“Jason gave them a police escort all the way to the county line.”
The sheriff had gone the extra mile to make sure Potter left the county. Wolfe didn’t trust Kaylyn’s shooter any more than he did. Potter’s apologetic outburst last night hadn’t made any sense.
“Would you like me to fix you something to eat, Nicole?”
“Thanks, but no. I don’t want to ruin my appetite. I promised my guys that I would have dinner with them at Blue’s.”
“How are Sawyer and Reed?”
“Doing wonderful. Did you know that we are up to over two hundred head ourselves?”
He laughed. “I never dreamed of you being a cowgirl, but look at you.”
“And I’m still an officer of the law.”
“Yes, you are.”
“And so are you. I’m glad you accepted the sheriff’s offer and joined our ranks. We can certainly use you. Plus, it will be like old times.”
He heard her voice crack and knew she still had some guilt about the loss of his sight. “Yes it will. I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life.”
“Sure does seem so. Kaylyn must have a lot to do with that.”
He nodded. “I love her, Nicole. She’s the best thing that has ever happened to me.” He grabbed his former partner’s hand. “So you see if I hadn’t taken that bullet, I would’ve never found the woman of my dreams. Don’t feel sorry for me and don’t feel guilty. This was meant to be.”
“Always seeing the silver lining to everything. Same old Jaris.” Nicole squeezed his hand back. “I will never give up believing that your sight will return, no matter how slim the chances.”
“And you call me positive.” He didn’t argue with her, not wanting to quell her hopes, but he knew the odds were slim to none of that ever happening.
Jaris heard a vehicle he recognized approaching. By the sound of it, he estimated it to be about two miles away up the road. “We’re about to have some visitors.”
“We are?”
“The Boys Ranch bus is less than five minutes away.”
“Your hearing has certainly improved.”
“Not really. Just my focus.” Chance is coming back. “Nicole, how do your guys make it work?”
“What do you mean?”
“Sharing.”
“Ah. My guys are from Destiny. They’re brothers. They always imagined a life sharing one woman. Lucky for me, I am that woman. But I’m betting you’re asking because you and Chance are both in love with Kaylyn and she wants you both. Am I close to the truth?”
“On the nose, Deputy.”
“I’m not sure how to help you. It’s easier for me, even though like you and Chance, I’m not from Destiny either. I don’t have to share.”
“I see your point.”
“What I can tell you is a woman can love more than one man. It’s very easy for us.”
“I know you’re right about that. Kaylyn has made it clear that she loves us both.”
“Jaris, you and Chance are close. You’ll work this out.” She took a step off the porch. “I can see the bus now. Cody Stone is driving.”
“Chance is with him, right? And I bet so are the boys, since they are the cleanup crew of Dragon Week.”