Page 81 of Kissing the Sheriff

“Cassie, nothing ever happens around here. You know that. Your pa had just as much fun as the rest when the town put something on.”

“But we’ve had trouble since then. Things have changed.”

Letty looked at Conrad. “You have a deputy. Make him do some of the work.”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “He’s deputy for a couple of weeks, nothing more.”

“So? At least have him help you.”

Cassie shrugged. “Okay, I will.”

Letty studied her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, just tired.” She crossed the porch to the men and sipped her lemonade. She didn’t want to talk about the Darlings’ departure. Neither did Letty. No one knew what she was going to do and the closer it got, the more on edge people were. The town had gone through enough loss. Letty leaving would only add to it.

They talked about the dance, the new doctor that would arrive soon after, and then got around to Captain Stanley. “He’s got what?” Sterling said in surprise.

“A barrel full of cutlasses,” Conrad said. “The captain claims they once belonged to pirates.”

“And you fenced with them?” Letty’s mouth dropped open. “I had no idea the captain was so talented.”

Conrad frowned. “I had no idea I was.” He smiled at Cassie, who winked.

“My, my,” Sterling said. “I shall have to pay the captain a visit.”

“Please don’t let folks know about the swords,” Cassie said. “Agnes will put up a fuss and the children will want to play with them.”

“She’s right,” Letty said. “The children are his crew.”

Sterling took a deep breath and laughed. “I love this place.”

“So … does that mean you’ll stay?” Cassie hedged.

“I didn’t say that.” Sterling looked at Conrad. “I need to speak with my brothers some more on the matter.”

“I understand,” Cassie said. “It’s just … we’d miss Letty so much.”

“Hey.” Conrad gently gave her a nudge with his elbow. “Come now, no tears.”

She sniffed back a few. “I can’t help it. I don’t want to lose my friend.” She set her glass on the porch rail and ran down the steps. “I’ll be back.” She kept walking, not caring if she was being rude. She reached the horse trough near the barn and stopped.

It wasn’t long before Conrad showed up. “Please, I’d like to be alone for a few moments.”

“I understand,” he said gently. “I brought you your lemonade.”

She turned around and wiped a tear from her eye. “Thank you.”

He handed it to her. “I had no idea this was upsetting you.”

“Of course it does.” She took a sip. It felt good going down her throat. “It upsets a lot of people. We’ve been through so much and Letty isn’t the first person to leave and …”

He put a finger to her lips. “I know. The incident drove some away. And losing Letty is just one more thing.”

“Yes. And then you’ll leave and …” She turned away.

He tucked a finger under her chin and brought her face to his. “And what, Cassie?”

She swallowed, unsure of what to say. “I’ve grown used to you, Conrad.” Whoops – she didn’t mean to say that!