Chapter 24
“You made it!” Harlow exclaimed as Dahlia and Dutton walked into her backyard. The barbecue was set up, and the scent of char-grilled burgers wafted over Dahlia, making her mouth water. Briggs and Melissa waved from where they were standing with their friends King and Sadie.
“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” she said and gave Harlow a hug as she waved back at Melissa and Briggs.
The yard was pretty full of other Keating Hollow residents, but the only ones Dahlia really recognized were the Townsend sisters.
Four of them were huddled together, laughing at something, and it made Dahlia smile.
She liked living in a town that felt like family.
Dutton followed her and shook Cash’s hand.
“Hey, man. The beers are this way,” Cash said.
Dutton grinned. “Now you’re talkin’ my language.”
Dahlia watched as the two men walked off.
“He’s looking better,” Harlow said. “How was his therapy appointment?”
Dahlia had confided in Harlow about everything that had gone down and mentioned that Dutton was starting therapy.
She’d learned that Harlow was a solid friend who didn’t gossip and genuinely cared about those around her.
It had made it easy to open up and form a real friendship.
One she was grateful for. “He said it went okay. He scheduled another session, so that must be a good sign, right?”
“Definitely,” she said. “Can’t ask for more than that.”
The men returned with drinks in hand. Dutton handed a glass of red wine to Dahlia.
“Thank you,” she said beaming at the fact that he knew what her drink of choice was and got it for her without even asking. “You’re a keeper.”
He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her in close. “Right back at ya.”
“Gross,” Cash teased as he winked at them.
“It’s great,” Harlow said as she made a gentle swipe at Cash’s arm. “It wouldn’t kill you to be a little more affectionate every now and— Oomph!”
Cash grabbed her around the waist and tilted her back as he gave her a very thorough kiss before hauling her back upright.
Harlow stared at him, a little dazed and slightly breathless.
“You were saying?” he asked with a glint in his eye.
“Never mind,” she whispered and then looked at Dahlia. “That might be why we’re still together.”
Dahlia snickered. “You think?”
“Dutton, Dahlia,” Drew said as he walked over with his wife, Noel. “Is everything going all right? Quiet, I hope.”
“Peaceful,” Dahlia said.
Dutton cleared his throat. “Listen, Drew, can you give me a status update on the case?”
Dahlia frowned. It had only been three days since Grady was taken in. Though she supposed Dutton wanted to make sure that the MTF was off his case for good.
“Yes. That’s why I came over here actually. We got some news that Benny was killed in prison last night. Something about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He interfered in a gang dispute and was beaten to death.”
Dutton didn’t show any emotion. “I wish I could say I’m sorry to hear that, but he probably got what he deserved.”
“Sometimes it works out that way,” Drew said.
“And what about Grady?” Dutton asked. “Are they still offering him a deal to testify?”
“Yes. They offered it to him yesterday, and he already signed it. The deal included naming other names in the organization, so it wasn’t just about Benny. I suspect it will take about five years off his sentence.”
“Good. That’s good. I hope he gets therapy while he’s incarcerated. I’m sure he needs it,” Dutton said as he stared down at his feet.
“There’s no doubt about that. And I’ll make sure of it.” Drew patted him on the shoulder. “Hopefully you can put it in the past now, Dutton. No one deserves to carry that with them.”
“I’m trying,” he said and then reached for Dahlia’s hand. He brought it to his lips, kissed her palm, and then whispered, “Thanks to this pretty lady.”
Dahlia moved in and hugged him. “You’re the one doing the work.”
“True. But I’m still giving you the credit.” He winked and kissed her softly.
“Okay, break it up lovebirds,” Cash teased. “It’s time for the afternoon entertainment.”
Dahlia glanced around and realized there was a small platform set up across the yard. A woman with long red hair, piercing blue eyes, and a guitar slung over her shoulder stepped out onto the stage.
“Hi everyone. I’m Corina Rose. Your entertainment for today. I’m going to sing you a little song if that’s okay with you.”
Everyone clapped, someone whistled, and someone else cried, “Let’s hear it!”
She smiled at the group, strummed a few notes, and then started to sing the most haunting and beautiful song Dahlia had ever heard about a long-lost lover.
Dutton turned her so that she was facing him, held out one hand, and said, “Dance with me?”
She grinned up at him. “Always.”