Carousel Nights by Amie Denman

Author:Amie Denman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-08-28T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“WHERE’S MOM TONIGHT?” June asked, finding Evie having a salad on the patio overlooking the lake. Betty was sprawled on a chair next to Evie, soaking up the late afternoon sun.

“Downtown. Having dinner with her friends from the historic-preservation society. Then they’re having a meeting about their summer fund-raising gala.”

“Afraid to ask.”

“You should be. I’m pretty sure the gala is going to be held here.” Evie gestured toward the back lawn. “Big tent. Lots of booze. Overdressed people. Overpriced tickets. All for the sake of preserving local history.”

“Sounds either insane or really fun,” June said.

“They’d planned it for last year—at least they started to—but when Dad died, they scrapped the plans. Temporarily. Looks like it’s on for this August.”

June stood by the table and ruffled Betty’s fur.

“You look nice,” Evie said. “Too nice for any place in Bayside.”

“Thanks. I think we’re headed over to Port Warren.”

“Sounds serious. Have you finally noticed what’s right in front of your face?” Evie asked.

“It’s just dinner between old friends.”

“Uh-huh.”

A truck pulled into the driveway with a low rumble.

“See you tomorrow,” Evie said.

“Very funny.”

Evie smiled. “I’m just saying if you don’t come home tonight, I won’t file a missing-persons report. Unless Mel fails to show up for work tomorrow. Then I’m going to be mad you eloped without telling me first. I want to use my bridesmaid’s dress from Gus and Jack’s wedding at least one more time so I can justify the cost.”

Both sisters glanced up when Mel stepped around the house on the curving sidewalk. They were used to seeing him there, goofing off with their brother and hanging around since they were kids.

But tonight he looked very different. He wore trim black trousers, a crisp striped oxford, blue tie and dress shoes. Clean-shaven, he’d even gotten a fresh haircut. Devastatingly handsome no matter what he wore, tonight he was six foot three of danger.

“He looks like he means business,” Evie whispered. “I’m getting that bridesmaid’s dress dry-cleaned and ready.”

Mel walked over and paused at the edge of the flagstone patio, his glance stopping politely on Evie and then focusing on her sister. June wore a red sleeveless knee-length dress and low-heeled sandals with a strap around the ankle. She hoped she looked good enough for a man to take a second look. Mel was going back for thirds already.

Evie cleared her throat. “June just invited me to come along,” she said. “I’ll grab my purse and Betty’s travel bag.”

Mel broke his concentration and turned a puzzled look on Evie.

“Just kidding. You kids have fun. Betty and I have the house all to ourselves tonight. I think we’ll get drunk and do our nails.”

June gave her sister a quick shoulder-hug.

“Ready when you are,” she said to Mel, hoping to hit a light tone.

Mel waved to Evie with one hand and put the other arm around June’s waist.

“You are too beautiful to ride in my eight-year-old truck with a dent as big as my leg. If you give me a minute, I’ll steal something nice out of the Starlight Point parking lot.

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