The sheriff had donned a pair of red suspenders, stretched taught over his fat belly. Again the heavy smell of bay rum shrouded the room.
Mac jumped up and down shouting “Candy! Candy!”
Dusty paused by the cookie tin. Talkative with Rebecca, Cole and Mac, the boy remained quiet around others.
She took off her apron and wiped her hands. “It’s all right, Dusty.”
Dusty didn’t move.
Rebecca took the candy from Sheriff Wade. “Thanks. That’s very kind of you.”
She handed the pieces to Dusty who reluctantly accepted them. He backed away from the sheriff then returned to his game.
Sheriff Wade hooked his thumbs in his suspenders. “Sure is a distrustful little fellow.”
Her eyes softened as she watched the boy give his candy to Mac. “He’s got reason.”
Mac held his candy up in the air. He squealed with delight. “Candy!” He danced in circles shouting.
The sheriff winced. “He always that noisy?”
Rebecca settled Mac down. “He is a handful at times.”
“Likely just needs a man’s guidance.”
The comment made Rebecca pause but she said nothing. She picked up her paring knife and began peeling more apples.
The sheriff took the seat across from her and made himself comfortable. “You remind me of Dusty.”
She stiffened. “What makes you say that?”
“You never take anything from me.”
“Of course I do.”
“I been offering my help to you for a good six months now and you say no each time.”
“But I don’t need any help, Sheriff.”
“Call me Ernie.”
“Ernie,” she said testing the name. It sounded awkward.
He smiled, satisfied. “I was surprised to see McGuire fixing the shingles.”
“I didn’t want him to. He’s just taken over.”
The sheriff frowned. “I don’t like the way he’s moving in on your life.”
“I can handle him.” I hope.
“You may know some of the goings on between a man and a woman, but you ain’t wise to the ways of men. I don’t like the way he looks at you.”
The thought of Cole staring at her titillated her. Foolish. Dangerous. “How does he look at me?”
“Like he ain’t eaten in three weeks and you’re a choice cut of freshly grilled steak.”
“Oh.”
Mac jumped to his feet and ran to Wade. The boy laid his half-eaten piece of candy in the sheriff’s meaty palm.
Wade stared down at the candy. “Thanks, I think.”
“Mac, we can’t play if you keep running away,” Dusty complained.
Mac giggled and ran back.
Wade frowned at the gooey mess on his palm. “Cute.”
Rebecca took the candy and handed him a damp rag. “Sorry, Ernie.”
Wade wiped his hand clean.
“When I was a young man, children didn’t seem to be so loud or so full of surprises.”
She laughed. “They have a way of wearing me down at times.”
He glanced at the children, then said in a lower voice, “Do you really think it’s wise to have McGuire around? It ain’t exactly proper.”
“He’s a boarder.”
“Who’s staying mighty long.”
“I’ve had other boarders stay longer.”
“Ain’t the same.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a cigar. “We all figured he’d have been gone by now.”
“I did, too.” She brushed a bit of flour from her sleeve. “I’d prefer you not smoke around the children.”
He hesitated as if he were going to argue then put the cigar back in his pocket. “Whatever you say.”
“Mr. McGuire will leave soon.”
Wade laid his warm, damp hand over hers. “What’re you gonna do if Cole stays for good?”
Panic flared. Hope blossomed. “He won’t.”
“I hear he was talking to the mayor and a handful of others. No one’s talking, which ain’t like any of them.”
“What do you think they’re talking about?”
“Can’t say. But I reckon it’s big.”
“Maybe he asked him to leave town.”
“Don’t think so. I saw Gene shake his hand yesterday. They was thick as thieves.”
Until now, she had expected him to leave White Stone. Now she wasn’t so sure. “I can’t keep lying forever.”
“No.” He took her hand in his. “I been thinking about another way to get you out of this mess.”
“What’s that?”
“Marry me.”
Rebecca swallowed wrong and started to cough. A handful of seconds passed before she caught her breath. “What?”
“I know it’s sudden for you, but it’s just about all I could think about since I first laid eyes on you.”
“Ernie, please.”
“I don’t want your answer now, but give it serious thought. I know I’m as old as your pa, but I’ve got a mind to settle down and have a family. I’d raise Mac, and Dusty if you want, as my own.”
“Oh, my.” Her head started spinning. She’d known the sheriff had been interested in her but she had no idea his feelings ran this deep.
“And I’ll protect you from Cole. With a husband by your side, no one would take, well…you know.”
She tugged her hand free. “Ernie, I need to think about your offer.”
The back door squeaked open. “And what offer would that be?” Cole asked, his raspy voice grating on her exposed nerves.
She started. He stood in the doorway. He wore no shirt, his bronzed skin glistening with sweat. Thick hair matted his chest and trailed down to his narrow waist. His hair was tousled by the wind and his eyes blazed with anger. He had wrapped a bandanna around his left hand. Blood stained the rag and his pants.
“It’s none of your concern,” she said, primly.
“Like hell.” He strode into the room, his boots thudding against the wooden floor. Blood dripped from his makeshift bandage.
“You’re bleeding,” she said, concerned.
“I’ll live. What’s Wade want?”
Sheriff Wade straightened his shoulders. “If you must know, I’ve asked Rebecca to marry me.”
Cole’s gaze darkened. “That so? What’d she say?”
“She’s got to think about it,” Sheriff Wade said.
“Sudden isn’t it, Wade?”
“Not really. We’ve known each other six months.”
Rebecca inhaled sharply. She was starting to feel like the prize in a tug-of-war match. “She’s still in the room.”
Cole stared mutinously at her.
Wade’s cheeks reddened with embarrassment. “Sorry.”
Rebecca sighed. “Ernie, would you please leave?”
He hesitated. “Will you promise to consider my offer?”
“Yes.”
Wade glared at Cole as he spoke to Rebecca. “You gonna be okay?”
“Yes, yes. I’ll be fine.”
“All right,” he grumbled. “But if you need me for anything, just call.”
Rebecca walked him to the back door and opened it. “I shall do that.”
Without warning Wade cupped her face in his callused hands and pressed his lips to hers. Shocked, she stood wide-eyed and stock straight, staring into his closed eyes.
Ernie blushed and when he opened his eyes, he looked pleased. He tugged his hat forward and touched the brim. “I’ll be seeing you tomorrow, Rebecca.”