Page 104 of Proof

“Who else would I marry?” Chi-Chi wrapped her arms around her future sister-in-law. “He proposed two nights ago.” Chi-Chi stared at the 3k solitaire emerald-cut gem.

“Gee, maybe I should leave town more often.” Luna giggled. “That is absolutely gorgeous. I guess he’s doing quite well in his workshop,” Luna teased.

“Your brother can be a bit sneaky. He asked Abeo to find him the stone.” Chi-Chi was grinning from ear to ear. “I cannot believe he trusted him.” She laughed.

Luna put her hands on her hips. “That brother of mine has become quite the operator. It would appear as if Cullen is leading a double life. Chris asked him to find a 1959 Thunderbird that needs to be restored. It’s being delivered today. Huh. He’s been quite a busy beaver.” She hugged Chi-Chi again. “I am so happy for you. And for me!” She linked her arm through Chi-Chi’s. “Let’s go see what that rascal is up to.”

The two marched into the showroom and then to the back. “Aren’t you full of surprises?” Luna said, and elbowed Cullen.

“Well, hello to you, too!” He gave her a kiss on the head.

“What is with this head-kissing?”

“It’s the new ’do.” Cullen chuckled. “So?”

“So congratulations, you big oaf. Why didn’t you tell me?” Luna whined.

“Like you would be able to keep your mouth shut.”

Luna stuck out her tongue and gave him a raspberry sound as a response. She turned to Chi-Chi. “Have you picked a date?”

“We have not. We were waiting to tell you, because you and Ellie are going to plan the wedding for us.”

“A-ha!” Luna was giddy. “Does Ellie know?”

“That she is planning our wedding? No. We haven’t told her yet,” Chi-Chi replied.

“Well, let’s get crackin’.” Luna grabbed Chi-Chi’s arm and dragged her into the café. Luna immediately buzzed Ellie on her walkie-talkie. “Hi! I’m back! Lots to talk about. Can you come down?”

“Be right there.”

Within a few minutes, Ellie was briskly walking through the atrium. Ziggy, Marley, and Wylie bounded in from the patio. When Ellie saw the ring, she squealed, the dogs barked, and Luna yelled out a “Yippee!” It was a moment of wonderful chaos.

Once everything calmed down, the three women sat down at a table. “There’s so much to talk over. Where do we start?” Ellie said.

Luna took her cue. “I have all the information on the artists. They are thrilled to be part of your exhibit.”

“Wonderful. I spoke with a travel agent, and she will make all the arrangements for them. When we get a little closer, she’ll reach out and get their information.”

“This is so exciting!” Luna said. “All of it! An atrium exhibit and a wedding! We have a lot of work to do!”

Chi-Chi said she would like to have the wedding in the fall, outside in the gardens, and the reception in the atrium.

“Easy-peasy.” Luna nodded. “Got something hard for us to do?”

“Keep Jennine away from my brother!” Chi-Chi cackled.

* * *

Chris arrived at the softball camp around ten thirty. He introduced himself to the teenager, who was sitting at a table with a clipboard. “I’m Carter’s dad.”

“Wow! Are you really a U.S. Marshal?”

Chris smiled. “Yes, I am.” He pulled his jacket aside to show the boy the badge on his belt.

“Cool!” The kid stared at the gold shiny object.

Chris interrupted the kid’s gaze. “Do you know where Carter is?”