Wicked Whoopie Pies by Addison Moore (english novels to improve english TXT) 📕

possessions to you? Watch out, Lyla Nell, because Dad here is going to demand you stop playing with Pancake and Waffles soon. We’re not allowed to have any friends or have a good time!”

Carlotta starts in on a slow clap. “Keep it up,” she whispers to her. “You’ve wiped the sheen off him. A little bit more and you’ll wear him down for good.”

A knock erupts at the door and Noah opens it to reveal Conner Saint dressed to the nines in a rented tuxedo.

Conner holds out a blush pink corsage and Evie heads over as he carefully places it on her wrist.

We head outside and take a million pictures of the two of them and their fancy white stretch limo.

I give Evie an extra long hug. “Have a good time. Would you hate me forever if I stopped by for a second? Honey Hollow High doesn’t have a moratorium on chaperones, you know.”

She pulls back with tears in her bright blue eyes. “There’s not a thing in the world you could do to make me hate you, Mom.” She looks to Everett. “You either.”

We hug it out one more time as they take off.

And just like that, Evie smashes another milestone out of the park.

Honey Hollow Covenant Church is brimming with congregants this evening.

I glance into the sanctuary and it’s a tangle of bodies. About a thousand conversations are going all at once and each one sounds that much more heated than the next. The air is cool in the foyer and the heavenly scent of my sweet treats and fresh brewed coffee lights up my senses.

Next to the refreshment table, sitting on an easel, is a large framed picture of Terri Norris. She looks dolled up, her hair is pulled back, and she has glossy pink lips as if she were ready for a night on the town. My heart breaks just seeing it.

“It’s sad, isn’t it?” a female voice says from behind and I turn to find Olive St. James in her signature pencil skirt with a springy floral blouse. Her hair is up and she looks impeccably put together.

“Oh hi, Olive. Yes,” I say, glancing back at Terri who seems to be glaring at us suddenly. “It’s tragic. I’m so very sorry for her.”

Olive takes a deep breath. “You know it’s not unusual in my line of work to see people reaping the consequences of what they’ve sown. It’s a terrible thing. And I suppose that’s what happened to Terri.”

“Well, if it’s any consolation, I have full faith that justice will be done.”

Her shoulders bounce. “I hope so, but with every passing day, this case grows colder. I’ll admit that I’m losing a little hope in justice being done. I’d better get going. I still need to shore up a few details in my office. And I need to make it quick if I want to get a good seat. There are bound to be a few fireworks this evening.”

“I hope not,” I say as she takes off.

Since the business meeting is taking place in the sanctuary, Pastor Dave let Lily and Suze set up the dessert table right here in the foyer. And every last one of my sweet treats is present and accounted for.

Binky swirls around my shoulders. “Look, Lottie, they even brought the Napoleons. Those are my favorite, you know.”

“I’m glad you like them. Have you tried my bite-size key lime pies? I think they’re going to be a smash hit this summer.”

“Key lime pie? How did I manage to miss those?” She zips off and I panic at the thought of my key lime pies supernaturally disappearing.

“I didn’t mean now,” I shout after her.

Everett pops up next to me and lands a searing kiss to my cheek.

“You’re talking to yourself again, Lemon.”

I take a moment to inhale his intoxicating cologne. Both Everett and Noah changed into suits, and I put on my best red dress because not only are we at the church business meeting, but I think deep down we’re all hatching a plan to head to Fallbrook later tonight. It’s wicked, I know. But we can’t help ourselves.

“I’m talking to myself because I’m going out of my mind due to this drought we’re in,” I say, wrapping my arms around him. “And I’ve firmly decided the drought ends tonight.”

His lips curve with a dangerous smile and I swear I just heard three different women sigh.

He tips his head to the side. “Does this mean I’m getting lucky on prom night?”

I nod. “And you’ll be the only Baxter in our family who does.”

“Darn right,” he says sternly just as Noah crops up, sans the baby.

“Your mother has her,” he says, holding up one of my chocolate whoopie pies. “Lottie, these are the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted. You should think of going into business. I’ll even buy your kitchen equipment for you.” He gives a sly wink as he takes a bite.

“You’re funny,” I say, wiping a crumb from his cheek. Noah was the one who bought the kitchen equipment for the bakery way back when. I had thought he was a part of a savings and loan instead of a PI and it was a big mix-up—but as it turns out, he was the father of my perfect angel. “Hey, I just thought of something. All of our suspects are here tonight.”

“That’s right,” Everett says, craning his neck toward the sanctuary. “I can see Clem from here.”

Noah peers that way. “That cheating husband of hers certainly gave her a motive.”

“Allegedly cheating husband,” Everett points out. “If it’s one thing I’ve learned sitting on the bench, everything is a rumor until proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”

I shrug up at him. “Olive said she confessed it. And Sergio seemed to know about it, too. And then there’s Nelson himself. Olive said she witnessed a horrific argument between him and Terri right here on church grounds. He admitted it, but he said he never raised his voice.”

Everett shakes his head.