Page 43 of Kissing the Sheriff

She marveled at the resemblance between the brothers. Each had their own quirks and differences in looks, but it was obvious they were all related. “It’s about the dance.”

He smiled. “Ah, yes. A country dance is always nice.”

“Country dance? Hmmm, I guess you could call it that. Conrad told me about the sort of dances you’ve been to.”

“Has he, now? I hope he hasn’t said anything too incriminating.”

“About who? Him or you?”

“Him, mostly. Has he been behaving himself?”

She cocked her head. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, I seem to have spoken out of turn. Forget I said anything.” He looked around. “Have you seen Oliver or Wallis?”

“No.” She fidgeted. “About Conrad, what do you mean, is he behaving himself?”

Irving chuckled nervously. “Conrad’s the type that, um … he’s …” He took a deep breath.

“He’s a flirt?” she finished for him.

“Well, that’s putting it mildly. But this trip has done him good and I think he’s rethinking a few things. As have we all.”

She cocked her head again but didn’t press him. “He’s been helping with the dance and came up with some great ideas.”

Irving’s eyebrows shot up. “He has?”

She nodded. “Yes, he’s a good planner.”

“I daresay we’ve all been to enough balls and parties to know how they’re run.”

“Balls and parties? Well, he did mention some were grand.”

“Indeed. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find my brothers. Sterling wants us to help him with something at Letty’s.”

“Then I won’t keep you.” With a parting smile, she continued down the street. She might as well check with Alma first and see whom she told – it would save her time. Besides, she wanted to tell her about Conrad’s idea of decorating the lantern poles.

Inside the general store, Alma was by herself. “What are you doing back?”

Cassie went to the counter. “I’ve already spoken with a few folks about the dance. Have you?”

“Mrs. Watson came in and I told her. Then I got to thinking, who’ll tell the Smythes?”

“Letty will. She doesn’t live far from them.”

“Oh, yes, you’re right.”

Cassie patted the counter. “I ran into Irving and he said some interesting things about Conrad …”

Alma was all ears. She leaned over the counter, eyes bright. “Like what?”

Cassie shook her head. Maybe she shouldn’t be doing this. “I’d already concluded that Conrad was a flirt.”

Alma sighed. “Well, aren’t you the lucky one?”

Cassie gasped. “You don’t want that sort of man giving you attention. Didn’t your father tell you that?”

“My father was too busy looking for another mother for me. Too bad he never found one.”