SLAY PAIRS WITH ROSE (The Kelly's Deli Cozy Murder Mysteries Book 3) by Sophie Brent (phonics reading books .txt) 📕

“Fiona was great. Once we had the cakes sorted out, she asked for sugar roses on top of her cake, instead of the traditional bride and groom, which was fine. But Emma kept butting in with more and more emails every day about everything from the number of tiers to the type of chocolate I was using. In the end, I wrote the complete design down last week and asked Fiona to approve it. No more changes.”

Erin snorted through her nose, then shook her head.  “Guess who emailed me three times yesterday, then called me twice last night? I think she’s panicking, Zoe. Is there any way that you can go and calm Emma down a little? Please? Just for today? And why are you sniggering?”

“I’m sorry, Erin. I’ve worked with so many brides and wedding planners over the years, that I sometimes forget that there are people in the world who aren’t immune to this craziness.”

“Do you mean that all maids of honour and planners are like that?” Erin exclaimed, blinking in disbelief. “How do you stand it?”

“I turn up on time and take the photographs that the bride and groom want,” Zoe shrugged. “They are the only people that truly matter. It’s their big day.”

She wrapped her arms around Erin and gave her a big hug. “Fiona and Ethan are going to love your baking and make you rich and famous. How does that sound? Better? Good. Now, tell me about the treats you are making for the party tonight.”

“Zoe Hanson, I’m surprised at you. That would spoil the surprise,” Erin laughed. “Besides, Fiona said that she planned a nice relaxing dinner party with her mother and her bridesmaids. No strippers or naughty chocolate hen party shapes allowed at Abbotsdown Hall! Classy. So that is what you are going to get. Coffee sized cakes and luscious Italian pastries. All made fresh today.”

Her right hand flicked towards the table. “I’m almost finished here, then it’s a twenty-minute drive to the hotel. Emma had already briefed the chef about the wedding cake when I called earlier, so they’re expecting me this afternoon. It should only take ten minutes to unload everything and have a chat about tomorrow.” Erin looked up at Zoe and grinned. “Then I will officially, without doubt, be free to put my feet up for an hour and enjoy the sunshine, while you are tucking into a delicious dinner then scoffing the treats.”

“Droolicous. I can’t wait,” Zoe squealed and hoisted her camera bag higher on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ve got the message. The sooner I leave to go and get changed, the sooner you can get back to working your magic. Are you popping into the spa after you have made the delivery? I’m sure the girls would love to meet you.”

“That sounds so good,” Erin sighed. “But some of us have a deli to run and Saturday is still my busiest day. I have to get everything ready before Carol and Prisha arrive in the morning.”

“Then see you tomorrow! This is going to be a wedding to remember!”

Two hours later, Erin was beginning to wonder if she was going to get to Abbotsdown Hall before dark.

The traffic in Kingsmede had been fine, but the moment she hit the narrow side roads heading towards Abbotsdown, there had been one delay after another. Narrow lanes and combine harvesters meant one thing – she had to travel at their speed, not hers, and there was nowhere for her to turn around and try a different route.

Then just as she thought that she was making progress and the tractor turned into a wheat field, the cars in front of her slowed down to a stop. Someone had broken down and was blocking the lane. Erin got out of her van after ten minutes and peered around the bend in the lane. Two elderly ladies were standing at the side of the road inspecting their vintage mini as though it was a museum piece, which it probably was.

Another motorist was chatting to them, but it was a lorry driver coming in the other direction who had the bright idea to actually help them change the punctured tire.

Result! She was finally on her way. But a quick twenty-minute journey had turned into a hot and tiring trek of almost an hour, which didn’t do anything for her blood pressure or the cakes in the refrigeration unit in the back of the van.

She had never been so grateful to see the imposing stone entrance gateposts to Abbotsdown Hall. The long curving road to the old Victorian hunting lodge was lined with beautifully trimmed shrubs and topiary balls made from box plants.

As she pulled into the car park at the rear of the hotel, Erin felt that she could finally relax a little. She was here!

Stepping out of the van, she looked around at the sumptuous gardens and open countryside.  The Gothic-Renaissance design building had been extended over the years and a long conservatory room in gleaming white stretched out towards a fountain and gazebo which would be perfect for wedding photos.

Zoe was going to love it!

Thinking of Zoe, Erin quickly sent her a text to let her know that she had been held up in traffic, but she could reassure Emma and Fiona that she had finally made it with the precious cargo intact.

Grabbing her bag, Erin strolled down the path towards the tall carved stone entrance to the hotel and was just about to go inside and ask reception where she could make the delivery, when she spotted a familiar face standing on the lawn.

The last time she had seen Fiona Hanson was at Zoe’s twenty-first birthday party, but there was no mistaking the stunning brunette. Fiona had been sent away to boarding school, so Erin and her friends only saw her