Page 38 of Wanted by the Lawman

CHAPTER 11

WYNN WOKE UP feeling refreshed. Two nights ago, she and Zander had sat down for frozen cheese pizza. Unfortunately, the frozen lasagna she’d had in the oven had burnt in the antique stove. Apparently, it was as old as the mountains in Wyoming. Zander didn’t seem to mind as they munched and talked about nothing too important.

Although they’d enjoyed their conversation and things had been completely innocent, one thing had led to another and she’d realized how attracted she was to him which made her pull away, ending the evening with a simple goodnight.

Getting up and getting dressed as planned, Zander met her out front to give her a lift into town. He had work to do and she asked him to drop her off for her first day working on the Graham’s nursery. Because she had some time, she walked to the cafe and bought herself the largest coffee and doughnut they had and wolfed them down, before heading to the small white house on the quiet street. Wynn liked Lanie from the minute they met. The petite blonde looked like Reese Witherspoon and she had a giant personality. She was also big with the baby, so much that she wobbled when she walked.

Lanie invited Wynn to sit down over sweet tea and homemade cookies while they discussed plans for the nursery, but conversation ended up on the old house of Wynn’s.

“A bed and breakfast? That sounds exciting,” Lanie said, biting into a crisp cookie.

“I have to do something if I plan to stay in Crooked Creek. I’m excited thinking of decorating each room, but I first need to work up some numbers. Of course, first things first. I need to get the nursery finished before that baby makes its arrival.”

“I’m just glad my husband had the sense to hire someone, although I did push him that direction.” She winked. “It wasn’t like he was going to get it done before the baby made her debut appearance.” She patted her stomach lovingly.

“I imagine being Sheriff keeps him busy.”

Lanie’s sigh spoke volumes. “I guess I knew what I was up against when I married him, but I told myself it’d get better. I guess I lied to myself. He works more hours now than ever. I’m lucky to see him an hour a day, especially lately. And when I do he’s distant. He carries his work on his wide shoulders. You’re probably seeing how lawmen are dedicated to their jobs since you and Zander have been spending some time together. He’s another workaholic.”

Wynn sipped her tea and hoped her cheeks didn’t flush like she feared. “He’s my neighbor and has been kind. Nothing more than that though.”

“Ah, one of those friendships. Well, have you heard about his ex? They were hot and heavy, but not so much that things lasted. Although he’s better off, I guess he fits the old saying, “Once bitten, twice shy’.”

“From what I know, they grew apart.”

“Or rather they never were attached. He’s a catch, but unfortunately, he’s about as particular as they come. He’s waiting for that special one.” She looked at Wynn through thick lashes.

Wynn automatically leaned in, ears open wide. She’d wondered about Zander’s past affairs but didn’t dare ask him too many questions. They’d danced around too deep of a conversation during dinner.

There was a long, pointed hesitation, but she shrugged. “I never liked Sam from the beginning, but who was I to say anything. Don’t get me wrong. She was nice enough, but she’s one of those people who are sickly sweet, want to help with everything, be a part of everything, and then she brings out the claws and suddenly you’re her enemy. I don’t know what they call folks like that. I always told Rudy she called herself country, but she was city all down to the marrow of her bones. Maybe if she’d been up front from the beginning Zander wouldn’t have fallen for her.”

“What broke them apart?”

“I’m not sure what exactly the breaking point was. I think there were a compilation of things that divided them. This was before Zander moved here. I know it took some adjustment time for him, but once he got over the initial shock of the split, I think he realized she did him, and herself, a favor.”

“Sounds familiar.”

“You’ve gone through a break up also?”

“Rory and I had been together for a few years. We never married, thank goodness, but we were living together. He turned out to be the opposite of who I thought he was.”

“I’m sorry. I’m lucky I found Rudy. He changed my life.”

“He seems like a very nice man.”

“Oh, honey. He is. When he met me I was a hot mess, and through his patience I started loving myself again. You see, I had gotten into some trouble years back and then I met Rudy during that time. He never holds my past against me though. It’s a balance I guess. He forgives me for my flaws and I forgive him for being gone a lot.”

“When are you due?”

“In a few weeks.”

“Then we should get started on this nursery. We want it to be finished and waiting for the baby.”

Still thinking over her new friend’s words when Wynn was dropped off at home, she didn’t realize anything was amiss until she had already stepped up onto the porch and had her hand was on the doorknob. It was unlocked. Thinking back, she remembered locking it, hadn’t she? Doubt slithered through her.

Twisting the knob while balancing her bag with paint samples and a note pad, she stuck her head in and listened. She could hear the muffled sounds of someone upstairs. As quiet as she could, she laid her bag down by the door and slowly moved toward the kitchen. Reaching for the only weapon she had available which happened to be a twelve-inch knife, she made her way to the end of the stairs and paused. Swish-swishing sounds reached her ears. A burglar was painting? Her heart pounded against her chest and she concentrated on keeping her breaths even. Who would be in her house?

Taking the first step, then the second, she was consciously aware of which steps squeaked. By the time she made it to the upstairs landing, her palms were sweaty making it difficult to grip the knife handle. The noises were coming from one of the guest rooms and she could see the shadow of a figure reflecting off the wall. A part of her—the fearful part—warned her that she should turn, head back down the stairs and call for help. Yet, the braver side, the one that usually won the war of doubt, pushed her forward. If someone had the audacity to break into her house, then they better be ready to face the end of her knife.

---