Unexpected is more like it.
Since the day I was served, everything has been unexpected.
“Does she have any dirt on you, Sheriff?”
I freeze with my fork halfway to my mouth as I turn to look at her. Nessa bursts out laughing and pushes my shoulder with her hand.
“That’s a yes.”
“There’s not a single person around that she doesn’t havesomethingon.”
“I can’t wait. This is the kind of thing you read about in books or see in movies, but unless you live in a small town, it just seems like some made-up cliché.”
“I thought you were from a small town.”
“Sure. I mean I am, but not like this. People up north still like their privacy.”
“Oh yeah, we don’t have that here.”
“Clearly.” She snickers and I can’t help how much I love that sound. It’s light and melodic, and I could listen to it all night.
“Everyone means well but…” Shoving a forkful into my mouth, I let myself chew as I try to figure out the best way to say this. “I’ve garnered the eligible bachelor status in town, and there always seems to be someone’s daughter or niece in town that’sjust my type.”
“Youarea celebrity here so that makes sense,” she says and then rolls her eyes when I just stare at her in confusion. “You’re the hot local sheriff. Of course everyone is hoping to be the one to find your perfect match.”
“Well, they haven’t, and I’ve been more than content with my life up until now. I take my job seriously. We’re short-staffed and I won’t ask my deputies to do anything I won’t do myself, so I’m out on the road, picking up shifts, and filling in anywhere I can. Bein’ a small town, it’s important that Ezra makes it homefor his kid’s fifth birthday dinner and that Sterling can coach his daughter’s softball team.”
“That’s really noble, but is that what you want? I mean you should be able to do all those things too if you want.”
“I guess I figured that someday it might happen, but it hasn’t been my focus. So I can carry the guys who need the time now and…” My words trail off as I shrug my shoulders because we both know that my life has changed so much already.
“Now maybeyou’llbe coaching softball.” The comment is flippant, like she’s testing the waters for my benefit—not hers.
I nod as I mull that over and take another bite. “And maybe she’ll wanna play soccer.”
“She can do whatever she wants,” Nessa says, and I’m just about to respond when she mumbles under her breath, “I’ll make sure of it.”
The vehemence in her tone makes me think there’s more to the story—but dinner’s been good so I won’t press her.
Not tonight.
For both of our sakes.
17
NESSA
NESSA: What do you wear to meet the town busybody?
KINSLEY: I’m going to need more than that
NESSA: She knows about the baby, she’s covering for Jensen, and she’s bringing a peach pie
KINSLEY: Is that normal?
NESSA: It is down here
NESSA: He’s preparing for a casserole invasion once the news breaks
