Real Murder (Lovers in Crime Mystery Book 2) by Lauren Carr Read Free Book Online

“They’re upset that we didn’t have a big celebration with bridesmaids and groomsmen and guests and the whole nine yards.”
    “Be serious.”
    “I am serious,” Joshua said. “J. J. and Tracy took it personally. Murphy and Sarah don’t care. But Tracy and J. J. feel like we shut them out of this new chapter that our family has transitioned into.”
    Cameron lifted her eyes to peer at him through her long eyelashes. “What did you tell them?”
    “That it was my decision,” he said. “We had all the big weddings and white gowns and parties and all that when we were young. Now we’re older and we didn’t need it, and I didn’t want to wait for all of them to arrange their schedules so that they could all be home at the same time to have a wedding. We wanted to get married and move on with our lives.”
    “You took the blame,” she said.
    Joshua grinned at her. “I’m a man, I can take it. That’s what husbands do.”
    Moving over to the side of the tub, she folded her arms across the top and rested her head on the crook of her arm. Her glare had been transformed into adoration. “And you do it very well.”
    “Of course,” he said in a husky voice, “I do expect certain privileges for blame taking.”
    “Well, big boy, why don’t you just slip out of those clothes and come on in and talk to me about what payment you want from me in exchange for doing your husbandly duty.”

Chapter Four
    As the doctor had predicted, Cameron was sound asleep before the sun set.
    Out of what had become habit, Joshua turned in with her. Unable to fall asleep so early, he read a deep and  intriguing mystery on an e-reader.
    Irving took his spot at the foot of the bed—on her side. Admiral was stretched out on the floor. The great dog used to sleep on Joshua’s side of the bed, but since Cameron had moved into their lives, he preferred sleeping next to her.  She had a softer touch for pettings.
    Joshua wasn’t quite certain when he had finally fallen asleep. He had rolled over and was holding Cameron’s body close to his when he woke up. She smelled like the vanilla bath oils she had put in her bath water. Her cinnamon colored locks were tickling his nose while he dreamed about them going away, alone, with no cat, no dog, no kids—the two of them—when—
    Donny banged on the bedroom door. “Dad, someone is here to see you.”
    “What?” Cameron’s arm came flying up. Her bony elbow collided with Joshua’s nose. “Where am I?”
    “Coming.” Holding onto his throbbing nose, Joshua  got twisted in the covers while reaching for his bathrobe and the edge of the bed.
    “Dad, are you up? Did you hear me?”
    “What’s happening?” She grabbed her head with both hands.
    “I’m here, honey.” He grabbed her hands and kissed her on the forehead. “Donny says someone is here. I have to go. I’ll be right downstairs.”
    “Josh?” She rolled over and reached for him.
    He turned to her. “Yes, dear?” He shrugged into his bathrobe and tied the belt.
    A soft smile came to her lips. “Can you bring me a cookie and glass of milk when you come back up?”
    Even though he was certain she would be asleep seconds after he left the room, he kissed her on the forehead. “Anything you want, darling.”
    He was not surprised to find Hunter Gardner waiting  for him in the living room. After apologizing for waking Joshua up, he explained, “I needed to wait for Mom to fall asleep before coming over here. She was really upset about all this coming back up again. Royce gave her a sedative.”
    Gesturing for Hunter to sit down on the sofa, Joshua  sat in the chair across from him. “I could see by looking at your face that you knew what case your father was working on. Why didn’t you want to say anything in front of your mother?”
    “She doesn’t think I know,” Hunter said. “Maybe that’s why she’s pretended all this time that she had no idea what you were talking about when you asked her before.