Murder in the Mix Boxed Set 28-30: Cozy Mystery Addison Moore (the reading strategies book .txt) 📖

The local church choir is dressed as Dickens’ characters and they’re currently strolling through the park singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

A hot cocoa booth is set up in the vicinity, and the Cutie Pie has provided the sweet treats for the evening. Lily and Noah helped me schlep them over. Neither of them would let me lift a finger, but they did let me dictate where to put the platters underneath the tent that houses the refreshments. And the tent just so happens to be underneath the hundred year old oak the town affectionately refers to as Nelson.

Noah pulls me in close and warms me with his arms. “I distinctly remember us sharing a kiss right underneath Nelson when we were still shiny and new.”

My cheeks heat at the thought. “I remember that, too, Noah. We were just about to have it all.”

He gives a solemn nod, his eyes never leaving mine. I’ll admit, Noah Fox is a sight to behold wrapped in his thick coat, his eyes illuminating the night like a pair of green streetlights.

“I wish I could take it all back,” he whispers. “The secrets, my secrets to be exact. It keeps me up at night thinking that I could have been your husband, free and clear of Everett, but I had to give the devil a foothold.”

My lips twist in a knot. “I’m sorry, too. I’m sorry that it caused so much heartache and that it keeps you up all night. You know I’m going to love you forever, Noah.”

He swallows hard. “Nell says we’re soulmates.”

“I wouldn’t argue with her on that point.”

His dimples flicker. “Lottie, if this baby is mine—and I’m so very sure it is, I’d take this to Vegas if I could—I want another chance with you. I don’t know how or when, but the thought gives me hope.” The icy air curls from him. “Don’t answer that. That was just me speaking out loud. I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry. Please, accept my apology.”

“Noah, you don’t have to apologize to me.” I pull him in for a firm embrace. “I wish things weren’t so complicated.” Tears come to my eyes, and just as the floodgates are about to unleash, a sharp kick prods from my midsection.

“Whoa.” Noah backs up, his eyes fastened to my belly. “Did that just happen?”

“That just happened.” I pull his hands to my belly and it happens again.

Noah and I share a laugh as the baby treats us to an entire aerobics workout routine.

“Well then”—I say as the kicks slow to nothing—“it looks as if we have another memory right here under Nelson.”

Noah smiles as his eyes shine like shards. “The very best one.”

A woman with red hair catches my eye as she cranes her neck our way. She has a broad forehead and high cheeks, and I can smell her sugar sweet perfume from here. Her eyes meet with mine, and they widen as if she’s just been caught before she ducks into the crowd.

“That was odd,” I whisper. “There was a woman looking at us. Well, she was probably looking at you.” I shrug it off. “I can’t blame her for that. I think I recognized her, though—like from the night of the murder.”

Noah glances over his shoulder. “You don’t think she’s the killer, do you?”

“I don’t think so, but I suppose anything is possible.” A high-pitched cackle garners our attention, and we look over to see Elodie and Serena huddled with Suze. “Like that unholy trinity,” I say it out loud without meaning to.

Noah lets out a heavy breath. “I think I’ll head over and say hello. Are you up for a little torment?”

My eyes snag on a man in a red suit arriving to the scene as he’s escorted to a velvet throne under a tent to the right of the town’s prized holiday tree.

“You go ahead. I’ll be right there. But I think I see someone I need to say hello to first.”

Noah and I part ways, and I snap up a few of my gingerbread cookies as I make my way under the tent marked North Pole. A few women dressed as elves glance my way as I make a beeline to the throne.

“Excuse me,” I say as come upon the head elf himself as he tugs and struggles to adjust his beard.

“How’s it looking?” He gives his chin a quick pat, and I take a moment to straighten his beard for him.

“Perfect. You make a great Santa. You played Santa the other night, didn’t you?”

“I sure did.” His expression darkens. “It wasn’t such a joyous occasion. But tonight is all about the kids. I’ve put all that out of my mind for now.”

Not too far out of his mind, I hope.

“Well, before the kids line up, I thought I’d bring you some of my sweet treats.” I hand him the plate of cookies I’m holding. “I own the bakery down the street.”

A spray of miniature red and green stars erupts just above his left shoulder, and sure enough, a chubby little mouse appears with what looks to be a cookie he’s noshing on.

Kringle offers a rather garbled greeting, and I give him a discreet little wave in return.

“Dear Lottie”—Kringle gives his ample belly a squeeze—“I haven’t realized how much I missed the tasty fare of this planet until I met you. Where do I see about putting in for an extension once we capture the killer? I’m afraid there is no eggnog trifle such as your own in paradise.”

A tiny chuckle bounces through me as I shake my head, letting him know the extension is pretty much dead in the water.

“Eh?” Kringle shrugs, a dusting of green stars falling off his shoulders. “Perhaps I’ll arrange for a very unfortunate accident to befall you. If I can’t take the baked goods to paradise, I suppose I can try to take the baker.”

I gasp at the thought.

Ebenezer squints my way. “Your bakery? That must mean