Page 65 of All Inn Thyme
“Thanks,” Allie replies with a grin. She jumps as Beth kicks her under the table and gives her a look.
“What?” His eyes narrow. “What are you three scheming about? You are up to something.” He scans the room, looking for clues.
Beth clears her throat. “So, you know how we have a bun in the oven?”
“Yeah,” he says, looking at her sideways.
“Well, we baked you something. Can you go get it out of the kitchen?” Beth asks.
“Weird, but okay.” He sighs as he strides into the back and we hear him open and shut one of the ovens before opening up another one.
“Which one?” he calls out.
“Bring them both,” Allie calls back.
He comes out carrying the two buns Allie placed in there. He looks confused. “Why do you have two buns in your oven?”
“Why do you?” I ask with a smile.
His face falls in shock as he looks at Beth excitedly. “Do we?”
She nods, her eyes filling with tears. “Yes, there’s two!”
He drops the buns to the floor and pulls her out of her chair into the biggest hug. He rests his forehead on hers. “There’s two!” They both jump excitedly.
“Aww, you two, don’t make them fall out,” Allie says, wiping her eyes.
Just then, Logan comes in the front door and takes in all the commotion. “Why is there bread on the floor?"
“Those are Beth and Evan’s buns from the oven.”
Logan just sighs. “This family is so confusing.” He picks up the buns and shakes his head as he walks over to Allie.
Allie laughs and pulls him into her arms. “We’re having two nieces or nephews.”
His eyes light up. “Oh, wow, congratulations, guys!” He claps Evan on the back and hugs Beth.
My heart is happy. I can’t wait to tell Ty. And something about watching this happen for Beth and Evan makes me realize that I want this with Ty.
20. mellie
We have options.
Vibrant-coloredspring flowers hang from the wrought-iron black lampposts on Main Street. I love the special charm of Freedom Valley’s main drag. I’ve always enjoyed walking along and looking at the shops, seeing the local businesses that make Freedom Valley a popular small town to visit.
Preston’s office has a brick exterior and a fresh black and gold sign out front with his name on it: Preston Steele, Attorney for Freedom Valley. I head in to find a receptionist desk piled high with papers and boxes. By the looks of it, I’m guessing he still hasn’t hired an office manager.
I text him that I’m here whenever he’s ready for me. His door quickly opens and he comes down the hall looking frazzled, running his hand through his hair. “Hey, Mellie, how’s it going?”
“I’m good. Thanks for meeting with me.”
“Come on back.” He motions to follow him, and we step into his office, not bothering to shut the door because we’re the only ones here. I sit across from him at his desk. He pulls out a folder with a picture of Bradley in his law enforcement uniform, and I wince just seeing him. A nervous buzz fills me, and I put my hand on my chest, my palms sweating nervously.
Preston clears his throat. “There’s no new news.”
“Okay…” I take a deep breath and prepare for this conversation.
“He does have a new girlfriend who’s now living at your old house, and it looks like she’s involved with drugs like he is, but we’re still gathering intel on that.” He gives me a minute to process, and when I don’t say anything, he continues, “We have options, Mellie. This guy’s a corrupt cop, and we can bury him with this information, make him fold and give you your divorce and sole custody. Or we can get him arrested and try to get him put away. It’s up to you.”
