Page 19 of Tucker

Kady cleared her throat. “You invited the sheriff?”

They reached the van. Cleets was around back by the cargo area, puttering with something, but she heard him closing the doors.

Gabe said gently, “Course we did.” He waited until she slowly pivoted to face him, then added, “Once he told me you two would be dating, it seemed like a good idea.”

Once he told me...As the words sank in, her jaw loosened and her mouth fell open.

“We expect you there bright and early.”

Kady gathered her flagging wits and snapped her mouth shut. She knew she was glaring—something she rarely did to either of her parents—but this was serious stuff! “What do you mean that he—?”

“Told me you kissed him.” Gabe gave her a speculative look, waiting, but when she only pinched her mouth tighter, he continued. “Apparently, he liked it, because he said he’d be asking you out and he didn’t want any surprises with the family.”

She looked past her dad to see Tucker talking with Mrs. Jenkins. As if he’d felt her attention, he glanced up.

Oh, how she’d like to go set him straight right now. How dare he discuss things with herfathereven before he discussed them with her? Shouldn’t she have been the first to know his intentions? But no. He’d been avoiding her; she was sure of it.

“Yes, I kissed him,” Kady stated in defiance. “I’m old enough to go after what—or who—I want.”

“Yes, you are.” He cupped her shoulders in his hands. “I just don’t want to see you hurt.”

Did he honestly think she could go through life without a few bumps in the road? “I can take care of myself, Dad.”

He nodded. “I know, but I’m your father and I like taking care of you. So if you ever need me, for anything, I’m here.”

Good grief. She laughed. “I’m not going off to war, you know.” Aware of Tucker still watching them, she turned and opened the passenger door. “It’s just a date,” she said with a careless shrug. “Not a big deal.”

“Tell me that if you want, but don’t fool yourself, okay? I went down that road of denial once, and it wasn’t fun.” After that bit of solemn advice, he stepped back and closed the door.

Through the open window, she said, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Dad.”

“Looking forward to every minute of it.”

She watched her dad walk away, and wondered why the words had sounded like a warning.

* * *

“NICEGIRL,”Mr. Jenkins said.

“What’s that?” Tucker brought his attention back to the elderly man.

“Kady Kasper. She’s real nice.”

“Pretty, too,” Mrs. Jenkins added, her expression knowing.

“Yes, she is. Very pretty and very nice.” He pulled off his sunglasses, hanging them on the open front of his shirt. “She’s also good at flirting.”

The Jenkins couple stared at him.

“You’ve seen her, right?”

“I’ve seen her be real friendly,” Mr. Jenkins said. “She’s pretty much that way to everyone.”

And that was the problem for him. He didn’t want Kady to see him the same as everyone else...because he saw her differently.

“And helpful.” Mrs. Jenkins nodded. “She’s a people person. Outgoing. Friendly.”

“All true,” he agreed. He already knew everyone around Buckhorn adored her. And why not? As Mrs. Jenkins had just said, Kady was considerate of one and all.

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