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“Salads and cookies?”
Raising his head, Sam noticed his weary eyes. “Captain?”
“Uh, yes. Cookies. No salad.”
She held them out. “Thanks for all you and your men do.”
A slight smile appeared. The effort had Sam reevaluating his age. Instead of forty, maybe closer to thirty-five.
Right behind him came the ranch hands, and a few guests. She knew they’d all eaten dinner earlier, but if they helped with the fire, they deserved more food. At the end of the line stood Aiden Winters. Next to him was Laurel Maddox, the woman who thought she’d spotted the person who started the fire.
“Hello, Sam.”
“Deputy. Mrs. Maddox. We have ham, beef, and chicken sandwiches, salad, and cookies.”
He motioned for Laurel to go ahead of him. She had a chicken sandwich without salad or cookies. Aiden took all three.
No one else came forward. Sam turned toward Logan.
“Guess that’s all. If we missed anyone, they’ll have to come to the kitchen.”
“So, I can take what I want?”
Sam chuckled. “Whatever you want. I’m pretty certain everyone in the kitchen has already eaten.”
She picked up a beef sandwich. Unwrapping it, she took a big bite. Chewing, Sam looked up at him. “Aren’t you going to eat?”
“Sure am. Just wanted to be the very last one.”
They ate in silence until each opened a package of cookies. Sam nibbled at hers while Logan finished his in a few bites.
“Well, guess I need to hitch a ride home.” Logan nodded toward the Kelman Ranch.
“I’ll take you up the hill.”
He looked at her for a while before shaking his head. “Nah. It’s a beautiful night. I’m going to walk.”
Logan started off without a goodbye. Not saying another word until he was about fifty yards away.
“Hey, Sam.”
“Yeah?”
“Let’s grab dinner and go dancing this Friday.”
Her answer popped right out. “Sounds good to me.”
Chapter Seven
“I really appreciate both of you coming with me to look at the space.” Laurel Maddox fidgeted with her purse strap as Daisy drove toward the empty retail space near Lydia’s coffee and baked goods shop. She’d expected to bring Reece with her, but Margie volunteered to watch him.
“I’m not sure there’s anything I can add to what Daisy thinks. She’s the expert on what goes on in Brilliance.” Sam glanced at the buildings on the main street. Given the long days at the ranch, it wasn’t often she saw them during the day.
“You’re straightforward, Sam. Whatever your opinion is, I know it will be honest.”
“You’re right on that.”
Laurel smiled. “You’d be surprised at the number of people who aren’t comfortable telling you how they really feel about something. You aren’t one of them.”
