widow.”
“Don’t be like that. We’ve tried fixing you up, but you said you didn’t want it, you weren’t ready.”
“That’s true, I wasn’t. But things have changed, Isabel, and I’ve decided you guys were right—it’s time to move on. I spent the afternoon packing up Evan’s clothes, and I’m making room for new things in my life.”
“Then come tomorrow night. We’d all love to see you.”
Chapter 7
Emily showed up for the barbecue after having stopped at the store to pick up a dozen cupcakes as her contribution to the dinner. Everyone but Maggie and her date were already there when Emily came through the door. She could hear chatter coming from the kitchen, and she followed the voices to the rear of the house.
“Hey, Emily!” Camille exclaimed with delight, taking the box of cupcakes out of her hands. Emily put her arm around Camille’s shoulders and gave her a quick squeeze.
“Hi, Isabel,” Emily greeted, giving Isabel a hug as well.
“Maggie is on her way,” Isabel said, “but she’s coming solo. I guess her date flaked out on her, some lame excuse, she said. So we’ll need to cheer her up, I’m sure.”
“Where are the guys?” Emily asked.
“They’re out on the patio, talking and barbecuing,” Camille replied. “Oh, and there’s another guest. He’s out there with Alex and Jonathan.”
“Who is it?” Emily asked, peeking out the window to see the mystery guest.
Isabel and Camille looked at each other like they were up to some mischief. Not far from the window, she saw the back of a tall, well-built man with short dark hair. He must have felt the heat of her stare on him, because he turned and looked directly at her with his smoky hazel eyes.
She was embarrassed she’d been caught staring and stepped back from the window, but he was so handsome she had a hard time looking away.
“Who is that?” Emily asked.
“That’s the new police detective. Remember I mentioned him to you when you were here last,” Isabel said.
“Well, you said we were getting a new detective, but I don’t remember you saying he was young and good looking.”
Camille and Isabel looked at each other again and smiled.
“Oh yes I did. You just weren’t ready to hear it. His name is Colin Andrews and he’s just moved here from San Francisco,” Isabel reported.
“With that kind of experience, coming from a big crime-ridden city I mean, he should be able to handle anything that happens in quiet little Paradise Valley,” Camille noted.
“Did you know he was coming when I called you yesterday?” Emily asked Isabel.
“Yes, but I didn’t want to tell you. I was afraid you might not come if you thought we were trying to set you up again.”
“You’re probably right.”
The atrium door to the patio opened and Alex and Jonathan walked in, holding big platters of grilled meats, with Colin following behind them.
“Where would you like this meat, hon?” Jonathan asked his wife, Camille.
“Set it right down there on the island. I’ve got the sides laid out over here.”
“Looks delicious as usual, Red,” Jonathan said, setting his overflowing platter down. He came up behind Camille, put his arms around her waist, and gave her a quick kiss on her neck.
“Jonathan, not in front of the children,” Camille joked.
“How long before Maggie gets here?” Alex asked. “The meat is going to get cold.”
“Here, let me cover it with foil to keep it warm. If she’s not here in ten minutes, we’ll start without her, okay?” Isabel said.
“Besides, she eats like a bird anyway. I’m sure they’ll be plenty left for her if we start without her,” Jonathan pointed out.
“Oh, where are my manners?” Isabel asked. “Colin, you haven’t met our friend, Emily, yet.”
Colin stepped up and put out his hand. “Hello, Emily, I’m Colin Andrews.” His voice was strong, but his hand was gentle as he shook hers. When she felt a tingle go up her arm, she pulled her hand
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