Tiffany felt a sense of family. She and J.D. were going to marry, her half-sisters and she were discovering each other, and her kids, finally, had settled down. Under J.D.’s influence, Stephen seemed to be trying to walk the straight and narrow and Christina was on cloud nine.

“Okay,” Bliss said, “let’s get out of here. I’ll buy you both a soda.”

“I think we deserve gin and tonics after this ordeal,” Katie teased as she peeled off her dress and handed it, along with the marked hem to Betty, the shop owner.

“Well, how about a glass of Chablis instead?”

“You’re on!”

They changed and walked outside where the afternoon sun was glistening overhead. The streets of Bittersweet were shaded on this edge of town, the traffic slow.

“I can’t believe that both of you are getting married,” Katie said with a sigh as they walked to Bliss’s Mustang convertible which was parked in the shade of a giant oak tree. The top was down and Bliss’s dog, Oscar, a golden mutt of about twenty pounds, gave out an excited yip and, at Bliss’s command, hopped into the back seat.

“You’ll be next,” Bliss predicted as she slid behind the wheel. Katie climbed into the back and petted the dog while Tiffany took her place in the passenger seat.

“No way. I’ve got too much to do before I get married.”

“Such as?” With a flick of her wrist Bliss turned on the ignition. The sporty car roared to life.

“Such as finding out the story behind Ray Dean and Isaac Wells.”

“Can’t you leave it to the police?” Tiffany asked as Bliss pulled out of the parking lot.

“And miss the scoop of a lifetime? No way.”

Wind breezed through their hair as they drove. Tiffany leaned back and smiled. Life was definitely improving.

“So, what’ve you learned about your newest tenant?” Katie asked.

“Luke? Not much. He keeps to himself.”

“I wonder why?”

“Why don’t you ask him?” Tiffany asked.

“I just might.” Katie laughed, the sound tinkling and light over the growl of the engine, and Tiffany smiled as her house came into view. In a grand gesture, as an early wedding gift, her father-in-law had given her the title to the house. He had refused payment from J.D. and was desperately trying to wheedle his son back into the Santini Brothers fold. But J.D. was determined to hang his shingle in Bittersweet.

“Mommy!” Christina flew out the front door as Bliss pulled into the drive. J.D. was on her heels. His limp had all but disappeared, and his eyes glittered mischievously. Oscar hopped out of the car and washed the little girl’s face with his long tongue. Christina giggled with delight.

As Tiffany climbed from her seat, J.D. held the door open for her. “Glad you’re home.”

“Are you? Gee, and I thought you loved baby-sitting,” she teased.

“I do.”