A Bridal Bouquet and a Body (A Heavenly Highland Inn Cozy Mystery Book 8) Read online

  “Vicky,” he said breathlessly into the phone. “I'm sorry I forgot to call, we'll be there in about ten minutes.”

  “Ten minutes?” Vicky gulped. “Okay, I'll check on dinner.”

  “Great,” Mitchell said with relief. “They haven’t eaten,” he confirmed before hanging up.

  Vicky didn't often hear Mitchell frazzled but she could tell that he was a little overwhelmed. She ducked quickly into the kitchen.

  “Henry, have you been able to throw something together for Mitchell's family?” she asked hopefully.

  “Of course,” Henry smiled as he lifted the lid off a pot roast. “All of the fixings,” he promised.

  “Henry, you're a lifesaver,” she said with a sigh.

  “Just remember that when I ask you for a raise,” he cocked an eyebrow. Vicky smiled sweetly. “Taste?” he offered.

  “I don't have time,” Vicky said. “I have to touch up my make-up and make sure that the lobby is straightened up, and oh no, what if they are expecting to use the pool?”

  “It's almost nine o'clock, I don't think they'll want to use the pool,” Henry laughed. “Relax Vicky, remember, wrinkles!”

  Vicky groaned and hurried into the lobby. She didn't have time to check her make-up, or straighten up the lobby, because she saw the flash of Mitchell's headlights as he pulled into the parking lot of the inn. Vicky could barely take a breath as her heart was racing so fast. She wasn't sure if she was going to be able to speak when she met them. She obviously knew about Mitchell’s family as he often spoke about them, but she had also grilled him about them over the past few days so she could know as much about them as possible. Mitchell’s parents were John and Mae-Ellen. His older sister was named Maisy, and his brother, Connor, was only a year younger than him.

  The group bustled into the lobby of the inn with more noise than Vicky had ever heard anyone enter a room. When John dropped the bags on the floor, they thumped and clattered. When Mae-Ellen adjusted her purse it jangled and she grunted beneath the weight of it. When Maisy stumbled across the threshold of the door she fell into her brother, Connor, who nearly lost his footing and grabbed hold of the tourist lobby stand to catch his balance. As a result more than half of the brochures fell off the shelf and fluttered to the ground.

  “Maisy, watch it!” Connor complained and dropped his suitcase on the floor as well.

  “I've got it,” Mitchell said as he caught a few of the brochures. Vicky walked around to the front of the desk and smiled as warmly as she could. The truth was, she was terrified. She had never met the family of any of her boyfriends before, her previous relationships had never been serious enough to reach that stage. Mitchell was much more than a boyfriend. She was going to spend the rest of her life with him.

  “Hi, I'm Vicky…” she started to say.

  “Oh, Vicky!” Mae-Ellen cried out and lunged towards her. Unfortunately, her foot got caught in the strap of one of the suitcases that had been tossed onto the floor. She nearly tackled Vicky. Luckily Vicky was strong enough to hold them both up. “Look at me, I'm such a fool, I'm so sorry,” Mae-Ellen said as she straightened up. She smoothed down the skirt of her simple, blue flowered dress. Vicky found herself adoring the woman in that moment.

  “Don't worry,” Vicky assured her. “I'm just so happy to meet you.”

  “And we're happy to meet you, young lady,” Mitchell's father said as he took his wife's arm and helped her get her footing. “Mitchell has told us so much about you.”

  “Oh, that's nice to hear,” Vicky said warmly. “I've heard a lot about all of you as well.”

  “I bet,” Connor said with a small smile.

  “All good things,” Vicky promised him.

  “Now, that I don't believe,” John chuckled.

  “It's true, Dad,” Mitchell said and smiled. “I didn't want to scare her off with the real stories.”

  The entire group laughed, including Vicky. She was feeling even more relaxed.

  “Are you hungry?” Vicky asked as she looked between John and Mae-Ellen.

  “Oh honey, I'm hungry enough to even eat something that Mitchell’s cooked!” Mae-Ellen announced.

  “Ha ha,” Mitchell said but he had a serious expression.

  Mae-Ellen smiled as she looked at her son. “Well, I guess I’m not really that hungry,” she laughed.

  “Mom, don't tease, Mitchy,” Maisy said as she stepped up beside her mother. “You know he takes everything too seriously.”

  “I do not,” Mitchell responded defensively.

  “Mitchy, calm down,” Connor instructed him with a roll of his eyes.

  “Watch it, Connor,” Mitchell warned.

  “Boys,” John snapped. “Enough! There are ladies present.”

  Vicky stared at the gathering of Slates with a mixture of shock and affection. For some unknown reason she expected them to be prim and proper but instead they were a warm, relaxed family.

  “Let's eat,” she suggested, hoping to ease the tension that was building between the siblings.

  “Yes, let's,” Mae-Ellen agreed. “Hungry Slates are angry Slates.”

  As they walked towards the restaurant, Mitchell lingered back to walk beside Vicky. He looked into her eyes with a shy grin. “Sorry about that.”

  “Don't worry about it, Mitchy,” Vicky said with a wicked smile.

  “Don't even,” Mitchell warned sharply.

  “Mitchell, don't take things so seriously,” Vicky said with a laugh and darted off ahead of him before he could get his arms around her. As they gathered in the restaurant, Vicky was pleased to see that Henry had pushed two tables together to accommodate the entire family. He really went out of his way to make sure that Vicky would have a good first dinner with her future in-laws.

  “Oh, well that smells delicious!” Mae-Ellen said happily as she settled into one of the chairs. The scent of the pot roast was already drifting into the room. “Really, Vicky you didn't have to go to so much trouble.”

  “Actually the inn’s chef, Henry, prepared dinner,” Vicky said graciously as Henry brought out a tray and placed it on the table.

  “A chef?” Mae-Ellen asked as she looked over Henry. “Don't you cook, Vicky?” she looked directly at Vicky. Vicky glanced guiltily over the beautiful meal that Henry had prepared. There was the pot roast with carrots and potatoes. He had also prepared fresh rolls, home-churned butter, and even a mixture of summer squash.

  “I do,” Vicky stumbled out. “I mean not very well,” she added as she glanced over at Mitchell for help.

  “Vicky cooks lovely meals,” Mitchell said smoothly. “But with so much to plan for the wedding, I hardly think she'd have time to cook anything.”

  “Good point,” Maisy nodded. “Speaking of the wedding, do you need any help with the decorations?” Maisy asked with a wide smile. “I’d love to help.”

  “Oh, thank you, that's wonderful, Maisy,” Vicky said. “I'll let you know if we do. I think right now we have everything under control. My sister, Sarah, and I finished the centerpieces earlier today.”

  “That's right, your sister,” Mae-Ellen grinned. “She's the one with two little boys, right?”

  “Yes,” Vicky smiled proudly. “She’s bringing them over later.”

  “Look at that Mitchy, you've got a good chance of getting a little boy out of this one,” Mae-Ellen said happily. Vicky felt her face drain of warmth. She tried to force a smile on her lips.

  “Mom, you know we talked about this,” Mitchell said impatiently.

  “Oh, I know, I know. Trust me, many a young woman thinks she’d rather not have kids, but once that clock starts ticking,” she clucked her tongue in the rhythm of a clock.

  Vicky stared down at her food. She had to hold her tongue. She didn't want to upset Mae-Ellen.

  “Mom,” Mitchell said sternly. “You've got to back off about grandkids. It will happen if and when it happens.”

  “I know,” Mae-Ellen sighed and waved her hand dramatically. “But these two are
taking forever to find anyone,” she glanced at Maisy and Connor who both looked away awkwardly. “So, for now, you're just going to have to be my only hope, Mitchell.”

  Vicky squirmed in her seat. She noticed that Connor was picking edgily at his pot roast. He muttered something to John, who nodded with a sly smirk.

  “Is the food okay?” Vicky asked nervously.

  “We're just used to eating things a little rarer,” John explained.

  “If it doesn't bleed, it's not what we need,” Connor joked.

  “Oh,” Vicky's eyes widened. “Well, I can have Henry fix something else.”

  “Please no, that man has done enough,” Mae-Ellen said. “It must be after hours for him.”

  “He doesn't mind,” Vicky tried to assure them.

  “Of course he wouldn't tell you if he did,” Maisy pointed out. “You being the boss and all.”

  “Well, that's not exactly how we run things around here,” Vicky explained quickly. “We're more of a family.”

  “Sure,” Maisy nodded and took a bite of the potatoes. She smiled politely as she swallowed it, but Vicky noticed that she didn't take another bite.

  “I can't wait to have some desert,” John said as he slapped his rounded belly lightly. “I know that will hit the spot.”

  Vicky froze. She hadn't thought to ask Henry to prepare a desert. Her heart began to race.

  “Oh well, I'm sure we have some ice cream, or something,” she said with defeat.

  “Don't go to any trouble now,” Mae-Ellen said and cast a look in Maisy's direction. Maisy pursed her lips and looked across the table at Connor. Connor pushed his plate back, still nearly full.

  “I wasn't that hungry anyway,” he said with a shrug.

  Vicky stood up and rushed into the kitchen. With Henry’s help she threw together some bowls of ice cream and gathered as many toppings as she could. As soon as she returned to the restaurant, the entire family cheered. They all seemed to be quite pleased with the selection. Vicky wanted to feel relieved, but she didn't. She was sure that she had made a very poor first impression. Once everyone had their fill of ice cream and Vicky had cleaned up, Mitchell met her in the kitchen.

  “How are you doing?” he asked as he slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him.

  “Not great,” Vicky admitted and looked up into his eyes.

  “Why not?” he asked with concern. “Aren't you excited about the wedding?”

  “I am, but I don't think your family is,” Vicky frowned.

  “I think you're over thinking things,” Mitchell said in a practical tone. “I warned you about my family, they're a little off center, but they grow on you.”

  “I'm not worried about liking them, I'm worried about them liking me,” Vicky pointed out. “Do you think they like me?” Vicky asked with a grimace.

  “Of course they do,” Mitchell assured her. “I haven't seen my mother smile that wide in years.”

  “Sure, because she was laughing at me,” Vicky pointed out. “No one liked the food, and there wasn't any desert.”

  “Vicky, you need to stop worrying so much. I adore you, my family will adore you. So, just relax, sweetheart,” he looked into her eyes intently. “We're all going to be family soon, Vicky. I know that everyone is looking forward to that. Aren't you?”

  “Yes,” Vicky agreed eagerly. After spending the evening with Mitchell's family, she was getting fond of the idea of being part of a large, and loud family. “I just don't think I'm what your mother would have expected.”

  “I hope not,” Mitchell said with a chuckle. “My mother married me off when I was five to the neighbor's kid. Now, she's a champion monster truck driver and every time she sees me she wants to arm wrestle.”

  “Oh,” Vicky tried not to laugh, but she couldn't help it, the laughter spilled out.

  “See?” Mitchell said as he held her tighter. “You're perfect for me, Vicky, nothing is ever going to change that,” he kissed her firmly.

  Vicky melted into his kiss. Her heart fluttered with the anticipation of becoming his wife.

  “You better get home and get some rest,” Vicky suggested. “Otherwise you're going to be too tired to enjoy your own bachelor party.”

  “Good point,” Mitchell smiled and kissed her once more. “I'll see you in the morning.”

  “Good night,” Vicky smiled at him as he stepped out of the kitchen and back towards the lobby. Vicky finished the last of the cleanup and then made her way into the lobby. Just as she was stepping into it, Sarah and her two sons burst through the front door. Sarah looked exhausted as she tried to herd the boys. Rory, who was three years old, was as energetic as ever. Ethan was six, and curious about everything, which meant of course that he had to touch everything in sight.

  “Aunt Vicky!” they shouted at once as they spotted her. They both ran towards her. Vicky opened her arms to the boys and gave them both a tight hug.

  “I'm so glad to see you both,” she said happily. “Who wants to have a camp out in my living room?” she suggested.

  “That sounds like a great idea,” Sarah said.

  Vicky unlocked the door to her apartment which was one side of the ground floor of the inn. Rory and Ethan burst past her to explore.

  “Did you meet Mitchell’s family?” Sarah asked as she stepped inside after her boys.

  “Yes, we had dinner together,” Vicky sighed. “They seem nice and a bit crazy. But I don’t think I made a very good first impression.”

  “Oh, sweetie,” Sarah said sympathetically. “I’m sure they loved you, but it doesn’t even matter what they think, it matters what you and Mitchell feel for each other.”

  “Thanks,” Vicky said as she gave her sister a light hug. It was exactly what Vicky needed to hear.

  “Where's Aunt Ida?” Sarah asked as Vicky released her. As if on cue they heard the roar of a motorcycle outside the inn.

  “Aha, she must have been out with Rex,” Sarah giggled. “They're so cute together.”

  “Don't tell her that,” Vicky warned. “She'll lecture you for hours about what is cute, and what is a mature sensual relationship.”

  “Oh no, thanks for the warning,” Sarah laughed. Rex was a tall and burly biker who Ida had met and fallen hard for, though she didn't like to admit it. She now had her own motorcycle as well, but preferred to ride with Rex when she could. Vicky had warmed to Rex’s relaxed attitude and she trusted him to keep her aunt safe, and even a little grounded.

  “Hello, hello, I'm here,” Ida said as she hurried through the door. “Sorry I'm late, things got a little hot and heavy,” she winked. “If you know what I mean,” she winked again.

  “Yes, Aunt Ida,” Vicky said. Sarah rolled her eyes.

  “We know exactly what you mean,” Sarah assured her. “No need to give us the details.”

  “Let's make a pillow fort!” Vicky announced to the boys.

  “I'll make some popcorn,” Sarah offered and slipped away to the kitchen.

  “I'll change into my jammies,” Ida said.

  The boys began racing around the apartment collecting pillows and piling them up. Soon the pillows had turned into a mountain in the middle of Vicky's living room floor. She giggled as she watched her nephews struggling to climb to the top.

  “Hey, be careful!” Sarah chastised as she walked in with a large bowl of popcorn.

  “They're doing great,” Vicky laughed as she watched them climb.

  “I'm telling you they must get that daredevil quality from their father,” Sarah said as she shook her head.

  “I don't think so,” Vicky began to say. Before she could finish, they heard a wild shriek from the bedroom door. A split second later Ida launched herself onto the pile of pillows. She caught both boys in her arms and snuggled them close. They squealed as she covered their cheeks with kisses.

  “You're right,” Sarah grinned as she put the bowl down. “They take after their Great Aunt Ida.”

  “Ugh, great aunt?” Ida mumbled as
she was struck by a flying pillow. “How about Fantastic Aunt Ida?”

  The evening was perfect, and Vicky found herself feeling immensely grateful for the people in her life and the man she was about to marry. As she fell asleep that night, she forgot all about the disastrous dinner and instead felt the sweet anticipation of what was to come.

  Chapter Three

  Vicky's alarm went off early the next morning. She hurried to turn it off so that the boys wouldn't be woken up. She crept her way past Aunt Ida who was snoring on the couch. Rory and Ethan were curled up in their pile of pillows. She paused a moment as she wondered where Sarah was. Then she smelled the coffee brewing in the kitchen. Vicky smiled to herself. Sarah never missed a beat, and was always up and ready to go long before Vicky was.

  “Here you go, bride-to-be,” Sarah said as Vicky stepped into the kitchen. “We have a lot to do today,” Sarah reminded her. “You're going to need plenty of fuel.”

  “I have to see Mitchell off first,” Vicky said as she sipped the coffee. “Thank you for this,” she added.

  “Thank you for last night,” Sarah said. “I haven't seen the boys have that much fun in a long time.”

  “I haven't had that much fun in a long time either,” Vicky laughed. “Try and get a little you time in this morning before they wake up, hmm?”

  “Oh no, no, my darling baby sister. This weekend is all about Vicky-time. So hurry up and send your man off to his wild bachelor party,” she grinned.

  “Some wild party,” Vicky said with a roll of her eyes and a laugh. The group of men were spending the night camping and fishing at a beautiful spot by a river a couple of hours drive away. It was not exactly a traditional bachelor party, but Mitchell had very little interest in strippers. As Vicky stepped out into the lobby she noticed that Mitchell was already there, along with his father and brother.