Short-Order Sheriff (River's End Ranch Book 1) Read online

  He grinned at her. “Hi.” Taking her hand in his, he frowned down at it. “Where’s the ring? Don’t you like it? I’ll buy a different one if you don’t want to wear your grandmother’s.”

  She pulled the ring out from under her shirt and showed it to him. “I’m worried about Mom’s spy.”

  He shook his head. “Really? Her spy? Is she the head of the CIA or something?” Why would her mother have spies?

  Kelsi shook her head, leaning forward to whisper, “Every move I’ve made since she left, she’s known about. She knew I broke up with Donn and that we lost a cook, and I know none of my siblings told her. I feel like there are spies everywhere!” She looked around the café for cameras. “Just for this one week, we have to keep it quiet. After the wedding, we’ll tell everyone.”

  He sighed, shaking his head at her. “And you’re willing to have a small wedding without everyone you love to make sure she doesn’t find out?”

  “Yes!” Kelsi sighed. “Now, I found Grandma Kelsey’s wedding dress, which she’d carefully saved for Dani and me. It’s in perfect condition, and it fits. It’s like it was made for me. So I’m wearing that. Dani is going to wear a dress I have that will accent her eyes. I think that stuff is settled. What about you, Sheriff? What are you going to wear?”

  He shrugged. “I have a black suit. Will that work?” He was more worried about getting her down the aisle than what either of them would wear.

  She nodded. “Have you ordered the mouse ears?”

  “I have. They’ll be here Friday.” His thumb brushed over her palm. “Have you stopped to tell Jaclyn about the wedding yet?” He wanted to go with her to see the older woman, if she didn’t mind. Without Jaclyn, he wasn’t sure she’d be marrying him so quickly.

  “No. I haven’t had a chance. Do you want to go with me?”

  His eyes lit up. “I can’t think of anything I’d like more! She makes me laugh.”

  “Well, meet me here around three, and I’ll be ready to take off.” She scooted out of the booth. “So what can I get for you today, Sheriff?”

  “Other than you?”

  She made a face. “You’ve already got me. What do you want to eat?”

  He noticed she was still wearing the red boots she’d borrowed from her sister. “When are you going to give those back?”

  She looked down at them with a grin. “I think I’m just going to buy her a new pair. Won’t these look great with my wedding dress?” She loved the idea of wearing the red boots with the pretty dress. It would put her own spin on things.

  “Sure!” Were women supposed to wear red cowboy boots with wedding dresses? He wasn’t sure, but he wouldn’t argue with her. “Just a burger today, I think.”

  She nodded and hurried off, already knowing how he wanted the burger. How could she not after years of serving him every day?

  When Shane got to Kelsey’s Kafé a few hours later, he walked around back, knowing she’d have the kitchen door unlocked for him. He slipped in the door and found her starting the dishwasher.

  “I’m ready,” she said over her shoulder, sensing his presence more than hearing him. The dishwasher was already too loud for her to be able to hear the door open.

  He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly. “I missed you today.”

  She patted his hand, turning in his arms to encircle his neck with her own arms. “I missed you too. You’re starting to get under my skin, Sheriff.”

  “Good. Because you’ve been under mine for years.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “You ready to go tell Jaclyn?”

  She nodded emphatically. “She’s going to be so happy.”

  “I hope the fairies are happy too. What do we do if the gnomes are mad?” He knew she didn’t find the whole spectrum of mythical creatures as amusing as he did, but she was usually willing to joke with him about them.

  “No idea!” she responded. “I don’t think Jaclyn cares about the gnomes opinions too much.” She took his hand and pulled him toward the back door, locking up as they went. “I got us both four-wheelers, because I thought it would be fun if we went down by the lake as well.” A picnic on a cool spring evening with a special man sounded like heaven. She’d never wanted to do things like that with Donn, and as his name popped into her head, she realized she didn’t miss him at all. After an eight-year relationship, she probably should, but she couldn’t.

  He shrugged, standing next to one of the four-wheelers and putting the black helmet on his head. “Sounds good to me.”

  She held up a bag. “I packed us a picnic dinner. Race you!”

  Before he had a chance to throw a leg over the four-wheeler to get on, she was gone.

  She’d swerved around the building and was out of sight before he even got his four-wheeler started. He should have known she’d cheat, but of course, he’d had no idea they would race, so how could he have prepared? She was the most competitive woman he’d ever met in his life. He wouldn’t be surprised to see her have a contest to see who could grow their hair faster.

  He loved driving across the ranch. He could see so much more this way than he ever had by sticking to the roads with his police vehicle. Growing up in a place that was so full of beauty and so unpopulated must have been wonderful.

  By the time Shane was parked amidst the fantasy creatures in Jaclyn’s yard, Kelsi was already standing at the door. He walked up behind her, placed a hand at her waist, and leaned down to whisper, “You cheated!”

  “In my family, if you don’t cheat, you’re not trying hard enough!”

  He shook his head, smiling down at Jaclyn as she opened her door. “Well if it isn’t the newly-engaged couple. Come in for tea!” She opened her door wide, a silent invitation for them both to enter.

  Kelsi grinned stepping inside. “Milk for me, please.”

  Jaclyn looked at Shane. “Do you want milk or tea with your snickerdoodles?”

  “Tea, please.”

  “Sit! Both of you! The fairies told me you were coming, so I have the tea already made.”

  Shane sat on the couch, a perplexed look on his face. “The fairy thing creeps me out a little.”

  “She’s awesome. Deal with it,” Kelsi hissed back.

  Jaclyn was there a moment later with a tea tray laden with cookies. Once they had all been served, she sat in an armchair perpendicular to the couch and patted Jaclyn’s arm. “I’m glad you followed my advice. What time is the wedding on Sunday?”

  Kelsi looked over at Shane. “Have you talked to the pastor?”

  He nodded. “Yeah, wedding is at four. He said that gives him time to eat lunch and nap after Sunday service.”

  Kelsi sighed happily. “Naps are made of awesome!” She often took a quick nap after she got off work in the afternoon, because she was up so early. She hated going to bed at eight, because it made her feel like a child with an early bedtime.

  “The wedding will be in the backyard of the main house. Do you want one of my brothers to come get you?”

  Jaclyn made a face. “Why would I need one of your brothers to come get me? I’m just old, not sick.”

  “I thought I’d offer.” Kelsi took a bite of one of her cookies. “Snickerdoodles are particularly good today.”

  Shane looked between the two women, feeling a little out of place in the feminine surroundings. Everything was draped with pink, and it reminded him a bit of Pepto Bismol. “How are the bunnies, Miss Hardy?”

  “The same as always, and don’t you worry. I haven’t killed any of my gnomes since George. That’s not something I do often.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Thank you for talking to Kelsi about marrying me. I think it was your advice that made her agree.” He wouldn’t bring up George’s untimely death, because he knew the woman was embarrassed about killing a lawn ornament. “I’m sure it was. She was dragging her feet every time I asked before you told her what the fairies said.”

  “Why don’t you believe in the fairies?” Jaclyn asked, her
eyes level on his. “They’re ancient creatures who have been around much longer than humans. They’re here to help us all.”

  Shane wasn’t certain how to respond. “I’ve never seen a fairy, Miss Hardy. I guess I’m one of those men who needs to see to believe.”

  “You miss out on so much that way. Do you believe in love?” Jaclyn asked. “You can’t see that either.”

  Shane looked at Kelsi. “Oh, but I can. I really can.”

  Kelsi blushed under his gaze. It felt so strange having him openly talk about loving her when she didn’t yet know how she felt. How exactly was she supposed to react? She patted his arm, lost for words.

  Jaclyn laughed. “You overwhelm her with your feelings, Sheriff. She never thought anyone would love her quite the way you do.”

  Kelsi quickly gulped down her milk and stood. “I think we should be off now. We’re having a picnic by the lake, and we need to have our four-wheelers back before dark.”

  Jaclyn tilted her head to the side, looking at the younger woman. “That’s not a ranch rule, and I think everyone in this room knows it. You just want to get away so I don’t mention how embarrassed you are again.”

  Kelsi shrugged, grabbing Shane’s hand. He put down his tea and got to his feet. “Thank you for the tea and cookies.”

  Jaclyn got to her feet, smiling, her blue eyes dancing with laughter. “So happy to have you both. I’ll see you Sunday. I’ll be the one wearing fairy wings.”

  “Fairy wings?” Shane asked as soon as they were a short distance from the small house. “Is she really going to wear fairy wings to our wedding?”

  “As long as she wears something, I’ll be happy.”

  Shane laughed, getting onto his four-wheeler. “Where do you want to picnic?” he asked.

  Kelsi shrugged. “Wherever. Maybe down on the other side of the lake. I haven’t been there since the snow melted, and there might be some signs.” She didn’t really feel like doing anything but spending time with him, but she’d mention her search to keep him from getting a big head. No one needed a big-headed sheriff for a husband.

  He nodded, knowing it was going to turn into a hunt for Bigfoot, and started his four-wheeler, ready to follow her anywhere.

  When they got to a small grassy area to the south of the lake, he removed his helmet, watching her closely. “That whole thing with Jaclyn made you uncomfortable, didn’t it?”

  She nodded. “I just feel like I’m doing something wrong by marrying you when I know you love me, and I don’t yet return your feelings.”

  He took the blanket she’d tied to the back of his vehicle and spread it out on the ground. “The word yet is what I’m counting on. I truly believe the feelings will come.” At least he hoped they would. He knew there was electricity between them, and for now that would have to do.

  He sat and waited as she put the sandwiches she’d made on the blanket. “I’m not hungry yet,” she said quietly. “The cookies were enough to keep me going for a while.”

  “Do you want to talk then? Or do you want to look for signs of Bigfoot?” He dangled the opportunity to search for her favorite beast over her head like a carrot stick.

  Kelsi sighed. “As much as I want to talk Bigfoot, we should probably talk future instead. We’re getting married Sunday, you know.”

  He smiled, taking her hand in his. “I am aware of this plan.”

  “So do you want kids or not?” she asked, as if it had been the topic of conversation all along.

  He shrugged. “I would like at least one or two? What about you?”

  “Oh, I’d cover the ranch with kids if I thought I could. I’ve always wanted at least a dozen.”

  He swallowed hard. “A dozen? Really?” He couldn’t imagine having a family that big.

  “Do you think that’s too many?” she asked, frowning at him. “There were six in my family, and sometimes I wish there’d been more.”

  “But your siblings make you crazy!”

  “They do. But they also fight for me and keep me going. They’re the people who balance me and keep me on the right track. They tease me all day, but if someone else teases me, they’re the first to make them stop. They have my back no matter what.”

  “I can see that, but isn’t having the five of them—six if you count Jess—enough? I mean that’s a lot of people.”

  She shrugged. “The more, the merrier. Don’t you think you want more siblings?”

  “It’s not really that way with my sister and me. We’re not as close.” He sighed. “I don’t care how many kids we have. As long as we can afford them.”

  “Okay, I promised Wade I’d talk to you about something. You know the ranch isn’t ours, right? We’re still playing games and jumping through hoops to get our hands on it. Mom and Dad are going to be giving us a test, and we have no idea what it is, but we have to pass their test to be able to get our hands on the ranch.”

  “You don’t think I’m marrying you for the potential income from the ranch, do you?” he asked, his eyes wide. He thought he’d made it very clear that his interest was in her, not in her family’s wealth.

  “No, I don’t. If I did, I wouldn’t be marrying you, no matter what the fairies said!” She grinned at him. “I needed to make sure you understood the financial situation for Wade. I’m paid a salary, and it’s a decent salary, but I’m about to give up the free housing that comes with it.” She frowned. “Which is another thing we haven’t talked about! I assume you want me to live in town with you?”

  He nodded. “I’ll even make room on my DVD shelf for you to put your slasher movies on.”

  “I’m sure they’ll look good on display in your living room.” She moved a little closer to him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I’m not going to have a lot of time this week. I have packing to do, and little details to see to. The restaurant here on property is catering the wedding for us, and I’m going to have tables set up on the lawn. It’s such a beautiful time of year, so if it doesn’t rain, we’re doing everything outdoors. If it does rain, we probably will need to move to the café.”

  “Why don’t you guys have a building for huge events? I would think, with as much as you have going on here, you’d have something set up for weddings.”

  She shrugged. “I’m not sure. River’s End has always been a place to go to do stuff…not to stay inside and have dances. It’s been all about experiencing the beauty of nature in your own way. Whether you like snow or summer, there’s something wonderful for you to do here. I think Granddad always thought that if we had a reception area, people would miss out on the beauty that surrounds us here.”

  His arm came around her, and he stroked her hair back out of her face. “He has a point. This place is incredible. I always thought about spending a week at one of the cabins on the lake here. Do you have any idea how happy that would make me?”

  “Sounds great, but not for a honeymoon. I don’t need to be surrounded by family as I’m getting used to being intimate with my new husband.”

  “Yeah, your brothers would be checking on you too frequently. I might have to kill them and throw their bodies in the lake.” He shook his head. “I’ve obviously been hanging out with you Westons too much lately. I never threaten to kill people! I’m the law around here, you know.”

  Kelsi grinned, leaning against him. “You are, and we’re all grateful for that fact.” She took a deep breath. “Do you think we’re making a mistake getting married so quickly? I’m really kind of being cowardly by planning it this way…”

  “No, I don’t. I think it’s the perfect solution. That way you’re not hurting anyone’s feelings, and I get to have you all to myself that much sooner. It works very well for me!”

  She laughed softly. “I think you’re thinking about your own interests and not anyone else’s.”

  “Well, yours and mine. I’m helping you out of a bind, if you’ll remember!”

  “And that’s the real reason you’re marrying me so fast, right?”

  He gri
nned, leaning down to kiss her softly. “What do you think?”

  They sat and talked about their future, ate a bit, and then talked some more. It was just getting dark when they dropped off the four-wheelers at the shed.

  “Where’d you park?” he asked.

  “At the house. I can walk back.”

  He shook his head. “I’m not letting you walk that far by yourself after dark.”

  “It’s only a ten-minute walk!” she protested. “I’ve lived here my whole life. I don’t remember the last time there was a violent crime in this part of Idaho.”

  “Then it’s time for one, so you should be extra careful…and don’t forget poor George! People are killed accidentally!” He wasn’t letting her get off that easily. She was going to be safe if it killed him.

  Kelsi shook her head at him, but didn’t complain when he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and walked with her toward the house. It was odd to think that she wouldn’t live there much longer. It had been her home since the day she’d come home from the hospital.

  After a quick kiss at the door, Kelsi went into the house alone. She was surprised to find Dani waiting up for her. “What’s going on?” she asked.

  “Oh, Mom’s being a pain. She wants me to set up this date between you and Bobby on the night he arrives, and I’m not doing it. You’ll already be married by then!”

  Kelsi wrinkled her nose. “Did you tell Mom the sheriff and I are getting serious? You can do that without revealing wedding plans.”

  Dani sighed. “I didn’t even think about it.”

  Kelsi frowned, opening her door and noting that her sister followed her in. “Will you do a spa day with me on Saturday?” she asked softly. “I know you hate spa days, but I want my sister with me. And Jess, of course. Do you think Jess would do it?”

  Dani shrugged. “I have no idea, but I think it would be fun for the three of us to do together,” she said, her face looking like she’d just swallowed an extra-sour lemon.

  “You’re a good sister, you know that?”

  Dani wrinkled her nose. “Are we going to just play in the afternoon? If not, I’m going to have to beg Shane to play short-order sheriff again. I hear his deputies always come in so they can complain about his cooking when he takes over for me.”