Page 32 of Santa of the Creek

As I’m ready to pass out from the pain in my ankle, this doesn’t surprise me. We reach the square in a few moments. The sheriff is clearly not one for conversation and that’s fine with me. I wouldn’t know what to say to him.

“He’s there,” Morgan says, pointing to the lone figure by the tree.

“He’s here every year,” I say.

“I know.”

I guess if there’s one person in the town who should know, it’s the sheriff. As he helps me out, the sheriff fixes me with a stare. “It’s good he’s let you into his life. Don’t screw it up.”

There’s so much I can say to that, but I want to get to Dean, so I just nod. “Thanks for the ride.”

“Call Gloria if you need a ride home.”

I nod, grateful for his offer. “Thank you, Sheriff Morgan.”

My screen lights up, and I’m surprised to see Dean’s name on the screen. “Dean? Are you all right?”

“I need a friend.”

“I’m already here, honey,” I call out as I struggle out of the car.

Dean turns and sees me hobbling toward him. I admit I’m kinda relieved when he strides over to me and wraps a firm armaround my shoulders. “What are you doing here? How did you get here? Don’t tell me you were stupid enough to drive.”

When he finally pauses to take a breath, I point to the sheriff who leans against his car.

“I called Gloria who mobilized the sheriff to help me.”

“The sheriff drove you here?” Dean sounds gobsmacked. “And you didn’t freak out?”

“Believe me, I’m plenty freaking out riding next to the sheriff. My mama always said I’d end up in a cop car. Now could we sit down somewhere before I fall and need another ambulance?”

I wave at the sheriff, who waves back and then gets into his car. I can’t help the sigh of relief when he drives off, leaving the two of us alone. I turn back to Dean.

“I need to sit, then you talk to me. I’m here for you.”

Dean guides me over to a seat. “You didn’t have to come here. I know you’re in pain.”

I caress his cheek. “So are you.”

His chin wobbles a moment. “Yeah. But I should be over it.”

“There’s no time limit on mourning someone. We’ve already had that conversation.”

I hold him close, and he leans against me. We sit in silence for a moment.

“You’re still wearing the Santa hat,” I say.

He snorts. “I haven’t been home yet. I went to the hospital and ended up visiting with Curtis.”

I furrow my brow. “Curtis? I don’t know him. Is he a nurse?”

“He owns the Chronicle.”

“Oh right.” The local newspaper. I don’t think I’ve read a copy yet. I got all the local gossip from Randy. “Why is he in hospital?”

“He slipped on ice and hurt himself pretty bad. I spent a few hours talking to him. He’s so bored.”

“If I’d known it was this dangerous in Collier’s Creek I’d have carried on driving,” I mutter.