The Family Affair: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Cozy Mysteries Series Book 9) Hope Callaghan (read novels website TXT) 📖

“I guess we can scratch Autumn off the list of eligible ladies in Savannah to entice Vinnie to stay.” Carlita’s phone began to chirp and she snatched it off the kitchen counter.  “It’s Vinnie. He said he just got off the highway and stopped to get gas. He should be here in about half an hour.”

Carlita texted her son back, telling him to drive safely and then turned her attention back to the pan on the stove.  “You wanna run downstairs and tell Tony his brother is getting close? Tell him we’ll have dinner right after the pawnshop closes.”

“Sure. I’ll be back in a sec.” Mercedes darted out of the apartment, slamming the door behind her.

Carlita jumped again, muttering under her breath.  Vinnie couldn’t get there soon enough and maybe that was all Carlita needed…to see her son, hug him tight and reassure herself he was all right.

Sudden tears burned the back of her eyes. Soon, it would be the first anniversary of her Vinnie’s sudden death.  Maybe that was what was wrong…Carlita was spending more time reflecting on Vinnie’s unexpected passing.

She’d tried hard not to dwell on him not being with her anymore.  Carlita knew her husband would be proud of her for all she’d accomplished on her own, not to mention her unwavering resolve to keep their children safe.

It didn’t ease the emptiness she felt when she crawled into bed alone. The previous night, she caught herself sliding her hand across the bed to the other side, wishing that just once more she would grasp the warm and worn hand, so much like her own.

She could almost hear Vinnie’s gravelly voice, speaking softly to her in the stillness of the night, calling her by her middle name.  Aw, Lenore, you gonna get all mushy on me now?

A small smile played on Carlita’s lips.  Vinnie, you oughta tell me once in a while how I’m still your girl, romance me like the old days.

Vinnie would always pull Carlita to him, wrapping both arms around her as he nuzzled her neck.  You’re gonna turn me into an old softie yet.

A tear trickled down Carlita’s cheek and she hastily swiped at it.  There was no time to go soft now.  Carlita had responsibilities, a family to take care of…starting with Vinnie, Jr.

The front door banged shut and Mercedes jogged into the kitchen.  “He’s here,” she said breathlessly.  “I saw Vinnie’s car pull into the alley.”

Carlita gave the sauce a quick stir and turned the burner off. She lifted her apron off her head before smoothing her hair.  “Let’s go down and help him with his bags.”

The sadness over Vinnie faded as she shoved her feet into a pair of flats and followed Mercedes down the stairs and onto the alley stoop.

Mercedes and Carlita hurried to the other end of the alley and the apartment parking lot.  She could see Vinnie’s tall, thin frame emerge from the driver’s side of the car.

The passenger side door slowly opened.

Mercedes instinctively slowed as she reached out and clutched her mother’s arm.  “Who is that?”

Chapter 2

Carlita watched a tall, thin blonde emerge from the front passenger seat of Vinnie’s sedan.

Vinnie quickly made his way to the other side of the car while the young woman wiggled out of the car, teetering precariously on hot pink stiletto heels. She swayed slightly and giggled.

“Careful.” Vinnie smiled at the woman and slipped an arm around her waist to steady her.

“Oh Vin, what would I do if you weren’t here to sweep me off my feet?” The platinum blonde’s long black eyelashes fluttered as she placed a hand on Vinnie’s chest.

“Vin?” Mercedes whispered.

“This must be our surprise,” Carlita grunted. She stepped across the alley to greet her son. “Son, I’m so glad you finally made it.”

Vinnie released his grip on the young woman and hugged his mother tightly. “It’s good to see you, Ma.” He held her at arm’s length. “You look good, Ma. The balmy weather and ocean breezes agree with you.”

Mercedes nudged her way in.  “No thanks to you.  You’ve given Ma gray hairs, worrying her half to death after not showin’ for Christmas and falling off the face of the earth these past few weeks.”

“I love you, too,” Vinnie grinned as he gave his sister a quick hug.  He shifted to the side and placed a light hand on the young woman’s arm.  “Ma, this is Brittney. Brittney, this is my Ma and my little sister, Mercedes.”

Brittney smiled and in a soft voice asked, “How do you do?” She extended her left hand and the sunlight glinted on a large diamond ring on Brittney’s third finger.

Carlita paused for a fraction of a second, and then caught herself as she forced a smile and took the woman’s hand.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Brittney.”

She stepped to the side and Mercedes grasped Brittney’s hand. She didn’t release her grip, instead lifting Brittney’s hand for a closer inspection of the sparkler.  “What a gorgeous ring. If I didn’t know better, I would say this looks like an engagement ring and wedding band.”

Brittney tapped her spiked heel on the gravel, the smile on her face widening to show a flawless set of bright white teeth.  “It’s my wedding set.” The smile faded slightly and she gave Vinnie a puzzled look.  “They don’t know?”

Vinnie’s cheeks reddened.  “I…uh. I wanted to surprise my family.”

A wave of dread washed over Carlita as she narrowed her eyes, studying her son’s expression.  “Yes, you mentioned a big surprise.” It started to sink in…the sudden change of plans over the holidays, the unanswered phone calls. The big surprise was Brittney.

Vinnie clasped the woman’s hand.  “Brittney and I married on Christmas