Page 42 of Beau
“She’s doing great,” Ben said with a smile. “She’s been working with her grandmother on natural remedies. She’s learned a lot and has opened up a shop in town. It’s been a pretty cool tourist attraction. The shop carries homemade candles, incense, voodoo dolls and the natural remedies that her grandmother has shown her how to make out of plants and herbs you can find in the bayou. It’s pretty popular with the tourists and with the locals. So popular, she’s making decent money—and it keeps her too busy to meddle with casting spells.” He frowned. “At least, I think it does.”
“Sounds great,” Beau said. “I’m glad she’s making a name for herself and found her calling.”
“She’s about to get even busier.” Ben’s grin widened. “We’re expecting a baby.”
Beau pulled his cousin in for another hug, clapping him on the back. “That’s great news. I can’t believe you’re going to be a father.”
Ben blinked. “I know. I’m still trying to get used to the idea.”
“If you have a boy, will you let him run wild in the bayou like we did?” Beau asked.
Ben’s eyes widened. “Actually, I’m a bit terrified. What if he turns out to be just like me? I won’t be able to hold him back.”
Beau laughed. “That is something to be terrified about. We did get into a lot of trouble. I’m surprised we lived through our teen years.”
“Exactly.” Ben frowned. “I barely lived through childhood. How can I keep a mini-me alive to adulthood?”
“I’m sure you’ll do great as a father,” Beau said. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks. I hope you’re right.” Ben looked from Beau to Aurelie. “Did you come to Bayou Miste just to visit me, or can I help you with something?”
Beau’s smile faded. “I don’t know if you heard the news, but Aurelie’s place was broken into last night.”
Ben’s eyebrows rose. “I hadn’t heard that. I’m sorry.” He stared at Aurelie. “Are you all right?”
Aurelie nodded. “I wasn’t there at the time.”
“We were at the masquerade ball at Gautreaux Château,” Beau said. “Her father, Senator Anderson, is running for reelection. They were having a fundraiser at the château. Aurelie was attacked on the bayou boardwalk outside the château.”
“Holy shit,” Ben exclaimed. “What the hell?”
Beau continued, “She’s had several death threats over the last few days. So, she’s kind of hanging with me until they figure out who’s behind them. She won’t be staying at her place until they determine who’s responsible.”
“Wow,” Ben said. “I’m sorry to hear that. I hope they figure it out quickly. What can I do for you in the meantime?”
Aurelie glanced toward Beau.
He held out his hand. She placed hers in his.
“If you could keep an eye on her place every once in a while, that would help,” Beau said. “If you see anybody suspicious hanging around town, get a license plate or something. Let me know. Until we figure out who is behind the threats, she’ll stay elsewhere with me. You have my number. Call me if you notice anything or anyone acting strangely.”
“Will do.” Ben nodded. “I’ll let the family know to keep an eye out, as well.”
Beau grinned. “Nineteen pairs of eyes. Make that twenty, counting your mom. That should help.”
“Speaking of mom,” Ben said. “She’ll want to know when you’re coming to dinner.”
“Tell her I’ll be by when things settle down,” Beau said. “How is she?”
Ben’s lips twisted. “Working on her next project.”
“And which one of your siblings is she trying to match now?” Beau said with a grin.
Ben shook his head. “She’s set on finding matches for Harry and Truman. They’re ready to move to the other side of the world to avoid that nonsense.”
Beau laughed. “Why are they so worried? Didn’t she find Alexandra a husband?”
“She did.” Ben’s lips twisted. “That’s the problem. Now, she thinks she’s got the corner on the market of matchmaking. She’s not satisfied to just concentrate on her own children, she’s been helping some of the other young singles in Bayou Miste. I heard she’s working on Alexandra’s friend Calliope.”