Page 78 of The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

“I’m more than willing to cook anything you make ... even liver.” I swallow thickly.

She laughs, almost ecstatic as she hops to her feet. “No, it’s not that. The riddle on Tickle’s tombstone.”

I’m not sure what she’s getting at as I try to recall it and swipe open my phone to the photo of the riddles and read, “‘Take one from apple but none from tart. Find one in liver but not in heart. The last you’ll discover in giant as well as ghost but never, ever in a roast.’”

Honey snaps her fingers, then drops to sitting. “Yes, but it still doesn’t quite make sense.”

“But you think the Tokens may be real?” I ask, voice full of hope. If so, I don’t have to convince her and can let JQ and Lexi tell her about their discovery if they wish.

Nodding slowly, she concedes. “Given the fact that I found all those Christmas decorations behind the wall, maybe the treasures are too.”

“So far, there’s no gold, but?—”

“But maybe we’ll get lucky.”

I tug Honey close and kiss her temple, “As far as I’m concerned, we already did.”

She curls into me, into my lips as we move in for a kiss and the tokens and treasure hunt are forgotten for now.

My hands skim her waist and hers grip my cheeks and jaw, cementing me in place.

I’m not going anywhere. Not now. Not ever. Not with Honey in my life. My chest squeezes and my pulse goes wild just thinking about it, about us. We press together and I feel her heart throbbing, steady and true.

Her hands sweep my back and mine drop to hers as if we’re glued together.

The kiss deepens and my thoughts recede. All I have, all I want, all I need is right here with this brown-eyed beauty who doesn’t seem to think kissing me is gross after all.

Chapter 19

Check Engine Light

After the holidays, it’s back to business as usual. Only, Maddock is looking after Leonie today. Says he’s training her to be a construction supervisor as they clear the road that leads to the cemetery.

He has big plans for Hogwash and although I think most residents will take kindly, they’ll also yap. Molly has no shortage of gossip to spill even though we’re hardly into the new year. From the sound of it, she’s seeding content for upcoming editions of the Pest Digest.

From the customer side of the counter at Laughing Gator Grille, she says, “So, are you going to enter the recipe contest at the Hogwash Hunt? Your cream brool is really good.”

I want to roll my eyes but resist. Despite her “unique” personality, she has helped me out around here when I’ve had to take care of Leonie, and for that I’m grateful. However, I’ll never let her get behind the wheel of the Porsche, which is now safely parked in the carriage house at the chateau.

I’ve had so much going on, there’s barely been a minute for me to spare to work on the updated menu no less think aboutthe possible connection between Eloise’s cookbook and Hogan’s riddle.

Molly leans in. “Keep this between you and me, but Mrs. Halfpenny was banned after she turned up to the church potluck with a pot of pork and beans with jelly beans mixed in.”

“That’s not so bad.”

From the other end of the counter, Mr. Soto says, “There was also a marble in her meatloaf at the Church Supper last weekend—the glass kind for playing games from when I was a youngin.’”

I wince. Nothing said at this counter is just between Molly and me.

“Ooh, Don’t look now, Mrs. Witt. Mr. Hotcakes and the lion cub are coming in three, two, one.” Molly spins in her stool as if pleased with herself.

“My last name is Hamilton until I say otherwise.” My tone is exactly what Molly would expect from me, but I rather like the way Mrs. Witt sounds. Also, how does she know about our Hotcakes nicknames for each other?

Molly rests her chin in her hand and fiddles with her sweet tea straw. “I was hoping Maddock would fall madly in love with me. Molly and Maddock have a nice ring to it, don’t you think? But I’ll continue to wait patiently for my Prince Charming.”

Before I can respond, Leonie roars upon entry. I scoop her into my arms and play monster, gently nipping at her neck until she dissolves with laughter.

Maddock says, “Hey, that’s my move.”

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