978-1-952210-57-0_MurdOOChara

Chapter Thirty Two

“It’s so nice of the librarians to host a luncheon send-off for your father and me.” Mom wrapped her arms around Dad’s as I escorted them across the library’s parking lot early Sunday afternoon.

Withholding comment, I gave my parents the side eye. Dad was the portrait of serenity while Mom was a little too exuberant—almost giddy—for the occasion. Meanwhile every step that brought me closer to the Peach Coast Library’s entrance was weighted with reluctance and dread. I know. I know. First, I didn’t want my parents to visit because the timing wasn’t convenient for me. Now, I didn’t want them to leave. Ever.

Make up your mind, Marvey!

“I’m so glad you came.” Was this the hundredth time I’d said those words? “Your being here for me this week was such a gift. Thank you. I’m not looking forward to driving you to the airport this evening.”

“Oh, darling.” Mom hugged my shoulders. “We’ve really enjoyed our visit—despite the murder investigation.”

Dad reached across Mom. I took his hand and he squeezed mine. “We’ll be back in July.”

I forced my lips into a smile for him. Maybe focusing on that will cheer me up tomorrow. Right now, not so much.

“Our upstairs activities room probably hasn’t seen this much action in a decade.” I shook off my gloom and held the library’s front door for them.

As we reached the staircase, I heard laughter and music floating down from the activities room.

I frowned over my shoulder at my parents. “I thought we were early, but it sounds like we may be late.” I hurried up the stairs.

“We can’t be late to our own party,” Dad said cheerfully.

Why did they sound so happy? In less than five hours, a plane was going to fly them away from me.

I entered the room—and froze. Why were all these people here?

Betty Rodgers-Hayes and her son, Bobby Hayes. Deputy Errol Cole and...Wait. Was that Deputy Jed Whatley? Was I in the wrong place?

“There you are, Marvey.” Corrinne greeted me with an embrace. Mayor Byron Flowers was with her. What was he doing here?

My head was swimming. “I’m sorry, Corrinne. I thought you said noon.” I gestured to my parents beside me. “We got here a little early to help with the preparations, but it looks like we’re late...” My voice faded away. I was totally confused.

Corrinne flashed a warm smile. Her green A-line dress complemented her green eyes. “You’re not supposed to help set up your own party.”

“Mr. Harris and Ms. Bennett-Harris?” The mayor switched his attention to my parents. He was dapper in linen pants and purple polo shirt. “I’m Mayor Byron Flowers. It’s so nice to meet you. I hope you’ve enjoyed your visit to Peach Coast.”

“Yes, we did.” Dad inclined his head. “We’re looking forward to our next visit.”

Mom’s smile beamed. “You have a beautiful town. We had a lovely time.”

Byron rocked on his heels. “Glad to hear it. And when you come back, please stop by my office. I’d love to give you a tour of town hall and some of our historic sites.”

Dad nodded. “We’ll take you up on that.”

“Corrinne, thank you again for arranging this event for my parents, and on such short notice. It was very generous of you.” I surveyed the room, amazed at how many people had attended as well as who’d come. I supposed Dabney McCoy would make the extra effort for free refreshments.

“Marvey, how are you?” Viv gave me a searching look before pulling me in for a hug. Her amethyst romper was casual elegance. “I hope you were able to get some rest.”

“I’m fine, Viv. Thank you for asking.” I stepped back, switching my attention to Floyd and Adrian. “Adrian, I see you’ve found a way to keep your hair out of your face.”

He’d pulled his hair into a ponytail that rested on his thin shoulders. The style was a little reminiscent of the 1980s, but the look was coming back.

Adrian gave me a half smile as he smoothed his hand over his tightly gathered tresses. “It’s starting to become a hassle, but Ms. Reba asked me to keep growing it. She said it should be long enough to work with in a little while.”

“You’re growing it for the salon?” Floyd looked as confused as I felt. He and Adrian wore almost identical dark baggy shorts and T-shirts. They looked like they were wearing uniforms.

Adrian dropped his arm. His brow creased as though he didn’t understand Floyd’s question. “Well, sure. They make the free wigs for cancer patients. What did you think I was growing it for?”

Floyd shrugged. “I don’t know. You didn’t say.”

Adrian nodded. “My nana died of cancer my second year of college. The treatments made her hair fall out. But she loved those wigs. Said they made her feel pretty as a peach.”

I pressed my hand to my heart. “It’s wonderful that you’re going to donate your hair to such a worthy cause in memory of your grandmother.”

“I’m sure she would be proud of your gesture,” Mom said.

Floyd grunted. “I’m proud of it and I’m not even related to you.”

I smiled, remembering the concerned looks Floyd had given Adrian as the younger man’s hair kept growing and growing and growing.

Adrian nodded again. “She was a homicide detective before she got sick. She used to read true crime books to me as a child.” He laughed. “My mama would get madder than a wet hen. She thought for sure I’d have nightmares. I didn’t.”

Never again would I worry about Adrian’s fascination with true crime stories. He came by it honestly.

I looked around, realizing my parents and I were still standing at the entrance to the room. “Would you like me to get you some refreshments?”

Dad linked his fingers with Mom’s. “Why don’t we go with you?”

I turned to my colleagues. “Excuse us.”

Spence, Cecelia, Jo, and Nolan intercepted us on our way to the refreshment table in the center of the room. Spence offered my parents and me disposable glasses of iced tea.

“I’m so glad we were able to spend some quality time together on your trip.” Cecelia stood beside her son.

“So are we.” Dad looked at each of my friends in turn. “Marvey has told us so much about each of you. It was nice to finally meet you.”

“On your next visit, I’ll host a dinner party and serve a regional dish.” Spence gave me a wicked smile. “Perhaps Georgia Peaches and Chicken with Southern Green Beans.”

“Peaches with chicken.” Mom’s smile looked stiff.

“Stop taunting my parents.” I laughed. “It’s delicious, Mom. Promise.”

“Meeting you has solved some of the mystery that is Marvey.” Jo’s dark eyes sparkled with good-natured teasing. “I still have a few questions, though.”

I raised my right hand, palm out. “And I’m sure my parents would love to humor you—next time.”

Spence stepped closer to me. “May I speak with you in private?”

“Sure.” I searched his spare features for an idea of what he wanted to talk about. “Have you moved back into your house?”

He took my elbow. His touch was warm and firm, reminding me he was someone I could depend on. “Last night.”

Surprised laughter tumbled from my lips. “You didn’t waste any time, did you?”

Spence escorted me into the hallway. “Nolan is a good friend. I’d like to keep it that way.” He faced me, linking his hands in front of him. Whatever he wanted to say didn’t seem to come easily. “I haven’t properly thanked you for saving my life.”

“Yes, you—”

He lifted a finger, halting my interruption. “The thing of it is, Marvey, I don’t know how to thank you.”

I shook my head. “Your being alive is thanks enough.”

“No, it’s not.” He laughed without humor. Lifting his hand, he massaged the muscles at the nape of his neck. “When no one believed you, not even me, you kept pushing. You involved yourself in the investigation, which could’ve gotten you arrested. You risked your life for me without hesitation, which could’ve gotten you killed. I was scared to death something would happen to you.”

“I was scared to death something would happen to you.”

Spence took my hands and kissed the backs of them. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Marvey.” His voice was rough.

I cupped the side of his face. “You’re so very welcome, Spence.”

A surprised look shifted across his features. I’d never touched him so intimately before. I read a question in his dark eyes. My breath caught in my throat. Even if I could speak, I didn’t know whether I had an answer for him. He was still the Prince of Peach Coast. Was I made for a royal romance?

I took his hand and led him back into the activities room. I released him once we rejoined our family and friends. With just hours to go before their departure, I was determined to stick close to my parents.

“Good afternoon, everyone and thank you for coming.” Corrinne spoke at a podium microphone we used for library events and presentations. It seemed a bit much for my parents’ farewell luncheon, but I brushed the thought aside. “Many of you already have had the pleasure of meeting Isaac Harris and Ciara Bennett-Harris, the wonderful parents of our wonderful Marvey Harris.” Corrinne gestured toward Mom and Dad, who stood on either side of me. “They’re returning to New York this evening. The librarians and our board of directors wanted to host this luncheon today to thank them for coming to Peach Coast, and wish them a safe and uneventful journey. We also wanted them to be part of our Summer Solstice Donor unveiling.”

I straightened, caught off guard. We wanted to do what now? Why?

I looked around the room. Viv, Floyd, and Adrian stood near the front, seemingly unruffled, as they listened to Corrinne.

My eyes met Cecelia’s gaze from over her shoulder. “What’re we doing?” I whispered.

Shrugging, she turned back around.

Corrinne continued. “We still have three days left for our donor drive, but I checked our summer fundraiser total this morning.”

And I’d checked it Friday evening. We’d past the break-even point, but our gift level wasn’t nearly impressive enough for a public announcement. What was going on?

“Are you all right, honey?” Dad’s voice was low. “You seem tense.”

I forced my muscles to relax. “I’m fine, Dad. Thank you.”

“As of today, three days before wrapping up the campaign, our gifts total… Do you want to know what it is?” Corrinne paused for the applause and cheers. She smiled, then revealed the amount.

“What?” I slapped my hands over my mouth. But it was too late. The room had heard my exclamation and burst out laughing, including Corrinne.

It must’ve been a very substantial donation that came in between Friday evening and this morning. The value Corrinne announced put us where we would’ve been if Malcovich Savings and Loan hadn’t withdrawn its donation. I wanted to jump up and down and scream with joy.

Thank you, generous donor, whoever and wherever you are!

She gestured toward me. “It’s not surprising that our director of community outreach would be unaware of the gift that came in this morning. It’s from a consortium of donors that she’s unaware of. But I’ll let our consortium administrator and the president of the Peach Coast Library Board of Directors discuss the details. Ladies and gentlemen, Cecelia Holt.”

Cecelia laughed at the thunderous applause, cheers, and whistles. “Stop it, now. You make me feel like Yolanda Adams, standing up in here.” Her audience laughed when she compared their reaction to those of the award-winning gospel singer’s fans. With her attention on me, she continued. “As Corrinne explained, I’m the administrator of the Friends of Marvella Harris Donor Consortium.”

I caught my breath. My pulse pounded in my throat. Blood was rushing in my head. I looked to my parents, Mom on my left and Dad on my right. They looked proud, pleased, and...giddy. “Did you know?”

Mom’s smile was big and bright. “Yes, we’re so glad we were here for the announcement.”

Dad hugged me. “We’re thrilled for you, honey.”

Cecelia continued. “Since moving to our town five months ago, Marvey Harris has been a tireless advocate for our community. She’s proven herself to be a fiercely loyal and fearless friend.” Spence winked at me. Jo gave me a sweet smile. “And her caring and empathy for others have helped build bridges and heal wounds.” On the far side of the room, Betty and Bobby smiled at each other. I was happy for them.

“I can’t believe this.” Shaking my head, I wiped tears from my eyes.

Cecelia addressed me. “Marvey, everyone in this room is a Friend of Marvella Harris.”

There must have been more than two dozen people in the room. I was too overwhelmed to count: My parents, library colleagues, On A Roll regulars, book club members, June Bishop, Lonnie Norman, Brittany Wilson, and so many others.

“Everyone?” I called back, around.

Cecelia chuckled. “Yes, every last one.”

I pointed across the room at Jed. “You like me. You really like me.”

Bubbles of laughter circled the room. Jed waved both hands at me, but I noticed his reluctant smile.

“Speech! Speech! Speech!” The chants built in enthusiasm.

Mom and Dad pushed me toward the podium. I looked at the sea of friendly faces and warm smiles. My mind went blank. All I could think was that my job was secure and I could remain in this beautiful, friendly, quirky town that had stolen a piece of my heart.

“I don’t have the words to describe how grateful I am for your incredible gift. Thank you so much.” I spread my arms to encompass them all. “And I hope to see everyone at the library.”

The End

Anna May’s Southern Style Pralines

A Hallmark Original Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 12

Ingredients

2 cups light brown sugar, packed
2 cups sugar
1 cup half and half
3 cups pecan halves
4 tablespoons butter

Preparation

Combine brown sugar, white sugar and half and half in a heavy 2 quart saucepan and bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until mixture reaches 227 degrees or soft ball stage on the candy thermometer.
Add pecans and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Remove saucepan from heat and let cool for 2 minutes.
Using a tablespoon, spoon rounded balls of warm praline mixture onto a sheet of wax paper leaving about 3 inches between each ball (this will allow them to spread). Let cool.

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Murder Out Of Character. We hope you enjoyed it!