Page 11 of Kissing the Sheriff

Conrad tipped his hat and joined the child. “Let’s be off, then.”

Billy took his hand and began to pull him down the boardwalk. Conrad gave Cassie a little wave then let the child drag him to his house.

When they reached it, he noticed how much nicer the Watsons’ house was. The fence was in good shape, there was no peeling paint, the garden was weeded, and laundry billowed in the breeze in the side yard. “How picturesque.”

“What does that mean?” Billy asked.

“It means charming, pretty.”

Billy rolled his eyes. “Yuck.”

Conrad laughed. “Trust me, young man. When you have your own house to take care of, you’ll appreciate everything your parents have done with this place. It’s quite nice.”

“Thank you.”

Conrad jumped. A woman was standing behind them holding a basket. He tipped his hat. “Mrs. Watson, I presume?”

“You presume correctly. And which one are you?” She glanced at Billy and back. “And what has he done?”

“Billy’s fine. In fact, he’s offered to help me work on Sheriff Laine’s house. I’ve come to ask your permission.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Billy, is this true?”

“Sure is, Ma.” He gave her the same silly smile he used at the sheriff’s office.

Conrad thought it best not to laugh. “He also invited the sheriff fishing.”

She closed her eyes with a sigh. “Now that doesn’t surprise me.” She looked at Billy and smiled. “He does love to fish.”

Billy gave Conrad his signature grin. “Do you want to go fishing with the sheriff and me?”

“Fishing, oh my. I haven’t fished in a long while.” He nodded. “Yes, I think I will. We must get our work done first, though. That is, if your mother approves.”

“What would he be doing?” Mrs. Watson asked.

“Fetching nails, holding boards while I saw them, perhaps running to the general store for this or that.”

“That will work.” She bent to Billy. “But you must promise that once you start helping Mr. Darling, you don’t quit. You see the day through.”

“I will, Ma.” He smiled at Conrad. “Then we’ll go fishing?”

“Yes, but I’m afraid I don’t have a pole.”

“My pa has two.”

“He does,” Mrs. Watson said. “You’re welcome to use one.”

“You’re most generous.” He mussed Billy’s hair. “I’ll come for you after breakfast, is that all right?”

“Yes, sir.” He saluted, then ran for the house.

Conrad laughed and took one last look at the house. If all the houses in Apple Blossom looked this nice, it would be a very attractive little town. “I’ll see you in the morning, Mrs. Watson.”

With a parting nod she started up the walk.

Conrad watched her go, his thoughts turning to the hotel and dinner. He wished Cassie would join him so they could discuss the house, but knew that wasn’t about to happen.

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