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“That’s nice. Is your family from Edmond?”

“The Edmond, Oklahoma City area.”

“Would it be rude if I ask what tribe you're from?”

His smile widens. “Not at all. I’m Osage. If you’ve ever wanted to go to a Pow Wow, we do one big one for each season. The winter one is coming up near the end of January. We hold it the Saturday closest to the wolf moon.”

“Why do they call it a wolf moon?”

“Because more wolves howl during the month of January than the other months. Or so the legend goes.”

“That’s fascinating.”

We continue small talk throughout dinner, which is delicious. When we’re done, I’m stuffed.

“How do you feel about strawberries and cream for dessert?” Dustin asks.

“I love strawberries and vanilla ice cream. Can we take a dance or two to make room for dessert?”

“Absolutely," he says with a wide smile, showing off his perfect white teeth.

We actually dance through four songs before I call it. New boots and I’m out of practice. The rest of the evening is wonderful. Dustin is fun and attractive, and he asks me out for a second date after dropping a quick kiss on my cheek when he drops me off. I wonder if he’s being polite or if I’m already in the friend zone. Either way, I’ll enjoy going out with him again. Never hurtsto make new friends. And if it becomes more? Well, I won’t complain.

Chapter 6

Effrem

Delaney McRae, my housekeeper, set a bowl of steel-cut oats with fresh berries in front of me.

“Have you heard about the inquiry yet?”

I shake my head. “It’s only six in the morning, Dee. Shae’s office doesn’t open until nine. Even if she clears me today, it’ll be Monday before I’m back at the sheriff’s office.

“Well, she needs to hurry. You’re as prickly as a bear who rolled in a cactus bed.”

She’s not wrong, but the reason I’ve been prickly has more to do with a certain redhead than the upcoming inquiry. I had no doubt I’d be cleared and back to work on Monday morning. The extra time on the ranch allowed me to catch up on paperwork and fence mending. I don’t know why I can’t get Ruby Buffet out of my mind. I haven’t been attracted to another woman since my Evie passed.

Sixteen long years and it still seems like yesterday I heard her laugh and saw her beautiful smile. It also feels like a lifetime ago. My phone rings. I look down to see Jessi. My middle child is calling.

“Hey, J.”

“Hi, Dad. Have either of my siblings claimed you for Christmas?”

“No, I was hoping you would all come home this year.”

“I’d love to, but there are too many exams.”

“You can’t study here?” I ask, keeping my tone neutral.

“I can, Dad but I want to introduce you to someone special. Him and his family. And before you panic, no plans for anything super serious, like forever until after college. We’ve been dating for a few months and I like him. More than I’ve liked anyone.”

Jessi never spoke this long unless it was about a case or a professor. She sounds like she’s over the moon.

“When and where, peaches?”

“Dad. Please don’t call me that in front of Kai.”

“Kai, is that your young man’s name?”