Page 73 of Ancient Obsession

“Not just for the coffee,” Dave said. “For rolling with all of this despite the craziness you’ve got going on.”

“What, being marked by ancient, unknown spores, accused of murder, and stalked by a homicidal mummy?” Oliver gave a dismissive wave. “Just another late spring semester at Bishop Point University.”

Now more on his way to fully awake, Oliver read Robin’s text. “Huh.”

“What?” Dave’s face paled.

“No, nothing bad. Robin sent a venue suggestion text last night.”

“I don’t think their sister and brother-in-law will want us to use their backyard.”

“Even better.” Oliver leaned in slightly. “The botanical gardens at the university.”

“What?” Dave sat back, eyes wide. “Are they serious?”

“Seems to be.”

“The botanical garden attached to the building where you both helped set a murderous mummy loose on the campus? That botanical garden?”

“I mean, it’s not the worst idea.” Oliver shrugged. “Campus police have upped officers and patrols. And I know Detective Carter will be snooping for evidence to pin all of this on me. There’d be a lot of police protection.”

“Which is exactly why we shouldn’t even contemplate it.” Dave scrubbed his hands up and down his face before resting his chin in his palms. “Should we?”

“We could go talk to the garden staff members after my class today, see if it’s even available.” Oliver checked the messages again. “Robin says their summer calendar is usually pretty open because only summer classes are in session, and most couples don’t want to get married in a university botanical garden.”

“They’re not wrong.” Dave thought a moment, his brows drawn down. “I don’t like the idea of being so close to all those murders. But you’ve got a point about the security and Detective Carter.” He shrugged. “Hell, we could even tell him what we’re doing so he can crash the party to keep you in his sights.”

“I like the way you think, Mr. Bower.”

“Let’s test that theory with my next thought.” Dave closed one eye and wrinkled his nose. “How about if I ask Cody and Demetrius to meet us there?”

Oliver opened his mouth, an objection ready, but then paused. It actually made sense to get another opinion, since both had taken on the role of best man. “I think that’s a good idea.”

Dave’s eyebrows shot up. “Yeah? Okay. I’ll send Cody a text right now.”

“So we’re clear, I don’t hate your brother.”

Dave chuckled as he typed. “Nobody would blame you for it.”

“It’s just that he’s…”

“A stubborn man-child but also fiercely protective of the people he loves and has a generous heart?”

Oliver laughed. “It’s almost like you read my mind.”

“No, I grew up with him.” Dave leaned back in the chair, smiling. “Cody said they’ll meet us there.”

“It feels a little over the top.” Cody stared into a giant fuchsia bloom big as his head that sat atop a stem equal to his height.

Oliver ignored him. He turned slowly, taking in the setting. Plants of all varieties crowded their beds, some with massive leaves in a range of greens. A riot of blooms in different colors and sizes poked through, blazing above the leaves like fireworks. The beds surrounded a stone patio—large enough for at least a hundred chairs—with multiple stone pathways curving off into the dense foliage. The air was pleasantly damp and fragrant with the scents of roses and lilies and other flowers.

He faced the back wall, condensation clouding the corners of each pane of glass. It was easy to imagine Dave and himself standing in that spot, hands clasped as they recited their vows.

“Yep, you found it. This is pretty much the perfect spot for the ceremony to take place.” Chris, a cute, bearded staff member, spread his arms to indicate the full area.

“This is really beautiful,” Dave said.

“You have bees in here?” Cody asked.