Page 29 of Kissing the Sheriff

They trekked across the meadow and through the back orchard. They picked a few apples along the way and chatted about the dance, the captain, and of course everyone’s favorite topic, Sterling and Letty. “I can’t bear the thought of Letty leaving,” Cassie said. “But if she must, I can get through it.”

“Don’t think of it as a loss,” Conrad said. “Think of it as an adventure when you come to visit.”

“Visit?”

“Of course. Wouldn’t that be grand?” He bit into an apple he’d picked.

Her jaw dropped. “I can’t make a trip like that. For one I could never afford it.”

“You could save up.” He took another bite and offered an apple to Billy.

“I want to go to England.” Billy took the apple and stuck it in his pocket.

“You should think about it,” Conrad suggested. “Besides, I think you’d love England. Especially in the summer.”

“Is it anything like this?” She waved at their surroundings.

“Perhaps with a little more rain. Other than that, yes.”

They left the orchard and entered the woods. “I’ll think about it.” She’d also have to think about whether to spend any more time with him. Maybe she was more attracted than she thought. A few tingles here and there were okay, but jealousy would never do. What would Pa say? She’d better speak to him about it and soon.

When they reached the creek, they hiked up to the fishing spot and, after baiting their hooks, got down to business. Cassie was determined to enjoy her evening with Conrad, but if she was smart, this would be the last one.

CHAPTERSEVEN

It had been a long time since Conrad had fished. He let Billy bait his hook and instruct him on the fine art of digging for worms, then allowed the boy to teach him how to cast. It made Cassie laugh, which warmed his heart.

“I thought you said you knew how,” she said between giggles.

“Yes, but I didn’t say how long it’s been,” he said. “As I recall, it was raining, and Sterling was being exceptionally difficult.”

“Sterling was with you?” she said. “Who else?”

“Wallis and our father, an avid fisherman in his own right. He prided himself on catching the most when we went.”

“What are your parents like?”

He looked at Billy, cast his line and settled himself on the grassy bank. “Parental. They bossed us around, wanted us to look our best at all times. Got upset when we didn’t.”

Billy’s face screwed up. “They sound just likemyparents.”

Cassie cast her line. “I could play, get dirty and no one cared. Pa would laugh and Ma would just shake her head. But she never told me to change my dress or pull the leaves out of my hair.”

“Maybe she was teaching you responsibility, to let you do those things yourself,” Conrad suggested. “Did you?”

Cassie shrugged. “No.”

They laughed as Billy reached into his sack, pulled out a napkin and uncovered a chicken leg. He bit into it.

“By Jove, I’m famished,” Conrad said. “How about you?”

Cassie smiled and looked at the basket. “You mean we finally get to see what’s in there?”

Conrad made a show of cringing. “I hope it doesn’t jump out at us.”

“What?” Billy said in alarm.

“He’s joking.” Cassie scooted closer to the basket, opened it and peeked inside. “Dora has everything wrapped up.”