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The boys waited for me. Their truck parked next to mine is a massive blue Dodge dually with the ranch’s logo on the side.Bobby Ray is in the driver’s seat. I’m not surprised Jack is only seventeen.

“I wave to them.”

“I spotted a greasy spoon a few miles from town the other day. Will you follow me there?”

They both smile and nod their head. I hop into the SUV and toward the diner. It’s a grill, actually, according to its name. Stagecoach Grill. The parking lot is more than half-full. Last time I drove by, I didn’t see an empty spot.

We park side by side. Jack hurries out of the truck to open my door for me.

“Thank you, Jack.”

“You’re welcome, Miss Ruby.”

Close enough, I think. They walk in beside me. Bobby Ray opens the door. A server named Lorey seats us and hands us menus before taking off to grab ice water and the coffeepot.

I choose an omelet with spinach, feta, and mushrooms. It’s topped with a fresh tomato salsa. The boys both ordered some monster omelet. Made with six eggs. It has bacon, sausage, ham, potatoes, fresh cracklins, and your choice of three cheeses. It’s smothered in cheese sauce and topped with sausage gravy. It comes with a stack of pancakes, a side of home fries, and a six-ounce ribeye.. It’s called the Paul Bunyan.

We spend the next hour enjoying breakfast and passing the time. The place is a continual rotation of all walks of life. From men in business suits to bikers. I even spotted a nun in the corner. Feeling much lighter by the time we part ways, I head back to the bakery and try the next batch of goodies for the town to taste test.

Chapter 15

December 21

Effrem

Of all the things I’ve done, sneaking out in the middle of the night might be the most cowardly. The guilt of betraying Evie is eating at me. I can’t believe I hopped in bed with another woman. Not just any other woman. It had to be Ruby. She’s been under my skin since the moment I laid eyes on her.

She’s sweet, kind, and generous.

She’s not the one night stand kind of woman. And yet, I clearly just placed her in that category. Don’t even get me started on her and Dustin’s relationship or her divorce. I hadn’t even confirmed that her divorce will be final on Christmas day.

Sally Anne’s information is usually spot on. She may gossip but she doesn’t spread rumors. What the hell was I thinking? This could fuck things up on so many levels. Dustin is my friend. How the hell could I have not at least asked about their relationship.

It’s because I wasn’t thinking. I was reacting. Reacting to the fact I could have lost her that day. Fuck, if I haven’t spent the last two weeks avoiding her. I haven’t even had a bite of the cherry fried pies she brought by a few more times. Trixie happened to mention it to Ruby one or a half a dozen times, that they’re my favorite.

Yup, I’m being a coward. I’ve thrown myself into work to keep busy and to have an excuse to avoid seeing her. I know I can’t doit forever. I’ve been to Evie’s grave every damn day since I fucked up.

My desk phone rings, bringing me out of my thoughts.

“Sheriff Reeves.”

“Sheriff, this is Debbie Goodwin from the ER. Buck’s been in an accident.”

“I’ll be right there.”

I didn’t give Debbie a chance to finish. I hung up the phone, grab my hat, and keys, and race to my truck. Wolf Creek isn’t big enough for a hospital of its own. but we do have an emergency center.

I sprint out the door, past a confused Trixie and a startled Ruby, to my truck. I start it, throw it in reverse, and hit the lights before putting it in drive and peeling out. I floored the truck, making the mile drive in about two minutes. I pulled into my reserved entrance parking, locking, and hustling my ass inside.

Nurse Goodwin met me by the door.

“Sheriff, you didn’t give me a chance to tell you it’s nothing serious. Well, it might be for you. He broke his leg in three places. There’s no way he can work.”

“Well, fuck.”

Her eyes widen. That’s not a word I use in mixed company.

“Sorry, Debbie. I’m supposed to go out east and meet Jessi’s boyfriend’s parents.”