Madilyn grinned. “He talked you into it, huh?”
Kaitlyn laughed. “What can I say? My big brother is very persuasive.”
Madilyn moved around the counter and hugged her. “I’m glad. Are you going to sell the house?”
“Yes. There is nothing but bad memories there. I want to start over with my baby.”
Madilyn nodded at her. “It’ll be a good start.”
Later in the afternoon, as Madilyn sat at the counter, the bell rang above the door announcing a customer. She automatically smiled at them. The man headed straight for her. No smile touched his lips.
“Could you get Kaitlyn Parker for me?” he asked.
“Yes, sir, I certainly can.” Madilyn headed for the back office and knocked. Kaitlyn told her to enter. “There’s a man at the counter asking for you.”
Kaitlyn frowned up at her and stood. They walked together to the front of the shop.
“Mr. Scott?” Kaitlyn asked in a surprised voice. “What can I do for you?”
Cal Scott was the owner of the Clifton Florist and Greenhouse. Why he was there was anyone’s guess. In the five years Madilyn worked there, she’d never met him until today.
“Katie, first off let me say I’m sorry for your loss. I went to your home first but when you weren’t there, I called Sam. I couldn’t believe it when he said you were working.” He took a deep breath. “Secondly, I’m selling the shop. Millie and I want to travel. Visit our children. I’m sorry to spring this on you but as of tomorrow it will go up for sale. I am stipulating you and Miz Young be allowed to remain here if the person buying it keeps it as it is.” He shrugged. “If they change it to some other type of business, I’m afraid you’ll both be out of jobs and I have no control over that.”
Madilyn didn’t know what to say and she knew Kaitlyn felt the same way. If they lost their jobs, they were both in trouble. Jobs were scarce in Clifton, even with the B and B doing so well, it was only open five months out of the year. She had no idea what would happen if it came down to the shop closing.
“I’m sorry to tell you this the day after you buried your husband, but Millie and I are leaving on a cruise tomorrow and I wanted to tell you in person. I know how much you love working here and I really hope the new owner will keep it as it is,” Cal Scott said.
“I understand, Mr. Scott,” Kaitlyn said softly.
He nodded and left, leaving Madilyn and Kaitlyn staring at the door he’d disappeared through. Kaitlyn sighed and took a seat behind the counter. Madilyn leaned against it.
“I can’t believe this,” Kaitlyn whispered. “As if I don’t have enough to deal with, now I have to deal with the possibility of losing my job.”
“I’m sorry, Katie.”
“Oh, Madilyn. I didn’t mean to sound selfish. I know you’re worried too.”
“I am, but you have a baby to think of.”
“Maybe I should have an abortion.” Kaitlyn’s voice caught on a sob.
“No! You know you can’t do that. You’d never be able to live with yourself.”
“You’re right. I’ll manage somehow.”
Both women were lost in their own thoughts then finally got back to work. The thought of losing her job stayed in the back of Madilyn’s mind all through the rest of the day. She was sure Kaitlyn was going through the same thing. Kaitlyn had Sam to help her, though. Madilyn wasn’t sure how Brody would feel about it. He’d asked her to marry him but nowadays, both people in a marriage held jobs. Being married to Brody, Madilyn knew she wouldn’t need to work but she’d want to. At least, until she had children.
Madilyn took her break, called Brody, and hoped she didn’t wake him up. Since he was going back to work tonight, he may be asleep.
“Hey, baby,” he said in way of answering.
“Hi.” Madilyn chewed on her bottom lip.
“What’s wrong, Maddie?”
“The owner of the shop came in today to let us know he’s putting it on the market tomorrow. He’s going to stipulate we keep our jobs as long as it’s kept as a florist and greenhouse but if the new owner changes it to something else, we could be out of jobs.”
“Aww, baby. I’m sorry. I know how much you love it there. What do you need me to do?”
Madilyn blinked back tears at the concern in his voice. “Just be there for me.”
“Always. You know, if you lose your job, you’ll have to move in with me.”
She could hear the smile in his voice. “Yes, I know.” She sighed.
Brody’s chuckle came over the line. “We could get married right away then you’d have to move here anyway.”
“You’ve got it all figured out, don’t you, Brody?”
“Seriously, we can get married whenever you want. Tomorrow sounds good to me.”
“I’d love to, but let’s see what happens first, okay?” she whispered.
“Whatever you want, Maddie.” Brody sighed. “I have so much to do out here and I’d hate to have you move in yet anyway. I want to knock down the old hay barn and build a new one. I want to build it myself though.”
“You need to have a ‘barn raising’. The people of Clifton would help you build it.”
“They still do that here?” Brody sounded surprised.
Madilyn laughed. “Yes, of course. This is Clifton, remember?”
“I’ll put a post on the bulletin board at the feed store tonight.”
“You’ll get a lot of help. I’ll get with the women to make food. Just let me know when you want to do it.”
“All right. I’d like that.” Brody sighed. “I’m here anytime, Maddie.”
“I know, Brody. I’d better go. I love you.”
“I love you more.” He hung up.
Madilyn smiled and headed out to the greenhouse. Brody was right. She loved this job and it would hurt to lose it but she was also a firm believer in everything happened for a reason. She may not know the reasons yet but she hoped that one day it would all become clear.
Chapter Eight
Brody drove to the station and walked inside. He was surprised to see Sam still there. He leaned against the doorjamb and folded his arms.
“Do you go home anymore, Sam?” Brody grinned.
“It sure as hell doesn’t feel like it. Mark isn’t coming in, so you’re on your own. I’ll stay for a while but I don’t like leaving Katie alone too long.”
“Is she doing all right? Maddie said she worked today.”
“She did. Seems she doesn’t care about burying her cheating husband yesterday.”
Brody snorted. “No one cared about him. She’s better off without him.”
Sam stood and strolled around the desk. “I know. I’m glad she’s free of him now and especially after what I found out about the bastard.”
“Raping her?” Brody said softly.
“Did Madilyn tell you?” Sam leaned back against his desk and folded his arms.
“Yes. I’m sorry Katie went through it, but she’ll love the baby unconditionally.”
Sam straightened up. “Of course. I’ll go to Dewey’s with you, and then I’m heading home.”
Brody and Sam walked out, got into the Sheriff’s SUV, and drove to Dewey’s bar. They strolled inside to hear loud music blaring and the place wall-to-wall people.
“Is this place always packed?” Brody yelled above the music.
“Every night of the week.” Sam jerked his chin. “Head off that way, I’ll go this way.”
They managed to make the rounds without incident. As they drove back to the station, Brody glanced over to Sam. “Did Katie mention the sale of the shop?”
“Yes,” Sam growled. “She loves the place. I don’t know what she’ll do if she can’t work there.”
“Maddie’s pretty upset too. There aren’t too many jobs in this town.”
“You got that shit right. Katie mentioned moving away. I don’t want her to do that. She’s all I have here as far as family. With our parents living in San Diego, we’re all we have.�
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Brody didn’t say anything. He knew how Sam felt since his own parents were traveling all the time but he’d gotten used to being alone while he lived in Butte. When they pulled into the station, Brody hopped out and Sam left. Brody didn’t like being on nightshift as it was, but to be on it alone was a little intimidating. He agreed with Sam’s idea of two deputies together at all times. It was just safer. No one for backup wasn’t a smart move. Brody knew if there was trouble, though, all he had to do was call Sam and he’d be there.
Brody sat at his desk working on reports when he heard the front door open and then listened as footsteps came toward his office. He stood up and put his hand on his weapon, unsnapping the holster. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Madilyn stop in the doorway. She grinned at him.
“Hello, deputy.”
Brody pursed his lips. “What can I do for you, Miz Young?”
She laughed softly. “Loaded question, deputy.” She glanced around. “Are you here alone?”
“Yeah. Mark didn’t come in tonight. Sam didn’t say why.” He moved around the desk and stopped in front of her. “What are you doing here?”
“I just wanted to see you. Is that a problem…deputy?”
Brody watched her roll her lips in to keep from smiling. “I don’t have a problem with it at all.” He took her hand, pulled her into the office, closed the door behind her, and pushed her back against it. He pressed his lips to hers. When she moaned, he deepened the kiss and slowly moved his tongue into her mouth. Her hands wrapped around his neck. Brody picked her up and carried her to the sofa. He sat down with her straddling his lap, never taking his lips from hers. He groaned when she took her lips from his.
“I didn’t come over here for this, Brody.”
“Maybe not, but since you’re here…” He moved his mouth to her neck.
Madilyn pushed away from him and stood. Brody stared up at her. “I want to get married.”
Brody grinned at her. “I do too, baby.”
“No. I mean now.”
“It’s too late tonight.”
“Must you be such a smartass?” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him.
Brody chuckled. “I already told you, we can get married whenever you want. However you want.”
“What if I lose my job?”
Brody stood and took her in his arms. “Have you forgotten I come from a rich family? My parents gave me the ranch and I want to get it to a working ranch again. Eventually, I may stop working in law enforcement.”
“Really?”
“If I can make a go of the ranch, then yes. And I don’t see a problem getting it back on its feet. Morgan beef was the best out there. I can get the reputation back again.” Brody ran his hands up and down her arms.
“You didn’t think this way before.”
“I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. I loved working the ranch, though at times, I didn’t think that way. I was young and wanted to do anything but work it. I’m sure I can make a go of it.”
“I don’t know about just sitting around the house all day,” Madilyn whispered.
“You’d have enough to do taking care of our kids.”
Madilyn grinned at him. “Do you plan on keeping me barefoot and pregnant?”
“I plan on practicing to keep you barefoot and pregnant.” Brody chuckled when she blushed.
Madilyn stepped back from him and placed her hands on her slim hips. “You think you’re so funny.”
Brody pulled her to him. “You think I’m funny, too.” He nuzzled her neck.
They sprang apart when they heard the front door open. Brody opened his office door and stepped out. Joe Baker stood in the lobby glancing around. Brody sighed and walked toward him.
“What can I do for you?”
Joe Baker glared at Brody. “Where’s Garrett?” The man could barely stand.
“He’s not here. What do you want?” Brody put his hands on his hips and narrowed his eyes at Baker.
“I want to tell that son of a bitch not to come out to my property again,” Baker slurred.
“I’m sure the sheriff will only go there if he needs to. Did you drive here?”
“Of course I drove here. How the hell else would I get here?”
“You’re drunk and shouldn’t be driving.”
“I ain’t in my truck so you can’t arrest me.” Baker grinned.
Brody smirked. “Not yet. How do you plan on getting home?”
Baker’s eyes widened. “You can’t do that.”
“I can and I will. Now, you have two choices. You either get in the cell and sleep it off or you leave, and once you get inside your truck, I’ll arrest you. Either way, you’ll be in the cell tonight.”
“I ain’t going in no cell,” Baker shouted.
“One way or another, you are.” Brody stepped closer toward him.
Baker spun around and headed out the door. Brody followed and watched as Baker tried to climb into his truck. The minute he got behind the wheel and started the truck, Brody yanked him out of it and handcuffed him then dragged him back into the station. He pulled him to the cell and shoved him inside it. Baker started ranting the second the door clanged shut.
“You let me out of here, you son of a bitch,” he yelled.
“Shut up,” Brody said quietly. He glanced toward his office when he saw Madilyn coming out of it. He swore under his breath, hating that she witnessed it. She walked toward him and stopped in front of him. He raised his eyebrows when she grinned at him.
“That was really hot.”
Brody stared at her a few seconds then burst out laughing. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard and quick. “I aim to please, ma’am.”
Madilyn laughed. “You do it well, deputy.” She shook her head. “Who would think I’d think it was sexy the way you arrested him?”
Brody chuckled. “It’s the uniform.”
“Uniform? You only wear a khaki shirt with a badge…oh, maybe it is the uniform.” She squealed when he picked her up, carried her to his office, and kicked the door shut.
His lips captured hers in a deep kiss. He trailed his mouth across her cheek to her ear, taking the lobe into his mouth. He grinned when he felt her shiver. Brody stepped back when she pushed at his chest.
“We are not having sex in your office, Brody,” Madilyn scolded.
Brody laughed. “Spoilsport.”
Madilyn walked around him. “I have to get home. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Hold on. I’ll take you home.” He picked up the keys to the cruiser and followed her out the door. The moon was beginning to make an appearance and stars were already starting to wink against the darkening sky. Brody opened the door for her then walked around the cruiser and got in. He glanced over at her.
“I wish I could go home with you and crawl into bed.”
“I wish you could, too. You really didn’t have to drive me home. It’s just across the street.”
“It’s getting dark and I don’t want you alone out here. What kind of lawman would I be if I let you walk home?”
Madilyn chuckled. “That’s true but you left a prisoner in the jail and no one to watch him.”
“Shhh. Don’t tell anyone. It’ll only take a minute then I’ll get back to the office.” He pulled into the parking lot, turned the car off, and turned toward her. “Come here.”
Madilyn smiled and tried to get closer to him but with a computer and a shotgun between them, it wasn’t easy. She leaned toward him and kissed him then smiled at him, got out, and ran to her apartment. Brody got out and ran after her. He grasped her arm.
“Wait. Let me walk you up.”
“I do this all the time, Brody,” she scolded.
“I’m not going anywhere until I see you safe in your apartment.”
Madilyn shook her head. “You’ve lived in the big city too long. This is Clifton. Nothing happens here.”
Brody growled. “I’m walking you up. Damn that hardheaded.” H
e walked her to her door and waited while she unlocked it, then he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “I’ll call you tomorrow. I love you.” He turned and ran down the stairs.
Brody drove back to the station and strolled through the door. He came to a stop when he heard Joe Baker snoring. Laughing softly, he headed for his office and did some paperwork. It was going to be a long night.
* * * *
Madilyn entered her bathroom to relax in the tub before going to bed. After pouring bubble bath under the running water, she pinned her hair on top of her head and was about to get in when her home phone rang. Sighing, she ran to her bedroom to get it. The number showed up as ‘Private.’
“Hello?” she answered.
“Is this Madilyn Young?” a male voice asked.
“Yes, who’s this?”
“You don’t know me, Miz Young. Not yet anyway. But you will.” He laughed.
Madilyn shivered. “What do you mean?”
The man chuckled. “I mean, you and I are going to become good friends, Madilyn. We have a friend in common. Brody Morgan.”
Madilyn breathed a sigh of relief. It was a friend of Brody’s. “I see. Did he have you call me for some reason? Is everything all right?”
“Everything is fine…for now and no, he didn’t have me call you. I took that upon myself. You see, I want to get to know the woman who has Morgan’s heart in the palm of her hand.”
A bad feeling swept over Madilyn. “Why?” she whispered.
“Because he got to know my wife before she was killed and I want the same courtesy.”
Madilyn gasped and hung up. She started shaking as she sat on the bed. Dear God. Should she call Brody? No. He’d come to her and he had to stay at the station. Grabbing her robe, she put it on, slowly moved toward the window in her living room, and quickly closed the blinds. After making certain she’d locked the door and set the deadbolt, she moved back to the bathroom and quickly bathed. She crawled into bed and pulled the blanket up to her chin. Wilson Delgado was letting her know he wanted revenge and he’d use her to get it. She was scared and wanted to call Brody but she couldn’t. There was no one to cover for him and he needed to be on the job. Madilyn knew morning couldn’t come soon enough and she could talk to Brody about the phone call. It was going to be a sleepless night.
Brody Page 10
