Page 41 of Kissing the Sheriff
Cassie laughed again. “In Apple Blossom? I’m not sure they’d do any good. Folks around here don’t hold much to highfalutin’ manners.”
“There are some that shouldn’t be ignored. But who am I to judge one’s way of doing things? I am the visitor, after all.”
She picked up a plate and helped herself to some chicken. “Considering you’re not staying, there’s no need.”
He caught her sidelong glance and his chest warmed. “Still, young Mr. Watson could do with a few lessons.”
Billy grabbed some chicken as his face screwed up again. “Huh?”
Conrad smiled. “I rest my case.” He took some chicken for himself then offered them each a biscuit. Dora was kind enough to pack the basket which also contained fresh carrot sticks, some celery, hard-boiled eggs, and more of her blackberry pie.
The three got down to the business of eating and Conrad watched Cassie as Billy, as usual, wolfed down his food. “Land sakes, Billy,” Cassie said. “You really do have hollow legs.”
“I can’t help it,” he said. “This is hard work and gives me an appetite.”
“It’s good for you to work hard,” Conrad stated. “Makes a man out of you.”
Billy looked at him and rolled his eyes. “I’m seven. Do I look like a man yet?”
Conrad burst out laughing. “You may be seven, chap, but your wit is a lot older.”
“Agreed,” said Cassie. She took a bite of chicken, eyes bright, then reached for a biscuit.
She was happy today, which made Conrad happy. It was an odd sensation, but he liked it. It was also a stark reminder that he’d lived his life selfishly. Yes, his family did charitable things for their tenants and the people in the village near the estate, but all in all, he’d lived for himself. Coming to Apple Blossom had opened his eyes and not just to people in need. He was starting to see things in Apple Blossom’s residents that he lacked. Their resilience, for one. If highwaymen had shot and killed his father, what would he do? He shuddered to think.
They ate and talked about the dance and Conrad shared a few ideas for decorations. “Of course, I’m no expert,” he said. “But if Mr. Atkins is going to make something for us to hang lanterns on, could we decorate those?”
“Or tie string between them,” Billy said. “Then maybe you could hang decorations off the string.”
“Like what?” Cassie asked.
“What about flowers?” Conrad suggested. “There are daisies growing everywhere.”
She nodded and he could tell she was thinking about it. “If enough people pick them the day of the dance, we could string them together by the time the dance starts.”
“Ma will volunteer,” Billy said matter-of-factly. “She likes flowers.”
“I’m already going door to door giving folks the details on the dance,” Cassie said. “I might as well ask them about volunteering to decorate too.”
“Wonderful,” Conrad said. “Let me know if you need anything else. My brothers and I will be happy to assist.”
She smiled. “Are you always so quick to volunteer them?”
“They don’t mind. Besides, it’s just a little extra. And with the whole town pitching in, everything will get done in no time.”
“True.”
He smiled and started on his pie.
When they were done, they cleared away the dishes and carried them into the kitchen. “Billy and I weren’t kidding when we said we’d wash these.”
“I … don’t know what to say. Thank you.” She headed for the back door. “I’d better get back to my office. Will you be here when I come home?”
“Do you want me to be?” He didn’t know why he asked, but it was too late now.
Cassie blushed. “It wouldn’t bother me if you were. Especially if you’re going to clean Pa’s room. There are some things I should show you.”
Conrad nodded. “Then I’ll see you this evening.” He bowed, then shooed her out the door.
