Page 34 of Vows of Murder

“I’m going to stay with Amanda until you get home.” Beth stepped up and gave me a hug. “I don’t want to intrude on you andyour friends.”

“You’re family, it wouldn’t be an intrusion,” I reminded her, but I could see Amanda was worn out. “If you change your mind later, we’ll be at South Cove Winery. Darla got us the back roomfor the event.”

“As tired as I am, she might be there sooner than she thinks.” Amanda hugged me. “I’m so excited to have a new daughter, Jill.”

Her words made me tear up, but after they’d left us alone, Greg pulled me into the hallway near the exit. “Look, I’m not going to overreact on this, but if you need anything, call. I’m not sure our friends at New Hope have the best intentions. After Toby drops Sasha off at the winery, I’m having him put the flowers in the vault in the station. I want someone to check for bugs.”

“Bugs that are not in the insect family?” I snuck a look back at the banquet room, where the floral arrangement still sat.

He tapped my nose. “That’s why I’m marrying you. Your quick brain.”

“Do you think someone at the church killed Kane?” I whispered, hoping the sound wouldn’t carry back into the floral arrangement and its possible microphone. I’d been thinking it was more likely one ofthe parents from the group on Facebook that focused on bashing New Hope and calling it a cult.

“Let’s just say I’m curious.” He kissed me. “Have fun withyour friends.”

I waved at Amy, who was waiting to ride back to my house with me to drop off the Jeep. “You too. I’ll seeyou tomorrow.”

“You can count on it. Bells or no bells.”

Chapter 14

Darla had outdone herself. I wore a sash that proclaimed me The Bride and the music was all my favorites. She’d hired a perfect DJ. We were able to chat and dance and drink and eat until my eyes started closing on their own. Pizza, mozzarella sticks, and other appetizers kept coming from the kitchen. Beth had changed her mind and arrived about an hour ago. She was currently out dancing with Amy on the makeshift dance floor. The only time we ran into other people was on the way to the restroom. Everyone I saw wanted an invite to our private party, but it was a girls’ night only.

Deek had peeked his head in on his way to Greg’s bash. He came and hugged me. “I don’t know. Maybe I should stay here. Be the token male for your group.”

“Toby already tried that line when he dropped off Sasha,” I told him as he grabbed a slice of pizza for the road. “I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”

“I wouldn’t miss your wedding for the world. Your aura is bright silver right now. Pure happiness.” He raised the pizza in a salute and ran when Darla came to chase him out. I loved my friends.

A few hours later, near the end of the party, Darla sat down next to me. “Matt wanted to come party with us too. He texted me and said that Greg’s party is tame. Or lame. I couldn’t tell from the autocorrect.”

“We always know how to have fun.” I leaned into her. “How are you? Busy chasing the facts onKane’s murder?”

“I could ask you the same thing, but I hear you’ve been out sightseeing all week with your new mother-in-law. I’m surprised you’renot investigating.” She studied my face and must have seen something. “But you are investigating. I knew it. When didyou find time?”

“I didn’t do much, just some research at the college and chatted with Doc Ames.” I glanced around the room, but Beth was still out on the dance floor. “Jim’s girlfriend did her thesis on cults, including New Hope. She’s been very interesting to talk to. Did you know there is a parents’ group against the church on Facebook?”

Darla slapped her forehead. “That’s what I’ve been missing. I’ve been so focused on Molly and her search, I didn’t think ofother victims.”

“I think they call them converts,” I corrected. Just then, the DJ put on the Village People dance standard, “Y.M.C.A.” Beth grabbed my hand and started pulling me onto the dance floor. “Forget that until Sunday. Come dance with us, Darla.”

Because she was my friend, Darla joined us, and too soon the party ended. Beth took my arm. “I’m sleeping on yourcouch tonight.”

We said our good nights and I hugged Darla tightly. “Thank you so much for the party. It was a blast.”

“Anything for you,” she said as shewiped her eyes.

Esmeralda hurried over, pulling on her coat. “I’m walking with you.”

As we made our way out into the cold night, I looked up and saw the starsshining on us.

Esmeralda followed my gaze. “It’s a full moon. You have the blessing from the winter gods for your ceremony tomorrow.”

I snuck a sideways look at her. “I didn’t think you talked tomythical gods?”

“I don’t. I worship them. It’s my religion, not my pastime.” Esmeralda raised her hands to the sky. “Nature is so cool. All you have to do is look around to see allthe blessings.”

“And if you believe, like I do, that there is one true God,” Beth interrupted, “then you bless Him for all the wonders He provided uson this earth.”

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