Just as leaving was Bodie’s goal.
“He never even asked me to go with him, which was just as well since I wouldn’t have left.” Not for Richard. Now where had that thought come from? She wouldn’t leave Pine Hill for anyone. Her life was here—the people she loved, the places she loved. She couldn’t imagine ever willingly walking away from her beloved hometown. “Anyway, Aunt Jean died, Richard left, I inherited Hamilton House, and I’ve been too busy to think about dating since.”
His brows rose. “And yet you claim the Butterflies want you married off to the first willing man.”
Sarah’s cheeks heated at the memory of having told him that. A group of baton twirlers walked past them as the parade progressed.
“Not giving in to them isn’t always easy, but that particular issue hasn’t really been a problem all that often. I never meet anyone who catches my eye, and I’ve been busy this past year.”
She had been busy. No one had caught her eye.
Except for the man standing next to her.
The twirlers moved on and several floats with scouts and various kids’ groups passed.
“Look, there’s the sheriff’s department float.” She pointed toward the upcoming float, then waved at Sheriff Roscoe and the deputies as they passed. “I was afraid we’d missed it.”
“What’s this Sheriff Roscoe was saying about you getting a ticket?”
Sarah narrowed her gaze and gave the meanest look she could muster. “Don’t go there.”
He laughed.
“Okay, I won’t.” He hesitated, then added, “Speedy.”
Sarah rolled her eyes.
Bodie’s gaze went back to the parade. “How about we find Lou’s booth and grab a bite to eat before the parade ends and there’s a rush?”
She didn’t really want to miss the rest of the parade, but she was starving, and the booths would get busier and busier as the parade participants returned to the square, so Sarah nodded. Maybe they could get their food and find somewhere to eat where they could still watch the parade.
If not, then maybe Bodie would check out the other booths with her, play a few games, and sample some of the homemade goodies being sold.
“Harry seems to like Lou,” Sarah said in between bites of her chili. The dog had finished the plain burger Bodie had bought him and was lapping water from the bowl Bodie had gotten out of his truck earlier in the day.
Lou had made a big to-do over the dog, making sure Bodie got extras for him. Apparently, Lou had even begun to let Harry inside his place when Bodie came by for breakfast.
“Lou seems to like Harry, too. He offered to buy him from me one morning last week.”
“What?” Sarah gasped, her gaze going to the black and white dog. “Surely he knew you wouldn’t sell Harry?”
Though his mouth was full of chili, Bodie shook his head and reached down to pet the dog.
“How long have you had Harry?”
“Not nearly as long as you’d think.”
That piqued Sarah’s curiosity and she stared at him, waiting for him to elaborate. As usual, she had to prompt him.
“Where did you get Harry?”
“He was my best friend’s dog.”
There was a story there, but Sarah knew she’d have to pry it from Bodie. “How did Harry end up your dog?”
“I stole him.”
Sarah’s jaw dropped. “What?”