Page 224 of A Curse On Black Lake
“Wait, you’re not going to the clinic at least?” Wyatt asks.
Eliana snorts. “Nope, I know how to do this, and I trust Killian. I’m not worried.”
“You’re a brave man,” Wyatt says.
I snort. “Let’s hope I don’t pass out.”
“Big baby,” Eliana says, poking me.
“So, Wyatt, what are you up to?” she asks.
“Not much. We’re looking through cold cases at the moment. But I did get a call from the state police in Louisiana. They said they found a body on the other side of Black Lake, and it flagged a cold case we have here that’s still unsolved. Becausethe department solved the Rochester case, they asked me in for a consult.”
“Wow, that’s huge, Wyatt,” I tell him.
He shrugs. “It sounds like a weird one. I guess I’m that guy now. But I hope I can help.”
“I’m sure you will, you understand there are things at work that aren’t always what they seem,” Eliana says ominously.
His eyes narrow. “You always say the strangest things,” he says, and goes back to eating.
Eliana snorts.
I lift an eyebrow, wondering what she’s getting at, and she makes acome on you know whyface.
Ahh, the Spirits.
“Are you seeing anyone?” Eliana asks Wyatt.
“Nope. You know it’s not exactly easy to date in Black Lake.”
Eliana grins. “I guess I wouldn’t know. Killian kind of pushed his way in. I didn’t really have a choice,” she says.
“Hey, that’s not fair, you came to me,” I mumble.
“That’s not the same, and you know it,” she says.
We laugh and talk about the apothecary, how the cattle are doing and what our plans are when the baby comes. Eliana won’t be able to help me for a while, so I’m going to need help. I was hoping Wyatt could, but he won’t be here.
“There are a couple of guys at the fire station who can help. You don’t have to train them either. I heard them talking about being a ranch hand.”
“Yeah, I might go over there, see if they’re interested. I’m going to need help with the other animals too. Elianahadto have another cow.”
“He’s a highlander!Obviously,I needed him.”
I shake my head and reach for her hand. I’d give her the moon if she asked.
“Well, prepare yourself because I want these kids to have animals too.”
“Oh boy,” I mutter. She smiles wildly at me.
After dinner, Wyatt and I clean up the kitchen so Eliana can rest. We say our goodbyes, and I watch my cousin go down the gravel driveway.
“I told you it would be fine,” Eliana mutters, looking at the Christmas tree. She wanted a live one, so we had to go west to the next town over where they were selling them.
I drop down on the couch next to her and lay my head in her lap. Her fingers draw through my hair, and I turn so I’m facing her belly.
“I wanted to name you before you arrive, but your mama knows best, as she always does.”
