Wedlock Cake Murder (A Maple Hills Cozy Mystery Book 12) Read online

  Wedlock Cake Murder

  A Maple Hills Cozy Mystery #12

  Wendy Meadows

  Copyright © 2019 by Wendy Meadows

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

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  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Thanks for Reading

  About Wendy

  More from Wendy!

  Chapter One

  The cool air blew through the trees and sent the colorful leaves spinning toward the ground. One leaf blew around and landed on a shop window. Inside the shop, Nikki and her friends were busy planning her wedding. Nikki’s wedding was only a week away, and she was tying up loose ends and designing her cake.

  “Are you sure you want to design your own cake?” Lidia asked. One of Nikki’s best friends, Lidia was older than Nikki and worked at the chocolate shop.

  Nikki smiled. “Absolutely,” she replied. Nikki owned the chocolate shop. She had moved to Maple Hills with her son, Seth, after her husband walked out on her. Her husband had reappeared but was now in custody in another town. Nikki was excited to be marrying her beau, Hawk. Hawk was a local detective whom Nikki helped occasionally. They had solved a few mysteries together and had grown closer and eventually fell in love. Hawk asked Nikki to marry him a few months ago. Nikki gave him an enthusiastic yes, and they agreed that they did not need a long engagement. Nikki also did not want a big wedding. Lidia would be her maid of honor, and Seth was the best man. A handful of guests were invited to the wedding, but Seth had convinced Nikki to have a larger reception afterward. Seth and his girlfriend, Tori, offered to help with the catering and music.

  “All you have to do is show up,” Seth told Nikki. Nikki agreed to the reception but had insisted on designing and baking the cake.

  “I am an award-winning chocolatier, after all.” Nikki smiled at Lidia, Seth, and Tori, and they laughed. Nikki had won an exclusive chocolate-making contest the year before, and people in the town would not let her live it down. Nikki had wanted to put the trophy in her attic, but Seth insisted she display it in the store. They compromised, and the award was now behind the counter. Nikki looked at her drawing. It would be a difficult cake to pull off, but Nikki knew she could do it.

  “Your drawings look amazing,” Tori exclaimed. She also worked at the chocolate shop with Nikki. Seth had also once worked there, but he was now on the police force. Hawk’s father, Chief Daily, hired him.

  “Thank you, Tori,” Nikki replied. She drew a semicircle on the page and was about to show them another idea when the front door of the store opened.

  “Hey, Hawk,” Seth said and stepped between Hawk and the table. Nikki quickly put away her designs and got up. She walked around the table and gave Hawk a hug and kiss. Hawk was tall and handsome, his rugged looks and great personality had easily won Nikki over. He hugged Nikki and said hello to the gang.

  “What are you hiding from me?” Hawk asked.

  “Nothing, why?” Nikki replied, trying to hide a smile.

  “You know you can’t keep things from me,” Hawk said. “I am a detective, after all.”

  Nikki laughed. “It’s a surprise for the wedding, silly,” she said, squeezing Hawk’s arm. “Don’t try to figure it out.”

  “Okay,” Hawk agreed. They sat down at a small table and Lidia brought them some hot chocolate.

  “So, what kind of new creations are you making?” Hawk asked Nikki. Nikki enjoyed making seasonal candies along with her regular offerings.

  “I am making maple walnut leaves in different colors for the fall,” Nikki said. “Would you like to try one?”

  “Sure,” Hawk replied. Nikki got up and went to the kitchen in the back of the store. She took out a tray of candies from the refrigerator and pulled a couple off the tray. She put them on a plate and carried them back to Hawk. She sat down as Hawk tried the maple leaf candies.

  “Wow, these are delicious,” Hawk said.

  “Thank you,” Nikki replied. The door opened again, and a customer walked in. Lidia took care of him while Nikki and Hawk talked.

  “Are you ready for the big day?” Nikki asked Hawk.

  “Yep,” Hawk said. “Are you?”

  “Nope,” Nikki teased. Hawk laughed. They had agreed on a simple wedding in the park. The mayor would marry them, and Captain Daily would walk Nikki down the aisle. Nikki would carry a simple bouquet that the florist was creating for her, and Hawk would have a boutonniere for his lapel. Those were the only flowers for the wedding. There would be no candles, just minimal decorations. Nikki was glad she and Hawk had agreed on the wedding plans. Nikki smiled as Hawk sipped his hot chocolate. She was happy and excited about the wedding. Because the plans were minimal, it was a more relaxing preparation. Nikki had helped plan a few weddings while she lived in Maple Hills, and she knew what she wanted and did not want. Some weddings had been elaborate, and some were simple. The brides in the simple weddings seemed more relaxed to Nikki, so she went that route.

  “What are you thinking about?” Hawk asked Nikki.

  “I was remembering some weddings I helped plan and provided chocolates for,” Nikki replied. “Remember the mayor’s daughter’s wedding?”

  “How can I forget?” Hawk replied. “Aside from the dead body at the reception, it was lovely.” Nikki scowled at Hawk and then laughed. She had helped Hawk solve that mystery, and it had turned her off of elaborate weddings. The mayor had insisted on marrying Hawk and Nikki when he found out they were engaged. He appreciated all of their help with the investigation. He had also offered his mansion as a stage for the wedding or the reception. Nikki thanked him and took him up on his offer for the reception. The mayor was happy, and that meant the chief and Hawk would be happy, which meant Nikki was happy.

  “Have Seth and Tori got the catering figured out?” Hawk asked. “If not, I can probably help them.”

  “Did I hear my name?” Seth asked. He had been behind the counter helping Tori. It was his day off and he enjoyed spending time at the chocolate shop, especially when Tori was there. Seth walked over to the table and joined Hawk and Nikki. A couple more customers walked in, and Lidia took care of them.

  “Hawk wants to know if you need help with the catering,” Nikki told Seth.

  “We have it covered, but thank you,” Seth replied.

  “Okay. Just let me know if you need anything,” Hawk said. Seth thanked him and then got up and went back to the counter to assist Tori.

  “Would you like to take a walk in the park?” Hawk asked Nikki. Nikki looked around. The customers were taken care of, and she wanted to stret
ch her legs. Besides, she always enjoyed spending time with Hawk.

  “Sure,” Nikki replied. After telling the crew where she was going, she grabbed her jacket. Hawk helped her put it on and they walked outside into the brisk air. They crossed the street and walked along a path in the park. There weren’t too many people there that afternoon.

  “I hope it’s a little warmer next week,” Nikki said, cuddling close to Hawk as the air whipped through the park.

  “It’s supposed to be beautiful,” Hawk said reassuringly. “Besides, it doesn’t matter what the weather is like. I just want to be with you.” He leaned down and kissed Nikki. They continued walking through the park. The leaves had turned brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow. The wind had stopped for a moment, and Nikki reached down and picked up a yellow maple leaf. The leaf was perfect, and Nikki smiled. She twirled it around and watched it fall back to the ground.

  “I should decorate my shop with these leaves,” Nikki said.

  “Great idea,” Hawk said. Nikki made a mental note to come back out later with a bag to gather some leaves. After a little while she and Hawk turned back to the store. Nikki was about to walk across the street when Hawk stopped her.

  “Have I told you lately how beautiful you are?” Hawk asked as he pulled Nikki close.

  Nikki smiled. Hawk kissed her deeply, taking her breath away. She held Hawk close for a moment and then broke away.

  “I have to get back to the shop,” Nikki said, smiling.

  “You could just call off of work. You are the owner, after all,” Hawk said. Nikki laughed.

  “I need to keep working on the wedding plans,” Nikki said. Hawk smiled and walked her across the street. Nikki gave him a quick kiss and walked into the shop. There were a few new customers, and Nikki pulled off her jacket and helped them out. After the customers left, Nikki pulled out her cake plans.

  “Now, here is what I was thinking for the top,” Nikki said and started sketching again while Lidia, Tori, and Seth looked on. Lidia oohed and aahed while Seth smiled.

  “Are you sure you’ll be able to get that done in time?” Lidia asked.

  “Positive,” Nikki replied. “Hawk surprised me with the engagement. The least I can do is surprise him with this cake.”

  Lidia, Tori, and Seth looked on as Nikki drew out the final plans for the most intricate cake she’d ever made. Nikki knew she could create the cake in time for the wedding, she just needed to make sure her design was perfect. Just as she finished sketching, another customer walked in. Nikki put aside her sketch pad and helped the customer. Afterward, Tori and Seth went to lunch, and Nikki and Lidia took care of the chocolate shop.

  Chapter Two

  That evening, Hawk stopped by as Nikki was getting ready to close the shop. Seth and Tori had gone to a movie, and Nikki had allowed Lidia to leave early. There was one customer in the shop when Hawk arrived, and Nikki was helping her pick out some chocolates.

  “I love cream-filled chocolates,” the woman told Nikki. “Do you have any of those?”

  “Yes, we have a nice selection of those,” Nikki replied. “I have raspberry cream, lemon cream, and cherry cream.”

  “Those all sound delicious. Can I have half a pound of them mixed?” the woman asked Nikki.

  “Of course,” Nikki said. She picked out the chocolates and put them in a box. Nikki rang up the customer and bagged the box for her.

  “Thank you,” the customer said. “I live in the next town over. My friends told me I had to try out your award-winning chocolates. They look delicious.”

  Nikki thanked the customer. The woman smiled at Hawk as she left.

  “Your reputation is growing,” Hawk said. “You might have to put that award in a more prominent position.” Nikki took her apron off and threw it at Hawk. He caught it and laughed.

  “I thought we could head over to the diner for a bite to eat,” Hawk said. “Seth told me he was taking Tori to the movies, so I knew you would be by yourself for dinner.”

  “Sure, just help me clean up,” Nikki said. Hawk helped Nikki put away the chocolates and wipe down the counter and the tables. Nikki cleaned up the hot chocolate machine. While she counted her register, Hawk mopped the floor. Nikki thanked him.

  “I have to drop this deposit off at the bank and then we can eat,” Nikki said. “It’s nice to have my own security detail,” she joked, and Hawk laughed as he turned off the lights. It was already getting dark and Nikki was happy to have Hawk along. They walked to the bank where Nikki dropped off her deposit in the nighttime deposit chute. Hawk took her hand, and they strolled to the diner. The owner of the diner waved them to a booth, and they sat down. Their waitress appeared and took their order. She returned shortly with steaming hot coffees.

  “Your food will be ready in a few minutes,” she told Nikki and Hawk. Hawk thanked her and Nikki sipped her coffee.

  “Is your tuxedo ready?” Nikki asked Hawk. Nikki had told Hawk that he could just wear a suit, but Hawk had insisted on wearing a tuxedo.

  “It’s hanging at my house, pressed and ready to go,” Hawk said.

  “And you coordinated the chairs at the gazebo?” Nikki asked.

  “Yep. We will set them up first thing that morning,” Hawk replied.

  “That sounds great,” Nikki said. It had been Hawk’s idea to have the wedding in the park, and Nikki was glad she had agreed. The foliage made a beautiful backdrop to the gazebo.

  “Just remember, as long as we are happy, nothing else matters,” Nikki said. Honestly, Nikki would have been happy with a justice of the peace wedding, but Seth and Hawk had talked her out of that. Nikki realized it didn’t matter where they were getting married. All that mattered was that they were happy. Hawk agreed.

  “If you wanted to, I would get married right now in this diner,” Hawk said.

  Nikki laughed. “I don’t think I’m dressed appropriately,” Nikki said, looking down at her jeans and sweater.

  “You look beautiful no matter what you wear,” Hawk told her. Nikki leaned on his shoulder and Hawk put his arm around her.

  Just then the food arrived. While Nikki and Hawk ate, they discussed the wedding more.

  “Has Seth told you anything about the reception?” Nikki asked Hawk.

  “Not a thing. They want to surprise us. All I know is that we have to show up at the mayor’s house after the wedding,” Hawk replied. Nikki sighed with contentment. She was glad Seth and Hawk got along so well. Hawk had taken Seth under his wing and had gotten him a job at the police department. Seth had passed the academy with flying colors and was now a rookie cop. Nikki was proud of him. She was also glad that he and Tori had taken over the reception. Nikki had just wanted a simple wedding, but Seth had insisted that other people would want to be included in the celebration. They compromised with a reception that Seth and Tori were planning. Lidia was assisting them, and that made Nikki happy.

  Nikki turned to Hawk. “There is time to elope, you know,” she said with a grin.

  “Seth would shoot me,” Hawk said, and they both laughed.

  “Lidia would have my head on a plate,” Nikki said. Hawk agreed, and they laughed again.

  “It was very nice of the chief to offer to walk me down the aisle,” Nikki said.

  “He insisted,” Hawk replied.

  “I don’t have any immediate family other than Seth, so I am glad for the family I have here,” Nikki said. “It made picking out my maid of honor a piece of cake.” Nikki smiled, remembering how excited Lidia was. Nikki was concerned that Tori would feel left out, but Tori said she would be busy with the reception, so everything was okay. It thrilled Nikki.

  “Yep. Seth was happy to be my best man,” Hawk replied. “I think some guys at the station are helping Tori and him with the reception.”

  “I just hope they let Tori do the decorating,” Nikki laughed.

  “They will,” Hawk said, grinning. They both sat quietly for a moment.

  “This is really happening, isn’t it?” Nikk
i said.

  “Yes ma’am,” Hawk replied. He kissed Nikki and they finished their coffee. The waitress brought them two pieces of apple pie for dessert.

  “Oh, we didn’t order dessert,” Nikki said.

  “I was told to give it to the lovebirds,” the waitress replied, smirking a little.

  “Who told you that?” Hawk asked, looking around the diner.

  “The gentleman at the table over there,” the waitress pointed. Nikki and Hawk turned around. It was the chief.

  “Hey, Dad, you should have joined us,” Hawk called over to him. The chief rose from his chair and walked over.

  “I already ate,” the chief replied. “You two just enjoy your pie.” He waved goodbye, and Hawk and Nikki dug into the sweet dessert. Hawk paid the bill after they finished. Hawk walked Nikki back to the chocolate shop.

  “I would ask you to come over tonight, but I have some candies to make,” Nikki said.

  “That’s okay. I have some paperwork to do. If I don’t get it done tonight, I will hear about it tomorrow,” Hawk replied, rolling his eyes.

  Nikki knew that paperwork was one of Hawk’s least favorite things. He would do anything if he could get out of doing paperwork. Nikki knew this report must be a week old if the chief was on Hawk’s back.

  “You need to get that done,” Nikki said. “I’ll be fine here by myself. I’ll call you if I need you.”

  “Okay,” Hawk agreed. “And call me when you get home.”

  “I will,” Nikki promised. Hawk kissed her goodbye and Nikki let herself into the shop. She picked up her sketch pad and went into the kitchen. Nikki scanned her shelves and made a list of things she would need to buy for the cake. She paper-clipped that to the sketch pad and then went to work on making more chocolates for the shop. She made more maple leaves, some raspberry truffles, and some chocolate-covered crackers. Nikki could have kept going, but there was no more room in her refrigerator. She cleaned up the kitchen and grabbed her sketch pad.