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“No. I’m going to get someone to cover for me.” I sent up a fervent, silent prayer that I was making the right decision. “I guess I’m going to a tree lighting.”
“Gee, don’t sound so excited.”
“I’m loosening up. Once I figure out how.” I smiled. “Thanks, Dad. I really appreciate it.”
“And I really appreciate you giving me a grandchild before I’m too old to run after her. Make sure the next one comes along in due time.”
I made a fist and glanced down at my hand. A few weeks ago, a statement like that would’ve made me shut down immediately. Now it just set off a steady warm glow inside my chest.
Some part of me had always known Gina was it for me. Nothing was as overwhelming when she was by my side.
I needed to be that for her too. She deserved nothing less than my best. Not an inconsistent, over-possessive jerk who didn’t come clean with her because I was scared.
Dammit, I was a fucking sheriff. I wasn’t going to be frightened of the balancing act it would take to have a family and my job. I definitely wasn’t going to be scared off by a few words.
The most important ones of my life.
“Let’s see what happens,” I said instead of an instant denial.
I could see that future he described off in the distance. Gina loved babies. That was obvious. So…maybe.
A lot of maybes.
But at least they weren’t flat-out nos.
After I hung up with my dad, I went to check on Sami. She was dozing with her half empty bottle lolling on her belly. Bojangles the bear was tucked against her hip. Sadie was lying on the floor, her head resting on her crossed paws. At her side was a well-chewed duck I’d thrown into my online order the other day. The duck hadn’t been chewed when it arrived, nor had it been intended for Sadie.
The sight of both my sleeping girls made me smile nonetheless.
I was only missing one of them now. And she wouldn’t be sleeping if I was writing the future. Not for like a solid twelve hours or so. Eventually, I’d need regenerating time.
Probably.
I went off to grab a beer. I’d need one for this phone call.
First, I texted August. He did not willingly give up his younger brother’s phone number, until I reminded him as sheriff I had access to any number I needed. That wasn’t strictly true but the fib worked—after I promised I didn’t want the number for nefarious purposes.
But hey, all was fair in love and war.
It was pretty late, but I took a chance Caleb was still up. He didn’t disappoint me and answered on the second ring.
“Sheriff? Should I hire a bodyguard?”
I probably shouldn’t have laughed. It wasn’t funny. Except it was.
Don’t make everything so hard.
“No. I know you asked her out. I also know why.”
“Because I have a desire to end up missing a limb before I die a painful death?”
I laughed again. I was a jovial guy tonight. A minor miracle, really, considering where I’d left things with Gina.
But I was going to fix it. All of it.
“No. You asked her out because she’s a beautiful, smart, fierce woman. Because any man would be lucky to have her on their arm.”
“Uh, right. Is this where you ask to meet me outside of town to chat?”
