Page 30 of Bridles and Bribery

Bliss reached over and gently swiped her gloved fingers beneath his chin. “Careful, sweetie. Can’t have you getting blood all over the vehicle before you decide whether or not you’re keeping it.”

“Good point.” Gil caught her hand, threading his fingers through hers, and lowered them to his thigh.

They cruised slowly around Heart Lake, making theirway to a white church building overlooking the water. It had been there all of Jillian’s life, mostly serving those who lived on the lake. Though it had undergone a number of renovations in the past, it was currently receiving its first significant expansion. Gil drove them into the crowded parking lot, claiming what appeared to be the last parking spot. The closest spots against the church building had been blocked off with construction cones. Metal scaffolding covered one whole side of the building where a bigger sanctuary was being constructed.

“Really?” Eloise sniped as he set the emergency brake and reached for the button to turn off the motor. “You’re gonna just drop a bomb about owning this contraption, then leave us hanging?”

Gil twisted around in his seat, leaving the motor idling. “How’d you enjoy the drive here, Eloise? Were you comfortable enough?” He tapped a few buttons on the dashboard, making the ceiling light up like a constellation. Dozens of tiny white lights studded the upholstery overhead.

“Show off,” she muttered.

He cupped a hand around one ear, leaning closer. “Was that a yes?”

She ignored his question. “What is this thing, anyway?”

“A Rezvani Tank. Military edition.”

“Why in the world would a retired sheriff need a tank?” she countered.

“Why, indeed?” Bliss echoed in a bemused voice.

He raised her hand to his lips to kiss her fingers again. “Already said you could tell ‘em.”

“It’s basically a gift,” Bliss explained in a wry voice, “to sweeten the deal on a job offer.”

Jillian frowned in surprise. “I thought you were working part time for Lonestar Security.”

“Turns out they’d rather have him full time.” Bliss exchanged a long, speaking look with her husband. “As a business partner.”

“Wow!” That was news to Jillian. She wondered if Dave knew, since he hadn’t mentioned it to her. She glanced around the vehicle, noting the upgraded leather, chrome, and e-device charging stations. It might be military grade, but it was also a serious statement in luxury. “And this thing is yours if you say yes?”

“He’s going to say yes,” Bliss assured them softly. “Eventually.”

Eloise made a scoffing sound. “You sure you’re going to have time for a second career, sheriff, now that you have twins on the way?”

Gil let out a gusty breath instead of answering.

“We’ll make time.” Bliss squeezed her husband’s hand. “After what happened to Dave last night, how could we not?”

For once, Eloise seemed to be at a loss for words. Though Jillian didn’t think she was intended to overhear their conversation, she watched her mother-in-law step closer to Gil as he assisted her out of the vehicle.

“How long do you need for me to stay in town?” she hissed to him.

He studied her gravely. “As long as you can, please.”

Eloise gave him a rigid up-down nod and returned to Jillian’s side. She stuck to her like a cocklebur while they followed Gil and his wife across the parking lot to the entrance of the church.

They stepped inside the foyer, and Jillian could immediately feel the stares being aimed in their direction. As much as she’d been looking forward to attending church, this was the one part she hadn’t been looking forward to.

Eloise stepped closer to her. “Ignore them,” she ordered beneath her breath.

“They’re curious.” Jillian kept her voice down for her mother-in-law’s ears alone. “It’s a small town, and your son married a woman who’s five-and-a-half months pregnant.” A certain amount of speculation was understandable.

“Whatever.” Eloise’s tone was withering. “It’s none of their business.”

Easy for you to say.Jillian’s eyes widened. Clearly, Dave’s mother had been overseas for so long that she’d forgotten what it was like to live in Heart Lake. Everybody knew everything about their neighbors here. Anyone attempting to keep secrets inevitably stirred a hotbed of gossip.

“It isn’t,” Eloise reiterated with a determined nod as they slid into the first pew they found that had enough space remaining to seat four people.

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