Chocolate Chip Cookie Conundrum (Murder in the Mix Book 32) by Unknown (romantic love story reading txt) 📗

Noah steps over with a laugh in his throat. “That he’ll have to let me step in to procreate with Lottie more often?”

Mom laughs a little too loud at that one. “Noah, she could very well be yours. She looks so much like the two of you, it really can go either way. So when is the big paternity reveal?”

“Yeah,” Meghan says it with an edge. “If you ride this out until she’s eighteen, she’s going to need therapy.”

Mom’s expression grows serious. The three of us, Mom, Meghan, and I, share the same dark hair, same eyes, and same pensive stare when we’re all too serious, and right now we’re all wearing that same face.

“Essex,” Mom says my name like a reprimand. “Is Dr. Goldberg testifying on your behalf?”

“Yes,” I don’t hesitate with the answer.

Both my mother and sister are well aware of my troubles and the misery this next week is capable of bringing.

Meghan scoffs. “You got Dr. Goldberg to testify on your behalf? Wow, did you dig him out of his sarcophagus? The man was ancient when we were kids. I used to color in his waiting room.”

Mom lifts a hand dismissively. “It means nothing. You still color in your spare time, Meghan.”

“Mom,” my sister bites the word out. “Those are adult coloring books.”

“Adult?” Mom gives a long blink. “What exactly is it that you’re coloring? Never mind. Lyla Nell and I don’t want to know.” She takes the baby from my sister as a genuine smile comes to her. My mother looks satiated in every way just holding her granddaughter. “I’ve never been so glad to be a grandmother twice over.”

“More coffee?” Suze steps up with a red and white checkered apron, her nametag proudly displayed.

The four of us quickly decline.

“Well, look at that.” Suze stretches one of her infamous sarcastic smiles toward my mother. “The baby and her true grandmother.” She sighs. “Congratulations, Eliza. Better you than me.”

“Mom.” Noah’s voice is sharp but pleading. “Lyla Nell could very well be your granddaughter.”

Suze waves the idea off. “Noah, you’ll just have to stop clinging to the past. Lottie has made her choice, and once that baby is revealed to be Essex’s, it might finally force you to move on.” She glances over her shoulder. “Lily isn’t so serious about that wall of muscles she’s dating. I think you have a genuine shot. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have coffee to pour!” She takes off, far too giddy at the thought of Noah and Lemon finally coming to an end. I should be the giddy one, but I’m not. Heck, I almost feel sorry for the guy. Almost.

Mom wanders toward Miranda and the two of them begin to chitchat, but Meghan’s eyes grow wide as she looks from Noah to me.

“The two of you are never going to knock this off, are you?”

Noah shakes his head. “That’s what I like about you, Meghan. You have never been one to mix words. You’re still my favorite sister.”

“I’m your only sister.” She pulls Noah in close. “And I don’t want to see you get hurt.” She frowns my way as if it were all my fault. “So you’re really having a do-over on that cheesy talk show?”

Lemon let everyone know exactly that about twenty minutes ago since it was the first question on everyone’s mind.

“Yes,” I tell her. “Like Lemon mentioned, she’s doing it to help her mother. And I would do anything for her.”

“Ditto.” Noah rocks back on his heels.

Meghan chokes on a breath. “Fine, I’ll be there to support you both. But have you thought about this? One of you will be elated—but the other? You guys are both emotionally attached. And I don’t want to hear that I’m still going to be her dad stuff. That’s the kind of thing that looks good on paper. One of you will be boo-hooing in his beer at the end of the day.” She sighs my way. “And dude, the DA is anxious to slap some silver bracelets on you and haul you away. This week could be a double whammy of disasters for you. Exactly how many mirrors did you break to land yourself in these predicaments?”

I avert my eyes at that one. “I’d laugh if it were funny.” But it feels all too true.

“How about you, Noah?” Meghan isn’t done spreading the sunshine around. “You’ve basically lost the love of your life to this oaf, and what if the baby isn’t yours? Do you really want to process this on a stage in front of a live audience, not to mention all of Vermont?”

Carlotta howls with laughter from the other side of the room and momentarily steals our attention as we look to find her riding Mayor Nash’s back and spanking him as if spurring him on.

“Eh.” My sister shrugs. “I guess having two dads isn’t as bad comparatively, once you realize Carlotta is in the picture. Anyway, I’d better get going. I’ve got to get my beauty rest if I plan on being at that trial bright and early. I’m going to dash to that cute boutique down the street and see if I can’t pick up a little something to wear for the occasion. I hear that courthouse is flooded with handsome eligible men.” She looks up at me. “I’d ask you to introduce me to a couple of your friends, but I’m not interested in convicts just yet.” She gives my face a playful slap. “Don’t worry, big brother. I still believe in Santa, and I still believe in you.” She lands a kiss to my cheek. “Buckle up, boys. This is going to be a bumpy week.”

She takes off and I glower out the window a moment.

“When she’s right, she’s right,” I say.

Noah steps in front of me and corrupts my line of vision with that stony look on his face.

“I wouldn’t worry about the trial. You might be mentally playing devil’s advocate for the prosecution, but I’m