Part 54: Happily Ever After-3

"Faye, what do I do with these?" Marnie stood in front of her with an elegant orchid arrangement in a silver vase. "Flowers to the right," Faye said, before turning and yelling at her boys who were throwing a football across the living room amidst all the chaos. "Get the hell outside, the pair of you." "No, Faye. What do I do with these?" Marnie took the card from the arrangement and gave it to Faye. Wishing you both all the happiness in the world. Looking forward to seeing you soon. — Lex Faye felt an ice trickle of fear up her spine, despite the heat of the day. "Garbage," she muttered. "Neither one can see these." She ripped up the card. "They can't know. Not today." Marnie nodded and went to the kitchen, dumping the whole thing in the trash. "Squish them way down so they're hidden," Faye called, taking out her phone. Lucy and Quinn had both testified in the high-profile case against the blackmailing scumbag the previous month, and he had very publicly sworn revenge. Faye took out her phone, checked for messages and quickly scanned the headlines, noting with relief that Lex Brady was currently in Rikers, where he was supposed to be. There was no late-breaking news about a wild prison escape. It was an empty threat meant to rattle Quinn and Lucy on their big day; that's all. Well, it wasn't happening. Not on Faye's watch. The doorbell rang and Faye flung it open, still yelling at her boys. "I swear to Christ, if you two don't stop..." "Hi." Keith stood on the doorstep. Faye went to say something smart, but the look of him stopped her cold. He was handsome and elegant in his suit, a warm smile on his face. "I can arrest them if you want," he joked. "That won't be necessary," she said, looking him up and down. Hot damn, he was looking good. She cleared her throat. "You're early. Come on in and join the chaos," she said, opening the door. "I thought you might need a hand organizing things." "Really?" Faye wasn't used to someone being so considerate. "Yeah," he said, looking around. The cottage was decorated in beautiful shades of cream and gold, Lucy's colours, balloons were everywhere, and the gifts were neatly organized in a corner. "Looks like you have everything under control," he said. "You look beautiful." She felt herself flush under his gaze. "Thank you. And everything is under control – mostly." She took his arm and pulled him to the side. "That Brady psycho sent some flowers with a weird message about seeing them soon." Ever the cop, Keith snapped to attention, his eyes scanning the environment. "Like fuck he will." "Exactly. He's just trying to scare them; he's still in prison. But keep a close eye on Quinn and Lucy today, eh? And the crowd; make sure there are no strangers lurking around." "On it," he said, watching the caterers closely. "No one will get near them today, or any day." "I'm glad you're here," Faye said, before she could stop herself. Keith's face lit up. "Now, don't be getting any ideas." She put the palm of her hand up. "Remember, I'm only interested in something casual." "I know," he said. "Just a casual, easy thing," Faye stressed. "OK," Keith said, amusement in his eyes. "No promises or commitments. I'm never tying myself down with anyone, ever again. Easy, breezy. That's what I want." "You're coming in loud and clear," he said. "Good," Faye said, nodding. "So, I'm spending the night at your place later, right?" "Right."