Raspberry Tart Terror (Murder in the Mix Book 30) Unknown (christmas read aloud .TXT) 📖

is a spacious venue. The lights are dimmed and it enables the make-believe stars illuminated over the domed ceiling to sparkle and shine like the real deal.

“I see him,” Noah whispers. “Up by the stage.”

Sure enough, there’s a stage up front with a live band gearing up to get started as the staff works overtime to remove the ladder-back chairs from the room. It’s almost eight in the evening, and the crowd of well-dressed guests is already chattering away with jovial conversations as intermittent bursts of laughter fill the air.

I crane my neck toward the stage, and there he is with a gray ill-fitting suit—apparently a running theme in his life—but I’m guessing it has to do with those oversized muscles of his trying to squeeze inside his sleeves.

Light instrumental music begins to flow from the speakers as an entire army of waiters and waitresses set up what looks to be a buffet of appetizers.

“Oh, thank goodness,” Keelie groans. “I didn’t have time to eat dinner, and I’m half starved. I’ll need to get my energy up if I’m going to dance into the wee hours of the morning. Lottie, you don’t know how grateful I am for this getaway. I really needed a date night.”

“Glad I could help out.” I make a face because the real reason we’re standing here has to do with the fact a deranged killer is stalking my child. “Are you and Bear doing a little role-playing again?”

A couple of months back, Bear met us at a bar and pretended to be a mean executive from the North Pole, while Keelie played the part of the flirty head elf who had to save Christmas. Bear borrowed one of Everett’s suits without asking and almost got beat up by my handsome husband in the process, but as it turns out, a good time was had by all.

Keelie shakes her head. “I couldn’t find anyone else to watch little Bear, so Daddy’s got babysitting detail. He said we could role-play once I got home. I’ll be the cute burglar looking to rob the handsome contractor’s home, and he’s going to teach me a lesson.”

“Taking a page right out of my playbook, Keelie Nell.” Carlotta pats her niece on the back before taking in a sharp breath as she stares off at the buffet. “I see oysters and king crab legs. Come on, Keels. It’s time to get our seafood game on. Good thing I brought my big purse.” They take off without giving it a second thought, and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that large platter of skewered shrimp and pineapple wasn’t calling my name. I’m about to drop a shrimp-shaped hint to the handsome steeds before me when a couple of all too familiar faces head this way. “Oh no.”

Noah and Everett turn in the direction I’m gawking at and they both straighten at the sight.

Not only are we staring down the barrel of Suze Fox, but striding up beside her is Serena Digby.

Suze has donned a floor-length beaded crimson dress that looks as if it’s weighing her down. Her short blonde hair swoops across her eyes, and that scowl of hers is accentuated with dark lipstick that matches her gown. Serena, however, looks light and airy in a black flowing gown. Her dark hair gleams like a raven’s feathered plume, and her eyes sparkle in this dim light like emeralds.

“Lottie Lemon.” Serena offers something between a frown and a smile my way before looking to Noah and Everett. “Hot Cop, Hot Judge.” She nods their way. “What’s happening here?”

“I thought this was the new location of our birthing classes,” I say, rubbing my belly. Thankfully, Lainey had given me a plum velvet maternity dress and I look somewhat fashionable, and somewhat like a house—a house that ate a small condo complex for breakfast.

Suze sneers my way. “Don’t listen to her, Serena. That was a weak attempt at humor. It’s clear they’re crashing your sister’s wedding.” She doesn’t bother hiding her disapproval as she looks to Noah. “I thought you said you learned your lesson and wouldn’t be following Essex into any more of his tomfoolery.”

“Following me?” Everett takes a step back as he examines Noah in this new light.

I can’t help but scoff over at my handsome hubby. “When you say it like that, it’s as if you expect me to be the one in charge of the tomfoolery around here.”

Neither Noah nor Everett says a single word.

Suze growls my way, “Well, if the broken glass slipper fits.”

I knew I would regret not letting her fry a few months back when I had the chance. It just so happens Suze was the prime suspect in a murder investigation, and I, of all people, helped prove her innocence. She has a funny way of saying thank you.

“Serena, I apologize for crashing your sister’s wedding.” I take a quick breath. “Everett was working on an early Valentine’s Day surprise for me, and I guess he thought the planetarium was open.”

“That’s right.” Everett glides an arm around the back of my waist. “My sincerest apologies from us all. Unfortunately, Lemon and I rarely get a moment alone without having a few tagalongs come for the ride.”

Smooth.

It didn’t even occur to me to cover for the fact Noah, Carlotta, and Keelie were here. This kid really is munching on my brain.

Noah’s chest expands as he sheds an easy smile to Serena. “This was Everett’s version of a babymoon. Of course, I’ll be taking Lottie on a babymoon myself.” He points those dimples of his my way. “How does a trip to the lodge sound? Weekend after Valentine’s Day?”

Everett pulls his shoulders back. “Sounds like fun, sweetheart. Lemon and I will take the honeymoon suite. If you’re lucky, I’ll school you on the slopes.”

“Ooh”—I do a little hop while strangling Everett’s arm—“I bet Evie would love to come, too.” I nod to Suze. “She’s practically a world-class skier.”

“I couldn’t care less,” Suze huffs.

“Mom.” Noah dares to raise his