Page 18 of A Whisker in the Night

“Because Leo’s mother gave Emmie a special gift for two couples and we’re about to have the spa experience of a lifetime,” I tell him, landing a kiss on his lips. “Leo’s mother specifically said she wanted to include us. Isn’t that nice?”

“I guess thatisnice.” He ticks his head, looking far more bewildered than taken aback by kindness. “A spa experience, huh? And she does realize that Leo and I will be participating?” He raises a brow. “I’d rather chase down armed suspects while dodging lightning bolts.”

A sharp laugh escapes me. “I’ll hold your hand. I promise you’ll be fine.”

“Why, thank you.” He kisses my cheek and his playful expression morphs into something just this side of worrisome. “I can’t believe I’m stressing over a massage when you have to actually push a human being out of your body. I’d do anything to trade places with you, Bizzy.”

“You’d make both medical history and thenewsif you did,” I tease.

He gives a mournful laugh. “I mean it, you’re my hero. I owe you everything.”

“Remember that when our credit card bill comes in. My wallet is still smoking from my little trip to the Blueberry and Chocolate Heaven Gift Shop this afternoon.”

I hold up the brimming bag in my hand and he blinks back.

Oh no. I can already see him putting two and two together in his mind.

“You went to Westoff Farms?” He frowns at the thought. “And what exactly happened there?” he adds, in that tone that says he already knows exactly what happened.

Here we go. I run up the porch and quickly give a swift knock on the door, hoping to avoid this particular conversation, though I’m not one to hide things from Jasper. He wouldn’t let me even if I tried.

“My day went well,” I say brightly. “I took Jellybean down to the farm thinking I was taking her home, but it turns out, she actually belongs to Verity Westoff. I guess I’ll have to track her down tomorrow.”

I would have gone straight there after the farm, but I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning the chocolate carnage out of my car. Once Mom and Georgie realized they were about to be apprehended, they split up like a couple of kids caught raiding an Easter basket. Mom knocked over a wall of colorful sprinkles, Georgie upended a vat of warm chocolate, and they both ended up looking like a far more delicious version of being tarred and feathered. So did my car’s interior. A far tastier event than mudding.

“Bizzy.” Jasper leans back to get a better look at me. “You spoke to a suspect today, didn’t you? And you’re off to speak to another one tomorrow?”

“I guess you can say I’m efficient,” I tease.

Before he can launch into his “leave the investigating to the professionals” diatribe, the door swings open and we’re greeted by two adorable pooches—a curly- furred labradoodle named Cinnamon and a golden retriever named Gatsby, Emmie and Leo’s sweet fur babies.

Jellybean lets out a yowl and darts straight into the cottage, disappearing to who knows where.

Don’t worry, Jelly Roll, Fish yowls twice as loud.These big oafs are friendly! In fact, I prefer them to Sherlock!

I heard that.Sherlock bounds inside after them.But I smell pizza, so I’ll let it slide.

And judging by the heavenly aroma wafting from inside, I might have to side with Sherlock on this one. The baby gives an enthusiastic kick of agreement.

Inside, Emmie and Leo have transformed their living room into a cozy pizza parlor, with several boxes from Antonio’s, a local pizza shop, spread across their coffee table alongside bottles of sparkling cider.

The interior of the cottage is impeccably put together. Emmie really does have this place looking like a model home. The walls are painted a light hue of gray, the distressed gray wood floors have a thick wool rug over them, and their cream-colored sofa and white marble coffee table give this place an elegant touch. And then there is the endless mountain of baby items, most of which are still in boxes lining all four walls. Come to think of it, maybe Emmieshouldopen a baby boutique?

I quickly exchange hugs with both Emmie and Leo and thank them profusely for including us in the fun.

“I wouldn’t thank us yet,” Leo smarts, looking relaxed in a T-shirt and jeans. Jasper came right over after work so he’s still in a suit and looking as dapper as ever. Emmie and I often marvel at what handsome husbands we’ve nabbed.

As you should. Leo winks my way.

I make a face at him. It’s easy to forget when there’s another telesensual in the room—especially since he’s the only other one in Cider Cove.

“Before we dig in”—I say, holding up the shopping bag—“look what the Easter Bunny dropped off early for baby Granger!”

Leo and Jasper hit the pizza while Emmie pulls me to the sofa and quickly empties the bag of its contents. Her squealsof delight at the matching baby outfits could probably be heard clear in the next county.

“I can’t thank you enough for all of this,” she coos. “We just painted the nursery gray. It’s so neutral we can add pink or blue accents once the baby is born.” She takes a moment to frown at her belly. “That is, if it ever decides to come out. But thank you again in case it decides to make its debut. Like I said, we can’t thank you enough.”

“Well, we can’t thank you enough for this spa day,” I tell her.

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