Page 42 of Midnight & Mavericks

“Back in town? Why? Is Mr. Carter ill? Is there a problem?” The sheriff’s words hit Beau like a freight train.

“No, everything is just fine. She’s decided to come back to Jessup Peak for good.”

His breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, he couldn’t speak. "What?" he finally managed.

"You heard me," McMasters said, amusement coloring his voice. "She’s back. Decided to come home to her roots and open a law practice. Wants to make a difference in the community. Thought you might want to know that. Maybe think about doin’ the same."

Beau felt like his brain had short-circuited. Abbie was back. And not just for a visit—she was staying. The idea sent a surge of hope through him so strong, it almost hurt. He scrambled for words, his voice a little hoarse. "Why didn’t you lead with that, Sheriff?"

McMasters laughed outright. "Didn’t want to make it too easy for you, son. Besides, figured you needed a nudge in the right direction."

"She’s really back?" Beau pressed, needing confirmation.

"She is," McMasters said. "And from what I can tell, she’s already making waves. She’s been all over the city council about some issues. She’s got that fire in her, you know? Same as always, but if you’re really not interested?—"

"I’m not saying that…exactly." Beau interrupted, already mentally packing his bags. "I just need some time to think. Give me a day or two to sort things out. I’ll call you back."

McMasters chuckled again. "I figured you’d say that. Welcome back, Beau."

“I didn’t say that I?—”

The line went dead, but Beau barely noticed. He sat there for a moment, the sheriff’s words echoing in his mind. Abbie was back. For good. And she was building something new, something that mattered. Just like she’d always wanted.

He grinned. Without hesitation, Beau picked up the phone and dialed another number. "Hey, Bucky," he said when his former commander answered. "We need to talk."

"Beau? Sure, I’ll be back in the office in a?—"

"I’m leaving, Bucky," Beau said, not waiting for the man to finish. "For good this time. Got some unfinished business in Jessup Peak."

There was a pause on the other end before Bucky sighed. "I had a feeling about this. You’re sure?"

"More sure than I’ve ever been about anything," Beau replied.

"Well," Bucky said, his voice softening, "then go get her, son. And don’t screw it up."

“How did you know it was about a woman?” he asked.

Bucky laughed. “That kind of moping? It’s always about a woman.”

Beau hung up the phone, a grin spreading across his face. For the first time in weeks, the future didn’t feel so uncertain. It felt like it was waiting for him, back in Jessup Peak. And this time, he wasn’t going to let anything—or anyone—hold him back.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Abbie Carter stood in the kitchen of her grandfather’s house, wiping her hands on a dishtowel as she stared out the window. The late morning sun bathed the rolling hills of the ranch in golden light, the kind of light that made everything feel like a dream. She’d been back in Jessup Peak for two weeks now, and while she still missed the energy of the city at times, the peaceful rhythm of life here was starting to feel like home.

Her grandfather’s voice broke her thoughts. “Abbie, you might want to come take a look at this.”

She walked to the front door where he was standing, squinting at a familiar pickup truck pulling into the drive. “That’s Sheriff McMasters’s truck,” he said, his brow furrowed. “But he’s supposed to be retired. Wonder what he’s doing out here?”

Before Abbie could respond, the truck came to a stop, and the driver’s side door opened. Out stepped a man who looked nothing like the retired sheriff she was expecting. Instead, there stood Beau Elliott, dressed in boots, jeans, a dinner plate-sized belt buckle, and a cowboy hat. Her heart skipped a beat. Helooked every bit the part of a small-town sheriff, and boy, did he wear it well.

Her grandfather let out a low whistle. “Well, I’ll be damned,” he said, shooting her a grin. “Guess there’s a new sheriff in town.”

Abbie swallowed hard as Beau walked up the porch steps, his confident stride making her stomach flip. He tipped his hat at her grandfather, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. “Morning, Mr. Carter,” he greeted warmly. “Mind if I borrow your granddaughter for a few minutes?”

Mr. Carter’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Sure thing, Sheriff,” he said, clapping Beau on the shoulder before heading toward the barn. “Take all the time you need.”

Abbie stood frozen as Beau turned his full attention to her, his blue eyes locked on hers with an intensity that made it hard to breathe. “What are you doing here, Beau?” she asked, her voice steadier than she felt.

---