"A Murder In Milburn", Book 4: Death By Ice Cream Read Online Free Page B

haven’t all got diabetes! It’s also a happy coincidence that she met a man who ran a dairy and a ranch.”
    “You’re meant for each other.” Nora smiled. “And little Will is lucky to have two smart, ambitious parents who care so much about each other and the world.”
    “But about him, most of all.” Bernard smiled. “After he came into our life, well, it felt like the universe shifted for me. Everything I do now is for his sake.”
    Harvey, who had been growing increasingly uncomfortable during this conversation, suddenly excused himself. “I’ve got a call I’ve been ignoring far too long,” he said as he walked away.
    Simone came back out, smiling peacefully, as Nora and Bernard watched Harvey go in surprise. What had happened to him? Nora wondered. The more she and Harvey dated, the more she thought that he was the one for her. She didn’t think she was being vain when she suspected he felt that way too.
    But whenever Harvey was around kids, well, he’d act strange. Scared. Did the prospect of being a father scare him, since he’d never really known his own? That would explain why he got so uncomfortable at Bernard’s words. On the other hand, maybe it was just business. As a real estate magnate, Harvey had his own share of worries when it came to finances and legal troubles over plots of land or construction. Nora had noticed him ignore phone calls earlier. Maybe she was over thinking this. Maybe he wasn’t ready now, but surely, when the time came, Harvey would want kids too.
    “Shall I top up that champagne for you?” Simone asked.
    “What?” Nora looked up. “Oh. No. Thank you, but one glass is quite enough for a Thursday night.”
    “I just opened up your salad,” Simone said. “What a wonderful idea, pairing peaches with halloumi.”
    “We ought to warm that up a bit before we serve it,” Nora said. “Just thirty seconds in the microwave, maybe. I kept the greens separate so they stay fresh.”
    “I love it,” Simone said. “Nora, you ought to consider expanding your diner. If Harvey’s building that chain of hotels like he plans, why, a fine dining restaurant would be right up your alley.”
    Nora laughed. “I just started the Madness Diner , and I’d rather focus on quality over quantity for now. Managing two restaurants is a feat I’m not ready for. Besides, I love the feeling my diner gives me. I’m in control over a lot of the decisions, and the regulars are slowly becoming like family to me. Whenever I picture myself as an old lady, I picture myself with blue hair, sturdy shoes, flowery print dresses, and my own very little diner.”  
    “No kids?” Simone teased. “No real-estate magnate husband?”
    Nora blushed. “So… what’s on the menu tonight?”
    “Look at that, she’s changing the topic.” Bernard smiled. “Go on, Nora. Answer the question!”
    Before she could, however, Harvey had appeared. His face was passive. Striding up to them, he sat on the chair and let his legs sprawl out. Looking at Nora, he asked, “What did I miss?”
    “Oh, we’re interrogating Nora about the future.” Simone laughed. “Wedding plans.”
    Nora held her breath. Bernard and Simone continued to tease Harvey. As usual, his face was a mask and his voice mild. But Nora could feel it, she could feel the tension coiled in his body. She could feel the small tic of the vein on his forehead. Harvey was furious. He was pretending to be all right, but underneath, he was ready to take down an army.
    Under the table, she reached for his hand and squeezed it. Instead of squeezing back, his hand lay passive.
    “I’m sure Nora’s far too busy with the diner to think of weddings,” Harvey said. “Isn’t that right, Nora?”
    “Sure is,” she replied. “At the moment, the only plans I’m making are for next week’s menu.”
    “Speaking of which, I had a roast beef sandwich at your place yesterday,” Bernard said. “All I can say is, Wow ! If I figured out a way to make