The Wedding Cake Conundrum by Ruth Baker

Author:Ruth Baker [Baker, Ruth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CleanTales Publishing
Published: 2024-09-27T00:00:00+00:00

17

“Maybe I should do the driving,” Taylor grumbled, as Lucy swerved to avoid yet another pothole on the country road.

Keeping a cheery smile plastered on her face, Lucy glanced his way and patted his arm.

Taylor was slouched in the passenger seat of her car, dark shades on, and arms folded. Getting him to agree to even tour Bascom Farm today had taken a lot of convincing, but Lucy was determined to override his grumpy mood.

Of course, he was feeling prickly; she told herself. He’d been questioned and had his house searched by his fellow officers. Although Sheriff Willard had made a statement to the press that no incriminating evidence had been found, Taylor was still stung by the town’s mercurial attitude.

Overnight, he’d gone from being hailed as one of the good guys of Ivy Creek to someone still very much under suspicion, all thanks to that doctored video. Thankfully, the video had been pulled by the local TV network after Crombie’s death was announced—most likely for fear of a lawsuit—but unfortunately, social media had picked it up in a flash. Now it was likely to pop up on anyone’s phone, at any time; a fact which may have contributed to Taylor wearing his impenetrable sunglasses today.

“Oh, look, honey, goats!”

Lucy was bubbling with excitement as they turned onto the long driveway of the historic farm. Split rail fencing encased acres of green pasture. About a dozen white, black and spotted goats could be seen frolicking about, while a lazy Great Pyrenees dog lay in the shade, watching them indulgently.

“Hmm.” Taylor seemed unimpressed so far.

The pine-needle carpeted road wound through a wildflower meadow next, and Lucy craned her neck to see all the beautiful colors, wishing for a moment she’d taken Taylor up on his offer to drive. Quaint little signs were positioned here and there, pointing the way to Daydreamer’s Pond, Sunset Pavilion, and Bascom Hall. Lucy followed the latter and soon they found themselves in a spacious wooded parking area, with the historic structure visible a short distance away.

“Here we are,” Lucy announced happily, pulling in and parking.

They exited the car, and she glanced over at Taylor’s impassive expression, feeling a twinge of anxiety. Maybe she shouldn’t have pushed so hard to come here today. He looked to be in no mood to tour the venue.

Taylor happened to look her way at that moment and must have witnessed Lucy’s smile beginning to falter.

He lightly ran his hand down her arm in an apologetic fashion.

“So far, it looks great, honey.” A genuine smile accompanied his words.

Lucy’s eyes lit up, her good mood restored. “It does, doesn’t it?”

Teasingly, she added, “Although how you can see anything through those blackout shades is beyond me.”

Taylor chuckled and removed his sunglasses, taking her arm as they strolled toward the entrance.

Lilac vines dripped from the trees, framing the picture perfect, white-painted building, and the front walk was paved with cobblestones. Lucy spotted an enormous, well-tended rose garden off to one side, overflowing with blooms in pastel hues.

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