"I don't know... maybe the storm picked her up and she got lucky. Anyway, she's better than okay," he said. "She's moved into their house. She's got a bed in the kitchen, they bottle-feed her at regular increments, and they've named her Baerli."
"Barely? As in, almost not enough?"
He laughed. "No... it was one of the goat names in Heidi. It means 'little bear.'"
"That makes a lot more sense."
"The only thing is, they're pretty attached to her. It's going to be tough for them to give her up."
I understood that.
"How is the new addition getting along, by the way?" he asked.
"You know, with all the excitement, I haven't checked."
"Excitement?"
As I warmed up a bottle of milk to feed the new addition, I filled him in on everything that had happened.
"I can't believe it," he said. "Faith kidnapped Ethan and June?"
"She did. I hate to think what would have happened if we hadn't found out what they were up to and managed to figure out where they might be," I told him, shivering. "Molly and Edward aren't thrilled with their recent activities, but I think now that everything's out in the open, maybe there's some room to turn things around."
"I just hope they don't end up paying too much in damages," he said. "Ed Zapp lost a lot of chickens... I'm not sure how many he's gotten back. And painting barns can be expensive."
"Summer's coming," I said. "And Ethan was interested in art; maybe he can practice with a paintbrush and several cans of latex paint."
Tobias laughed. "That's one way to look at it. Still, though... I can't believe Faith would do something like that."
"I know."
"Come to think of it, though, when I was at Rosita's the other day, I overheard her talking about an agency from La Grange that was undercutting her commissions and taking some of her business," he said.
"So some of her revenue stream was drying up, and this deal was her new retirement plan."
Tobias sighed. "I know she's been involved in some shady deals before, but I never thought she'd start killing people to protect her profits."
"Or committing additional murders to avoid going to jail."
"Although that seems to have backfired. Poor Eva," he said. "And Jessie, too. I didn't much like him, but he didn't deserve to die."
"I feel the same way. I talked with Jennifer; she's going to see if she and her kids can move in and take care of Dottie."
"Really? That would be great!"
"I'm so glad she'll still be next door," I said as I filled a bottle with warmed goat milk and screwed the nipple on.
"Maybe you could talk to them about leasing some land," he said. "That would give them less to take care of and a little extra income. Your growing flock could use some more room."
"That might be helpful," I said, stepping out the back door and looking out at the green swathe of pasture next door. "Maybe not to plant crops, but if she'd be willing to let me use some of her pasture... that's a great idea!"
"Let me know how it works out," he said as I walked down to the barn. "How's the kid doing?"
"I'm just about to check," I said. A moment later, I opened the barn door and walked over to the stall where I'd left the three goats to get acquainted, fully expecting to see the new arrival huddling in the corner.
Instead, I saw Carrot munching hay while Niblet and Thistle, standing shoulder to shoulder, were—almost—peacefully nursing. "You're not going to believe this," I said, "but it worked!"
"They're getting along?"
"Both kids are nursing, and Carrot's snacking on hay," I said.
"That's terrific!" he said. "I wasn't sure it would work... that's great news. The only issue is... what do you want to do about Cinnamon? Or Baerli, as the case may be."
I watched the three goats as I considered the best solution. "She seems pretty happy where she is?"
"She does," he said. "And the Argyles are over the moon with her."
"They should stay together then," I decided. "And if she becomes too much, she's welcome here."
"I'll let them know," he told me. "I think it's a good call. Three kids might be a lot for Carrot, and I don't want to do anything that might upset the truce with the newcomer. Unless you'd like to go back to bottle-feeding every few hours for the next several weeks..."
"No thank you," I said. "I think the current arrangement will work out just fine."
"I'll let them know, then," he said.
Less than two hours before, I reflected as I watched my new goat family, I'd been trapped in a barn with two teenagers and a murderer. Now, my main concern was whether my new broccoli starts were looking a little dry.
It wasn't a bad way to end an afternoon.
24
The Saturday before Easter Sunday was the last day of the Easter Market. The morning dawned bright and clear, with a cool breeze from the north. We'd had a gentle rain shower the night before, and the veggie starts were all happy, their little green leaves plump and glistening in the morning light.
I finished my chores early, and even though mucking out stalls wasn't my favorite task, I was grateful to see that Niblet was thriving with Carrot and Thistle. The hens had finally started laying, and I was delighted to have several cartons to take to the market. As I gathered the last of the herb starts and loaded them into the truck next to the cooler of cheese and eggs, something was niggling at me, but I couldn't think what it was. It wasn't until I'd smoothed out the bright white tablecloth, set out the last of the dyeing packets and glanced across the market to Gus's birdhouse stall that I figured out what it was.
I still didn't know why Gus Holz had been having dinner with Eva in La Grange.
There was still fifteen minutes before the market officially opened, so I took the opportunity to stroll across the town green to where Gus was busy hanging a hot-pink birdhouse from a hook.
"Hey," I said. "How's it going?"
"I've sold about a dozen so far this market," he said. "I was worried at first, but the colored houses have really started to take off. Flora’s started painting some of them, too," he said, pointing to a pretty little church-style house with bushes painted around the perimeter, bright songbirds nestled in the foliage.
"You two seem superhappy," I said.
"We are," he admitted, his weathered face splitting into a grin. "I always thought I'd spend the rest of my years alone. Now that I've got Flora, though, it's all different. Even if she does want to put lace curtains in my kitchen."
I was glad to see him light up when he talked about Flora; after all, I was the one who encouraged her to date him. But there was that one niggling thing. "I have something of an awkward question to ask," I said.
"Shoot," he said.
"How did you know Eva Clarke?"
His face fell a bit. "Poor Eva," he said. "It's a shame what happened to her. Heard it was Faith Zapalac who did her in."
"Seems that way," I said. "Someone mentioned seeing you two at dinner in La Grange not too long ago."
His eyes widened in horror. "Oh, no. Is there a rumor going around town that I was steppin' out on Flora?"
"There was some talk that that might be the case," I admitted. "I just wanted to check in. Flora's my friend."
"That wasn't it at all!" he said. "Eva knew my old mentor had been moved to that Sunset Home place. She thought there was something funny about how his estate had been handled, and wanted to ask me what I knew about it. She told me not to tell anyone about it, though... that's why we met in La Grange, not Buttercup."
"So it was about Sunset Home?'
"She was thinking of callin' the police on 'em," he said, "but wanted to get her ducks in a row first." He sighed. "Looks like she was on the right track."
"She was, it seems," I said, relieved that there was a good explanation for the mystery dinner. As he spoke, I caught a whiff of rose perfume. Gus's face lit up.
"There's my girl," he said as Flora bustled up to his stall, looking a
little like an Easter egg in a bright yellow skirt with purple stripes and a poofy purple blouse. She'd really come into her own, and her new relationship had made her blossom; it warmed my heart to see it. Gus gave her a quick kiss, which she returned happily. She was radiant.
"Lucy!" she said, turning to me. "I heard you had some excitement this week!"
"Too much," I said.
"Thank goodness Molly's boy and his friend are okay. It's a shame about Eva and Jessie, but at least you found the murderer. They should make you sheriff instead of that ol' Rooster, I swear!"
"Thanks, but I think I'm happier farming," I said. "If I could just find some way to make the weather more predictable, it would be perfect."
"I heard about your crops," she said. "I'm so sorry. If you ever need a little extra acreage, let me know," she said. "I know it's a drive, but I'd be happy to work something out with you. Mama's land is a lot to manage."
"You're sweet," I said. "I'm thinking of asking Dottie if I can lease some of her land, since it's right next door, but may I keep your offer in mind?"
"Of course. I still owe you," she said. "After all, without you, I might not be here... and Gus and I might not be together!" She gave him another peck on the cheek, and he blushed. "We keep meaning to invite you and Tobias over to dinner. I've got plans for Gus's kitchen, and we need your input."
"I'd love that, and I know Tobias would, too," I said. "Just tell us when to show up and what to bring!"
"Maybe some of your wonderful goat cheese?" she asked. "I'm going to pick some up today, anyway. By the way, I saw the ad in the Zephyr. Did you ever find your lost kid?"
"I did," I said. "She's cozily ensconced with a retired couple who have renamed her and given her the run of the place."
"Are they going to be okay giving her up?" Flora asked, a furrow appearing between her brows.
"I've decided to let them keep her," I said. "We found another orphaned kid and she seems to be getting along great, so we're going to let things be."
"That's so nice of you!" she said. "Thank goodness that little one made it. I was worried."
"Me too," I said. "But all's well that ends well."
"Except for Eva," she pointed out.
"And Jessie," I said, and my heart ached. How was Dottie doing? I wondered. I glanced at my watch. "I'd better get back before things pick up," I said.
"Let's plan dinner this weekend!" Flora said.
"That would be great," I said, smiling as Gus gave her a kiss on the top of the head. At least one thing was going right.
I'd just put out some goat cheese samples when Jennifer appeared, pushing her mother in a wheelchair, with two small children hanging onto the armrests. "Jennifer! Dottie! I'm so glad to see you!" I smiled at the little boy Liam, who was staring wide-eyed at the dyed eggs on the table. "And your kids are adorable!"
"Thanks," Jennifer said, her eyes crinkling into a smile. "Liam? Kayla? This is Miss Resnick." Kayla extended a chubby, sticky hand, and I took it solemnly. "She's going to be our new neighbor!" Jennifer added.
I looked up. "You're moving to Buttercup?"
"Mother and I talked about it. I hired an attorney... she says she should be able get us out of the contract. I'll move in and help Mother manage the place, and the kids will get to grow up in Buttercup, just like I did."
"That's wonderful," I said. "I'm so sorry about your son," I told Dottie, "but I'm glad you'll be moving back in."
"Thanks," Dottie said. "And thanks for finding out what happened to my boy," she said, tears coming to her eyes. "You've always been so good to me."
"Happy to help," I said, meaning it. "I'm just sorry it turned out the way it did, but I'm glad Jennifer and the kids will be moving back to live with you."
"Me too," she said, reaching up for her daughter's hand and squeezing it. "It's been a long time. We had some patching up to do."
Jennifer smiled, tears in her eyes. "We did," she said in a soft voice. "And we have some new family, too. The kids have a new cousin."
"Quinn," I said, smiling. "I'm so glad it's going well. I know she's absolutely thrilled."
"So are we," Jennifer said. "I'm just sad I didn't know earlier... but at least we found out now. By the way," she added. "Mother and I talked about your farm... Quinn mentioned you were looking for a little more space?"
"I might be," I said. "I could certainly use some more pasture for my growing herd."
"The farm's a bit big for me to handle these days," Dottie said. "I'd like to sell you some of my acreage, if you're interested."
"I am!" I said. "I'm a bit strapped right now is the thing, what with the renovations on the little house and the tornado hitting."
"Oh, don't worry about that," Dottie said, waving my concerns away. "We'll work something out. The important thing is that it's in the hands of someone who will take care of it. And I know you will."
"That would be wonderful," I said. "Oh—by the way, I keep meaning to give this to you." I dug in my purse and pulled out the locket I had found on the day of the tornado. "I found this right after the storm."
Dottie's eyes widened as I lowered it into her hand from the chain. "You found this during the storm? My grandmother lost this years ago," she said. "I never knew what was in it, but she always wore it."
"There's a lock of hair in it," I said.
Dottie's eyes softened. "Probably from the little girl she had to give up." She reached for her daughter's hand; Jennifer took it and squeezed. "She grieved for a week when it came up missing." Again, there was that chill in the air, and I felt goose bumps on my arms.
I think Dottie felt it, too. She raised her head, and there was... a listening expression of sorts on her face. "I wonder," she said.
"I think I've felt her," I said quietly. "I think she's looking out for you."
"Really?" Dottie said, smiling.
"For both of us, really," I said. Have I done enough to patch things up? I asked silently. There was no response, but then I didn't really expect one.
"Well," Dottie said, shaking herself as if to bring herself back to the present. "Thank you for this; I'll treasure it. And as soon as we get this contract off the books, let's talk." She looked at me and dabbed at the corner of her eye. "And thank you again. For everything. You're the best kind of neighbor."
"So are you," I said, feeling my heart swell. Buttercup was a beautiful place, but the best thing about it was the people.
It was a good day at the Market. I'd sold almost everything, and even had orders for goat cheese and more herb starts. Molly had invited Edward, June, Tobias and me to dinner as a thank you for finding the kids... and as an olive branch to Edward, I suspected. Tobias came over after the Market, and we spent the afternoon making my favorite pecan pie recipe. Chuck followed my every step around the kitchen, snapping up a few crumbs of dough that fell to the floor as I trimmed the edges of the pie pan.
"It was an accident," I said to Tobias, who was measuring out pecans for the filling. My grandmother's cookbook was on the counter; just reading her spidery writing made me feel like she was in the kitchen with me. As if in response, I caught the sharp scent of lavender.
"Do you smell that?" I asked Tobias.
"Smell what?"
"Lavender," I said.
He took a sniff. "All I smell is pie dough."
"Maybe it's just me," I said, although I knew it wasn't. My grandmother was here. "Thank you," I whispered as Tobias walked to the pantry to retrieve the sugar canister. I was sure she was the one who had helped save us from Faith. The scent intensified for a moment, then faded. I touched the page with my grandmother's writing, filled with love and gratitude. I smiled and then gently pressed the dough I'd just made into the pie pan, trimming the edges. A piece fell on the floor just as Tobias returned with the canister.
"No wonder the diet isn't working," he commented as Chuck snapped up the bit of dough. "Just don't give him any pecans. They're not good for dogs."
I grinned. "The pie scraps
were an accident. I swear!"
"Uh-huh," the handsome vet said, his eyes twinkling.
I looked at Tobias, and Chuck, and the beautiful rolling landscape out the slightly wavy glass of the kitchen window, and breathed another thank-you. Life in Buttercup might have its speed bumps and sadnesses, but it was a rich life, filled with people I loved, and I was beyond grateful.
Edward's truck was parked in the driveway when we pulled up at Molly's house just after six. I heard laughter inside as I rang the doorbell, and the Kramers' dog, Barkley, let out a large woof as Molly answered the door. My friend looked happier than I'd seen her in weeks.
"Come on in!" she said.
"We brought pecan pie," I told her, proffering one of the two pies that had come out of the oven an hour earlier. Tobias held the other.
"My favorite," she said. "With homemade crust, too, it looks like!"
I smiled as I followed her and Barkley into the kitchen. "Of course."
"It'll be perfect after Alfie's pork ribs," she said. "I made my grandma's potato salad. And then we're going to have the kids dye eggs with some of your dyeing packets."
"That sounds fabulous... but pork ribs and potato salad?" I said. "Had I known, I would have put on drawstring pants."
"Me too," Edward said. He was sitting next to Alfie at the kitchen table; both were drinking Shiner Bock longnecks, and both were smiling. They stood up as Molly and I entered.
"Thanks so much for getting our Ethan out of a sticky situation," Alfie said, walking around the table and pulling me into a big, barbecue-scented hug. Molly's husband was the size of a linebacker, but kind and firm. He always made me feel doll-size—which was saying something, because I wasn't a particularly small person. He let me go and smiled, the weathered skin around his eyes crinkling. "If you hadn't shown up when you did, I hate to think what might have happened."
Edward gave me a hug, too; unlike Alfie, he smelled of paint thinner and aftershave. "I can't tell you how thankful we are."
"I'm as relieved as you are," I said. "We got lucky."
"Mandy Vargas sure got herself a scoop, didn’t she?" Alfie said. "I heard the Houston Chronicle picked up the story."
Dyeing Season Page 17
