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For just a second...

Neither of us spoke.

Then Mabel cleared her throat loud enough for the entire second floor to hear.

"If you two keep staring at each other like that, we're going to have grandchildren before we solve this murder."

Judy's cheeks turned bright red.

"Mabel!"

"What?"

"I've got old eyes."

"I'm not blind."

The Magnolia Ladies burst into laughter.

Even Sheriff Tate couldn't hide his grin.

I leaned closer to Judy.

"They're never going to let us live this down."

She whispered back.

"I know."

"...and somehow I don't mind."

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

Doris shook her head.

"I've waited eighteen years to solve this mystery."

She looked at Mabel.

"I can wait another five minutes if these two need to make moon eyes."

"Moon eyes?" Judy asked.

Hazel smiled.

"Sweetheart..."

"You've been making them since you walked into the tavern."

Judy looked at me.

"I have not."

"You kind of have."

She gently bumped my shoulder.

"I liked you better when you were on my side."