Will You Marry Me? (Sam Darling Mystery Book 4) Read Free Page A

being detained?" I asked, almost hoping it were so--an adventure I hadn't had before.
    All three of them looked at me with the same confusion on their faces.
    "No, of course not." Jeremiah continued. "It's just that the motel is full."
    "Yes, we have a convention booked there," added Marianne. "It's our one and only claim to fame. Well, that and the fact we're not on some maps."
    George and I looked at each other again and I couldn't suppress a laugh. "A convention? Really?"
    Marianne didn't seem offended by my laughter.
    "Yes, once a year we have a convention. It's the only time there's any real excitement around here."
    "I'm sorry," Jeremiah echoed Marianne's early apology. "But I'm sure I could find somewhere for you to stay. I don't have an extra bedroom, but--"
    "I do," Marianne interrupted. "I have more room than I know what to do with. Please stay with me. Please. My sisters will be thrilled when I tell them."
    I started to say yes, when George took my arm, excused us, and walked me toward our car. I still had Clancy on the leash, so she accompanied us.
    "I don't know about this, Sam," George said quietly.
    "Me either. But if we have to stay here, at least we'd be with someone we can trust."
    "Have you ever heard Georgianne talk about this sister?"
    "No, but she normally only talks about herself or people she's gossiping about. I didn't even know Julieanne Harmon was her sister until she practically broke my spine hugging me. This sister has that same habit. Anyway, a quick call to Georgianne will solve it."
    He nodded, looking absentminded. He yelled to the sheriff and Marianne that he'd be right back, and headed toward the bathroom. I got out my phone and called Georgianne.
    "Are you there already?" she asked, happiness evident in her voice.
    "Do you know how big the U.S. is?" I retorted with a question of my own, mine of course was much more sarcastic. Then, as quickly as I could, I explained what happened, leaving out the part where I got us stuck here because of my inquisitive driving. Finally I got to the important part. "I didn't know you had so many sisters. And a brother too."
    "Well, I don't often talk about my family, even though we are close. You are usually talking so much about yourself that I don't have the opportunity."
    "Tell me about Marianne," I said before she could say anything more to irritate me.
    "Well, she's the baby of the sisters, and consequently somewhat spoiled, but she's a lovely person. Why she stayed in that Podunk town I'll never know. We begged her to--"
    "Thanks, Georgianne," I interrupted, knowing she could go on for hours. "We'll let you know when we get to the Grand Canyon, but we'll be here for a few days."
    She said good-bye, making me grateful I didn't have to do the fake bad connection noises to end the conversation.
    George exited the gas station just as I disconnected and I filled him in on what Georgianne had said.
    "Well, I guess it's okay. I mean it's the only place in town." George seemed disgruntled, but I knew he'd soon be back in his usual good humor.
    The three of us walked back to Marianne, with Clancy practically prancing. George dragged his feet a little. And me? Well, as an incurable optimist, I felt everything would turn out just fine.
    And it did. But not before it didn't.

CHAPTER THREE

    Marianne greeted our acceptance with enthusiasm.  
    "I live less than a block away, so I walked. So why don't you just pull into my driveway and I'll meet you there?" She pointed to a huge three story home situated several houses behind the gas station. It was painted colonial blue with white trim, with an attic that had dormer windows and trees that filled the yard. There were some mums blooming in the front of the house, and the grass held on to a hint of green, at least in the places that weren't covered in leaves.
    "That's your house?" I couldn't help but have a tone of wonder in my voice. How could I have missed seeing the place? Mansions must run in her family. "You