by January Bain
Two days until the wedding. Would they be enough?
Chapter Twenty-Four
The morning of the wedding proved drizzly and overcast, dampening discussion around the breakfast table. For two days now my family had been convening together in the morning. I liked it, more than I could say. Of course, the elephant in the room was Star’s leaving. But no one had broached the subject again and I vastly preferred to pretend it wasn’t happening. I mean, the movie business was fickle—they could cancel her chance at any moment. I had a guilty start, realizing how many spells I had sort of been casting to the skies in the hopes that that was exactly what would happen. Some things are best kept to one’s self.
“I’m going to the hospital today to have Doc Tanner look at my arm. I want him to check something.”
“I’ll drive you,” Star said too quickly, getting a gleam in her eye. She wanted me alone. To talk. And I didn’t want to.
“I thought it was your turn to open the café this morning?” I said, praying it was true.
“No, not my turn.” She gave me a curt reply and grabbed her purse. “If you’re ready, let’s go. We’ve got hair appointments this morning. An afternoon wedding makes things so tight,” she grumbled.
I got up and put my dishes into the sink, preparing to wash them.
“Get going, I’ll take care of things here,” Tulip said, pushing me away from the counter and taking over.
“Thanks,” I replied, wishing I could find another way to delay the inevitable. I sighed. No choice but to follow Star out of the kitchen and into the alley where Thor awaited. It felt odd, getting into the passenger side.
Star got in and waited while I buckled up. “Charm, we need to talk.”
“I know. But could it wait until after the wedding, please?”
She gave me a sigh of frustration and started Thor’s motor. “Okay, but you can’t ignore it, because it’s going to happen whether you want it to or not. I want to go away with your blessing. It’s my one chance at the big time, and I would like my sisters to be okay with it. To wish me well. If I don’t do it now, I might be stuck in Snowy Lake forever.”
“Is that so bad? Being stuck here? It’s a great place to be.”
“I know, for you. But I’m not you or Tulip. I’ve dreamed of becoming famous since I was a little girl. To share my talents with the world. You do that, share your talents and gifts with others. Why not me?”
“What! People love to hear you sing. You’ve made so many of them happy right here in Snowy Lake. You don’t need to go away.”
“You’re impossible to talk to. You know that?”
I clamped my mouth shut.
At the hospital, I jumped out. “I’ll see myself back.”
“Fine.” She drove off in a cloud of righteous anger.
I stomped through the sliding glass doors of the hospital entrance, feeling quite put upon. Surely someone could talk some sense into my sister? Maybe Granny could help. Hollywood was not the place for an innocent like Star. They’d eat her up and spit her out. I shuddered. That den of wolves had no draw for me. It was scarier than the timber wolves around our town.
“Is Dr. Tanner available, Stacey?” I asked at the front desk.
“I’ll check.”
“Thanks.”
She picked up the house phone and spoke a few words before setting it back down. “Yes, and he can see you right now. How are you doing, by the way?”
“Good, thanks.” I hurried down the hallway to the doctor’s office.
“Charm. Nice to see you doing so well. What brings you by so soon? Are you in more pain?”
“I want you to check my arm. I think it’s healed.”
“What? That’s impossible.”
“Please, I just need you to X-ray it again. I’m pretty certain.”
He shook his head. “Okay, if it makes you feel better, I’ll do it. But don’t expect any miracles, okay?”
I grinned at him. “Always, Doc, always.”
Ten minutes later and my balloon popped. “The break’s just beginning to mend. But it’s going to be a few more weeks, I’m afraid. That was a serious break, Charm.”
“Phhht. Well, that sucks.” I can only help heal others but not myself? Who writes these rules?
Five minutes and I was back out on the street, headed at a steady jog toward the Clip Joint. Might as well be first in line. Let’s face it, Susie has her work cut out for her this morning. I hadn’t even shampooed in two days.
“Good morning, Charm.” Susie Diamond’s bright smile greeted me. The air was heavily scented with a bouquet of strange fragrances that tickled my olfactory sense. I sneezed once, twice, three times in succession, my usual number.
“Mornin’, Susie. You’re looking beautiful,” I said, wiping my teary eyes. And she did. Golden and pink curls arranged perfectly around her cherub features brought out her sublime complexion. “I could use a whole lot of your expertise today. I haven’t had time to do much grooming lately.”
“Tsk-tsk. My goodness, look at you, hon. Well, what’s to be expected with a cast on. But you’ve come to the right place.” She glanced at my wounded wing. “We need to decorate that sucker. It’s so plain.”
I grinned, holding up my left hand. “That’s a good idea. Got any flower decals?”
“I do. I’m thinking red roses intertwined with garland.” Her rosebud lips pursed, she tilted her head to the side.
I gave a grin. “Perfect. Let’s get this sucker covered up before I end up with a thousand drunken scrawled signatures at the wedding.”
“I’ll say. Come, sit down at the shampoo sink and we’ll get you started right now before the rush begins.”
“Thanks, that’s what I was hoping for. That, and a miracle to make me presentable for the wedding party.” I grimaced and sat down on the chair in front of the sink.
“Well, not going to be easy, but I’ll haul out my big bag of tricks.” The twinkle in her eyes softened the blow.
And did she haul out her bag of tricks. An hour or so later, I hardly recognized myself in the mirror. Perfect dark curls flowed all around my shoulders, held back with a few deep red rosebuds strategically placed around my hairline. The flowers matched the color of the bridesmaid dresses and the ones newly decorating my cast, one of the few colors that flattered me and made me feel pretty.
“Wow, you are a miracle worker. Thanks, Susie.” I jumped up and kissed her on the cheek, careful not to smudge her makeup.
I paid, leaving a generous tip for the extra pampering. The door burst open and we both turned to check who had entered. Jennifer Morgan stood there, looking all too pleased with herself.
“Morning. I thought I’d get in early for my appointment—beat the rush,” she said, a wide grin accompanying her words.
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
“Have you heard the amazing news?” she asked.
By the self-satisfied glow, I had to assume the worst. But please, don’t let it be a bonanza. That would suck.
“No,” Susie said, closing the till with enough force that it groaned on impact. “What’s up?”
Jennifer looked at me, dying to share, but waiting to give it even more import by wasting a few precious seconds.
That bugged me. Big time. “Did you happen to find a basket of scruples out there with your name on it?” I asked.
That annoyed her. Good. She narrowed her eyes, her lips twitching. “I do apologize for any inconvenience I may have inadvertently put you through. I had no idea I wasn’t suppose to share such an important bit of knowledge. But I would think you’d want everyone to know about your gift anyway, since you’ll be sharing it.” She dismissed my objections with far too much ease.
I gritted my teeth over her glossing over confidentiality concerns. And I certainly didn’t want to discuss Ace with her. So, a betrayer and a liar to boot. Nice friend. “Yes, but not all of it. That was wrong, sharing my private personal stuff with my neighbors.”
S
he was unrepentant. “Well, neither here nor there now. Because I have made the find of the century!”
“What’s that?” Susie asked while I silently fumed.
“The mother lode.”
Figures. But then, it could be good for our town. Maybe the trickle-down effect of extra capital would help with a few street repairs? Thor’s suspension was always taking a beating, dancing in and out of potholes.
“Well, that’s some news,” Susie said. “Too bad I already heard it earlier.”
Jennifer’s face screwed up with annoyance. “How could you know?” she sputtered.
“Charm’s Auntie T.J. came by for a hairdo at seven. Old news by now, I’m afraid, my dear.” Susie dismissed her with a condescending glance.
“Well, I think I’ll just take my business elsewhere,” she said.
“No worries,” Susie said. “I have a busy day without having to do your scuzzy hair, darlin’.”
Jennifer left in a huff.
“You know she’ll just go complain to Ace about us, right?” I said.
“So? She’ll soon be gone anyway.”
“How do you figure that?”
Susie reached down and picked up something from behind her reception desk. She held up a familiar effigy. “Poppets. They’re all over town now and together they make us strong. A big wind will soon blow that wicked witch back east and right out of your hair, hon.”
I began to laugh, then found it hard to stop.
“Careful, you’ll ruin your beautiful makeup,” Susie warned, though she was laughing right alongside me.
I left the salon still giggling. The women had circled the wagons and Miss Jennifer Morgan didn’t stand a chance. Well, maybe. Best laid plans and all that. If I’d learned anything so far, it was that the universe could turn on a dime. The thought sobered me up and I pushed through the front door at the Tea & Tarot in a more reflective mood. Now that the murder was solved, what was next? Hmm. Operation keep Star at home? The angels tsk-tsked over the doorway, not bothering to sing. Yeah, guilty.
The café hummed with activity. Star looked up from serving a customer. “Wow. You cleaned up nice, sis.”
“Thanks. Suzy worked her magic. Have you seen Granny?”
“She was here a few minutes ago. Might be in the back.”
“Thanks,” I said, striding right on by a few customers who turned to stare and into the kitchen.
“Sweeting, my goodness, your cast looks pretty. And don’t you look beautiful,” Granny said, looking up from sipping a cup of herbal tea at the kitchen table. Auntie T.J. was buzzing around, rinsing a few dishes. She nodded her approval of my appearance.
“Time you fixed yourself up, if you ever want to find a man.”
“Yup, Susie’s a miracle worker.” I ignored my auntie’s dig.
Granny’s eyebrows raised over her all-knowing blue eyes. “Well, not hard to achieve. You were a beautiful child and now you’re even more lovely as a young woman. Other than your stubborn streak, you were an easy child to raise.”
“Can I talk to you?” I said, plunking myself down.
“Sure, what’s up?”
“It’s about Ace and—”
The phone rang loudly, interrupting.
“I’ll get it,” Auntie T.J. said.
“You and Constable Collins at odds again?” Granny asked.
“Not exactly. But something weird happened.” I hesitated, not certain I wanted confirmation.
“Yes?” she prompted.
“Well, do you think it’s even possible to read another’s mind? You know, hear their thoughts without their speaking?”
“Is that what’s happening between you and Ace? Telepathy?”
I nodded. “So weird, I’m getting a few of his thoughts drifting in. Can’t do it on demand or anything like that.” I shuddered. “I just don’t want it to get any worse.”
“That’s rather significant, all right.” She smiled, disarming me, and nodding her approval.
“Yeah, thought you’d say that. But how significant is it?”
“How significant do you think it is?”
I hesitated, finding it hard to admit to aloud.
“I think—”
“Oh lord, no!” Auntie T.J.’s stricken tone stopped our conversation in its tracks.
I swiveled my head around to check her out. Her usually robust complexion was as pale as I’d ever seen anyone.
“What is it? What’s wrong, sister?” Granny asked.
She left the phone off the hook and wobbled her way to our table, sinking down onto a chair, placing her hand over her chest as though it was hard for her to take a breath.
“What is it?” I asked, imagining the worst. “What do you want me to do? Is it your heart?”
She shook her head slowly back and forth. “No, I’m fine. Physically at least. I don’t know if I should say.”
“Spill it, Tegan Jane. Who’s on the phone?”
She stood up straighter and bit her lip. “It’s your mother, Charm. She wants to speak to you.”
My worst fears realized. A ghost from the past rising up and choking me. I stood abruptly, knocking my chair over in the process. It clattered to the floor. I didn’t care. I had to get away. Why now? Why come back now?
I ran. Out through the back door and into the alley. I dimly heard voices calling after me, but I couldn’t stop. I had to get away. I needed time alone.
I got into Thor and slumped back against the seat. A few minutes to gather myself was all I asked for. Why was my mother doing this? After all these years? She had no right. Everyone would be upset by her return. Maybe she wasn’t returning? I sat up straighter. Auntie T.J. said she just wanted to talk to me.
Yeah, maybe she wanted to apologize on the phone? Because if she came back, she’d drive Star, and maybe even Tulip, away. Would I leave too? No. Snowy Lake was my home. Nothing and no one person would ever take that away from me. No way.
A noise at the side of the Jeep woke me from my reverie. I glanced over and there was Ace opening the passenger door and climbing inside. He turned and stared at me, his expression softened by concern. I swallowed, finding it difficult to look him in the eyes.
“How you doing, darlin’?” He reached over and threaded his hand into a stray curl on my shoulder, lifting it and letting it slip through his fingers. I shivered.
“Cold?” He reached over and drew me to him, hugging me against his broad chest. I took a deep breath, his scent flooding me with a sense of peace. And need. My body began to vibrate with the unexpected sensation. I suddenly wanted more. Much more than just Ace having his arms around me.
I knew I should push him away, but I longed for just a few more precious minutes without the outside world interfering. My skin was electrified with the good feeling I couldn’t possibly describe. Words fell short. No way any romantic writer could match it. It was that amazing. “I’m better. Thanks.”
“You want to talk about it?”
“Nothing to talk about.”
“Never too soon to share a worry, darlin’.”
I took a deep breath. I might as well spill. He’d know all of it soon anyway.
“My mother, who abandoned us with Granny Toogood when we were eight—but you know that part already—just called the café. Wants to talk to me. I don’t know why. I just got out of there. I panicked, I guess.” And Star wants to leave us.
I felt the breath leave his body in a deep sigh. “I’m sorry. Not sure what to say about that. Kind of out of left field for you. And not really something one can prepare for easily.”
“No kidding. I’m not even sure how to feel.”
“There’s no right way or wrong way. Just stay true to you. All anyone can manage.”
“I don’t know what’s going to happen—what will befall us if she comes back into our lives.” I heard the slight whiney sound, but I couldn’t help it.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. You know I care about you, very, very much, Miss
McCall. I promise I’ll be here for you. Always.” He hesitated before adding. “You know Star has to follow her own path.”
His words took my breath clear away. When I found my voice again, it trembled with emotion. “Thank you. I think that’s one of the nicest things anyone’s ever said to me.” I sniffed, tears welling up. “But I can’t hold you to that.” I ignored his thoughts on my sister, but I caught a glimpse of them.
“Aw, darlin’, don’t cry. Of course you can. No matter where I am in this world, you call me, and I promise to be there. Anytime. Anyplace. You have my word as an officer and a gentleman.”
“An officer and a gentleman, eh?” A strength welled up inside me, even while I giggled at his use of a cliché movie title. Yes. I could do anything knowing Ace was in my corner. I gave a quick thank you to the whole darn universe. If ever I needed a boost, this was that time. Maybe I could move forward. And let Star go do what she must.
He gave me a gentle smile and my body filled with emotion. Yes. He was the man for me. I knew it in my bones right then, and in my heart. The head rush that followed the realization left me stunned for a second.
Then I reached up and touched his chiseled jawline, ran my fingers over his face, memorizing each dip and valley. Touched his thick soft, tousled hair. For once he wasn’t wearing his hat. His warmth penetrated my fingers, sent a delicious burst of electricity arcing through my veins. It was then that I saw it. A tiny feather tucked around a lock of hair. It must have fallen onto him at some point this morning. I reached up and plucked it off, laying it on the dash to add to my memory box.
“Thank you for being you,” I said before tipping my head up and closing my eyes. “Now kiss me, Sheriff.”
He needed no second invitation. He leaned in, capturing my willing lips with his ever-so-perfect mouth. Our tongues tangoed in the ancient mating ritual, my body melting with acute need. A loud popping sound echoed in my ears.
“What was that?” Ace said, pulling his lips away. I tugged on the back of his neck, drawing him to me, not wanting the kiss to end.
“Probably just a light bulb exploding. Nothing to worry about,” I murmured. “Happens all the time around me.”
