Page 37 of Kissing the Sheriff
“No, I’d better get back to the office. Letty and Dora will be over sometime today to talk about the dance.” She turned to Alma. “We’ll come here so you can help. After all, it was your idea.”
“Thanks, but I’m no good at that kind of planning. Dora can handle that.”
“But don’t you want to volunteer for something?” Sarah asked. “You know they’ll need help with decorations and such.”
“When it comes time.” Alma went behind the counter. “Is this everything, Sarah?”
“Yes, thank you.” She smiled at Cassie. “I’m glad you had a nice time fishing.”
“Thanks.” She headed for the doors. “I’ll see you later, Alma.”
“Bye!”
Cassie left the store and headed back toward her office. When she was halfway there, she turned and headed for her father’s grave. Just a quick little chat, then she’d get back to work …
* * *
“Billy didn’t catch anything,”Cassie said and stared at Pa’s headstone. “But it didn’t matter, we all had a good time.” Her cheeks grew hot. “In fact, I … had a real good time. Conrad is nice to talk to, Pa. You’d like him.”
She knelt facing the stone. “He’s kind. Educated. At least he sounds that way. They all do. Sometimes they use words I’ve never heard before.” She plucked some grass. “Should I keep letting him work on the house?”
The leaves in the trees overhead rustled in the light breeze. She knew her father wasn’t answering but sometimes it was nice to think he was.
“He’s handsome. Did I mention that? All the Darlings are. I hope Letty doesn’t leave with them. I’d miss her too much.” She hung her head. “It will be bad enough when Conrad leaves. He’s kind of growing on me.”
She tossed the grass aside. “Billy likes him too. I think everyone does. Except Agnes, of course, but you know Agnes.”
She changed positions and lay upon the grass. Big, fluffy white clouds slowly made their way across the sky. The sun was warm on her face, and she took a deep breath of fresh air. If she wasn’t careful, she’d fall asleep. “I should keep my distance, but I can’t make any promises.” She sat up. “What if I get lucky … I mean, if something sparks between us, I might get myself a husband like Letty.” A chill went up her spine and she sighed. “Yes, I know, it’ll never happen, but it’s nice to think about.”
She leaned back on her hands. “What would he want with me anyway? I can shoot well, but not much else. I still haven’t made an arrest.” She looked at the sky. “But that’s okay. I’m not looking forward to my first. What if I have to turn someone over to a marshal? He’ll come to fetch my prisoner, take one look at me and then you know as well as I do, I won’t be sheriff no more. I’m surprised I still am.”
She sighed and got to her feet. “I better get back, Pa. Letty and Dora are coming by and we’re going to start planning the dance. Yeah, we’re having one – Agnes permitting.” She looked around. Her father’s gravesite was set apart from the rest of the small cemetery. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Pa.” She kissed a couple of fingers and placed them on the headstone before she left.
By the time she reached the sheriff’s office, Dora and Letty were heading her way. “Making your rounds?” Dora asked as they approached.
Cassie shrugged. “And I went to see Pa.”
“Oh.” Dora exchanged a look with Letty.
Cassie didn’t care. At least she did it – Letty and Dora hardly visited the cemetery. “So, the dance …”
“Yes,” Letty said with a bright-eyed look. She wore it often lately. She was in love.
Cassie forced a smile. “Let’s go to the general store so Alma can share what she thinks.”
“Good idea,” Dora agreed. “Besides, I want to see if she has any new fabric. A dance means a new dress.”
When they reached the store, Alma was helping Marybelle with some fabric. She folded it, wrapped it in paper, then tied it with string. “Thread?”
“I have enough, thank you.” Marybelle noticed the trio and smiled. “I’m making a new dress for the dance.” She paid Alma, took her purchases and left.
“She and Julia Brighton have both been in to buy fabric,” Alma said happily. “I knew this dance was a good idea.”
Letty went to the table stacked with bolts of fabric and fingered the blue velvet Alma showed Cassie the other day. “This is pretty.”
Alma gave Cassie a pointed look. “It is. I think you’d look good in red, though.” She pulled out a bolt and held it against Letty. “It makes your eyes look bigger.”
Letty laughed. “Does it?”
