by P. Creeden
Emma pushed the corn dog closer to the woman and handed her a napkin with it as well. “I insist. And besides, it’s because of you that we were able to solve the case today. I’m glad we found another wire to fix your cart, but I still owe you a new pair of gloves.”
Grace took the food with a small smile. “Well, I thank you, then. And don’t worry about the gloves. I get them at the dollar store whenever I wear out a pair anyway.”
Emma’s dad came up, holding hands with Macy, biting down on his corn dog. “Then let me pay you back by letting you get anything you want from any of these food carts.”
Her eyes went wide. “Can I get cotton candy? I haven’t had that in years... maybe not since I was a wee one.”
Sheriff Wright’s smile widened. “That’s been much too long then. Come on. Let’s go get you some.”
Emma watched as her father led Macy and Grace into the crowd toward the stand that boasted rainbow colored wisps of cotton candy. Just then a boom and a hiss filled the air and the first of the fireworks show lit up the sky in a silver flower. The crowd cheered. Emma smiled as she took a bite of her corn dog and then offered a piece of the tip to Molly. Colby came up beside her, standing close enough to warm her left shoulder. She shivered.
“The breeze is getting a bit chilly,” he said. “Do you want me to get you a jacket?”
She shook her head. “I’m fine.”
Another boom and hiss as more silver, red, green, and gold flowers bloomed in the sky. More cheers from the crowd around her filled the air. And in her boldness, Emma leaned into Colby so that her shoulder touched his. His arm moved so that he rested a hand on her shoulder and pulled her in just a bit closer. Her heart raced in her chest as she peered up at him.
His eyes filled with the sparkles in the night sky, making her heart flutter even more. He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down in the process. Then he whispered. “I don’t want you to get cold.”
Colby went back to watching the fireworks, and Emma did the same as she leaned against him. Molly leaned into their legs, and Emma was glad the Saint Bernard didn’t have a fear of the fireworks like some dogs did. She peered down at the puppy and patted her on the head, careful not to pull out of Colby’s hold on her shoulders. Maybe he was just trying to keep her warm, but in this moment, Emma couldn’t help but feel safe, protected, and possibly even loved by the one man who held her heart.
About the Author
P. Creeden is the sweet romance and mystery pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author, Pauline Creeden. Her stories feature down-to-earth characters who often feel like they are undeserving of love for one reason or another and are surprised when love finds them.
Animals are the supporting characters of many of her stories, because they occupy her daily life on the farm, too. From dogs, cats, and goldfish to horses, chickens, and geckos -- she believes life around pets is so much better, even if they are fictional. P. Creeden married her college sweetheart, who she also met at a horse farm. Together they raise a menagerie of animals and their one son, an avid reader, himself.
If you enjoyed this story, look forward to more books by P. Creeden.
In 2018, she plans to release more than twelve new books!
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