Page 35 of Sweet Devotion

“This is amazing.” Aiden stood at her side, Romeo to his other side, his gaze staring up at the Ferris wheel taking center stage.

“Colleen.” Her mother came scurrying over from across the walkway. “Isn’t it wonderful.”

“Looks better than I remember.”

“The Ferris wheel was a new addition last year. Cost the town a pretty penny, but the return on investment was worth it.” Her mother turned to Aiden. “The floors look fabulous in the garage. If you have time when you’re finished with the conversion, I’d love to talk to you about a few projects inside.”

“Mother.”

“What?” Her mom smiled innocently. “You know I’ve always wanted to update Daddy’s office. Make it a real den like in all those rich movies.”

Aiden chuckled. “I’d be happy to look at it for you, ma’am, but I can’t make any promises. My time is still dependent on Uncle Sam.”

Though her mother looked a bit forlorn for a moment, she lifted her chin and smiled. “Of course. Thank you.”

“Peggy.” From across the way, Abigail Fine called to Colleen’s mom. “You’re late.”

“Have to run, dear. Abigail’s honeysuckle wine is always a big hit. Every year she has to make more than the year before and I promised I’d help this year.”

“Go, Mom.”

Her mom hurried away and the growing crowds closed in around her. For the next hour or so they made their way through the different booths, tasted homemade muffins, cupcakes, and bread that actually made a person salivate. They rode the Ferris wheel—twice—and then the Tilt-A-Whirl and even the merry-go-round. They were having a blast. Laughing, joking, and eating. A lot of eating. She was about to bite down on the crispiest sweet potato fries she’s ever eaten when a woman’s scream shattered the fun-filled moments.

“Where?” Aiden’s spine straightened. Even Romeo went on alert.

The crowds began murmuring, turning, pointing, when another scream came. This time a woman could clearly be heard screeching “my baby” loud enough to be heard in East Texas.

A second later, Romeo must have spotted something because he jerked free of Aiden’s hold on the leash and galloped across the field. In a heartbeat, Aiden bolted after the dog and the lady screaming. Instinct she didn’t know she had kicked in and with no idea what she would do when she caught up to them, she ran after Aiden and prayed the woman didn’t mean a real baby.

Colleen’s heart raced like a thoroughbred. Aiden had run full speed ahead like a running back with the touchdown football under his arm and a clear field ahead. It didn’t take long to find the source of the trouble. A hysterical mother stood by an empty baby carriage. People around her were doing their best to console her. Police were speaking on their walkie talkies, Iris Hathaway had her arms wrapped around the distraught mother. Even now that she’d gotten close, Colleen had no idea who the woman was. Maybe someone from out of town. Aiden was in deep conversation with one of the police, his gaze scanning the surroundings. She had no idea what to do. Approach him, wait, what?

Another minute and Aiden strolled towards where she was waiting. “Apparently the woman’s daughter, an eighteen month old, was in the stroller one minute and gone the next.”

Her racing heart suddenly stopped. Things like this didn’t happen in Honeysuckle.

“The police are stretched thin. I’m going to take Romeo and…” Aiden stopped, his gaze darting left then right then back. “Where is he?”

Now Colleen was stressed for a whole different reason.

“I have to find Romeo.” Aiden started to move forward then paused. “I’m sorry, I have to run.”

Before she could say a word, the mother’s voice could be heard once again screaming, “My baby,” only this time, the loud screech held a different tone. Both of them turned in the direction of the distraught mother only to see the cutest little blonde girl in a frilly pink sundress and white sandals walking toward them, her arms wrapped around Romeo’s neck.

Aiden bit back a chuckle. “Well, I’ll be.”

“Romeo to the rescue,” Colleen added. The two started toward the woman who looked torn somewhere between delighted to have her daughter back and terrified at the massive dog escorting her home when another shrill shriek sounded… “My baby!”

Aiden turned, extended his hand to Colleen and taking off at a full gallop, muttered, “Here we go again!”

Chapter Fifteen

The second shriek came from somewhere beyond the ring toss booth and sent half the crowd spinning in circles while the other half surged forward to see what the fuss was about. How many mothers can lose their babies in one small town in one day?

He turned to call Romeo over, not sure if he’d be able to get the dog to leave his charge easily, but if there was another wandering toddler, they might need his help. The only problem—Mom was smothering her child with kisses and Romeo was nowhere to be found. Hand firmly wrapped around Colleen’s, Aiden ran in the direction of the commotion, only vaguely aware of the way people stepped aside to clear a path.

“What is going on?” Colleen panted beside him.

“I’m beginning to think this whole town loses their minds one baby at a time.”