my wedding is concerned.”

  “I’m glad we are doing it now. It gave the seamstress time to fit my dress around my cast.”

  “And for your neck to heal. A little makeup and no one will notice,” Jenn said. “It would have been quite some look for my wedding pictures.”

  “Memorable to say the least,” I said. “My cast will be bad enough. I can’t fix your train or anything else a maid of honor is supposed to do for you.”

  “It’s okay,” Jenn said. “I’m just glad to have everyone alive.”

  There was a knock at the door, and Liz and my friend Sophie, the pilot, came in. Then Frances and our moms appeared fifteen minutes later. It was a sunshine-filled day of laughter, champagne, and joy. We had a mani-pedi setup after brunch, followed by the hair and makeup artists. By three p.m. we were dressed and posing for pictures.

  The seamstress had cleverly turned my three-quarter-length sleeved dress into a one shoulder. Liz and I had the lace overskirt attached to our dresses and I felt as much a princess as Jenn looked in her hoop-skirted, off-the-shoulder, Victorian-inspired gown.

  At four the carriages arrived to take the guests to Arch Rock. Then the moms left together. Finally, we stuffed Jenn and her dress into the elevator to the lobby. The florist had transformed the lobby with flower garlands going up the twin staircases. Douglas had been busy all day, helping the caterer and florist set up the reception area on the rooftop deck.

  The most elaborate carriage arrived. I was helped in first, then Jenn in the opposite side by herself, and finally Liz beside me.

  “I feel like it’s a royal wedding,” I said with a laugh.

  Jenn’s eyes sparkled and her veil flew about as we took off toward the rock. “That was my plan.”

  “Everyone should feel like a princess on their wedding day,” Liz said.

  We arrived at the park and helped Jenn out, adjusting her veil and dress. My mom and dad and the guests were already seated. We remained out of sight behind a large tree as a harp played and the men took their places beside the flower-covered trellis Douglas had built.

  The usher came for Jenn’s mom first. Then, as soon as she was seated, the harp began to play Arioso from Cantata 156 by Bach. Liz headed down the white rice paper carpet. White chairs were set out and flowers decorated the ends of the aisles. I was next. Holding my bouquet in my left hand, I carefully walked down the aisle. I looked at Rex and he looked at me, and happiness slid down my spine. I sent him a smile. Taking my place at the front, everyone stood as Jenn and her father came around the trees to walk up the rice paper carpet.

  Tears filled my eyes. Jenn was so beautiful. I glanced at Shane, who looked at once stunned and amazed. Tears glistened in his eyes, too.

  The ceremony took about thirty minutes. Tears trickled down my cheeks at the love that was so palpable between the bride and groom.

  “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” The minister was female and looked as happy as the rest of us as Shane kissed Jenn.

  The newlyweds hurried down the aisle as we showered them with rose petals. The reception line formed as we finished walking back up the aisle. Rex had his hand on my back because he couldn’t offer me his arm. I hugged Jenn tight.

  “I’m so happy for you! Congrats,” I said.

  Then I hugged Shane and got into the line. The guests flowed out of their chairs with joy. Once everyone had congratulated them, they were taken away in carriages as we stayed for more pictures. Then the bridal party was put in carriages and given a trip around the island, turning down Market to the fort and then down Main Street as people clapped and hooted.

  We stopped in front of the McMurphy. After entering the lobby, Liz and I removed our lace overskirts and then helped button up Jen
n’s train before getting her and Shane into the elevator. We all met on the third floor in front of the steps to the roof. Bridesmaids and groomsmen went up first and, finally, the bride and groom appeared.

  The rooftop was transformed into a fairy light wonderland as dusk descended on the lake. We laughed, we ate a sumptuous meal, and when the meal was done we danced. Rex put his arm around the back of my chair as we watched Jenn dance with her father and Shane dance with his mother.

  I sighed. “It’s so romantic,” I said. “Seeing families begin.”

  Next up was the bridal party slow dance. Rex stood, pulled out my chair, and held out his hand. “Shall we?”

  I took his right hand with my left. And let him guide me to the dance floor. We slow danced as best we could with my cast between us. I looked up at him. “I seem to remember dancing with you at another wedding,” I said.

  “I’ll never forget it,” he replied. “It was our first kiss.” He pulled me in gently.

  “I think you are hiding a true romantic under all your cop-who-serves-and-protects persona,” I said softly.

  “Why do you say that?” he asked, leaning toward me until our breath mingled.

  “You like weddings,” I teased. “You’ve had two.”

  His face grew solemn. “Does that bother you?”

  “Maybe a little,” I said. “But only because I want to be your one and only.” I rested my cheek on his chest.

  We danced in silence for a few moments. I could feel his heart pounding. Then he gently turned my face toward his. “You are my one and only and have been ever since the night we first met.”

  “When Mr. Jessop was dead in my closet, if I recall.”

  “Just kiss me, woman,” he said.

  And I did.

  Tonight there was no more talk of murder as we celebrated family and friends. The killer was caught. Justice was done, and I would heal with Rex by my side.

  Acknowledgments

  I’d like to thank Mackinac Island’s tourism bureau and The Island Bookstore for all their help in researching Mackinac. Any mistakes are my own. Thanks also to the wonderful staff at Kensington for all their hard work and dedication to quality books.

  Don’t miss the next delightful Candy-Coated mystery by

  acclaimed mystery writer Nancy Coco

  A Midsummer Night’s Fudge

  Coming soon from Kensington Publishing Corp.

  Keep reading to enjoy a sample excerpt . . .

  Chapter 1

  I’d much rather make fudge and celebrate festivals with my friends than find murder victims. But finding victims seems to be my luck these days. Of course, murder victims were the last thing on my mind as we celebrated the very first Midsummer Night’s Festival. The festival celebrated summer on the island and opened with an outdoor masquerade ball, a bonfire on the beach, and the crowning of the Midsummer Night’s Queen.

  “Mrs. Higer really outdid herself with this ball,” I said as Jenn and I exited the dance floor. Jenn was my best friend and sometimes partner in sleuthing. Recently married, Jenn was gorgeously slim, wearing a black jumpsuit and large blue butterfly wings. Her beautiful eyes were half hidden behind a black lace eye mask.

  “I think Mayor Boatman is trying to take some credit for the event,” Jenn said and pointed to where the mayor stood beside Mrs. Higer as people congratulated her.

  “Well, she was on the committee,” I said.

  “She’s on all the committees,” Jenn reminded me. “But she’s really good at delegating all the work.”

  The dance floor was a ten-by-ten-foot deck that rested on the sandy beach. A live band played behind it. There were cash bars on either side of the event area and a large bonfire to the left, where people sat in grouped lawn chairs while others put out picnic blankets and coolers.

  There was a long buffet table and Porter’s Meats had roasted a pig. Little kids dressed as fairies and unicorns ran through the sand, laughing and squealing as they chased one another around the beach.

  I wore a floaty green dress with a kerchief hem, flutter sleeves, and huge fairy wings. My bichonpoo pup, Mal, was dressed as a dragon. She loved festivals and people. Thankfully, my boyfriend, Rex Manning, didn’t mind watching her while I danced.

  We returned to our spot, where Rex and Jenn’s new husband, Shane Carpenter, sat drinking beer and watching the flames grow and pop as people added fuel to the bonfire.

  Mal barked and jumped up on me and I picked her up, giving her a quick squeeze as she licked my face.

  “Hurry up and take a seat,” Shane said. “They’re about to announce the winner of the Midsummer Night’s Queen contest.”

  I sat down in a lawn chair next to Rex. My boyfriend was a police officer and, with his shaved head and gorgeous eyes, had that action-hero look about him. Shane, on the other hand, was lanky, with thick glasses and caramel-colored hair. Both men had indulged us by wearing black T-shirts, jeans, and black eye masks. After all, the event was a masquerade.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please,” Mrs. Higer said, her voice loud through the microphone in her hand. We all turned to look at the main stage. Five young ladies stood there wearing long, flowing evening gowns, fairy wings, and pointed ears. Mrs. Higer herself was dressed as a unicorn, complete with a rainbow wig, a tutu, and a rainbow tail. “As you know, these girls have been competing for the last three days in various portions of the contest: talent, health, and interview. Now the scores have been calculated and are currently being verified by the local firm of Bradford Accounting. Mr. Bradford, could you please bring up the results?”

  Everyone clapped as the accountant, in black tie attire and a black eye mask, walked up and handed her an envelope. He then motioned for her to bend down and whispered something in her ear.

  “I see,” Mrs. Higer said. “Thank you. Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, you see five girls before you, but unfortunately, due to a disqualification, there will only be four places awarded for the queen and her court. Your queen will receive a five-hundred-dollar scholarship to the school of her choice and she and her court will ride in the queen’s float in tomorrow’s parade.”

  The crowd clapped. The girls looked at one another, puzzled. Who was disqualified?

  “The third runner up is . . . Amy Newhouse.” Everyone clapped as she received flowers and a sash. “The second runner up is . . . Lakesha Smith.” A beautiful girl with chocolate-colored skin stepped up and received her sash. “There are three girls left,” Mrs. Higer said. “And only one winner. The first runner up is . . . Pamela Ous-tand.” Everyone clapped as she received her flowers and sash and the two remaining girls stood together holding hands.

  “Two girls stand before us. Each one lovely. Each one receiving high marks for community service, health, and interview. Unfortunately, only one will be queen. The other is disqualified for not meeting the criteria to compete. And the winner is . . . . Julie Rodriquez!” Everyone clapped as a lovely brunette clasped her hands over her mouth and cried. “Unfortunately, that means Natasha Alpine has been disqualified. She may leave the stage.”

  “There must be some kind of mistake,” Natasha said. “Why would I be disqualified?”

  “We can talk about it backstage,” Mrs. Higer said. “Now, let’s crown our queen.” She shooed Natasha off the stage and took the tiara from the hands of her assistant, Michele Bell, and pinned it to Julie’s head. Then she placed a sash around Julie’s dress and handed her roses. With a flourish, Mrs. Higer waved the crowd to clap for their queen as she pushed Natasha out of the way.

  Natasha continued to argue that the crown should be hers, but Bill Blankensmith grabbed her by the waist and pulled her off the stage.

  “Now it’s time for the fireworks,” Mrs. Higer said.

  “Seems like there were a lot of fireworks already,” Jenn said with a laugh. “Poor Natasha is not a good loser.”

  “She was already Lilac Queen and Fudge Festival Queen,” I said. “It’s time for some of the other girls to win
.”

  “I wonder what she did to be disqualified?” Jenn asked.

  “I don’t know,” I said. “But I bet the reason will come out pretty quickly. Natasha’s mom looks hot under the collar.”

  We both watched as Mrs. Alpine stormed the stage.

  There was a boom, a zinging noise, and the whoosh of fireworks. We turned to the sky as the fireworks shot up over the straits of Mackinac and exploded into the air with loud booms. Mal was not a fan and jumped into my lap. I wrapped her tightly in a blanket, but she shivered and tried to hide her head.

  “I’m going to run Mal home,” I said. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Do you want me to come with you?” Rex asked.

  “No, I’ll be fine.”

  I lived at the top of the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop. It was on Main Street, just a few blocks from the beach. Hugging Mal as the fireworks exploded and people oohed and aahed, I scurried through the crowd. Mrs. Higer was busy arguing with Natasha and what appeared to be her mother and her grandmother. They looked livid over the disqualification.

  I shook my head at the silliness of it all and walked up from the beach onto the sidewalk, past the school, and onto Main Street.

  The festival drew most of the island residents, so Main Street was unusually quiet. I unbundled Mal and let her walk/run back to the McMurphy with me. Hurrying down the alley around the back of the building, I saw that Mal was better because we were no longer right near the fireworks.

  I took her upstairs, gave her a chew bone, checked on my kitty, and then locked the door. The fireworks were slowing down as I left Main Street and walked the footpath toward the beach.

  Then, just as the last fireworks exploded, I saw something in the water. It looked like a person and they were facedown. Glancing around, I didn’t see anyone nearby to help, so I hurried to the water’s edge and waded into the waves.

  It was a woman wearing a unicorn costume. The white tutu and long, rainbow hair flowed in and out with the waves.