Page 9 of May I Kiss the Bride

SHERIFF REY WAS DEFINITELY LINGERING, or was it loitering?

Whatever it was, Viola felt vastly amused.

Butterflies were also making themselves busy in her stomach.

Aunt Beth’s words about the sheriff being “interested” in her wouldn’t leave her mind.

Still, she wondered if Rey was hanging around the pie table to watch over her because it was his civic duty, or because he wanted to get to know her better, or because he was bored?

It was honestly hard to tell. She really had nothing to lose by just asking him.

“Are you going to stand here all night and chase off every man who approaches me?” she said after his scowl and disapproving look sent away another cowboy.

Rey’s green eyes landed on her. “I don’t think you need my help in that corner, ma’am. Although I’m happy to oblige if necessary.”

“You’re calling me ma’am again.”

“We’re in a more formal setting.”

He was teasing, she knew it. She made a studious assessment of the man.

His height made him imposing to the average-sized man, she supposed.

His profession added to that as well. But his kindness and frank-speaking made him appealing to women, not to mention those deep green eyes of his and his rugged features.

Viola hadn’t missed the stares of several women in the barn, including Della.

At least Sidney had changed her focus to Phil, whom she currently danced with.

“I’ll be fine, sir,” Viola pronounced, returning his ma’am with her sir . “Now, you go find yourself a dance partner. The sheriff of the town can’t always be on duty.”

Interestingly enough, Rey hesitated, then murmured, “Just not looking forward to being cornered by my daughter again.”

“Elsie? What hold does a child have on you?” Viola wasn’t what she’d call a natural with children. But she’d been watching the eight-year-old Elsie off and on, and she seemed like a go-getter, and Viola liked that.

He chuckled at this and folded his arms. “Ah. Well. Elsie came home from San Francisco talking about her friend’s new mother.”

Viola did a quick scan of his sinewy forearms, then she averted her gaze before he noticed. “And?”

Rey took a step closer and lowered his voice, which wasn’t too hard to hear over the energetic fiddler. “She doesn’t remember her mother, and I knew it would only be a matter of time before she realizes what she’s been missing.”

Viola blinked. This was much more personal than she thought he might share with her, especially in a public setting. “And she’s missing that now?”

Rey set his hands on his hips and looked down at the ground.

“It seems that way, ma’am. On the drive over, she was determined to find me a woman to dance with.

” He raised his gaze to meet Viola’s. “She’s distracted now by her friends, but how long will that last?

And even if I satisfy her and dance with someone tonight, then what about tomorrow, or next week?

I just don’t think I can abide living with a precocious matchmaker. ”

Against her will, Viola felt the edges of her mouth tug upward.

“Do you find that amusing, Miss Delany?”

“I might.” Her smile grew.

Rey’s eyes glimmered with humor. “It’s not every day that a man confesses his life is secretly ruled by a child, whether he’s a sheriff or not.”

Viola laughed. “I’m impressed that you’re at least willing to admit it. But don’t worry, your secret is safe. I mean, who would I tell?”

Rey pushed up the brim of his hat and rubbed at his forehead. “Beth Cannon?”

“Oh, she’d be the last person I’d tell,” Viola said. “She’s already after me to give another man a chance. Says that one failed engagement isn’t excuse enough to remain a spinster.”

“You were engaged?” He looked quite surprised, which surprised her—it seemed that the town gossip hadn’t reached him.

“I was, but he was caught in an indiscretion, and before marriage, that’s unacceptable.”

Rey frowned. “And it’s acceptable during marriage?”

Viola shrugged a shoulder. “The unbreakable knot is already tied.”

“That’s hogwash,” Rey said. “I know divorces can be tricky to get, but sometimes they’re warranted.”

Viola stared at him, then had to look away because her eyes were filling with tears.

“I’m sorry, Viola, for speaking of things not of my concern. But a man’s got no business stepping out on his wife.”

She nodded, swallowing hard as if it would hold back the threatening tears.

“I hope I didn’t upset you.”

“I’m fine.” Viola exhaled slowly, then met his gaze.

Could he tell her eyes were wet? “It’s all in the past now anyway, and by the end of the summer, San Francisco will have forgotten about my troubles.

I can return in peace and live happily ever after.

” She didn’t mean for bitterness to seep through her voice.

Rey opened his mouth to reply, but they were interrupted by a slurred greeting.

“Well … hello there, pretty lady.” Billy shoved his hands in his front pockets and rocked back on his heels. He wasn’t wearing his usual hat. Instead, his hair hung in greasy strands about his face.

Even from across the pie table, Viola could smell the alcohol seeping from his pores.

“Hello, Billy,” she said as primly as possible, pushing back all the emotions that had just been brewing. “What kind of pie slice can I get you?”

Billy shuffled closer, a slow grin spreading across his face. “I don’t need any pie, pretty lady. I came to ask you to dance with me.”

“That’s kind of you,” Viola began. “But I’m working the pie table tonight and not dancing with anyone.”

Billy’s palms thumped onto the table as he leaned toward her. “You gave that excuse to all the other fellas in here. But I’m different.” He grabbed Viola’s hand in a steel-trap grip. “I can make an honest woman of you and—”

Rey’s fingers clamped around Billy’s collar, and he tugged the man away from Viola. Next he drew Billy up to his face until they were nose-to-nose.

“I’m going to ask you once, Billy,” the sheriff growled. “Leave the barn and don’t come back tonight.” Rey held Billy in place for another several seconds, staring him down, then he let go of the man’s collar.

Billy took a stumbling step back. He looked as if he were about to turn and walk away when suddenly he lunged at the sheriff.

Rey barely dodged the man’s fist as the music around them faded, and people turned to watch what was happening.

“Settle down, Billy,” Rey commanded, one hand held up and the other gripping his gun holster. “Nothing you’re about to do right now will be worth it. Think before you act and before you sentence yourself to a night in jail.”

“I’m tired of you thinking you’re the boss of everyone in this town,” Billy ground out, spittle flying from his mouth. “If I want to ask this lady to dance, then that’s my business, not yours.”

“She turned you down, Billy.”

Billy sneered. “That’s because you’ve been hovering over her all night. Someone needs to teach you a lesson.”

Billy lunged again, and Rey simply sidestepped to avoid collision. Which was a good move on Rey’s part, but a bad move for the pie table. Billy plowed into the table headfirst.

Viola leapt back as gasps and cries echoed about the room.

“He ruined the pies!”

“Get the man out of here!”

Men moved forward to pick up Billy, probably to finish throwing him out, but he wasn’t moving.

“Wait,” Viola cried. “He might need medical attention.” She knelt next to the man who was lying face down and pressed two fingers against the side of his neck. His pulse beat steady and strong. “He has a pulse!”

Billy moaned and shifted as if he was going to try to turn over.

Viola scooted back, and Billy turned on his side, blinking at her like he wasn’t sure how he’d ended up on the floor. Blood dripped from his nose, and he raised a trembling hand to gingerly touch his face.

“You’ve broken your nose, Billy.” Viola’s stomach lurched, but she refused to let the sight of blood do her in like it had with the sheriff. She swallowed and looked up at the gathering crowd. “Can someone hand me the ice bowl?”

She snatched a nearby cloth—most of the pies had been delivered with a pie cloth. A young girl knelt next to her. “Here’s the ice. What are you going to do?”

Viola found herself staring into the eyes of Elsie. “I’m going to put the ice in this cloth, then hold it against this man’s face.”

All fire had faded from Billy’s eyes, and now that he was dealing with a broken nose, the pain kept him mellow.

Viola worked quickly, and as she set the ice bundle on Billy’s face, Rey knelt next to her.

“Here, I can hold this in place,” he said. “I still don’t trust this man.”

Viola nodded and let him take over. She wasn’t going to argue with the sheriff in front of all these people. They’d made enough of a spectacle as it was. Besides, Billy’s temper had been disturbing to see—drunk or not.

“Well, let’s get this mess cleaned up and see how many pies we can save,” Viola ordered to the onlookers. She wasn’t quite sure how she was feeling comfortable enough to boss everyone around, but she saw a need and wanted to do something about that.

“Help me out, Phil,” Rey said. “Let’s get this man to his feet.”

“I got ’im.” Deputy Thatcher appeared. He wasn’t wearing any sort of uniform but was spruced up for the dance.

Between Phil and Thatcher and Rey, Billy was helped to his feet. His legs looked a bit wobbly, but he’d survive.

“I need a doctor,” Billy complained.

“The doc will come visit you in jail,” Thatcher said. “You’re a fool for going after the sheriff. What were you thinking?”

Billy heaved a sigh and allowed the men to shuffle him forward.

“Elsie, stay with your friends,” Rey barked at his daughter.

“Can I help the baker woman clean up the pies?” Elsie said.

Rey hesitated, his gaze shifting to Viola.

“I’d appreciate the help.”

Rey nodded. “All right, then. I won’t be long. Stay close to Viola. She’s in charge of you until I return.”

“Thank you, Papa.”

Viola didn’t know why she was smiling. Billy had nearly clobbered Rey, and now there was a massive mess to clean up, but a smile pushed through anyway.

“Set the pies that didn’t turn upside down on the far table,” Viola continued her orders. “The pies that are ruined can be put into this crate. The pigs won’t be hungry for two days after tonight.”

A few people chuckled. Several townspeople pitched in to help, and it wasn’t long before the mess was cleaned up. The music began again and the dancing continued.

“You’re really pretty,” a little voice said next to Viola as she spaced out the remaining pies on the table.

Viola looked down at Elsie. Her bright blue eyes were curious. “Well, thank you. You’re a pretty girl too.”

Elsie grinned. She had a couple of teeth missing, but it only made her more adorable. “I’m going to tell Papa when he returns that you’re the lady he should dance with tonight.”

“Oh, uh …” Viola knew her cheeks were heating up. “He might be too busy with all that’s gone on.”

“They’ll put Billy in jail and figure out what to do with him tomorrow,” Elsie pronounced as if this was all a regular night of events.

She’d probably seen a thing or two as the sheriff’s daughter.

“But Papa will be back here soon, and he promised that I could pick out a lady for him to dance with.”

Viola didn’t want to get in the middle of a father-daughter agreement, yet … “You know, Elsie, your father and I are friends. I’m only in Mayfair for a short while though. Maybe he should ask someone else to dance.”

“No.” Elsie gave her a huge smile. “I’ve made up my mind.”