Double Fudge Brownie Murder (Hannah Swensen series Book 18) by Joanne Fluke Read Free Book Online Page A

she laughed, too. “It’s them,” she said, pointing to Doc and Delores. “We just haven’t seen each other for a long time.”
    “A very long time,” Ross said, smiling down at her. “Much too long to suit me. But we’re going to have time to catch up now. I’m in the suite right next to yours and I’m here for three days.”
    That was exactly how long she’d be there! Hannah felt the smile spreading across her face again. She really did want to reconnect with Ross. Perhaps nothing would come of it, but it was good to have friends.
    “Okay then.” The Elvis impersonator turned to go. “I’m goin’ inside. Y’all come in soon now.”
    “He’s not the minister, is he?” Delores asked just as soon as the man in the Elvis wig had left.
    Hannah had trouble keeping a straight face. She didn’t dare look at Ross. He’d heard Delores’s question, and if they made eye contact, Hannah knew she’d laugh out loud.
    “No,” Doc answered Delores. “He’s the videographer. We’re going to take a DVD back to Lake Eden with us and play it at our wedding reception.”
    “I don’t understand.” Delores glanced at Ross. “Why didn’t you ask Ross to do it? He’s a professional.”
    “Because Ross is a professional best man tonight and I don’t want anything to distract him from his duties. I’ve been waiting for years to marry you and nothing is going to stop me.”
    “Oh,” Delores sighed, snuggling closer to him. “That’s so romantic. Let’s go get married. And let’s ask them to play ‘Love Me Tender’ for our wedding song. It’ll go perfectly with our videographer’s wig. And then, right after we’re married, let’s hurry right back to the hotel and . . .”
    “Lori!” Doc warned.
    Delores gave the little giggle that delighted all three of her daughters. It made their mother sound as young as a teenager.
    “Don’t be silly, Doc.” Delores patted his arm. “I was just going to suggest that we all go out to dinner. I feel like caviar and some more of that wonderful champagne of yours.”
    “How about Cold Duck and anchovies?” Doc grinned down at her as he asked the question.
    “That’s fine with me.” Delores didn’t hesitate, not even for a second. “I don’t care what we have as long as I’m your wife when I eat and drink it.”

     
    Hannah’s legs trembled slightly as she walked down the aisle of the little chapel. This could be your wedding , her mind told her. You could be the bride and Ross could be your groom .
    “You’re okay with this, aren’t you?” Ross asked her quietly.
    “Oh, yes!” Hannah said, glad that he hadn’t guessed what was on her mind. “Mother and Doc are a perfect match.”
    When they parted ways at the altar, Hannah walked left to take her place next to her mother and Ross walked right, to take his place next to Doc. Michelle and Andrea came next, walking down the aisle together, and they took their places next to Hannah on their mother’s side.
    The moment they had all finished their short journey and taken their places, Mendelssohn morphed into vintage Presley and the strains of “Love Me Tender” filled the little chapel. Hannah exchanged glances with her sisters and all three of them began to shake with suppressed laughter. Then Ross gave an audible chuckle, Doc began to laugh, and Delores giggled.
    “Cut it out, everyone!” Delores hissed in an effort to silence them. “Just thank your lucky stars that Carrie isn’t here or we’d have to sing it!”
    That did it. Hannah, Michelle, and Andrea could no longer hold in their laughter. All three of them remembered the night that Delores and Carrie had won the karaoke contest in Anoka with their exceedingly unmusical rendition of “Bye, Bye Love”.
    Doc turned to the minister who was staring at them and looking confused. “It’s been a long day,” he explained. “And it’s going to get even longer. Let’s start.”
    The minister turned toward the photographer, who was