Murder of a Wedding Belle Read Online Free PDF

good. It only meant there was a long way to fall.
    “When we first met, all she could talk about was how you had gotten away from Scumble River and were living in foreign countries and ‘showing’ everyone. She was really disappointed when you moved back home. This is her opportunity to surpass her hero.”
    “I see.” Skye decided it was time to change the subject. “How long have you and Riley been friends?”
    “We met freshman year at Cal State and roomed together until Zach and I got married this past December.” Paige’s green eyes had a faraway look in them. “Riley and I sure had a good time together in college. They called us the Fire and Ice twins.”
    Zach added, “Nick and I do a lot of business together, and after I started dating Paige, she and I introduced Riley to Nick.”
    “It’s always fun when friends marry friends.” Skye smiled at the couple. “So you’re newlyweds. Riley probably mentioned that I’m helping out the wedding planner. I’m surprised by the amount of time and money involved. Did you two opt for a big wedding, too?”
    “Oh, yeah.” Zach made a face.
    “I hope you don’t think this is a rude question,” Skye said hesitantly, “but I’m really curious. Since it seems Riley’s wedding is so expensive, even at Midwest prices, how much does it cost to get married in California?”
    “I don’t know.” Zach tone was mocking. “I’m still paying.”
    “Good thing you can afford it.” Paige punched him lightly in the arm. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have said ‘I do.‘” She arched a brow at Skye. “Money may not buy happiness, but it’s sure more comfortable crying in a Rolls-Royce than a Volkswagen.”
    The bartender served their drinks, saving Skye from coming up with a response. After Wally took a swig of his beer, he said, “Nick is paying, too. Around here, the bride’s family usually takes care of the wedding. Is it common practice on the West Coast for the groom to foot the bill?”
    “No.” Zach shrugged. “But in the type of businesses Nick and I are in, it’s important to make the right impression, so I figured if I paid, nobody but me would be griping about the tab. Plus, I wanted to get married in L.A., not in Paige’s hometown.”
    “That seems fair,” Skye said. “I guess Nick didn’t care about the location. Of course, he is flying two hundred of his closest friends into Chicago and hiring a fleet of limo-buses to bring them to Scumble River the day of the wedding.” Skye took a sip of her mojito. “Where are you from, Paige?”
    “A little town in Florida, north of Tampa. My dad’s a rancher.”
    “Mine, too.” Wally grinned. “But in west Texas.”
    Skye held her breath. Wally hardly ever mentioned his father. Would he admit that besides owning a ranch in El Paso, Carson Boyd was also the head of a multimillion-dollar corporation?
    When Wally didn’t go on, Skye wasn’t sure whether she was relieved or disappointed. Part of her—the superficial and competitive part—wanted Riley’s friends to know that her boyfriend was rich, too. She hadn’t missed Zach’s quick assessment and dismissal of her off-the-rack dress and non-designer shoes.
    But another part—the one that worried that Wally would get tired of her and leave her, the part that wondered whether marrying him was a good idea—was glad he’d kept quiet about his wealthy background. Talking about it might mean he was considering resigning as chief of police and taking over CB International as his father wanted him to do.
    “Sorry.” Skye realized she’d been lost in thought when she noticed they were all waiting for her to answer a question. “What did you say?”
    Wally put his arm around her. “Just that your dad is a farmer, so all three of us come from rural backgrounds.”
    “How about you, Zach?” Skye asked.
    “Me, too.” Zach’s hazel eyes were hooded. “My family owns a vineyard in Napa Valley.”
    “I’m glad to hear you two are used to