Page 18 of Homecoming

She didn’t take offense, just shrugged lightly, tucking the cane into the corner of her mouth. “Well, we’ll be up there by the big guy if you change your mind.”

Aiden felt a storm of emotion rolling toward them through the crowd, and he looked out. A tall man wearing a cream felt cowboy hat and tan uniform was striding toward them. People dodged out of his way more quickly than from the escaped reindeer.

“Well, shit,” Maya muttered, wincing. She kicked her boot into the snow.

“Damn it, Maya,” the man growled as he drew to a stop. “You have got to hang onto him.” He looked at Aiden and Angela. “I’m very sorry about that, folks. You’re not hurt, are you?”

Aiden gave a shake of his head. “We’re good. My daughter loved it, so no big deal.”

The man held out his hand. “I’m Walker Hayes, the sheriff for Bennett County.”

“Aiden Willingham, my wife Angela, and this is Fallon.”

Aiden focused his senses as he shook the sheriff’s hand, just to get a read on him. It was a little invasive, but he doubted he would get a chance to do this again. The sheriff was aggravated with Maya, but glad of the chance to interact with the newcomers. He’d heard about the group a little and wanted to feel them out. He didn’t want another militia sect anywhere near his county, because he was very protective of the town and its residents.

Black shifted up beside him and also shook the man’s hand. “Sheriff.”

“Black.”

Aiden appreciated the man’s protective instinct. “It’s nice to meet you, Sheriff. Does Frank get loose often?”

The taller man scowled and scraped a hand over his bearded jaw. “Enough,” he said pointedly, looking at the vet.

Instead of cowering, she grinned and bumped her shoulder into him. “Hey, at least it wasn’t Donny. Can you imagine the mess he’d make down here?” Maya looked between Aiden and Angela. “Donny is a bear I’m rehabbing. He’s hibernating now, but this past fall he got out of the enclosure and made a bit of a mess.”

The sheriff scowled. “He ruined a department jeep and scared Maisey to death.”

“I told her I was sorry, and I paid you for the damage,” Maya said, frowning.

Angela laughed, and Aiden glanced at her.You okay?he sent her mentally.

Angela smiled and nodded slightly as she leaned into his side, reaching out to stroke Frank’s long face. He had incredibly long lashes around his big, dark eyes. Fallon was still petting the reindeer. “Sorry,” she said, chuckling. “I just realized how crazy this would look to anyone watching us.”

Maya smiled along with her, but the sheriff continued to scowl. The man obviously took his job seriously. He caught Aiden’s eye. “Hope Frank didn’t freak your men out.”

The sheriff was letting him know that he’d spotted their security. The men had faded into the crowd as soon as they realized there was no danger, so Aiden was surprised that the sheriff had even noticed them. “They’re fine. It would take more than a reindeer to spook them.”

Walker gave a nod of his head and touched the brim of his hat. “Well, you folks enjoy the rest of the festival.”

“We will. Thank you, sheriff.”

Angela gave the man a little wave as he turned away. She glanced at Aiden. “He seems nice.”

“He really is,” Maya said. “I just aggravate him with my shenanigans.” Laughing, she shrugged a little. “Well, I’d better get Frank back for pictures. You’re coming to see Santa, right?”

“Heading in that direction now,” Angela promised.

Nodding, Maya pulled the reluctant reindeer back toward his job. Fallon made a grumpy sound, then waved goodbye at the reindeer.

Angela looked up at him, one sleek brow raised. “Well, this has been an experience.” She looked at Black, hovering to the side. “Is it always like this?”

The taller man sighed and tipped his hat forward, his eyes shielded. “Seems like there’s always some craziness going on. The town is big on getting together and partying. And potlucks. And they seem to have more than their fair share of eccentrics.”

Angela grinned, and Aiden loved the light in her expression. Her eyes were actually shining with enjoyment, and he hadn’t seen her like that for a long time.

“Oh, yeah,” Grace said, nodding. “Even minor holidays get some kind of recognition. Christmas is definitely our biggest holiday, though. It lasts all month, pretty much. Did you check out the shopping? There are usually some door buster deals festival night. And I can introduce you to some of the ‘eccentrics’.”

She held out a hand and guided them toward the line waiting for Santa pictures. It was long and wasn’t moving very fast.

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