Free Grilled Rye Murder: Book 16 in The Darling Deli Series by Patti Benning

house and take care of the dogs, and David knows not to worry if you don’t answer your phone. All you have to do is relax, have fun, and enjoy everything we have planned.”
     

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    Moira was still stunned half an hour later when she and her friends all piled into Denise’s car.
    “I don’t understand how you managed all of this,” she said. “You ladies are amazing.”
    “It took a bit of work,” Martha admitted. “We had to convince Allison and Cameron to fudge the schedule. That was really the hardest part. We had to promise them that you wouldn’t be mad.”
    “Allison texted Karissa right after you let the deli. We needed to catch you before you made different plans. Even Robyn was in on it.”
    “Wow.” The deli owner shook her head. “This is more than I deserve.”
    “We haven’t even started yet,” Karissa said with a grin. “We have a whole day planned out. First stop is the spa.”
    What followed was probably the most relaxing day that Moira had ever had. They drove down to Traverse City and spent hours in a spa, all four of them getting massages, mani-pedis, and facial treatments. The deli owner felt the stress of the last few weeks completely melt away.
    After the spa, the four women spent a few hours shopping in town. Martha was the only one who got down to Traverse City on a regular basis; the others usually made do with the small shops and boutiques nearer to Maple Creek. Moira was pleased to find a beautiful new dress, and the perfect shoes to go with her wedding dress.
    By the time they were done shopping, the deli owner was beginning to feel hungry. She was about to suggest that they stop somewhere to eat, when Denise made a sharp turn into a parking lot.
    “Here we are,” she said. “Our final stop—the Melting Bowl.”
    Moira had never been to the restaurant before, but judging from the delicious scent when they entered, the food here would be scrumptious.
    “We reserved a private room,” Martha explained as Karissa gave the hostess her name. “I’ve come here a few times for work, and I think you’ll like it. They mostly do fondue, and their food is absolutely amazing. Plus, it’s fun to do it yourself.”
    The deli owner got another surprise when they entered their room. Banners and decorations hung from the walls congratulating the bride-to-be, and her grinning friends put a sash over her head.
    “We’ve got music, food, and wine,” Denise said. “As much of all of it as you could want. We thought you might like this better than going to a club.”
    “Definitely,” Moira said. “You guys, this is beyond anything I could even imagine. You didn’t have to do all of this for me.”
    “Of course we did,” Martha said. “You’d do the same for any of us, after all, and we know it.”
    It was late when they finally returned to Maple Creek. Moira was full and sleepy, but brimming over with happiness. Not much could beat a day out with friends. The bachelorette party had somehow managed to drive home the fact that in a week, she would be a married woman. It was a wonderful thought; as far as she was concerned, the wedding couldn’t arrive quickly enough.
    “Thank you so much,” she said when they got to Karissa’s apartment. “I had a wonderful time. It was a perfect day, and it meant the world to me.”
    “I’m glad you enjoyed it, Moira,” said Martha. “You definitely deserved it.”
    She gave each of her friends a quick, thankful hug goodbye before sliding into her own vehicle and starting the engine. She hoped to be in bed within the hour with a cup of tea, a good book, and the dogs beside her. The perfect end to the day, as far as she was concerned.
    Moira slept late the next morning, relishing the memories of the day before, and giddy at the thought that she was another day closer to marrying David. And after the wedding, we leave for our honeymoon! They had finally decided on a destination; rather, they hadn’t been able to decide on one