Page 60 of Seducing the Sheriff
The mayor raised an eyebrow at Greg. “You’re going to donate the box to the museum, aren’t you?”
I held back my chuckle. Liam and Jim had been discussing media and photo opportunities from the moment they saw the box.
“It’s not really my decision,” Greg said, turning to Mateo—Matty—the dark-haired slender handsome man who owned the Crafty Coyote, Charming’s craft store. The place was Greg’s home from home.
I wasn’t sure if I should be jealous about the amount of time Greg spent in there discussing wool and looms and other things that went over my head, but he’d shoved me the first time I grumbled about it, told me I was an idiot, then dragged me off to meet Matty and his gorgeous wife, Sofia. They were a happy go-lucky couple, delighted to have new customers, and I’d already chosen locally made presents for my family. I couldn’t wait to give my mom something Greg had woven. She would go wild.
Look, I made new friends, MindMom!
For an introvert, I was getting there, along with my man.
Greg smiled at the slim man on the other side of the desk. “Lily was your great, great aunt, Matty, and this box rightly belongs to you.”
It turned out Lily still had family in Charming Butte. No one was more shocked than me came when Matty came to my office to ask if the mystery body in the old Jenkins’ ranch was his great, great Aunt Lily. He’d seen a photo of the cameo in the local media and recognized it from an old photo. Greg was thrilled to place the final piece of the puzzle, especially when her relative turned out to be someone he knew.
Matty and his family buried her in the family plot and the whole of Charming turned out for the funeral, including Greg and me. We were hugged and kissed by so many of his family for solving the mystery of their missing aunt, it was overwhelming. Greg and I escaped back to his ranch for some much-needed beer and porch time.
“I have her locket. That’s enough for me.” Matty gave Greg a broad smile. “She was part of Charming, even if no one knew she was there. Jim can take the box and cameo for the historical society.
“Thank you, Matty,” Jim said. He practically vibrated at having an exciting exhibit. “The tale of the woman in the closet will draw in new visitors.”
“Lily,” I said, because she had a name now.
Jim inclined his head. “Lily. I’ll make sure no one forgets her name.”
“As long as I don’t get more visitors wanting to see the murder closet,” Greg growled.
The story had been picked up by true crime podcasts, which led to a few enthusiasts turning up at Greg’s door, determined to see the closet where Lily had been hidden.
“You can set the sheriff on them,” Liam said. “I believe you’ve got him on speed dial.”
I snorted. “I suggested that. Greg said he had enough power tools to deter the more persistent.”
Greg elbowed me in the ribs, ignoring my yelp. Seriously, he had sharp elbows. “That wasn’t exactly what I said.”
I turned and raised an eyebrow. “Really? You threatened one of them with your nail gun.”
He shrugged. “Screwdriver. But it worked, didn’t it?”
It had, however I had been ready to ride the offenders out of town. Greg kissed me—a lot—and told me I didn’t need to go Clint Eastwood on their sorry asses, but he appreciated the sentiment. I kissed him until he melted in my arms. I’d defend Greg to the moon and back.
Liam sighed. “I need to return to work. I have a meeting about the next Dancing Chilis Food Fiesta. See you there, Cash?”
I nodded, thankful Rosie had reminded me of the meeting. I was so lucky to have her.
“I’ll walk with you,” Jim said. “I’m meeting Lindy for lunch.”
As he went to leave, Greg coughed. “Don’t forget Lily’s box, Jim.”
Jim shook his head. “How could I forget that. Sorry, Lily.”
I saw the gentle grins in the room. We all talked about Lily as if she were still here. Greg and I had discussed whether she was still in the house. If she was, we both agreed, she was a gentle spirit, and happy to share the house with us.
He wrapped the box in a soft cloth and placed it in a box, treating it with care. It was old and damaged, but its history was precious.
Finally, the room was empty except for me and Greg. I took him into my arms, and he sighed, burrowing his face in the crook of my neck. He pressed a kiss there and we stayed wrapped around each other for a while. I had the feeling the last hour had overwhelmed Greg and my beautiful man needed some us time. I traced slow circles over his back in a soothing gesture.
I knew Rosie wouldn’t disturb me until Greg left the room. My assistant deserved a promotion and a raise. I couldn’t keep buying her peonies. I’d talk to Chief Wally.
