Page 36 of The Roper & the Author

She rushed to explain, “I begged to know about all his brothers and any significant others earlier today and he told me all about you two. You are exactly like I pictured. Ah, I’m in love with both of you already.”

Sheriff Clint’s eyebrows arched. He shook her hand with a firm, no-nonsense grip. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Richards.”

“Marci,por favor.” She turned to Lily. The lovely woman gave her a quick hug. “Por seguro, you are as charitable and beautiful as Walker said you were.”

Lily darted a quick glance at Walker and then Clint, all of them obviously uncomfortable. Even Mama wouldn’t meet Marci’s gaze. What was going on? They were hiding something. Marci thought through several novels and why loyal and incredible people would be hiding something from the newcomer. But in this moment she was drawing a blank.

“It’s incredible to meet you, Marci,” Lily said. “Mama was telling us you’re a number one bestselling suspense author. How fabulous. I’ve never met an author before.”

“Really? That’s wild. I think everybody I know is an author, but then my only social scene is writing conferences or retreats. I can’t believe I’m meeting a real-life wild west sheriff and his stunning and benevolent fiancée.”

Sheriff Clint smiled at that. “I’m nothing exciting.”

“Oh yes you are,” Lily shot back, giving him a lingering look that made the air sparkle.

“Ooh,que caliente. You have to tell me your entire story, from first look to first kiss to how Sheriff Clint proposed.”

Lily smiled, but the sheriff didn’t seem to like Marci’s words. He eased closer to his fiancée and wrapped an arm around her. He was one of those tough nuts to crack, she could feel it. He was only exciting and romantic for his fiancée. Ah. So tender.

She glanced over at Walker. Why did his body look so tight and closed off? He’d spoken fondly of his brother and highly of Clint’s fiancée. There was some sort of love triangle in this family’s past. Lily and the Eva Chevron’s man, Miles Coleville, right? Or was it something more?

“Why are you waiting until Christmas to get married?” she asked. It was the first question that popped into her head when Mama and Walker said nothing.

“Marci, I appreciate that question,” Clint said, giving Lily a look so enticing Marci had to fan her face. “Why not elope tomorrow, right?”

“Ooh yes, eloping is very romantic.” Marci glanced at Walker. He was studying her with a look so enticing she almost screamed that yes she’d elope with him.

“Mama Ivy and I think a Christmas wedding is very romantic,” Mama Millie said in a firm, mom-type voice.

“Oh, I get it.” Marci nodded. For the first time in ten years, she was grateful her mom was in heaven and not insisting she wait three months to be married to the hunky Walker. That was an awful thought, and she prayed for Abuelita’s safe return.

“You ready to go?” Clint asked.

“Wait. Are you both hiking with us?” Marci asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” Clint said.

“Gracias, Walker. This is going to be incredible. I hope I don’t you slow you all down.”

“We’re in no rush,” Lily said. “Excited to spend the afternoon in the mountains on a beautiful fall day and get to know you.”

“Eres encantadora,” Marci said.

“What does that mean?” Lily asked.

“You are delightful.” She clapped her hands together.

“Thank you.”

“You’re delightful too, sweetie,” Mama said, shooing them toward the truck. “Now load up and have fun. I’ll see you all back here for dinner.”

“Thank you, Mama,” they all chorused. Marci had an incredible sensation rush through her, as if she were part of this family.

Walker escorted her to the rear door of the white truck and opened it for her. It was a nice truck, though not as nice as Walker’s. He helped her in and gave her a warm smile. She tingled from the simple smile and touch. Tonight she was going to yank him into her bedroom and tell him he needed to help her practice some scenes for her book. She rubbed her hands together just imagining it. If the kiss to end all kisses didn’t convince him to open his mouth and proclaim his undying devotion, she didn’t know what would.

Everyone loaded up and she had to ask, “This is a Chevy truck, not a Ford. Does the sheriff’s office force you to buy a Chevy?”

They all laughed.

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