Page 34 of Forbidden Harmony

Relieved at the change in subject, Preachersaid, “Yeah, called him Monday and offered him the job. He accepted and startsThursday.”

A guy in a cowboy hat and a belt buckle strappedto his waist that was nearly the size of Preacher’s head stopped at their table.He stuck out his hand. “Hey, Sheriff.”

“Hey, Tom. Good to see you again. How’sRonnie and the kids?” Gideon shook his hand.

Preacher sat back and waited patiently. Hedidn’t think he’d ever had a public conversation with Gideon that didn’t get interrupted.Gideon was a popular sheriff and people in the town were always eager to talkto him.

“Oh good, good. You should come by thefarm sometime, have a visit. We got some new puppies looking for a home.”

Gideon laughed. “Tank’s enough for me.Say hi to Ronnie for me and tell him I’m still waiting for that drink he owesme.”

“Will do.” Tom glanced at Preacher. Hisface was permanently red from years in the sun and his big hand rough as sandpaperwhen he held it out for Preacher to shake. “Our oldest boy turns eighteen inJanuary, says he wants a tattoo for a birthday gift.”

“Call the shop and we’ll get him booked in,”Preacher said.

“Ayuh, I’ll do that,” Tom said.

“Do it sooner than later,” Gideon said. “Preacher’sbooking for…what… November?”

“Yeah,” Preacher said.

“Jaysus.” Tom made a low whistle. “Youmust be some good.”

“He’s the best,” Gideon said.

“Well, I’ll get Ronnie to book it in beforethe end of the week. Good seeing you.” With a tip of his hat, Tom strolledaway.

Gideon took a drink of beer and picked upwhere they’d left off. “I though you said Nix lived in New Cassel. How the hellis he starting on Thursday?”

Preacher shrugged. “Don’t know and didn’task. I asked when he could start, he said right away so he’s starting onThursday. Maybe he’ll drive in from New Cassel until he finds a place to livehere.”

“Maybe,” Gideon said. “You see the way helooked at me?”

“Yeah. He’s probably an ex-con.”

“Probably. Will it piss you off if I do abackground check on him?”

“Nah.”

“Cool.” Gideon looked around beforefishing something out of his pocket. It was a ring box and he opened it and showedPreacher the ring inside.

“Holy fuck. Is that what I think it is?”

“Yeah. I’m asking Gracie to marry me thisweekend.” Gideon tucked the ring box away.

Preacher couldn’t help but grin at theboyish look of excitement on Gideon’s face. “Congratulations, man.”

“You don’t think it’s too soon?” Gideon said.

“Fuck no. You’ve been in love with GraceLarken for years. I’m fucking surprised it’s taken you this long to ask her tomarry you.”

Gideon relaxed in his chair. “If she doesn’tsay yes -”

“She’s gonna say yes, you idiot,” Preachersaid. “She looks at you and you can practically see those goddamn cartoonhearts in her eyes. It’s gross.”

Gideon laughed and Preacher clinked hisbeer bottle against Gideon’s. “All kidding aside, I’m really happy for you,buddy.”

“Thanks, Preacher.”

---