She unfolded the paper and appeared to read it but shook her head. “I don’t understand. What is this?”
“I thought it was self-explanatory. It’s my resignation as sheriff of Rose Creek.”
“What?” She gasped and shook her head. “But…but why?”
Because I love you more than any job. “I don’t care about the job anymore. All I care about is you. I know how much my job bothers you and—”
“No.” She scowled at him.
That sexy little forehead dimple was going to be his undoing. He swallowed. “What?”
She was still shaking her head. Had he messed this up so badly that she—
“I said no. I won’t let you do it.”
What was he missing? “But—”
“No.” And as if to demonstrate how serious she was, she ripped the paper in half.
Bon Dieu, he had messed up, and she was washing her hands of him. “Hey, why did you do that?”
“Because being the sheriff of Rose Creek isn’t what you do, it’s who you are.” She sniffed. “Making boys who smoked weed look for a missing cat, cleaning an old lady’s gutters, arranging for a boy to keep his stray cat, are just a few of the things you do. You love this town.”
He did, but he needed to convince her how serious he was. “Yes, but—”
“Those are only a few of the reasons I fell in love with you. And…and if the only reason you want me is as a mother for Evie, then—”
“Bon Dieu.” Ignoring the throbbing pain in his arm, he reached out and held her against his chest. “I confess when I started that’s what I told myself I wanted, but by the time we made love, Evie needing a mother was the last thing on my mind. I was so far in love by that time, I—”
“You love me?”
“How can you doubt it? I’m willing to give up everything for you. I’ll work at the convenience store. Hell, I’d even go to work for Ethan if it would ease your mind.”
“But…when I confronted you, why did you seem so…so…”
“Guilty? That’s because I was. It was what I had originally intended, and I felt guilty for even thinking such a thing.” He kissed the top of her head. “Forgive me?”
“I love you. Of course I forgive you, and I don’t want to hear any more nonsense about quitting your job. Tell me again you love me,” she whispered against his mouth.
“I’d rather show you,” he said and kissed her again.
Epilogue
“Leave it to that wily rascal to not only find you but marry you,” said the man Sasha was dancing with.
Sasha laughed. She’d met Remy’s former partner from the New Orleans Police Department on a trip to that city to celebrate their engagement six months ago. She’d recognized Thorsten Hightower as one of the men who’d been with Remy that night in the piano bar. At first she’d been embarrassed, but after Hightower had told her how desperate her brand-new husband had been to find her, she’d relaxed.
She glanced at Remy dancing with Evie, and her heart expanded in her chest. So handsome in his dark suit and bright white shirt. He caught her eye and winked. They’d agreed to wait until after their honeymoon to give Evie the news that’d she was going to be a big sister. It was still early stages, and they knew once Evie knew, so would all of Rose Creek. In the meantime, Evie was excited by the prospect of spending a full week with Sasha’s parents in Scottsdale while she and Remy went on their honeymoon.
The dance ended and the couples broke apart and the DJ announced that it was time to throw the bouquet.
When Annie Metcalf hung back from the single women gathering for a shot, Sasha motioned for her new friend to join them, and reluctantly, Annie did. Sasha made a mental note of where Annie was standing and tossed the flowers in that direction. The bouquet practically landed on her, and everyone cheered.
“I saw what you did there, cher,” Remy whispered and put his arm around her waist.
Sasha leaned against him and smiled. “I believe in spreading the happiness around.”
“What’s that dreamy look for?”
“It’s for the part that comes next.”
He gave her that sexy grin and placed his hand on her stomach. “You mean filling up our house?”
“I was talking about living happily ever after.”
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About the Author
A 2016 RWA® Golden Heart® winner, Carrie Nichols is a hardy New Englander who traded snow for central AC when she moved to the Deep South. She loves to travel, is addicted to British crime dramas, and knows a Seinfeld quote appropriate for every occasion. Carrie has one tolerant husband, two grown sons, and a highly opinionated cat. To her dismay, Carrie’s characters, much like her family, often ignore the wisdom and guidance she lovingly offers.
Carrie loves to hear from her readers. She can be reached at [email protected]
Visit Carrie’s website for announcements on upcoming releases and entertaining flash fiction: http://carrienichols.com
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