Free Christmas Tree Catastrophe (Lily Bloom Cozy Mystery Series Book 6) by Lyndsey Cole Page B

good chance the break-ins are connected and we’re getting closer to figuring out who the culprit is, but there isn’t anything concrete yet to connect the break-ins to the murder.”
    “Are you serious? And Crystal Parker had a whole pile of bricks in her car? It’s winter, not exactly the time of year to be building a walkway.”
    “I know you want this solved yesterday and to get Tamara out of jail, but the process doesn’t work at the speed of light. We are moving forward methodically, and with a little luck I won’t be forced to throw you in jail for your own safety.” He smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head. “Even if I do, you still won’t be able to get out of marrying me on Wednesday night. A jail cell ceremony—something unique to make our wedding memorable,” he teased.
    Lily waited until she heard the front door close. “I think his judgment is clouded because of our wedding. Let’s get back to figuring this out or Tamara will be spending more time in jail than she’s planning on.” She waited for Iris and Daisy to offer suggestions.
    Daisy turned back to her baking, pulling another tray of muffins out of the oven. “Ryan does make a valid point. Without any evidence to point to someone else, the only conclusion does seem to point to Tamara having a temporary moment of insanity.”
    Iris shook her head. “No. I don’t believe insanity for one second. There isn’t a violent bone in Tamara’s body. She tries too hard to get everyone to like her. I suppose that’s why she never questioned Malcolm’s story about the car accident. Let’s get ready for the opening and see what can of worms we can stir up tonight.”
    ***
    At three o’clock, Lily looked out of the sunroom windows toward the library and was happy that the blue spruce’s Christmas lights were already twinkling. “Hurry up, I told Jennifer I’d meet her at three,” she yelled to her mother and sister.
    “Hold your horses. Jennifer’s a big girl, she’ll figure out what to do if we’re a little bit late.” Iris twirled around. “What do you think?”
    Lily hid a smile with the back of her hand. “You’re outfit is, well, festive.”
    “Of course, I’m festive, it’s a Christmas party, right?”
    “Actually, it’s the library opening and the Christmas season, so if you stand next to the Christmas tree, I think someone will think you’re a present.” Lily looked at the bright red wool skirt and red and green plaid sweater combination, which clashed with Iris’s purple hair. “Where did you even get your colorful outfit?”
    Iris glanced down at herself. “This has been in my closet for years, waiting for the right occasion to pull it out again. Should I change? You aren’t dressed in the Christmas spirit.”
    “Sure I am. Dark green skirt, white cashmere sweater and a hint of red in this ruby and silver necklace that Ryan gave me.”
    Daisy entered the sunroom looking elegant in her plum velvet dress and raised her eyebrows when she took in the effect of Iris’s outfit. “Are you going dressed like that Mom?” Daisy started to giggle and Lily joined in, unable to control herself any longer.
    Iris joined in the laughter. “I know, I’ll save this for Lily’s wedding.” She laughed even louder when she saw their horrified expressions. “Just kidding. I’ll go change. I certainly don’t want to embarrass you girls.”
    Returning, she had on a black skirt, red blouse and a white string of pearls. “Better?”
    Walter followed her into the sunroom with his camera. He motioned with his hands for them to move together. “Stand in front of the Christmas tree. I want a photo of all of you together in your holiday finest.” He clicked several times and checked to be sure he had a good shot with everyone’s eyes open and nice smiles. “Perfect. I’ll meet you three beautiful blooms at the library later.”
    The front entrance of the library was designed to be a replica of one of Noah