Morning Cup of Murder (26 page)

“Is this about your grandma?” he asked.

She removed the paper bag and laughed bitterly. “It should be,” she said thickly. “You would think that after learning my grandma isn’t my grandma and that my actual grandmother is dead would have some effect on me, but it hasn’t. I’m happy Grandma is home, and I’m happy she’s dating Mr. Middleton now.”

“Then what is it?” he asked. His fingers trailed softly up and down her arm.

“My sister is getting married,” she choked.

“Oh,” he said, still clearly confused.

“This is so humiliating,” she said. She hunched forward and put her head in her hands again.

He rested his palm on her back. “Lacy, lots of little sisters get married first. You’re only twenty-five. There’s nothing embarrassing about that.”

“You don’t understand,” she said.

“Then explain it to me.”

She looked up at him, trying to think of a way to explain without feeling like a fool and a failure when their eyes caught and held. The atmosphere crackled with electricity. Lacy sat on her knees, scooting closer. Jason froze and watched her as she cupped his face between her palms and drew him closer.

“You said no kissing,” he reminded her.

“I said a lot of stuff,” she whispered. “It’s time to stop listening and start doing.”

“Done and done,” he said, and then he kissed her.

*Although this book is a work of fiction, Lacy’s favorite prune cake is all too real and just so happens to be one of my favorites, too. In order not to infringe on copyright restrictions, I couldn’t print the recipe. But if you are interested, the recipe I use is from Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman. I urge you to check out her blog and cookbook, both of which are amazing. And so is the prune cake--rich, moist, spicy, and topped with caramel. Even if you don’t like prunes, this cake is a winner!